Agenda and minutes

Venue: Virtually Via Microsoft Teams - if you would like to attend this meeting live via Microsoft Teams please contact committee.services@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk

Contact: Democratic Services  6139

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

Simultaneous Translation

You are welcome to use Welsh at the meeting, a minimum notice period of 3 working days is required should you wish to do so.  A simultaneous translation will be provided if requested.

 

Minutes:

It was noted that no requests had been received for the simultaneous translation service.

 

2.

Apologies

To receive.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from:

 

Councillors G. Collier, L. Elias, H. Trollope and the Managing Director.

 

3.

Declarations of Interest and Dispensations

To consider any declarations of interest and dispensations made.

 

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest or dispensations reported.

 

4.

Chair's Announcements

To receive.

Minutes:

Condolences

 

Condolences were expressed to the families of:

 

-      Former County Borough Councillor Karen Williams who had sadly passed away.

 

-      Former M.P. for Blaenau Gwent and MEP, Llew Smith who had also sadly passed away

 

Members and officers paid their respects with a minute’s silence

 

RESOLVED that appropriate letters be sent to the families.

 

Congratulations

 

Congratulations were expressed to:

 

Nantyglo Football Club and Nantyglo Youth Side FC

 

Throughout March, a number of Nantyglo FC’s Youth Side took part in a challenge called ‘March into Spring’. A challenge that involved walking/running/cycling 2 miles a day – with an overall target of 62 miles by the end of March but yet amazingly this target was smashed with 1,875 miles covered and £1,200 raised in sponsorship monies for the children’s football club and the charity TIDY BUTT.

 

In addition, Nantyglo Football Club had undertaken some truly inspirational work with its members and the community throughout the course of the pandemic, to boost both physical and mental wellbeing and had continued to support its members, community and young people during this challenging time.

 

Letters of congratulations had been sent to both Nantyglo Football Club and the Youth Side.

 

5.

Chair and Deputy Chair of the Council

To appoint Chair and Deputy Chair of the Council for 2021/2022.

 

Minutes:

It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Julie Holt be elected Chair of the Council and that Councillor Malcolm Day be appointed Deputy Chair of the Council for the ensuing year.

 

Upon a vote being taken it was unanimously,

 

RESOLVED accordingly.

 

Councillor Julie Holt took the Chair at this juncture and expressed her appreciation to Members for their vote of confidence and thanked the out-going Chair, Councillor Mandy Moore for the sterling work she had undertaken in the role over the last few years.

 

6.

Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council

To appoint Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council.

 

Minutes:

It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Nigel Daniels be re-elected Leader of the Council and that Councillor David C. Davies be re-elected Deputy Leader for the ensuing year.

 

Upon a vote being taken it was unanimously

 

RESOLVED accordingly.

 

The Leader of the Council expressed his appreciation to the out-going Chair of Council, Councillor Mandy Moore who had undertaken an excellent job chairing Council meetings in her own unique style over the last few years.  Congratulations was also expressed to the newly appointed Chair, Councillor Julie Holt and Deputy Chair, Councillor Malcolm Day who he was sure would follow suit in with their own inimitable style.

 

The Leader of the Labour Group echoed these comments and continued by stating that with the advent of the move from the Civic Centre, the Labour Group Members wished to place on record their concerns that the Council was losing its identity.  In addition, Members felt that the civic role had diminished and the Leader of the Labour Group asked whether discussions could take place in respect of enhancing the Chair of Council’s role to include more of the mayoral aspects, potentially without reimbursement.  He explained that should there be any potential future discussions regarding the amalgamation of authorities, Blaenau Gwent could end up without an identity and a base.

 

In order that due consideration and an appropriate response could be provided, the Leader of the Council requested that the views of the Labour Group be submitted to him in writing.

 

FURTHER RESOLVED accordingly.

 

A Member of the Labour Group also echoed his congratulations to the newly appointed Chair of Council, Councillor Julie Holt and agreed with the Leader of the Labour Group’s comments.  He felt that since the Mayoral role had been disbanded, dignity at meetings had declined and Blaenau Gwent’s heritage, which was vitally important for future generations was being damaged.

 

7.

Group Officers

Group Secretaries to report on Group Officers for 2021/2022.

 

Minutes:

The Independent Group Officers for the ensuing year were reported as follows:

 

Councillor N. Daniels – Leader

Councillor D. Davies – Deputy Leader

Councillor J. Wilkins – Secretary

Councillor J. Holt – Group Chair

Councillor M. Day – Group Vice-Chair

 

It was reported that the Labour Group Officers for the ensuing year would be:

 

Councillor S. Thomas  - Leader

Councillor H. Trollope - Deputy Leader

Councillor T. Smith - Group Chair

Councillor M. Cross – Group Vice-Chair

Councillor H. McCarthy – Secretary

Councillor K. Hayden – Treasurer

 

It was reported that the Minority Independent Group Officers for the ensuing year would be:

 

Councillor P. Edwards – Leader

Councillor J. Millard – Deputy Leader

 

8.

Membership of the Executive

To appoint Membership of the Executive.

Minutes:

Upon a vote being taken it was unanimously RESOLVED that the following be appointed:

 

Leader of the Council/Executive Member Corporate Services

Councillor N. Daniels

 

Deputy Leader of the Council/Executive Member – Regeneration & Economic Development

Councillor D. Davies

 

Executive Member – Environment

Councillor J. Wilkins

 

Executive Member – Social Services

Councillor J. Mason

 

Executive Member – Education

Councillor J. Collins

 

9.

Chair, Vice-Chair and Membership of Scrutiny Committees

To appoint Chair and Vice-Chair and Members of the Scrutiny Committees.

Minutes:

It was proposed and seconded that the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair be held by the following and upon a vote being taken this was unanimously RESOLVED:

 

Corporate Overview Scrutiny Committee

Chair             Councillor S. Healy

Vice-Chair    Councillor M. Cook

 

Regeneration Scrutiny Committee

Chair                 Councillor J. Hill

Vice-Chair        Councillor G. A. Davies

 

Community Services Scrutiny Committee

Chair                 Councillor M. Moore

Vice-Chair        Councillor C. Meredith

 

Education and Learning Scrutiny Committee

Chair              Councillor H. Trollope

Vice-Chair      Councillor J. Holt

 

Social Services Scrutiny Committee

Chair               Councillor S. Thomas

Vice-Chair       Councillor K. Rowson

 

FURTHER RESOLVED that the following be appointed:

 

Corporate Overview Scrutiny Committee 

15 Members – Proportionality 9:5:1

 

1.           Chair -                  Councillor S. Healy

 

2.      Vice Chair -         Councillor M. Cook

 

3.           Councillors          P. Baldwin

 

4.                                       G. Collier

 

5.                                       M. Cross

 

6.                               G. A. Davies

 

7.                                        L. Elias

 

8.                                        J. Hill

 

9.                                     J. Holt

 

10.                                     H. McCarthy

 

11.                                     C. Meredith

 

12.                                     J. P. Morgan

 

13.                                     G. Paulsen

 

14.                                     S. Thomas

 

15.                                      T. Smith

 

Regeneration Scrutiny Committee 

15 Members – Proportionality 9:5:1

 

1.      Chair -                  Councillor J. Hill

 

2.      Vice Chair -         Councillor G. A. Davies

 

3.      Councillors          M. Cook

 

4.                                  M. Cross

 

5.                                  G. L. Davies

 

6.                                  P. Edwards

 

7.                                  K. Hayden

 

8.                                  S. Healy

 

9.                                  W. Hodgins

 

10.                                H. McCarthy

 

11.                                J. C. Morgan

 

12.                                 L. Parsons 

 

13.                                G. Paulsen

 

14.                                 K. Rowson

 

15.                                 B. Willis

                   

Community Services Scrutiny Committee 

15 Members – Proportionality 9:5:1

 

1.      Chair -                  Councillor M. Moore

 

2.      Vice Chair -         Councillor C. Meredith

 

3.     Councillors            P. Baldwin

 

4.                                    M. Cook

 

5.                                    M. Cross

 

6.                                    M. Day

 

7.                                    P. Edwards

 

8.                                   S. Healy

 

9.                                   W. Hodgins

 

10.                                 J. Holt

 

11.                                 J. C. Morgan

 

12.                                 L. Parsons                             

 

13.                                T. Sharrem

 

14.                                 B. Summers

 

15.                                L. Winnett

 

 

 

 

 

Education & LearningScrutiny Committee –

15 Members – Proportionality 9:5:1

 

1.           Chair -                 Councillor H. Trollope 

 

2.      Vice Chair -         Councillor J. Holt

 

3.      Councillors          D. Bevan

 

4.                                  G. Collier

                                     

5.                                  M. Cook

 

6.                                   M. Day            

                            

7.                                   L. Elias

 

8.                                   S. Healy

                                     

9.                                   J. Hill                           

                                     

10.                                C. Meredith

 

11.                                 J. C. Morgan

                                     

12.                                 J. P. Morgan

 

13.                                  T. Smith

 

14.                                  B. Summers

 

15.                                  D. Wilkshire

 

* Would also include 2 Members of religious bodies and between 2-5 parent governors with voting rights only when dealing with education matters.

 

1.      Mr. T. Baxter                Diocesan Education Body    

                                                (R.C. Church)

 

2.      Vacant                          (Church in Wales)

 

3.      Vacant                            Youth Forum Representative


Social Services Scrutiny Committee –

15 Members – Proportionality 9:5:1

 

1.           Chair -                  Councillor S. Thomas

 

2.      Vice Chair -         Councillor K. Rowson

 

3.      Councillors          D. Bevan

 

4.                                  G. Collier

 

5.                                    G. A. Davies

 

6.                                   G. L. Davies

 

7.                                   P. Edwards

 

4.                                    K. Hayden

 

9.                                    W. Hodgins

 

10.                                 J. Holt

 

11.                                  M. Moore

 

12.                                 G. Paulsen

 

13.                                T. Sharrem

 

14.                                T. Smith

 

15.                                 B. Summers

 

 

 

                                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Service Board Scrutiny Committee

15 Members - Proportionality 9:5:1 (to include Corporate Overview Members & Chairs of Scrutiny Committees)

 

1.           Chair -                  Chair - Corporate Overview        

                            Scrutiny Committee    

                                  Councillor S. Healy

     

2.      Vice Chair -         Vice Chair - Corporate Overview  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Standing Committees and Standing Sub-Committees

To appoint Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Standing Committees and Standing Sub-Committees.

Minutes:

 

 

STANDING COMMITTEES AND STANDING SUB-COMMITTEES

 

Upon a vote being taken it was unanimously RESOLVED that the following be appointed:

 

Planning, Regulatory & General Licensing Committee – 15 Members – Proportionality 9:5:1

 

1.           Chair -                  Councillor D. Hancock

 

2.      Vice Chair -         Councillor W. Hodgins

 

3.      Councillors          D. Bevan  

 

4.                                  G. L. Davies

 

5.                                    M. Day

 

6.                                   J. Hill

 

7.                                   C. Meredith

 

8.                                  K. Pritchard

 

9.                                   K. Rowson

 

10.                                 B. Thomas

 

11.                                 G. Thomas

 

12.                                T. Smith

 

13.                                D. Wilkshire

 

14.                                B. Willis

 

15.                                L. Winnett

                                               

*Ward Members to be invited re planning site meetings without voting rights.

 

General Licensing Sub-Committee (Rolling Rota) - 3 Members – (No Proportionality)

 

1.          Chair                Councillor D. Hancock

              or

             Vice Chair        Councillor W. Hodgins

 

Plus      2 other Members of the Planning, Regulatory &

            General Licensing Committee

 

Statutory Licensing Committee –     

15 Members – Proportionality 9:5:1

 

1.       Chair -                Councillor D. Hancock

 

2.      Vice Chair -         Councillor W. Hodgins

 

3.      Councillors          D. Bevan  

 

4.                                  G. L. Davies

 

5.                                    M. Day

 

6.                                   J. Hill

 

7.                                   C. Meredith

 

8.                                  K. Pritchard

 

9.                                   K. Rowson

 

10.                                 B. Thomas

 

11.                                 G. Thomas

 

12.                                T. Smith

 

13.                                D. Wilkshire

 

14.                                B. Willis

 

15.                                L. Winnett

Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee (Rolling Rota) - 3 Members – (No Proportionality)

 

1.          Chair                Councillor D. Hancock

             or

2.          Vice Chair        Councillor W. Hodgins

 

Plus     2 other Members of the Statutory Licensing

            Committee                        

 

Democratic Services Committee

15 Members – Proportionality 9:5:1

 

1.      Chair                   Councillor J. C. Morgan

       

2.      Vice Chair -         Councillor B. Summers

 

3.      Executive Member -  J. Collins

 

4.      Councillors          G. Collier

 

5.                                   M. Cook              

 

6.                                  M. Cross   

 

7.                                  G. A. Davies

 

8.                                   G. L. Davies

 

9.                                   M. Day

 

10.                                 K. Hayden

                                     

11.                                 S. Healy

 

12.                                 H. McCarthy

 

13.                                  L. Parsons

 

14.                                 K. Pritchard

 

15.                                  T. Sharrem

 

 

* Chair and Vice Chair of Scrutiny Committees to be invited without voting rights.

 

Governance & Audit Committee –

15 Members – Proportionality 9:5:1

 

 

CHAIR                 To be confirmed

 

1. Vice Chair       Chair - Corporate Overview Scrutiny

                            Committee  

                   Councillor S. Healy

 

2.                          Deputy Leader of the Council 

                             Councillor D. Davies

 

3.                          Chair - Education & Learning Scrutiny Committee

                             Councillor H. Trollope

 

4.                          Chair - Social Services Scrutiny

                            Committee

                             Councillor S. Thomas

 

5.                          Chair - Regeneration Scrutiny

                            Committee

                             Councillor J. Hill

 

6.                          Chair – Community Services Scrutiny

                            Committee

                             Councillor M. Moore

 

7.                          Chair – Democratic Services Committee

                             Councillor J. C. Morgan

 

8.                          Chair – Planning, Regulatory & General Licensing Committee 

                             Councillor D. Hancock

 

9.                         Councillor P. Baldwin

 

10.                       Councillor W. Hodgins

 

11.                       Councillor J. Holt

 

12.                       Councillor J. Millard

 

13.                       Councillor K. Rowson

 

14.                       Councillor B. Summers

 

15.                       Councillor L. Winnett

 

 

Lay Members – Mr. T. Edwards & Mr. M. Veale

 

Governance & Audit Committee Appointments Panel 3:2

 

1.      Councillor D. Davies

 

2.      Councillor S. Healy

 

3.      Councillor J. Hill

 

4.      Councillor S. Thomas

 

5.      Councillor H. Trollope

 

Standards Committee - 9 Members –

(3 County Borough Councillors

5 Independent Members

1 Community Council Member)

 

1.      Town Councillor Jacqueline Thomas

2.      Mr. R. Lynch

3.      Mr. Stephen Williams

4.      Mr R. Alexander

5.      Mrs Sarah Rosser

6.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Special and Ad Hoc Committees/Consultation Meetings

To appoint Members to Special and Ad Hoc Committees/ Consultation Meetings.

Minutes:

Upon a vote being taken it was unanimously,

 

RESOLVED that the following be appointed:

 

Cross Party Member Development Working Group –

5 Members

 

1.           Leader / Executive Member - Corporate Services

Councillor N. Daniels

 

2.           Deputy Leader / Executive Member – Regeneration and Economic Development

Councillor D. Davies

 

3.            Councillors    S. Healy    

 

    4.                              J. Holt

 

     5.                         H. Trollope

 

 

Public Service Board (formerly the Local Service Board (LSB))

 

1.           Leader of the Council / Executive Member – Corporate Services

          Councillor N. Daniels

 

Consultation with Trade Unions

 

1.      Leader/ Executive Member – Corporate Services

 

2.      Deputy Leader /Executive Member – Regeneration & Economic Development

 

3.      Appropriate Portfolio Member(s)

 

Consultation Town/Community Councils 

 

1.      Leader / Executive Member - Corporate Services

Councillor N. Daniels

 

2.      Executive Member -  Regeneration & Economic          Development

          Councillor D. Davies

 

3.      Executive Member – Environment

          Councillor J. Wilkins

 

4.      Executive Member – Education

          Councillor J. Collins

 

5.      Executive Member – Social Services

Councillor J. Mason

 

6.      Councillor M. Cook

 

7.       Councillor M. Cross

 

8.      Councillor J. Hill

 

9.      Councillor M. Moore

 

10.    Councillor L. Winnett

 

Fostering Panel (Social Services)

 

1.          Councillor K. Rowson

 

Substitute: Councillor G. A. Davies

 

Blaenau Gwent Care and Repair – Agency Board

 

1.           Executive Member - Social Services

Councillor J. Mason

 

2.           Executive Member – Environment

Councillor J. Wilkins

 

50+ Network

 

1.   Executive Member – Social Services

      Councillor J. Mason

 

2.   Chair – Social Services Scrutiny Committee

      Councillor S. Thomas

 

3.   Vice-Chair – Social Services Scrutiny Committee

      Councillor K. Rowson

 

4.   Councillor G. Thomas

 

Education Admissions Forum

 

1.   Executive Member – Education

      Councillor J. Collins

 

2.   Chair – Education & Learning Scrutiny Committee

      Councillor H. Trollope

 

Schools Forum

 

1.   Executive Member – Education

      Councillor J. Collins

 

2.   Chair – Education & Learning Scrutiny Committee

      Councillor H. Trollope

 

Standing Advisory Committee on Religious Education

 

1.   Executive Member – Education

      Councillor J. Collins

 

2.   Chair – Education & Learning Scrutiny Committee

      Councillor H. Trollope

 

3.     Councillor J. Holt

 

Getting to Know our Schools Sub Group  

(formerly Scrutiny Schools Wellbeing Group)

 

1.      Chair – Education and Learning Scrutiny   

         Committee

          Councillor H. Trollope

 

2.      Vice Chair – Education and Learning Scrutiny

         Committee

          Councillor J. Holt

 

3.      Councillor D. Bevan

 

4.      Councillor M. Cook

 

5.      Councillor L. Elias

 

6.      Councillor C. Meredith

 

7.      Councillor B. Summers

 

8.      Councillor J. C. Morgan

 

9.      Councillor T. Smith

 

 

*        Chair and Vice Chair to endeavour to be at each meeting

**       All members to be invited to attend sub-group meeting.

 

HoV Waste Programme Joint Committee

 

1.   Executive Member – Environment

      Councillor J. Wilkins

 

2.   Executive Member – Regeneration & Economic 

      Development

      Councillor D. Davies

 

Tomorrow Valley Project

 

1.   Executive Member – Environment

      Councillor J. Wilkins

 

2.   Executive Member – Corporate Services

      Councillor N. Daniels

 

Local Authority Liaison Committee

 

Executive Member – Environment

Councillor J. Wilkins

 

Executive Member – Regeneration & Economic

Development

Councillor D. Davies

 

Sirhowy Ward Members

 

Rassau Ward Members

 

Beaufort Ward Members

 

Brynmawr Ward Members

 

Constitution Working Group

 

1.   Leader of the Council

      Councillor N. Daniels

 

2.   Deputy Leader of the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

12.

Council's Representatives on Other Bodies

To appoint Council's Representatives on Other Bodies.

Minutes:

Upon a vote being taken it was unanimously,

 

RESOLVED that the following be appointed:-

 

Adult Learning Wales (formerly Workers’ Educational Association Wales, YMCA Wales Community Council)

Scrutiny Chair – Education & Learning

 

Age Concern Gwent – Executive Committee Membership

Executive Member – Social Services

 

The Alliance

Executive Member – Regeneration & Economic Development

 

Scrutiny Chair – Regeneration

 

Aneurin Bevan Community Council – Local Committee

1. Councillor J. Millard

2. Vacancy

3. Vacancy

 

Aneurin Bevan Health Board – Independent Review Panel to meet Continuing Health Care Needs

Scrutiny Chair – Social Services

 

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board – Stakeholder Reference Group

Executive Member – Social Services

 

Aneurin Leisure Trust

Councillor W. Hodgins

Councillor S. Healy

 

Aneurin Leisure Trust – Community Chest Panel

Councillor M. Cook

 

Brecon Beacons National Park – National Park Authority & Site Visits

Councillor J. Hill

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cardiff Capital Region City Deal – Regional Scrutiny Committee

Chair of Regeneration Scrutiny Committee

 

Substitute: Scrutiny Vice-Chair of Regeneration Scrutiny Committee

 

Cardiff Capital Region City Deal Cabinet

Leader of the Council

 

CSC (Compound Semi-Conductor Board Part of the IQE Investment through City Deal)

Deputy Leader/Executive Member – Regeneration & Economic Development

Executive Member – Environment

 

Duke of Beaufort’s Breconshire Estate Commoner’s Association

Councillor B. Thomas

 

EAS - Education Achievement Service for South East Wales

Executive Member – Environment

Substitute: Executive Member – Regeneration & Economic Development

 

EAS – Joint Executive Group

Executive Member – Education

 

EAS – Audit and Risk Assurance Committee

Councillor S. Healy

Councillor M. Cook

 

G.A.V.O. – Executive Committee & Local Committee

Executive Member – Social Services – Councillor J. Mason

 

G.A.V.O.  - Be Proud of your Community Gwent Awards (Formerly - Gwent Best Kept Village Committee)

Councillor L. Parsons

 

 

 

 

 

Greater Gwent Cremation Joint Committee

 

Scrutiny Chair – Community Services

Councillor M. Moore

 

Substitute: Scrutiny Vice-Chair – Community Services

Councillor C. Meredith

 

Gwent Archives Joint Committee

Executive Member – Regeneration & Economic Development

Councillor J. Millard

 

Gwent Police Crime Panel

(formerly Gwent Police Authority)

Councillor C. Meredith

Councillor L. Winnett

 

Gwent Regional Partnership Board

Executive Member – Social Services

 

Heads of the Valleys Programme Board

Executive Member – Regeneration & Economic Development

 

Joint Council for Wales Employers Side

Executive Member – Corporate Services

 

Monmouth School Farm Endowment Trust

Councillor B. Thomas

 

National Adoption Service Governance Board

Executive Member – Social Services

 

Patrol Adjudication Joint Committee

Scrutiny Chair – Community Services

Councillor M. Moore

Sub:-  Scrutiny Vice-Chair - Community Services

Councillor C. Meredith

 

Reserve Forces & Cadets Association for Wales – Local Government Representation

Councillor B. Thomas

 

 

Rural Development Programme - Local Action Group

Councillor G. L. Davies

 

Silent Valley Waste Services Ltd

 

Non Executive

Councillors M. Cook & B. Summers

 

Shareholder Representatives

Leader of the Council

Executive Member - Environment

 

SRS Strategic Board

Councillor J. Wilkins

 

South Wales Fire Authority

Councillor W. Hodgins

 

South East Wales Regional Aggregates Working Party

Executive Member – Environment

 

Tai Calon Board

Councillor M. Day

Councillor G. A. Davies

                

Vision in Wales (formerly Wales Council for the Blind)

Executive Member – Social Services

Scrutiny Chair – Social Services

 

Welsh Local Government  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

13.

Local Government Act 2021 Changes pdf icon PDF 395 KB

To consider the report of the Head of Legal and Corporate Compliance (Monitoring Officer).

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Legal and Corporate Compliance.

 

The Head of Legal and Corporate Compliance advised that the report outlined some of the mandatory legislative changes pertaining to the functions and name of the Audit Committee that were required to be introduced as part of the new Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, which came into force on 1st April, 2021.

 

It was noted that the new function relating to ‘complaints’ referred to service related complaints, any code of conduct complaints still remained under the remit of the Standards Committee.

 

Upon a vote being taken it was unanimously

 

RESOLVED, subject to the foregoing, that the report be accepted and the information which related to the mandatory changes brought about from a change in the legislation be noted, namely:

 

·        Change of Name – The Audit Committee would now be referred to as the Governance and Audit Committee.

 

·        Additional Functions – The functions/terms of reference of the Committee would be widened to include complaints and a new performance and governance regime.

 

          This would result in the Governance and Audit

          Committee receiving new statutory powers to:

 

·        Review and assess the authority’s ability to handle complaints effectively.

·        Make reports and recommendations in relation to the authority’s ability to handle complaints effectively.

 

In addition to the above there were a number of other obligations placed upon the Council as part of Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 which come into force in May 2022. It was asked that the Council note these in readiness.

 

The changes to the Governance and Audit Committee in May 2022 would be as follows:

 

·        Obliged to advertise and undertake a recruitment and selection exercise for all lay members.

·        The Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee would now need to be a lay person.

·        One third of Members of the Committee must be lay persons.

·        Deputy Chair must not be a member of the Local Authority’s Executive or an assistant to its Executive.

 

It was acknowledged that the Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s Governance and Audit Committee currently already complied with 3 of these intended changes. However, in order to comply with the membership requirement that a third of members must be lay persons a recruitment process would be initiated in Autumn 2021 in order to be prepared and further reports submitted to Council.

 

14.

Annual Cycle of Meetings 2021/2022 pdf icon PDF 479 KB

To consider joint officers’ report.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members considered the joint officers’ report.

 

Upon a vote being taken it was unanimously,

 

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that:

 

(i)           The proposed annual cycle of meetings 2021/2022 attached at Appendix 1 be approved.

 

(ii)         The decision making process to deal with any urgent business during the August recess be approved:

 

a.   the Leader and Deputy Leader in conjunction with appropriate Executive Members and Officers deal with any urgent items from 1st - 31st August 2021 (i.e. a Special Meeting of the Executive would be convened at short notice recognising that the matter was urgent and the call-in procedure would apply).  The Managing Director / Head of Paid Service in conjunction with the Leadership would determine if a matter was urgent; and

 

decisions should be limited to urgent matters and recorded on a decision schedule presented to the next Ordinary Meeting of the Council.  No controversial or sensitive matters should be dealt with during this period.

15.

Memberships Report pdf icon PDF 449 KB

To consider the attached report.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to:

 

Advisory Panel for Local Authority School Governors

 

The following recommendations were made by the Panel on 13th April, 2021 to appoint:

 

Blaen-y-Cwm Primary School – Councillor L. Elias

 

River Centre -  Richard Crook

 

Upon a vote being taken it was unanimously,

 

RESOLVED that the above appointments be endorsed.