Agenda and minutes
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Contact: Democratic Services 6139
Media
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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.
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Apologies To receive. Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from:
Councillors G. Collier, L. Elias, H. Trollope and the Managing Director.
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Declarations of Interest and Dispensations To consider any declarations of interest and dispensations made.
Minutes: There were no declarations of interest or dispensations reported.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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Chair, Vice-Chair and Membership of Scrutiny Committees To appoint Chair and Vice-Chair and Members of the Scrutiny Committees. Minutes:
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
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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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Local Government Act 2021 Changes 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.
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Annual Cycle of Meetings 2021/2022 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. |
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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.
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