Agenda and minutes

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.

It was reported that no requests had been received for the simultaneous translation

To receive.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor J Gardner.

To receive.

No declarations of interest and dispensations were reported.

To consider the decisions of Place Scrutiny Committee held on 28^th January, 2025.

Consideration was given to the decisions of the meeting held on 28^th January, 2025.

The Committee AGREED that the decisions be accepted as a true record of proceedings.

Consideration was given to the Action Sheet.

The Committee AGREED that the report be accepted and the information contained therein be noted.

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager – Neighbourhood Services.

The Committee AGREED the following:-

Review of Green Waste Bag charges - The Committee adopted the charge to residents for green waste recycling bags on a permanent basis. The £2 charge would be included on the fees and charges register and increase in line with Council policy each year. The charge would continue to support the administration and delivery of the green waste bags to residents (Option 1).

HWRC Reduced Opening – The Committee gave permanence to the decision implemented in June 2024 to trial the closure of the HWRCs for an additional day each during the week (Option 1).

Consideration was given to the report of the Destination Management Officer.

The Committee AGREED that the report be accepted and the Members provided their views on the introduction of a visitor levy in Blaenau Gwent, in order for officers to evaluate the cost and benefit to the local authority on the introduction of a visitor levy in Blaenau Gwent. This would enable officers to evaluate the response from both Scrutiny Members and traders. The results of which would be brought back to Scrutiny for consideration and then for final approval by Cabinet.

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager – Public Protection.

The Committee AGREED that the report be accepted, provided comments on the consultation outcomes and supported the adoption of the Blaenau Gwent Empty Property Strategy (Option 1).

Consideration was given to the report of the Scrutiny and Democratic Officer.

The Committee AGREED that the report be accepted and agreed the Forward Programme for the meeting 29th April 2025, as presented (Option 1).