Agenda and minutes

The following Member made a declaration of interest at the commencement of the meeting:

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:-

Cabinet Board Proposals

2.1    Cabinet Response to Council Task and Finish Group on the Valleys

Members received the Cabinets response to the Council’s Task & Finish Group’s recommendations on the Valleys, including the work being led by the Welsh Government’s Valleys Taskforce “Our Valleys Our Future” as detailed within the circulated report.

Following receipt of the response, Members highlighted and accepted the concerns regarding the budget constraints however felt that there were missed opportunities for the Valleys prior to the austerity.

Members were impressed with the growth poles however felt that there was need for more alignment of the council’s general policies, such as considering some elements of the Local Development Plan. It was highlighted that the dialogue with National Resources Wales needed to be intensified and that the approach to services like libraries and care homes around the county borough needed to be reconsidered. It was noted that these concerns needed to be detailed within the analysis.

The Chief executive explained that he felt that the policies were aligned. It was mentioned that the Local Development Plan needs to be more flexible however, Members need to consider complexity of the Local Development Plan and to utilise the review wisely.

Members commended the report and the opportunities within it. It was noted that this had provided good opportunities, however there was concern that there had not been any funding provided.

Members highlighted that the Amman Valley Railway Society Tram System was not included within the document. Officers apologised for it not being included and highlighted that the Authority would work with any organisation that wished to be involved.

Members highlighted that with the workforce reducing it was not feasible on getting the Public sector within the Valleys even though this was Welsh Governments view.

The Chair welcomed the Chair and Vice Chair of the Valleys Task and Finish Group.

The Chair of the Valleys Task and Finish Group welcomed the report and commended the information detailed within the Cabinets response and the comments from the Chief Executive. It was noted that the Chair of the Valleys Task and Finish Group felt that the funding in relation to transport detailed on page 9 to the circulated report, implied that it would be a funding cut and highlighted that transport was important and needed to be re-emphasised during these difficult times.

The Vice Chair of the Valleys Task and Finish Group mentioned that there was a need to improve transport, as it is difficult to encourage young people to utilise bus passes when there were no buses available.

The Leader expressed his thanks to the valleys Task and Finish Group on the plans for the Valleys.

Following scrutiny, it was agreed that Cabinet Board be asked to consider the following recommendations:-

1.   That Cabinet endorse the response, as outlined in Appendix 1 of the circulated report and within the analysis, particularly the points raised within growth poles;

2.   That the Chief Executive enter into partnership with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

Any urgent items (whether public or exempt) at the discretion of the Chairman pursuant to Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972

Because of the need to deal now with the matter contained in Minute No. 5 below, the Chairperson agreed this could be raised at today’s meeting as an urgent item pursuant to Section 100B (4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Reason:

Due to the time element.

(Cllr.A.N.Woolock re-affirmed his interest at this point and withdrew from the meeting)

(Cllr. S.Rahaman took over as Chairperson at this pont)

Members received information on the Cabinet extending the support being provided by the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) to the Council.

Members asked whether the cost of the Job detailed within the report would be included in the £50,000. Officers confirmed that it would.

Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by the Cabinet Board.