Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors E Galsworthy, K  Moran and B Smith. 

Councillor D Roberts declared a personal interest in Item 18 (Purchasing Policy) as the Company he owns is a longstanding supplier of the Local Authority. 

Derbyn Cyflwyniad oddi wrth Antonia Pompa

To receive a Presentation from Antonia Pompa

Councillor D Davies arrived at 5.40 pm.

The Mayor welcomed Antonia Pompa (Business Improvement District Co-ordinator) and Les Byard (Chair of the Business Improvement District) from the Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil.

Firstly Mr Byard thanked Members for giving both himself and Antonia an opportunity to attend today and also for the help and support that has been provided by the Authority in the past.

Mr Byard then made a presentation in relation to :

·         The Business Improvement District (BID) which is a business-led and business funded body formed to improve a defined commercial area.

·         The areas that are covered with the Big Heart Merthyr Tydfil.

·         An overview of the BID ballot in July 2012.

·         Additional funding and the management of the BID.

·         Promoting and engaging with the We Love Merthyr Campaign.

·         Outline of achievements made within the Town through the BID.

·         Key findings from the business consultation exercise undertaken in January 2016 via a questionnaire survey.

·         The continuation of the BID.  

Following the presentation questions were then raised by Members and answered by both Antonia Pompa and Les Byard.

On behalf of the Council, the Leader thanked Les Byard and Antonia Pompa     for attending.  He referred to the work they have done resulting in the success of the BID over the last 5 years and wished them future success of the forthcoming BID ballot.   

The Leader advised that it was a pleasure being part of the BID and being able to make a contribution on behalf of the Council where at all possible. 

The Mayor thanked them for attending and Antonia Pompa and Les Byard left the meeting. 

RESOLVED that:

The minutes of the Scrutiny Neighbourhood Services and Public Protection Committee held on Monday, 4^th July 2016 be accepted as a correct record. 

RESOLVED that:

The minutes of the Scrutiny Governance, Performance, Business Change and Corporate Services Committee held on Tuesday, 5th July 2016 be accepted as a correct record. 

RESOLVED that:

The minutes of the Scrutiny Regeneration, Planning and Countryside Committee held on Tuesday, 12^th July 2016 be accepted as a correct record. 

RESOLVED that:

The minutes of Cabinet held on Wednesday, 13^th July 2016 be accepted as a correct record. 

RESOLVED that:

The minutes of Full Council held on Wednesday, 13^th July 2016 be accepted as a correct record. 

RESOLVED that:

The minutes of the Standards Committee held on Friday, 15^th July 2016 be accepted as a correct record. 

RESOLVED that:

The minutes of the Audit Committee held on Monday, 18^th July 2016 be accepted as a correct record. 

RESOLVED that:

The minutes of the Planning, Regulatory and Licensing Committee held on Wednesday, 20^th July 2016 be accepted as a correct record. 

RESOLVED that:

The minutes of Cabinet held on Wednesday, 27^th July 2016 be accepted as a correct record. 

RESOLVED that:

The minutes of the Licensing Committee held on Wednesday, 3^rd August 2016 be accepted as a correct record. 

RESOLVED that:

The minutes of the Licensing Committee held on Wednesday, 3^rd August 2016 be accepted as a correct record. 

Ystyried adroddiad y Prif Weithredwr.

To consider report of the Chief Executive.

RESOLVED that:

·         The Cabinet recommended Medium Term Financial Plan revisions detailed in Appendices 1, 4 and 5 be approved.

·         The budget reduction proposals detailed in Appendices 2 and 3 be noted as previously approved by Council and/or Cabinet.

Ystyried adroddiad y Prif Weithredwr.

To consider report of the Chief Executive.

RESOLVED that:

·         The contents of the report be noted.

·         Further reports are presented to Council on the appeal against the Welsh Language Standards.

·         The Council’s Corporate Welsh Language Translation Budget continues to be closely monitored and reported on a regular basis.

Ystyried adroddiad y Prif Weithredwr.

To consider report of the Chief Executive.

The Leader paid tribute to all of the Scrutiny Committees for their continued work in holding the Cabinet to account.  He advised that members are better trained and informed to ask the right questions which creates better governance arrangements across the Council.

He also paid tribute to Howard Jones, Scrutiny Manager, for his outstanding contribution in managing the Scrutiny functions of the Authority and for ensuring such seamless administration for the Scrutiny Chairs both before and following all meetings. 

RESOLVED that:

·         The content of this report be noted.

·         Webcasting of all/a selection of Scrutiny Committee meetings be introduced as soon as practicable after the May 2017 Local Government Elections.

·         The Governance, Performance, Business Change and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee is designated as this Authority’s Scrutiny Committee for the Cwm Taf Public Service Board, until such time a Joint Scrutiny Committee (MTCBC and RCTCBC) is agreed and established.

·         The Chair and Vice Chair of the Governance, Performance, Business Change and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee, together with Officers, further discuss joint scrutiny arrangements for the Cwm Taf Public Services Board with colleagues at Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC and report to Council with proposals in due course.

Ystyried adroddiad Cyfarwyddwr Corfforaethol Lleoedd a Gweddnewid.

To consider report of the Corporate Director Place and Transformation.

Having declared an interest, Councillor D Roberts left the meeting whilst this item was considered.

RESOLVED that:

The Purchasing and Prompt Payment Policies be approved and implemented with effect from Monday, 3^rd October 2016.

Derbyn adroddiad y Prif Weithredwr.

To receive report of the Chief Executive.

Councillor D Roberts returned to the meeting.

RESOLVED that:

The report for information be received. 

The public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 12, 13 and 14 under Part 4 of Schedule 12A of Section 100 (A) (4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Ystyried adroddiad y Prif Weithredwr.

To consider report of the Chief Executive.

Councillor A Jones left the meeting at 6.36 pm and therefore did not vote on this item. 

RESOLVED that:

The recommendations outlined in the report for the Authority’s Line Management Structure and improving delivery of Key Council objectives and services be accepted.

The Mayor advised that there was no urgent business or correspondence. 

The Mayor reminded the Members about their attendance at her Mayor’s Civic Service this coming Sunday.