Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor C Jones.

Members are reminded of their personal responsibility to declare any personal and prejudicial interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992 relating to Council Tax, the Local Government Act 2000, the Council’s Constitution and the Members Code of Conduct

Note:

(a)  Members are reminded that they must identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest and

(b)  Where Members withdraw from a Meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chair when they leave

No Declarations of Interest were made.

To consider report of the Chief Executive

Councillor A Barry led the Council through the ‘Budget Requirement and Council Tax 2024/25’ report and moved the recommendations detailed at Paragraphs 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 of the report and was seconded by Councillor G Thomas.

Councillor A Barry also requested a Recorded Vote on this item.

Support from five Members is required for a Recorded Vote and a show of hands was then undertaken and the required number for a Recorded Vote was met and therefore a Recorded Vote on this item would be undertaken.

Comments were then made by Members on the report and the recommendations.

A Recorded Vote was then taken on recommendations 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 as contained within the report.

 Resolved that:

(a)    The Council Tax increase of 8% for 2024/25 (‘Band D’ of £1,974.61) for the County Borough Council be approved

(b)    The budget requirement of £160.899m for 2024/25 (Net Revenue Budget) be approved

(c)    The Minimum Revenue Provision Statement for 2024/25 as detailed in Paragraph 10.0 of the report be approved

(d)    The Chief Finance Officer’s comments relating to the robustness of the estimates and adequacy of reserves be noted.

To consider report of the Chief Executive

Councillor A Barry led the Council through the ‘Council Tax Resolution 2024/25’ report and advised that under Paragraph 4.4 of the report it should read 2024/25.

Councillor A Barry then moved the recommendations as detailed in Paragraphs 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 of the report and was seconded by Councillor G Thomas.

After consideration by the Council it was

Resolved that:

(a)    The formal Statutory Council Tax resolutions 2024/25 as outlined in Appendix 1 and summarised in Paragraph 5.1 of the report be noted and approved

(b)    The Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales approved precept for 2024/25 of £6,680,952 for the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council area be noted

(c)    The Bedlinog and Trelewis Community Council approved precept for 2024/25 of £40,314 for the Community Council area be noted

(d)    The Welsh Government 2024/25 Non-Domestic Rate for Wales of 56.2 pence in the £ be noted.

Boxer Gavin Gwynne

Councillor G Thomas extended the very best of luck to Boxer Gavin Gwynne in his European Title Fight in Saudi Arabia on Friday night.

Merthyr Rugby Club

Councillor G Thomas congratulated Merthyr Rugby Club in reaching the final of the Welsh Cup which will be played at the Principality Stadium on Sunday 7 April 2024.

Apology

Councillor A Barry stated that at the last Council Meeting he had mentioned Gareth Chapman the former Chief Executive and apologised for any offence caused.

Congratulations

Councillor A Barry extended congratulations to Gareth Chapman who had been appointed by Welsh Government in relation to reviewing Armed Forces Liaison Officers (AFLO’s).

No Communications were received from Their Worship the Mayor.