Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor S Thomas and H Jackson Co-opted Member.

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 Deputy Chief Executive

The Chair welcomed Councillor M Symonds Cabinet Member, Paul Lewis, Sian James and Melissa Clee to the Meeting.

Councillor M Symonds led the Committee through the ‘Fly Tipping in the County Borough’ report and together with the Officers responded in detail to the following questions raised by the Committee:

·        Paragraph 5.5 – Current Data – Have any prosecutions been undertaken – Are there any reasons for delay

·        Explanation requested on the reductions from last year to this year – Is there a Communication Strategy in place in relation to Enforcement

·        Clarification sought on the days for collection

·        Paragraph 5.6.3 – Covert Operations – Why does the Service currently not possess the necessary kit

·        Paragraph 5.6 – Update requested on this

·        Paragraph 5.6.1 – Reporting – Could this include reporting by an individual at the Civic Centre Reception

·        Clearance of Fly Tipping – Do Neighbourhood Services still hold part responsibility for dealing with Fly Tipping

·        Paragraph 5.6.4 – Private Land – Update requested on any actions taken

·        Fly Tipping hotspots – Tramroad area – Food Waste

·        Paragraph 6.3 – Dual Roles – Is this imminent

·        Are enforcement fines issued on behalf of RSL’s

The Chair then thanked Councillor M Symonds and the Officers for the update to the Committee.

To consider report of the Deputy Chief Executive

Councillor M Symonds led the Committee through the ‘Pest Control within Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’ report and together with the Officers responded in detail to the following questions raised by the Committee:

·        Paragraph 3.7 – Why is the fee for Domestic Flees so high

·        Paragraph 4.2 – Resource – Clarification sought on capacity and staff numbers

·        What is the procedure for the collection of stray dogs

·        Paragraph 4.4 – Joint Working – Clarification sought

·        Paragraph 4.4.1 – Explanation requested in relation to bringing boundaries back to the correct line

·        Paragraph 4.4.2 – Has this started – The need to know where the problems are

·        Paragraph 3.5 – Clarification of fees

·        Trial in Penydarren - What other areas were considered – What was the rational for using this area – What has been the response from residents to the trial – Clarification regarding RSL’s agreement regarding payment

·        Paragraph 5.4 – Have all RSL’s agreed

·        Is the service cost neutral – with only one full time Officer how long is the wait

·        Area of the Old Bus Station – Rat problem at the moment – Is the area revisited or does it have to be reported again

·        Is it possible to have an Action Log for the Pilot and the RAG Status

·        The Chair then suggested that Merthyr Valleys Homes be invited to the Committee to discuss the Pilot

·        How will Merthyr Valleys Homes manage the Tenancy Agreements when Tenants do not comply with the Agreement

·        When will the door knocking exercise be taking place

·        How can Cameras be protected from damage

·        Are there Educational Leaflets

·        Paragraph 3.8 – Do Bird Feeders add to the rat problem

The Chair then thanked the Cabinet Member and Officers for attending and the update to the Committee.

Councillor D Sammon left the Meeting at 5.20 pm.

To consider report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The Chair welcomed Councillor G Thomas Cabinet Member, Chris Long, Suzanne Stephens and Hannah Mills to the Meeting.

Susanne Stephens led the Committee through the ‘Housing Support Grant Spend Plan 2023-24’ report and together with Councillor G Thomas and the Officers responded in detail to the following questions raised by the Committee:

·        Paragraph 4.1 – How long is HSG funding set at it’s current level

·        Paragraph 5.4 – Update requested on the current position

·        Paragraph 7.6 – What alternative Funding Streams are there for this - When was the decision taken to decommission Citizens Advice Services – Concerns regarding Homelessness and decisions made - Could alternative funding be sourced – Clarification requested in relation to Welsh Government Funding  and Guidance – Concern at what Organisation should people turn to – With funding removed will Citizens Advice be able to deliver Services – What assessment has been made regarding an alternative Organisation – How are the monies spent – Clarification of spending in relation to Marsh House – Clarification on the vacant post – Who will do the work of the Citizens Advice staff – Do the Housing Department have the capacity – How will Clients be supported – Why has the Meeting not been called earlier – Why is there not an alternative method of funding – Have several Organisations been looked at in relation to percentage reductions across the board to avoid the situation with Citizens Advice

·        Guidance – Has this been examined by Legal Officers

·        Could a report be presented to Council giving an update and to allow full discussion

·        Paragraph 5.5 – How long is the delay

·        What discussions have there been with Airbnb’s

·        Is there any Capital Funding for new property developments

The Chair then thanked the Cabinet Member and the Officers for attending and the responses and update to the Committee.

Did we address the recommendations in each report and how have we added value?

The Chair and the Committee discussed the reports that had been considered at the Meeting.

To consider the attached report

The Chair referred the Committee to the Forward Work Programme 2022/23 and advised that the Self Evaluation report would be discussed at the Workshops.

Resolved that:

The items as set out in the Scrutiny Forward Work Programme be agreed.

There were no referrals.

Any outstanding actions?  Feedback from workshops / task and finish groups / enquiry days, etc.

The Chair advised that he was awaiting a response from the Police in relation to the Workshop.

The Chair advised that there was no business deemed urgent.