Agenda and minutes

i.        To receive any apologies for absence.

ii.        To receive any declarations of interest

iii.        To receive any announcements by the Mayor.

Mr Ted Travers

The Mayor announced that since the last meeting, Council had been informed of the loss of a former mayor and great friend, Ted Travers

Mr Harry Polloway

The Mayor also referred to the passing of Mr Harry Polloway who had acted as master of Ceremonies at many civic events

The City of Nice

The Mayor referred to the tragic events in Nice and informed Councillors that he and the Leader of the Council had written jointly to the Mayor of Nice expressing our city’s support and condolences

The Battle of the Somme

The Mayor mentioned that we are currently in a period of commemoration of the Battle of the Somme which began this month in 1916 and lasted until November of that year. More than one million men were wounded or killed, making it one of the bloodiest battles in human history. The Mayor said we must never forget sacrifices they made

Members and officers stood in silence as a mark of respect to Mr Travers, Mr Polloway, the people of Nice and those brave individuals who fought at the Somme

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meetings held on   26 April; 17 May; and 19 May 2016

The minutes of the meetings of the City Council held on 26 April, 17 May and 19 May 2016 were confirmed as a true record by the Council and signed by the Mayor

To consider any proposed appointments.

Audit Committee

It was resolved that Mr John Baker be re-appointed to serve as the Chair of the Audit Committee for the coming four year term

The following appointments were also agreed:

Planning Committee

Cllr Al Nuaimi has been appointed to the vacancy

Licensing Committee

Cllr Harvey has been appointed to the vacancy

Appointment Panel: Corporate Director

Cllrs Ray Truman; Roger Jeavons; Paul Huntley , Matthew Evans and Chris Evans were appointed

Education Achievement Service Commissioning Group (Education) (JEG)

Councillor Deborah Harvey was appointed to replace Councillor Deb Davies We as the substitute member for the Education Achievement Service Commissioning Group (Education) (JEG)

SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education)

Councillor Hayat was appointed

Newport Wastesavers

Councillor Deb Davies will replace Tom Bond who has a declared interest

Community Health Council, Newport Committee

Councillor Hayat was appointed

Governors

To discuss local police issues with the Local Commander

The Mayor welcomed Superintendent Glyn Fernquest to his first meeting since his return to work

The Superintendent reported on recent serious criminal activity and action taken. He also mentioned two ongoing operations where the aim was to address relatively low level crime and antisocial behaviour

Superintendent Fernquest mentioned that Friars Walk was a real success , helping to change the activities around that area with many people shopping and enjoying the leisure offer. In this area , antisocial activity had reduced event though many more people were around . Inevitably perhaps there were now some issues round shoplifting

He also mentioned some great partnership working around parking  with 522 parking tickets handed out in the City Centre

Questions

Superintendent Fernquest  reassured Councillor Whitcutt that police would attend a local meeting to discuss parking issues.

Superintendent Fernquest shared Councillor Guy’s concerns about cyber-crime and the targeting of older and vulnerable people. He described action being taken by the Cyber Crime unit and action against  old fashioned ‘ rogue traders’.

The Superintendent informed  Councillor  Whitehead of action being taken locally in relation to off -road bikes. He also  stated that the Force was reviewing the current pattern of staffing in stations.

Councillors Jeavons, Ali, and Hayat each thanked local police for their actions and assistance in their wards.

Superintendent Fernquest  informed  Councillor Kate Thomas that he would raise with local officers her concerns about charities approaching people in the city centre to extract money .

Superintendent Fernquest  informed  Councillor Fouweather  that he would raise with local officers his concerns about parking in the Allt Yr Yn Ward

Superintendent Fernquest  informed  Councillor  Cockeram that he would ask the local inspector to contact him about a lack of response to e- mails.   

Superintendent Fernquest  informed  Councillor  Critchley of action being taken to move on illegal traveller encampments and the limitations of the Police powers  

Superintendent Fernquest  informed  Councillor Garland  that he would raise with local officers her concerns about drug dealing locally and asked the Councillor to provide specific information to the local team

The Leader of the Council thanked Superintendent Fernquest for his warm words in relation to Friars Walk and that things in the city centre changed

To consider the following motion to Council for which the appropriate notice has been provided :

"We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country. Our council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.

We will work to ensure that local bodies and programmes have the support they need to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia.

We reassure all people living in this area that they are valued members of our community.”

To be moved by Councillor Debbie Wilcox, Leader of the Council and Seconded by Councillor Matthew Evans, Leader of the Opposition.

The Leader of the Council presented the following motion:

“We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country. Our council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.

We will work to ensure that local bodies and programmes have the support they need to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia.

We reassure all people living in this area that they are valued members of our community.”

The motion was seconded by the Leader of the Opposition.

In moving the motion, the Leader of the Council stated that hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards their disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, transgender identity.  In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.

The Leader mentioned that according to the police there had been a spike in hate crime the week following the Referendum as well as an increase in the run up to the referendum. SEWREC, Victim Support and Tell Mama had also reported significant increases.

The Leader informed members that, as leaders of the community they are in an ideal position to promote community cohesion and in these difficult times it was more important than ever that they show that leadership.

The Leader stated that Newport is a great city and the people are great. It is a vibrant and thriving place with a rich heritage and history and a fantastic future. However, it is all those things because Newportonians get along, whatever our backgrounds, race or faith.  The Leader said it was often the very differences of our culture and background that draws us together. It is a wonderful thing about our home.

The Referendum and the ensuing uncertainty had highlighted a number of divides across Britain and had resulted in some expressions of the worst of human nature. There are many people across the country who now felt more vulnerable, less safe and less part of our communities. The Leader said that, as Leader of the Council she was determined that not one single person is made to feel this way in Newport. We will stand together to support those who are vulnerable, we will welcome those who are isolated and we will protect those who are intimidated and abused. And we absolutely will not tolerate or ignore any act that threatens to undermine this.

In seconding the motion, the Leader of the Opposition stated that he was pleased to present the joint motion about a matter that transcended party politics and was a concern for all. He referred to some examples which highlighted the issues.

Councillor Evans stated that targeting anyone because they come from a different country, or they are a different colour, or have different sexual is completely unacceptable and as a society we cannot tolerate. It was comforting that locally incidents had remained static over the past few  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider the following motion to Council for which the appropriate notice has been provided

“This Council supports the City’s small businesses and market traders and recognises that occupancy levels in the market have recently fallen. The Council encourages the cabinet member for regeneration and investment and Newport Norse to provide additional assistance, as a matter of urgency, to increase occupancy levels and footfall in the market.”

To be moved by Councillor Matthew Evans and Seconded by Councillor Margaret Cornelious

The Leader of the Opposition moved the following motion

This Council supports the City’s small businesses and market traders and recognises that occupancy levels in the market have recently fallen. The Council encourages the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Investment** and Newport Norse to provide additional assistance, as a matter of urgency, to increase occupancy levels and footfall in the market.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Margaret Cornelious

(** It was pointed out that the appropriate cabinet member for this issue was the cabinet member for Finance and Resources and it was agreed this would be shown in the minutes)

In moving the motion, the Leader of the Opposition expressed his concern about the situation in Newport market and the perceived inaction by the Council. He felt tangible steps should be taken to assist the market traders and independent traders. He considered that Friar’s Walk should be the start of the city centre regeneration. The Leader of the Opposition referred to communication and action taken by the previous coalition administration at the market and events such as the food festival and Big Splash, both of which seem now to have reduced .He considered relatively small costs could assist in helping encourage use of the market. Occupancy levels were falling.

The Leader of the Opposition recognised the traders needed to do something and that shopping habits have changed. He pointed out that markets in other cities were, however, thriving.

The Leader of the Council moved the following amendment to the motion:

“This Council supports the City’s small businesses and market traders and welcomes the recent meeting between the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources with representatives of the market traders, council officers and Newport Norse, to agree a programme of constructive engagement and an examination of a range of proposals designed to promote footfall, improve management of the market itself, and further improve the market environment;

We note the substantial efforts made by elected members and officers to improve the retail and leisure offer in the city centre. This includes significant increases in footfall since the opening of Friars Walk as evidenced by figures released by Queensbury.

Furthermore, the Council recognises the important role to be played by Newport Now and the Business Improvement District in supporting traditional stores, smaller businesses and the indoor market.

The Council asks the Executive to continue its positive dialogue with the market traders to discuss the variousroles participants can play in progressing this and ensuring that appropriate action is taken, whilst at the same time working with businesses of all sizes to ensure that the improved offer continues to benefit customers and traders in the City.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Whitcutt.

The Leader of the Opposition stated he would support the amendment

In moving the amendment the Leader of the Council stated the success of Friar’s Walk and the impact on the footfall in the City Centre since our retail and leisure offer was improved by this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Director of Social Services presented his annual report

He informed the Council  about the significant impact of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014 and the need for partners to work together and to focus upon delaying and preventing the need for care and/or support to stop people’s needs from escalating. Local authorities must promote co-operation across its services and with, relevant partners and must empower people to seek, innovative solutions and ensure that people have greater voice and control over the care and/or support they receive.

The Director mentioned the requirement for Local Authorities and Health Boards to establish a Regional Partnership Board that will aim to improve outcomes and well-being of people, as well as improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. 

In response to the Act, action was being taken to integrate population assessments from the Future Generations and Social Services and Wellbeing Act and Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Act; provide information, advice and assistance; enhance preventative services and early intervention; and to develop the workforce further

The Director informed Members that performance during 2015/16 was mixed with notable improvements for Adult Services but for Children’s Services the year on year trajectory of improvement has dropped and we only achieved target performance on 60% of indicators. Targets were set at or above the last recorded Wales performance and compared to the previous year 2014/15 Children’s Services dropped from 85% better than Wales average to 60% and compared to our benchmark group from 77% in 2014/15 to 70% in 2015/16.

Performance outcomes for children in care and young offenders had not hit target for educational outcomes and for those in appropriate education, training or employment when they leave school or leave care. As a result Education colleagues had agreed to provide joint leadership in these areas in order to see improved performance.

The Director stated that some measures are counter – intuitive and ironically we can get a “red” for what is essentially ‘good news’. An example being when children in care are placed in a foster home and so move school.

Adult services had improved significantly and the misreporting by the Health Board of some statistics made a real impact which means we would have been able to report even better performance if they had reported more accurately. Delayed Transfer of Care issues had improved significantly.

Members were informed that despite the disappointment in performance in relation to some indicators, there was a much better story to tell in relation to inspection reports of the quality of services which show good performance across the board with particularly good performance in relation to services that were seen as poor in 2014/15 in particular the Youth Offending Service and the Adult Residential Services.

He stated the challenges of significant budget reductions at a time of increasing need had been faced  The City’s population continues to grow quickly and indicators for deprivation in Newport show some of the highest rates of vulnerable children and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The Chair of the Democratic Services Committee presented the Committee’s Annual report as required by the Local Government Measure.

He informed the Council that the report sets out the activities of the Committee in its past year of operation and the things it was likely to be looking at in the coming year.

The Chair was pleased to report that the Committee had discussed matters in a non- party political manner

The Chair stated that at the Committee’s recent meeting members had discussed the issue of succession planning and had agreed to ask the appropriate Cabinet Member to have a look at HR policies to see if they could be reviewed to encourage this practice.

The Chair thanked members and officers for their contribution to the work of the Committee

Resolved

To receive the Annual Report

The Council was informed by the Leader of the Council that this had been a year of transition from implementing the Welsh Language Scheme under the Welsh Language Act 1993 to implementing the Welsh Language Standards under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011. The first Welsh Language Standards implementation date was the 30^th of March 2016. 

As such, the report to Council officially covered the first two days of implementing the Standards (the 30^th and 31^st of March 2016).

The report presented data on the indicators relating to complaints, staff language skills, Welsh medium training for staff and recruiting to empty posts.

The Leader stated that next year Council will receive a more detailed analysis of progress and remaining risks.

The Council, along with other Councils in Wales, had challenged some of the Standards during the consultation process and have challenged further Standards in advance of their implementation date of 30^th March 2016. Many of these challenges, if accepted, would ensure greater consistency across the Standards and between the regional local authorities.

Good progress had been made in the current year. Monitoring systems needed to be developed to ensure that the procedures that we have put in place facilitate the intended outcome: greater use of the Welsh language.

Councillor Fouweather was concerned that the bar had been set too high. Language choice had not been monitored in previous years and there was little information on individuals who had expressed a wish not to receive information in Welsh. He was concerned about costs that had risen from £3,671 in 2012-2013 to £17,375 in 2014-15, although he understood it was a difficult issue.  He felt there were options to allow people to opt out. Councillors Herbie Thomas also was concerned about affordability recognising obligations

Resolved

To approve the report and publish the report on the council’s website, in accordance with statutory deadlines.

The cabinet member for Finance and Resources introduced a report that updated Contract Standing Orders which had been reviewed in light of recent changes to legislation and updated internal governance and processes 

A review of Financial Regulations had also been undertaken. The update included changes to the regulations regarding budget virements, an update of job titles and other minor amendments to update the document. These updates fitted into the review of the Constitution

In response to Councillor Fouweather the Cabinet Member confirmed that EU procurement regulation remain in force at this time

Resolved

To adopt the updated documents

The Leader of the Council presented a report which explained that the Authority’s treasury management activity is underpinned by CIPFA’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management (“the Code”), which requires authorities to produce annually Prudential Indicators and a Treasury Management Strategy Statement on the likely financing and investment activity. The Code also recommends that Members are informed of treasury management activities at least twice a year.  

The successful identification, monitoring and control of risk are therefore central to the Authority’s treasury management strategy.

The 2015/16 Treasury Management Strategy was approved by the Council as part of the overall Medium Term Financial Plan and 2015/16 budget in February 2015.

The Cabinet was presented with the following information.

·           details of capital financing, borrowing, debt rescheduling and investment  transactions

·           reports on the risk implications of treasury decisions and transactions

·           details the outturn position on treasury management transactions in 2015/16

·           confirms compliance with treasury limits and Prudential code

The Leader reported that the Cabinet was informed that the report shows we have met our indicators. The strategy remains to keep our investments low and not to undertake long – term borrowing.

Resolved

To adopt the report

To provide an opportunity for councillors to ask questions to the Chair of the Cabinet in accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders.

Process: No more than 30 minutes will be allocated at the Council meeting for oral questions to the Leader

If members are unable to ask their question orally within the allocated time, remaining questions will be answered in writing. The question and response will be appended to the minutes.

The question must be addressed through the Mayor or the person presiding at the meeting and not directly to the person being questioned

There were no questions to the Chair of the Cabinet on this occasion

To provide an opportunity to pose Questions to Cabinet Members in line with Standing Orders

Process: No more than 10 minutes will be allocated at the Council meeting for questions to each Cabinet Member.

Members will have needed to submit their proposed questions in writing in accordance with Standing Orders. If members are unable to ask their question orally within the allocated time, remaining questions will be answered in writing. The question and response will be appended to the minutes.

The question must be addressed through the Mayor or the person presiding at the meeting and not directly to the person being questioned.

Questions will be posed to cabinet members in the following order:

·         Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment Sustainability and Transport

·         Cabinet Member for Education & Young People

·         Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources

·         CM for Community Services, Work and Skills

·         Cabinet Member for Regulatory Functions

·         Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Investment

·         Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services & Housing

·         Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport 

For Information: A digest of recent decision schedules issued by Cabinet, Cabinet Members and Minutes of recent meetings of Committees has been circulated electronically to all Members of the Council.

There were no questions to the Cabinet Members on this occasion

To pose questions to the Chairs of the Committees in the following order:

1. Scrutiny Committees

·         Community Planning and Development

·         Learning, Caring and Leisure

·         Street Scene, Regeneration and Safety

2. Planning Committee

3. Licensing Committee

4. Democratic Services Committee

Process: No more than 10 minutes will be allocated at the Council meeting for questions to each Chair.

Members will have needed to submit their proposed questions in writing in accordance with Standing Orders. If members are unable to ask their question orally within the allocated time, remaining questions will be answered in writing. The question and response will be appended to the minutes.

The question must be addressed through the Mayor or the person presiding at the meeting and not directly to the person being questioned.

There were no questions to the Chairs on this occasion

The minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 26 May 2016 were received by the Council