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.

i.          To receive any apologies for absence

The Monitoring Officer reported apologies for absence.

ii.         To receive any declarations of interest

Councillor Whitcutt declared a personal interest in item 11 and withdrew from the meeting for that item.

iii.        To receive any announcements by the Mayor

Former Mayor of Newport, David Atwell

The Mayor informed Council of the sad news of the death of Mr David Atwell, former Councillor for Langstone and the previous Mayor of the City.  Condolences were offered to Mrs Atwell and the family, and Members stood in silence as a mark of their respect.

Holocaust Memorial

The Mayor thanked all who had supported the Holocaust Memorial Service at St Woolos Cathedral.  This event was in its thirteenth year, this year reflecting the theme of ‘The Power of Words’.  The Mayor commended all involved for putting on another successful event to mark this important day. 

New Year Honours

On behalf the Council, the Mayor congratulated the following people who had received honours in the New Year’s Honours list:

·         Professor Simon Gibson OBE, chief executive of the Wesley Clover Corporation, awarded a CBE for services to the economy in Wales

·         Sean Dennehey, deputy chief executive of the Intellectual Property Office, awarded a CBE for services to Intellectual Property

·         Lifelong Pill resident Edward Watts, the president of Gwent Scouts, awarded an MBE for his contributions to the scouting movement, the Mission to Seafarers, and to community cohesion in south Wales over the last 50 years.

Armed Forces Award

Councillor Mark Spencer, the Council Champion for the Armed Forces and Veterans, presented the Mayor with a silver award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, recognising the commitment and support given to members of the armed forces.  This award was received by Councillor Spencer on behalf of the Council, at a ceremony at Cardiff City Stadium on 30 November. 

To consider any proposed appointments.

Resolved

The following appointments were agreed:

Internal Appointments

Appointments to External Organisations

Governing Body Appointments

To confirm and sign the minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2017 were confirmed as a true record.

30 minutes is allocated for questions to the Gwent Police representative.

Superintendent Ian Roberts and colleagues attended to introduce themselves as newly serving officers in the city, and provide a brief update on policing priorities in the city, before inviting questions from Members:

·         In response to Councillor Jeavons, Superintendent Roberts confirmed that, if Civil Parking Enforcement proposals were approved today, the police would continue with parking enforcement until those powers were fully transferred to the Council. 

·         On behalf of the Bettws ward councillors, Councillor Cleverly thanked officers for their response to recent events in Bettws.

·         Superintendent Roberts provided the latest position on 101 calls in response to Councillor M Evans question about ongoing problems with the service.

·         Councillor Rahman raised concerns about traffic management around Rodney Parade on match days.  Officers agreed to take this back for discussion with the match day commanders. 

·         In response to Cllr Morris’ question about adequate resources, Superintendent Roberts gave an update on resource prioritisation as a result of budget reductions.

·         In response to Councillor Guy, officers gave an update on sharing intelligence between forces in response to serious crime. 

·         Officers agreed to look into the parking issues raised by Councillor Truman.

·         Councillor Ferris raised concerns about a homeless man being moved to Newport by Police recently.  Officers confirmed this was not an agreed practice and would look into the example given.

To receive the following motion for which the necessary notice has been provided:

This council notes:

1          The obligations its owes to the Armed Forces community within Newport City Council as enshrined in the Armed Forces Covenant; that the Armed Forces community should not face disadvantage in the provision of services and that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given the most.

2          The absence of definitive and comprehensive statistics on the size or demographics of the Armed Forces community within Newport City Council. This includes serving Regular and Reserve personnel, veterans, and their families.

3          That the availability of such data would greatly assist the council, local partner agencies, the voluntary sector, and national Government in the planning and provision of services to address the unique needs of the Armed Forces community within Newport City Council.

In light of the above, this council moves to support and promote The Royal British Legion’s call to include a new topic in the 2021 census that concerns military service and membership of the Armed Forces community. We further call upon the UK Parliament, which will approve the final census questionnaire through legislation in 2019, to ensure that the 2021 census includes questions concerning our Armed Forces community.

The motion is to be proposed by Councillor Debbie Wilcox and seconded by Councillor Mark Spencer.

The Council considered a motion for which the necessary notice had been provided.  The motion was moved by Councillor Wilcox and seconded by Councillor Spencer:

This council notes:

1          The obligations its owes to the Armed Forces community within Newport City Council as enshrined in the Armed Forces Covenant; that the Armed Forces community should not face disadvantage in the provision of services and that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given the most.

2          The absence of definitive and comprehensive statistics on the size or demographics of the Armed Forces community within Newport City Council. This includes serving Regular and Reserve personnel, veterans, and their families.

3          That the availability of such data would greatly assist the council, local partner agencies, the voluntary sector, and national Government in the planning and provision of services to address the unique needs of the Armed Forces community within Newport City Council.

In light of the above, this council moves to support and promote The Royal British Legion’s call to include a new topic in the 2021 census that concerns military service and membership of the Armed Forces community. We further call upon the UK Parliament, which will approve the final census questionnaire through legislation in 2019, to ensure that the 2021 census includes questions concerning our Armed Forces community.

In moving the amendment, the Leader underlined the importance of gathering accurate data on this population, so that the needs of that community can be assessed and better services provided to them. 

A number of Councillors spoke in favour of the motion, highlighting the huge sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community in serving and protecting the country, and the importance of supporting those people and their families as we have committed to do through the Armed Forces Covenant.

It was unanimously:

Resolved

To adopt the motion as set out in full above.

The Leader of the Council presented the report, asking Council to approve the introduction of civil parking enforcement within the City of Newport.  In discussing the report, Members raised the following points:

·         The parking issues and enforcement needed in rural areas.

·         The opportunities presented by this change, in terms of controlling parking enforcement and resolving long term parking issues in the city.

·         The detailed discussions that took place in scrutiny on this issue, which concluded in support of the proposals.

·         Concerns over the costs of implementation, and the need to allocate adequate resources to civil parking enforcement.

·         That the status quo was not sustainable – something needed to be done to resolve the road safety issues caused by illegal parking.

Resolved

To approve the introduction of civil parking enforcement within the City of Newport together with:

·         Appropriate authority to officers to make an application to Welsh Government for transfer of the appropriate powers under the Traffic Management Act 2004.

·         With the successful transfer of powers, undertake parking enforcement duties under the new powers of civil parking enforcement within the authority boundary.

The Leader of the Council presented the report, asking Council to agree the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2018/19.

Resolved

To approve the Council Tax reduction Scheme for 2018/19 in accordance with the Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Prescribed Requirements and Default Schemes) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (“the Prescribed Requirements Regulations”) exercising its local discretions as indicated in the report.

The Leader of the Council presented the Mid-Year Treasury Management update, informing the Council of treasury activities undertaken for the period to 30 September 2017.  The report also provided details of the proposal to change the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy for supported borrowing and to ‘opt-up’ to professional status in relation to the introduction of the Second Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II).

Resolved

To note the treasury management activities for the period to 30 September 2017, which are in line with the agreed 17/18 Treasury Strategies, including the repayment of the Councils own borrowings in relation to the Friar’s Walk Development Loan.

To approve the recommendation that the Council ‘opt-up’ (and therefore maintain current status) to professional status in relation to the introduction of the ‘Second Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II), applicable to the UK in January 2018.

To approve the proposed change to the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy for supported borrowing to the asset life basis, on a straight line basis, noting the Audit Committee’s comments.

The Leader of the Council presented the report detailing the draft Council diary for 2018/19. 

There had been some amendments made since publication of the report, so an updated version would be circulated to Members after the meeting. 

Resolved

To adopt the schedule of meetings as the basis for arrangements for May 2018 to May 2019, recognising that it is subject to change and amendment to meet the needs of the work programmes of each committee or other group.

Councillor Whitcutt declared an interest in this report and withdrew from the meeting for the duration of the item.

The Leader of the Council presented the report, requesting an extended deferral of a mayoral term. 

Resolved

To agree the deferral of Councillor Mark Whitcutt’s mayoral nomination until May 2021.

To refer the process for Mayoral nominations back to Democratic Services Committee for reconsideration. 

Councillor Linton declared an interest in this item and did not vote.

The Leader of the Council moved that the Council nominates Councillor Malcolm Linton to serve as Mayor of the city for the coming year.  The Leader of the Opposition seconded the motion and it was unanimously:

Resolved

To nominate Councillor Malcolm Linton to serve as Mayor of the city for the coming year. 

To provide an opportunity for Councillors to ask questions to the Leader of the Council in accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders.

Process:

No more than 15 minutes will be allocated at the Council meeting for questions to the Leader of the Council.

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

Leader’s Announcements

In answer to the first question from the Mayor, the Leader made the following announcements:

-       Congratulations were offered to Newport AFC on their FA cup success and the draw against Spurs.  The Leader highlighted the work done with the club and Newport Now in turning the city ‘black and amber’ in the run up to the game, and offered best wishes for the upcoming rematch.

-       The recent announcement that the city would be hosting a leg of the World Series of Boxing in 2018, alongside Gateshead and Liverpool.

-       The recent success of the City Summit event.

-       The ongoing consultations for the city centre masterplan, and the wellbeing plan, in which Members were urged to take part.

-       New details of the plans for Chartist Tower, as announced by Garrison Barclay Estates.

-       Details of the recent Severn Growth Summit, attended by the Leader, Chief Executive, and Strategic Director – Place.

-       The in principle support confirmed by Welsh Government following the Council’s bid to the 21^st century schools programme.

Newport Market

Councillor Matthew Evans asked when the Leader had last met with traders at Newport Market, and whether the Leader was aware of the current petition started by traders at the Market, asking for stall rent reductions and improved facilities.

The Leader outlined the current arrangements in place for regular meetings between the traders, relevant cabinet members, and supporting officers.  The Leader highlighted the work being done to regenerate and reinvigorate the Market building, and was disappointed to hear about the petition in light of the regular communication and close working with the trader representatives.  The Leader agreed that the matter would be investigated further to respond to the concerns raised by the petition.

Newport High School

Councillor Jan Cleverly asked what was being done in response to the recent Estyn inspection of Newport High School, and more generally to broaden representation on governing bodies. 

The Leader explained the measures in place to respond to the Estyn inspection report, including putting a senior officer in place to chair the governing body and address the issues raised in the inspection.

In response to Councillor Cleverly’s supplementary question highlighting some specific incidents at the school, the Leader agreed to raise these examples with the Chief Education Officer for further investigation. 

Full Time University Courses

Councillor Carmel Townsend asked whether the Council was in dialogue with the University of South Wales to ask that the number of full time courses offered at the city campus could be increased.

The Leader confirmed that regular discussions were held with the University, but not on this specific subject.  The Leader agreed to set up a meeting to discuss this point, to which Councillor Townsend would be invited.

Dark Fibre Bid

In response to a question from Councillor Laura Lacey, the Leader confirmed that the bid to develop the dark fibre network would be discussed at the next Cardiff Capital Region Cabinet meeting on 12 February.  This network would provide  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

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 must submit their proposed questions in writing in advance 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:

      i.        Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Assets and Member Development

     ii.        Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

    iii.        Cabinet Member for Social Services

   iv.        Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing

    v.        Cabinet Member for Community and Resources

   vi.        Cabinet Member for Streetscene

  vii.        Cabinet Member for Licensing and Regulation

 viii.        Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure

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.

No questions were submitted on this occasion.

To provide an opportunity to pose questions to the Chairs of the Committees in line with Standing Orders.

Process:

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

Members must submit their proposed questions in writing in advance 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 Committee Chairs in the following order:

      i.        Scrutiny Committees

a.    Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee

b.    Performance Scrutiny Committee – People

c.    Performance Scrutiny Committee – Place and Corporate

d.    Performance Scrutiny Committee – Partnerships

     ii.        Planning Committee

    iii.        Licensing Committee

   iv.        Democratic Services Committee

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.

No questions were submitted on this occasion.