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.

The Council wished to note its condolences to Councillor Mudd on her recent family bereavement.

ii)         To receive any declarations of interest

None.

iii)        To receive any announcements by the Mayor

Civic Service

The Mayor thanked all those who had helped celebrate the start of his year of office by attending the Civic Service at St Woolos Cathedral on Sunday 13 July.

GAVO 90^th Anniversary

The Mayor led the Council in congratulating GAVO (Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations) on their 90^th anniversary.  He thanked GAVO for the honour of joining their celebrations on 2 July in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.

Merchant Navy Association

The Mayor thanked all who attended the recent unveiling of a plaque for the Merchant Navy.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the last meeting.

The following amendment was put forward to the minutes of the meeting on 24 April 2018:

-       On Item 10 (Questions to the Leader of the Council) – to clarify that the Leader of the Council ruled out the introduction of three weekly bin collections while she was Leader.

The minutes of the meetings held on 24 April 2018 and 15 May 2018 were approved as a true record subject to the amendment above.

To consider any proposed appointments.

It was

Resolved

i)          To approve the recommendation of Newport’s Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education to appoint a Humanist representative to that group.

ii)         To approve the following nominations:

Internal Appointments

Appointments to External Organisations

Governing Body Appointments

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

Chief Inspector Richard Blakemore provided an update on current local policing priorities, before inviting questions from Members. 

-       Responding to questions regarding drugs and associated crime, it was confirmed that all issues relating to drugs were taken very seriously, and Gwent Police was working closely with the local authority and other partners in taking a multi-agency approach to these complex issues.  Recent progress in confronting serious organised crime and the supply of drugs was reported, with the engagement of a new Serious Organised Crime Officer.

-       Responding to a number of questions about off road motorbikes, the officer outlined the current operations and tactics being deployed to address this problem.

-       Cllr Jeavons thanked officers for their recent efforts in Lliswerry, particularly around Black Ash Park.

-       Cllr Hourahine thanked the local officer for recent attendance and actions following the St Julian’s ward meeting.

-       Responding to Cllr Holyoake’s question, the officer outlined the work being done to tackle prostitution and associated crimes in the Pillgwenlly area.

-       Cllr T Watkins asked for a local perspective on the recent national statistics showing a rise in violent crime, and subsequent media reports that this was down to fewer officers “on the beat”.  The Chief Inspector responded that he did not see correlation between those two factors in Newport, citing the ongoing recruitment for front line officers, the factors that can impact on statistics, and the robust plans in place to maximise available resources e.g. in the city centre.

-       Cllr Cleverly thanked officers for their work in Bettws in responding to recent fires. 

-       Responding to Cllr M Evans’ question about gypsy and traveller encampments, the officer outlined the memorandum of understanding in place between the police and the local authority to ensure a proportionate response in each case.

-       Responding to concerns that officers attending ward meetings were not always sufficiently senior or with the right knowledge to be able to respond properly to residents’ questions, the Chief Inspector agreed to take this back to the neighbourhood teams.

-       Responding to Cllr Suller’s question, the officer outlined the work being done to prevent and address the involvement of very young people in the selling of drugs. 

-       Responding to Cllr Al-Nuaimi’s question, the officer outlined the work being done in partnership with the Council’s licensing department following the incident in Cambrian Road to ensure a vibrant and safe city centre.

The Mayor thanked Chief Inspector Blakemore for attending.

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

This council notes the public outcry against the closure of the public toilets in Caerleon and urges the Cabinet to re instate them as a matter of urgency.

The motion is to proposed by Councillor Joan Watkins and seconded by Councillor David Williams.

The Council considered a motion for which the necessary notice had been provided.  The motion was moved by Councillor Joan Watkins and seconded by Councillor David Williams:

This council notes the public outcry against the closure of the public toilets in Caerleon and urges the Cabinet to re instate them as a matter of urgency.

In moving the motion, Councillor Joan Watkins cited the public reaction to the closure, and the need for such facilities to encourage increasing visitors as well as serving local people’s needs.

In seconding the motion, Councillor David Williams cited the example of Bridgend County Borough Council who engaged local businesses to provide alternative facilities before closing any public conveniences.

Councillor Debbie Wilcox moved the following amendment to the motion:

After “This Council notes”:

1. The improved public toilet facilities in Caerleon Town Hall, which included increasing opening hours and the availability of a caretaker.

2. That a very successful joint agreement with the National Roman Legion Museum has enabled the Broadway toilets to be open daily during the time the Cricket Pavilion is being leased.  These toilets will remain open until 2019, paving the way for further discussions with future interested parties.  This is also the case for other public toilets in Newport.

Furthermore, this Council acknowledges the improved toilet facilities available in Caerleon and supports the ongoing efforts to secure a means of providing permanent availability of the Broadway toilets.  It further calls upon the UK Government to reverse its austerity agenda and provide an increase in funding to local government budgets throughout the UK above the rate of inflation, to allow them to provide improved public services which includes public toilets.

In moving and seconding the amendment, the Leader and Deputy Leader both highlighted the continuing pressure of austerity facing the Council, and the difficult decisions and challenges this presented.

The following points were raised against the amendment:

·         the relatively small saving made through closing the facility 

·         the need to prioritise spending and listen to public concerns 

·         the alternative ideas put forward by scrutiny during the budget process 

·         the impact on tourism 

The following points were raised in support of the amendment:

·         the improvement of facilities at the town hall to ensure adequate alternative provision 

·         the impact of austerity on local government budgets, making difficult decisions necessary 

·         alternative solutions e.g. The community group re-opening a facility as café with a public toilet in Maindee

Speaking in reply to the amendment, Councillor Joan Watkins questioned the success of arrangements with the Town Hall, and highlighted the impact of the closure on elderly and vulnerable people.

The required number of elected members sought a recorded vote. 

The following members voted in favour of the amendment:

Councillors Al-Nuaimi, Berry, Clarke, Cockeram, Critchley, Davies, C Evans, Forsey, Giles, Guy, Harvey, R Hayat, Holyoake, Hourahine, Hughes, Jeavons, Jenkins, Lacey, Linton, Marshall, Mayer, Richards, Spencer, H Thomas, K Thomas, Truman, T Watkins, Whitcutt, and Wilcox - A total of 29 votes

The following members voted against the amendment:

Councillors  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

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

This Council resolves to start the process of reducing the use of plastics across the City of Newport by: 

·         Supporting Plastic Free Coastlines, committing to plastic free alternatives and supporting plastic free initiatives within the City  

·         Reducing the use of single-use plastics on Council premises and promoting the removal of single-use plastics elsewhere

·         Encouraging local businesses and retailers to stop using, and selling, single-use plastic items, replacing them with sustainable alternatives 

·         Working with stakeholders to reduce the use of plastic in schools, colleges and libraries, community and leisure centres 

·         Promoting or organising community events to remove plastic waste from our coastline, and elsewhere across the City

Some key examples of where we will target our efforts to reduce single use plastics and their alternatives are:  

·         Recyclable or reusable cups

·         Metal, compostable or other materials instead of plastic cutlery

·         Compostable or reusable stirrers

·         Paper bags or wrapping instead of plastic

·         Reusable bottles instead of throwaway plastic

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

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

This Council resolves to start the process of reducing the use of plastics across the City of Newport by: 

·         Supporting Plastic Free Coastlines, committing to plastic free alternatives and supporting plastic free initiatives within the City  

·         Reducing the use of single-use plastics on Council premises and promoting the removal of single-use plastics elsewhere

·         Encouraging local businesses and retailers to stop using, and selling, single-use plastic items, replacing them with sustainable alternatives 

·         Working with stakeholders to reduce the use of plastic in schools, colleges and libraries, community and leisure centres 

·         Promoting or organising community events to remove plastic waste from our coastline, and elsewhere across the City

Some key examples of where we will target our efforts to reduce single use plastics and their alternatives are:  

·         Recyclable or reusable cups

·         Metal, compostable or other materials instead of plastic cutlery

·         Compostable or reusable stirrers

·         Paper bags or wrapping instead of plastic

·         Reusable bottles instead of throwaway plastic

In moving the motion, Councillor Wilcox highlighted the pervasive impact of plastic on the environment, and the sustainable alternatives available.

Councillor Whitcutt spoke to second the motion, providing some additional statistics on the extent of plastic pollution.

A number of Members spoke in support of the motion, sharing personal experiences as well as examples of the different ways individuals, businesses and public bodies can help cut down on plastic waste.

In conclusion, Cllr Wilcox thanked Members for their contributions and suggestions in this important area.

It was unanimously

Resolved

To adopt the motion as set out in full above. 

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

The Department of Work and Pensions have announced that five of its offices across South Wales will close, with a total of 1,700 staff centralised at a new site on the Treforest Industrial Estate. In addition to the Newport Benefit Centre with 365 staff present there is the Caerphilly Benefits Centre with 225 staff and office closures include the Merthyr Benefit Centre with 262 staff, the Cwmbran Pension Centre with 171 staff and the Gabalfa Cardiff Centre with 714 staff.

Although it is recognised that the DWP like local government are seeking to make changes to their operations in response to the ever increasing pressures placed on them from austerity measures, we are concerned with the decision to relocate jobs out of Newport City Centre and the implications the move will have on future sustainability. It will also have a negative impact on current Newport-based staff who will be unable to travel for a variety of reasons to the new fairly distant location with unconnected public transport routes thus putting job security at real risk.

This Council therefore resolves to write to:

(i)         The UK Government to request a reconsideration of the relocation of the Newport DWP Offices and that the UK Government be urged to enter into meaningful discussions with the PCS Trade Union on this matter.

(ii)        The Welsh Government to request that they add their support to the PCS’s position and ask that they write to the UK Government indicating their support for this reconsideration.

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

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

The Department of Work and Pensions have announced that five of its offices across South Wales will close, with a total of 1,700 staff centralised at a new site on the Treforest Industrial Estate. In addition to the Newport Benefit Centre with 365 staff present there is the Caerphilly Benefits Centre with 225 staff and office closures include the Merthyr Benefit Centre with 262 staff, the Cwmbran Pension Centre with 171 staff and the Gabalfa Cardiff Centre with 714 staff.

Although it is recognised that the DWP like local government are seeking to make changes to their operations in response to the ever increasing pressures placed on them from austerity measures, we are concerned with the decision to relocate jobs out of Newport City Centre and the implications the move will have on future sustainability. It will also have a negative impact on current Newport-based staff who will be unable to travel for a variety of reasons to the new fairly distant location with unconnected public transport routes thus putting job security at real risk.

This Council therefore resolves to write to:

(i)         The UK Government to request a reconsideration of the relocation of the Newport DWP Offices and that the UK Government be urged to enter into meaningful discussions with the PCS Trade Union on this matter.

(ii)        The Welsh Government to request that they add their support to the PCS’s position and ask that they write to the UK Government indicating their support for this reconsideration.

In moving the motion, Councillor Wilcox highlighted the impact of the proposals, including 300 affected staff in Newport, and the discrepancies between the projected impact set out by DWP, and the contradictory evidence put forward by the PCS union.   

The motion was seconded by Councillor Whitcutt.

The Leader of the Opposition also spoke in favour of the motion, drawing parallels to the campaign to keep the Passport Office in the city centre. 

It was unanimously

Resolved

To adopt the motion as set out in full above. 

The Cabinet Member for Licensing and Regulation presented the report asking Council to approve a Public Spaces Protection Order for Maesglas.  The Cabinet Member explained the background to the order, prompted by the high level of complaints relating to the area around the local shops.

In seconding the report, Cllr Wilcox confirmed that the proposals were supported by the local ward members, and were aimed at restricting the behaviours of a minority of people acting in an intimidatory manner.

In discussing the report, the following points were raised:

·         the need to tackle anti social behaviour and its negative impact on local communities 

·         concerns that closing off an area will just displace the problem to another location

·         points for and against PSPOs being the right tool for this problem 

It was unanimously

Resolved

To approve the Maesglas Public Spaces Protection Order, as detailed in Appendix D of the report

The Cabinet Member for Licensing and Regulation presented the report asking Council to approve a revised Public Spaces Protection Order for the City Centre.  He confirmed that the original order was due for review, and thanked scrutiny Members for their thorough consideration in this process.

Councillor Matthew Evans proposed the following amendment to the order:

Referring to Appendix B – Proposed Revised Newport City Centre Public Space Protection Order 2018 – to replace point 5 with:

·         Any person on a street in the restricted area is prohibited from, at any time, placing themselves in a position to beg or solicit money.

Speaking to the amendment, Councillor Matthew Evans put forward that the current ban on aggressive begging was unenforceable, and the proposal to introduce an exclusion zone around cash points would create the same problem.  

In seconding the amendment, Cllr Fouweather supported Cllr Evans’ suggestion that the exclusion zone would be difficult to enforce.

The following points were raised in discussions on the amendment: 

·         that this issue had already been consulted upon and discussed by the scrutiny committee, and the recommendations were supported by the police

·         the low number of responses to the consultation

·         that a blanket ban on begging would criminalise some of the most vulnerable members of society 

·         details of the new diverted giving scheme

Following a vote the amendment was lost.

Discussions on the substantive proposals included the following points:

·         the views expressed against the proposed begging restrictions by agencies consulted as part of the review.

·         the thorough discussions held in scrutiny on these proposals

·         the different reasons people turn to begging

·         the focus of the debate on begging, when a number of measures are covered by the order

·         the need to achieve a proportionate and fair response to these issues

It was 

Resolved

To approve the extended and revised Public Spaces Protection Order for the City Centre, as detailed in Appendix B of the report.

The Leader of the Council presented the report asking Council to adopt a High Street Rate Relief Scheme for 2018-19.

The Welsh Government had again made available grant funding for billing authorities to deliver in 2018-19 the High Street Rate Relief Scheme to reduce the rate burden on qualifying high street retail properties. The funding for 2018-19 amounted to a maximum of £139,250 and a number of businesses were expected to benefit from reduced rates by way of this Relief.

The scheme more or less replicated the scheme that was introduced in 2017-18; the only difference being that the amount of relief available to businesses was lower.

Qualifying ratepayers would fall into two categories, tier 1 would receive up to £250, and tier 2 where up to £750 would be awarded per qualifying property.

It was estimated that around 350 ratepayers across the city could potentially benefit from reduced rate bills under this scheme.

It was unanimously

Resolved

To adopt the Welsh Government’s Wales Retail Relief Scheme for 2018-19 by making the appropriate determination and decision, as required by Sections 47(1)(a) and 47(3) respectively of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, and set out in the Appendix to the report.

Representing the Standards Committee, Councillor Herbie Thomas presented the report proposing an update to the Member / Officer Protocol in the Council’s constitution. 

The original Protocol was agreed by Standards Committee over 15 years ago, prior to the introduction of the Model Code of Conduct in Wales.  The Protocol had been updated periodically over the years on a piecemeal basis, but had never been comprehensively reviewed. Standards Committee did recommend a wholescale review some years ago but the proposal was never approved by full council, due to a misunderstanding about the nature and effect of the Protocol.

At its meeting in January, the Standards Committee agreed that there was a continuing need for the Protocol, to supplement the regulatory codes.  Committee also considered that the existing Protocol, as set out in the Council’s Constitution, was in need of revision and up-dating, in line with the alternative document, which was drafted as part of the new Model Welsh Constitution.

The revised protocol had been thoroughly reviewed by the Committee, and updated to reflect the Committee’s comments on the original draft.  The revised protocol had therefore been endorsed by the Standards Committee and was recommended for adoption. 

It was unanimously

Resolved

To adopt the revised protocol on Member / Officer relations.

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:

-       The in-principle decision this month to back a £12 million redevelopment proposal to regenerate and revitalise the historic Newport Market

-       £1.1 million of National Lottery funding secured to restore the Market Arcade to its former glory.

-       Planning approval obtained to progress the redevelopment of Chartist Tower, to include a new hotel with gym, conference space, offices, a coffee shop and restaurant.

-       Financial support agreed with Welsh Government for the initial stages of the project to develop a new footbridge to replace the Devon Place subway.

-       The progress in securing funding to carry out essential repairs to the Transporter Bridge and enhance it as a visitor attraction.

-       Recent Cabinet agreement to develop new Neighbourhood hubs

-       Green Flag awards confirmed for Beechwood Park, Belle Vue Park and Gwent Crematorium.

-       Major events being held in the city, with the Newport Marathon, Velothon Wales and Big Splash taking place recently, and the Tour of Britain and Food Festival planned for the Autumn.

University Provision

Referring to the Labour manifesto commitments to support university education in the city, Councillor Matthew Evans asked about the number of university students currently studying in Newport, speculating that it must be less than the 9,000 students studying here in 2012.

The Leader assured Council that a lot of work was being done behind the scenes with the university as a key partner in the city, however it was also noted that the University of South Wales (USW) was an independent institution working to its own business plan. The Leader had also recently issued a statement supporting the reaccreditation of USW’s teacher training course which represented 30% of USW’s business.  The university and its students were highly valued in the city but also respected as a private enterprise.

Councillor Evans asked a supplementary question about the relationship with the university, referencing the previously vibrant student scene in the city, with only a fraction of USW’s 20,000 students now coming to Newport.  The Leader noted and understood Councillor Evans’ concerns, welcomed working together on this issue, and agreed to take any ideas forward to future meetings with the Vice Chancellor.

Affordable Housing

Referencing the need for affordable housing and the impact of the “Bristol effect”, Councillor Cleverly asked whether the Council would take action by setting up a local house building company.

The Leader recognised the need for more affordable homes, and while the end of the bridge tolls was welcomed, the changing demographic caused by the “Bristol effect” did bring with it concerns about the availability of affordable housing.  It was noted that the Council’s housing stock was transferred to Newport City Homes in 2009, however the Leader agreed to look into the idea.

University Provision 

Following up on Councillor Evans’ question, Councillor Townsend asked whether we could work with other local universities.  The Leader confirmed that there was no exclusivity in the relationship with  ...  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.

The following questions were submitted and answered.

Cabinet Member for Social Services / Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

Councillor Joan Watkins asked:

A recent question at any time on the cost issue of the Out of area placements for children in Newport revealed that the figure involved now stands at £4,683,192.  Would the Cabinet Member agree that this is an enormous figure giving rise to serious concern. I understand children are being placed as far afield as Scotland, such distances will increase the cost to the Authority in terms of social workers time and travel etc.  Additionally placing a child so far away from family and friends may have a detrimental effect on that child. What measures does he have in place to address this issue and as a matter of urgency?

What is the time scale for providing the SEBD Special school which has been mentioned and what other measures are in place to reduce this cost by making provision in Newport?

The Cabinet Member for Social Services responded:

The Cabinet Member expressed surprise that this question had been submitted when details had already been shared at the last two scrutiny meetings, at the Corporate Parenting Forum, and at Cabinet, however the question was welcomed to record what was being done to tackle this issue.

It was confirmed that Children’s Services recognise the need to maintain our most vulnerable children close to Newport and have dedicated an ‘invest to save’ project to reduce the number of Out of County placements. 

Children’s services currently have 10 residential children’s beds across Cambridge House and Forest Lodge. These homes have been at full capacity for the majority of this year.   In addition, Oaklands home offers respite to children with disabilities which has proved to support many families in caring for their children at home and reduce possible admissions to local authority care.

At present, 27 children were accommodated in Out of County residential placements.  Most placement decisions were made through the courts, and therefore had to be followed – and this was a pressure faced by Councils nation-wide.

Of the 27 children accommodated Out of County:

·         4 would turn 18 this year and therefore would move on from residential care or will transfer to an adult service.

·          5 have disabilities and are placed in a specialist residential setting, within 20 minutes’ drive of Newport.

£1.5 million has been agreed for the development of 3 new children’s homes which will increase capacity by 12 beds.

The first home, Rose Cottage, is due to open at the end of this year and will allow for 4 children to return to Newport.

The project team have identified ideal criteria for homes and continue to search for further, suitable properties from which we can offer quality residential provision to the children of Newport. 

In conclusion, there is a body of work taking place nationally and regionally to address the dearth of suitable placements for children in care. In Newport as well as playing a full  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

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.

There were no questions for the Committee Chairs.

To note the minutes of the latest meeting of the Standards Committee.

The minutes of the last meeting of the Standards Committee were noted.