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

There were no declarations of interest.

iii)           To receive any announcements of the Mayor

New Year’s Honours List

The Mayor led the Council in congratulating those who had received Honours in the New Year’s Honours List:

·         Local businesswoman Liz Maher OBE, for services to diversity and economic development;

·         Ballet Cymru founder Darius Williams OBE, for services to ballet and the community;

·         Geraint Thomas OBE, for services to cycling.

·         David Gareth Watts MBE, for services to the economy, to charity and to mental health services;

·         Peter Richards who received a British Empire Medal for services to the Community;

·         Inspector Amanda Williams of Gwent Police, who received the Queen’s Policing Medal;

Holocaust Memorial

The Mayor thanked those who supported the Holocaust Memorial Day Service as St Woolos Cathedral on 28 January 2019, where those who had died or ben affected as a result of genocide were remembered.

British Transplant Games

The Mayor had taken part in the launch of the British Transplant Games lighting ceremony, this event would be hosted by the City in July.

Newport County

The Mayor congratulated Newport County on the result on Saturday, and wished the team luck for their next match on Tuesday.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2018 were approved as a true record.

To consider any proposed appointments.

Councillor Harvey presented the report and updated the Council on the proposed changes to Committee appointments.

Resolved

It was unanimously resolved to approve the following nominations:

Internal Appointments

Appointments to External Organisations

Governing Body Appointments

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

Superintendent Ian Roberts gave the Council an update on current police matters and answered the following questions from Members:

-           Councillor Ray Truman highlighted a number of serious road collisions that had occurred around the Beechwood Road Junction, and on Chepstow Road and asked for assurances that enforcement action would be taken against illegal parking in this area.  The Council was informed that the parking issues were known to the police in this area, and officers were taking enforcement action in the area within the limited resources and balancing all priorities.

-           Councillor Jane Mudd highlighted the large increase in the volume of complaints about parking around Malpas School, and the risk posed to school children. Whilst acknowledging the pressures facing the police with resourcing, it was asked that the police increase enforcement action particularly around school entry and exit points to address the problem, and act as a deterrent for future instances. Superintendent Roberts said he would refer this matter to the local officer to look into.

-           Councillor Jane Mudd also raised the issue of improving communication within business owners in the city centre, particularly in relation providing greater assurance to the businesses in the city about the rate of activity of enforcement of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). Superintendent Roberts agreed to refer this to the Inspector to ensure the lines of communication were effective.

-           Councillor Jeavons raised the increasing issue of illegal parking in the city centre, and across all wards in Newport and the safety implications particularly around schools.  The Superintendent was asked to take enforcement action as much as possible to help alleviate the problem.

-           Councillor Matthew Evans reiterated concerns about illegal parking and in particular the impact of this on those with disabilities, young children and elderly people who were greatly affected by the obstruction and safety issues resulting from this problem.

-           Councillor Laura Lacey raised an issue of a recent drug raid in her ward in Ringland where the wrong house was raided and damage occurred to the door. The Councillor asked for assurances that this would be addressed with an apology to the resident and the damage rectified. The Superintendent asked for more information from the Councillor after the meeting so that the matter could be referred and addressed.

-           Councillor Majid Rahman outlined concerns regarding the redeployment of the PCSOs in Victoria Ward, stating that the previous officers had built up good relationships and trust with residents. Residents were raising issues directly with the ward councillors rather than police, and whilst this was being passed on to police, the action that had been taken was not always fed back. The Superintendent agreed to forward the issue of keeping elected Member informed. Recruitment of PCSOs was being undertaken this year, and the superintendent outlined the need to ensure an equal spread of PSCOs across the wards.

-           Issues of Antisocial Behaviour around George Street bridge were also raised, and reports of online racial comments about this incident.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Ceri Stradling (Lead Commissioner), Matt Redmond (Deputy Chief Executive of the Boundary Commission) and Huw Blacker (Review Officer) gave a presentation to the Council on the Electoral Review within Newport. 

The Boundary Commission was responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to Welsh Ministers on principal Council Electoral arrangements and administrative boundaries.  They outlined the scope, process and timescales for the review and how the Council could comment and make representations on the review.

The following issues were discussed in response to questions from Members:

·                In response to questions about the purpose of the review, the act dictated the purpose to ensure electoral parity across Newport City Council when compared to the other authorities in Category 2.  

·                There was a statutory duty to undertake the review, the purpose of the act and the review was to ensure that each vote in Newport had the same weight on the Council. Some variances were recognised, however some of the ward variances in Newport were too large.

·                In relation to the minimum and maximum numbers of Councillors and how they linked to Council size and population numbers. The caps were decided as a result of consultation on Council size models, Councils were divided into 4 broad categories, and the minimum of 30, maximum of 75 were determined to be broadly acceptable.

·                Other factors, such as the demand on Councillors in specific areas was discussed, and it was confirmed that only the factors outlined under statute could be taken into account.

·                Community Councils were also receiving this presentation and would have the same opportunity to be involved and to provide information and evidence as part of the review. 

·                Social deprivation and the impact of this case work was not a statutory consideration, however evidence why a higher ratio would be needed in a particular area would be considered as part of the review

·                It was not within the scope of the review or under the act to consider external boundary arrangements. 

·                The review was primarily using the existing population figures. Projected variance of would be considered where there was a good degree of certainty and evidence that the developments were being build.

·                The Commission would potentially consider an extension to the initial 12-week consultation period in extenuating circumstances, however the consultation after the draft was published was set in statue.

The Council thanked the officers of the Boundary Commission, and noted the importance of ensuring the best possible democratic representation for the people of Newport within the review.

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

This Council acknowledges the 27,000 signature petition raised, and expresses horror at the barbaric practices that take place at the Yulin Dog Meat Festival. It urges the Province of Guangxi to ban future festivals, and end the appalling cruelty associated with it.

The motion is to be proposed by Councillor Matthew Evans and seconded by Councillor Ray Mogford.

The Council considered a motion for which the necessary notice had been provided. The motion was moved by Councillor Matthew Evans, and seconded by Councillor Ray Mogford:

This Council acknowledges the 27,000 signature petition raised and expresses horror at the barbaric practices that take place at the Yulin Dog Meat Festival. It urges the Province of Guangxi to ban future festivals, and end the appalling cruelty associated with it.

In moving the motion, Councillor Matthew Evans condemned the cruelty and inhumane way in which the animals were treated at this festival, and urged the Council to agree to write a strongly worded letter condemning the practices of festival.  It was emphasised that it was the treatment of the animals at the festival that was to focus of the petition. 

Councillor Ray Mogford seconded the motion, supporting the proposal to urge Gnangxi Province to ban future festivals.

A number of Members spoke in favour of the motion.  During the debate, it was noted that the petition had not formally been received by the Council.

Resolved

It was unanimously resolved to support the motion.

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

This Council agrees to adopt the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Charter, which sets out the care and support that people living with MND and their carers deserve and should expect.

The MND Charter is made up of 5 points:

1.       The right to be treated as individuals and with dignity and respect 

2.       The right to an early diagnosis and information  

3.       The right to access quality care and treatments 

4.       The right to maximise their quality of life 

5.       Carers of people with MND have the right to be valued, respected, listened to and well supported.

The motion is to be proposed by Councillor Debbie Wilcox and seconded by Councillor Trevor Watkins.

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 Trevor Watkins:

This Council agrees to adopt the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Charter, which sets out the care and support that people living with MND and their carers deserve and should expect.

The MND Charter is made up of 5 points:

1.       The right to be treated as individuals and with dignity and respect 

2.       The right to an early diagnosis and information  

3.       The right to access quality care and treatments 

4.       The right to maximise their quality of life 

5.       Carers of people with MND have the right to be valued, respected, listened to and well supported.

In moving the motion, Councillor Debbie Wilcox cited the importance of supporting the individuals affected by the disease and ensure that they have the best care possible through signing up to the Charter.

In seconding the motion, Councillor Trevor Watkins highlighted the importance of raising awareness and supporting those who are suffering with this disease. A number of Members spoke in support of the motion, many sharing their personal experiences of MNDA and the terrible impact it has on individuals and their families. 

Resolved

It was unanimously resolved to support the motion.

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

This Council supports the Lucy’s Law National Campaign to ban the selling of puppies by third parties, and the Council is requested to add its name to the growing list of supporting organisations and will proactively highlight the campaign to our residents across the city. Furthermore the Leader will write in support of the campaign to both the First Minister and Prime Minister highlighting Newport’s support for the introduction of this law in both Wales and England.

The motion is to be proposed by Councillor Debbie Wilcox and seconded by Councillor Jason Hughes.

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 Jason Hughes:

This Council supports the Lucy’s Law National Campaign to ban the selling of puppies by third parties, and the Council is requested to add its name to the growing list of supporting organisations and will proactively highlight the campaign to our residents across the city. Furthermore the Leader will write in support of the campaign to both the First Minister and Prime Minister highlighting Newport’s support for the introduction of this law in both Wales and England.

In moving the motion, Councillor Debbie Wilcox outlined the purpose of the campaign to promote an outright ban on the third party sellers of puppies so that puppies could only be sold by licensed breeders, in the presence of their mothers over the age of 8 weeks. This would not affect rescue and rehoming centres.

In seconding the motion, Councillor Jason Hughes provided detail on the background to Lucy’s Law and the of mistreatment of dogs in puppy farms. A number of Members also spoke in support of the motion. 

Resolved

It was unanimously resolved to support the motion.

The Leader presented the report on Treasury Management, explaining that the report was to inform the Council of Treasury activities undertaken during this period, and confirmed that all borrowing and investments undertaken had been in line with agreed council limits.  It was confirmed that current forecasts indicated that borrowing would be required to fund normal day to day cash flow activities.

Resolved

It was unanimously resolved to note and approve the report on Treasury management activities for the period to 30 September 2018 in line with the agreed Treasury Management Strategy 2018/19.

The Leader presented the report informing the Council of the proposed Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2019/20. It was explained that the local discretionary elements previously agreed were retained, and detailed within the report. The report had to be approved before 31 January 2019 to exercise the local discretions.

Resolved

It was unanimously resolved to approve the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2019/20 in accordance with the Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Prescribed Requirements and Default Schemes) (Wales)(Amendment) Regulations 2015 (“The prescribed Regulations”) exercising its local discretions as indicated in the report.

The Mayor moved the proposed schedule of meetings for 2019/20.

Resolved

It was unanimously resolved to adopt the schedule of meetings as the basis for the arrangements for May 2019 to May 2020, recognising it is subject to change and amendments to meet the work programmes of each committee or other group.

The Leader of the Council moved that the Council nominate Councillor William Routley to serve as the Mayor of the City for the coming year. The Leader of the Opposition seconded the motion.

Resolved

It was unanimously resolved to nominate Councillor William Routley 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.

Leaders Announcements

The Leader made the following announcements:

·                Congratulations to Councillor William Routley on his nomination as Mayor of Newport for 2019/20;

·                British Transplant Games were officially launched with the lighting of the Donor Family Flame in Newport. The Games would take place from 25-28 July 2019 and were expected to attract more than 850 transplant recipient athletes and more than 1,500 supporters to the City.

·                Holocaust Memorial Service held at Newport Cathedral to remember those who had suffered in the Second World War, as well as the victims of more recent genocides including those in Rwanda and Cambodia.

·                Congratulations to Newport County AFC for the match result, and best wishes for their next match against Middlesbrough. 

Economic Development Summit

Councillor Matthew Evans asked for confirmation as to whether an Economic Development Summit was taking place this Thursday at the Celtic Manor, and if so, who had arranged it, who was invited, and asked for clarification as to why it was being held in private. 

The Leader clarified that a round table discussion was being held with interested parties emanating from the discussions at the Newport Economic Network. Invitees included the Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing as Members of the Network. It was hoped to hear a frank exchange of views from business leaders to promote investment in the City. There was no cost to the Council for this and the Leader would feedback to Members after the event.  It was clarified that this was a different type of event to summits in previous years, this was intended to be as a smaller round table discussion and would include a regional dimension.

As a supplementary question, Councillor Matthew Evans asked how this summit would address the issues in the city centre. The Leader clarified that this type of discussion would allow for a detailed and frank discussion with the Newport Economic Network. There were limits to the role of the Council in improving the economic environment within the national context, and the purpose of this meeting was to look for tangible and realistic actions and outcomes for Newport.

Partnership Working with Newport County FC

Councillor Kevin Whitehead asked whether the Leader, or the appropriate Cabinet Member would agree to meet with the Newport County delegation to discuss positive partnership working going forward, citing the example of positive partnership working between Swansea Councils and the Ospreys and Swansea FC at Liberty Stadium.

The Leader confirmed that meetings of this nature were ongoing at the moment and the Council would continue to develop this. The development of a Sports Strategy would help to inform the Council on the future direction for Sport within Newport.

As a supplementary question, Councillor Whitehead asked if the Leader could raise with the Newport County how it could communicate this positive relationship, potentially within its programme. The Leader welcomed the comment, noting that this would be a decision for the Board. 

Fairness Commission – Increase Charging for Bulky Waste Proposal

Councillor Carmel Townsend asked  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

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 question was submitted and answered:

Cabinet Member for Street scene

Councillor Ray Mogford - Public Access to Recycling Centres

There is an ongoing trend for councils to restrict public access to their recycling centres. This is clearly done on the basis of a measured cost saving to the Council. Recently Monmouth County council have announced that their residents will, going forward, need to prove residency prior to accessing their recycling facilities. 

This creates a situation for residents in the ward I represent (Langstone) whereby the nearest recycling facility is just a short drive along the A48 with virtually no traffic congestion en route. In some cases there are Langstone residents living within 1/2 mile of the facility. Yet we are expected to drive through the City for up to a 24 mile round trip to access a recycling Centre that both has restricted opening times as well as being sited at a highly congested roundabout, particularly during peak times. 

Could the Cabinet outline what is the extent of co-operation between local authorities on waste recycling activities? As part of that, specifically regarding access to recycling centres, to what extent has the Cabinet member considered the possibility of having reciprocal arrangements or other specific agreements with neighbouring local authorities that would be of benefit to all concerned?

The Cabinet Member responded:

In the case of the 5 Lane Site referred to, Monmouth County Council informed Newport City Council in November last year without any consultation to reinstate charges at the site in 5 lanes. Newport residents that are using alternative recycling facilities are not adding to their own authorities recycling figures needed to comply with the Welsh Government targets. National guidance from National Assessment of Civic Amenity Sites (NACAS) report on best practice at HWRC Sites, that states a 20 minute urban and a 30 minute rural drive. The Docks Way Site is less than a 20 minutes drive for 99% of residents. Regarding reciprocal arrangements, the cost from Council to Council average vary around £117 per ton of mixed waste. The Welsh targets would have to be looked at in great detail and this would need to be a Wales wide authority move.

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 for the Chairs of Committee for this meeting.