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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chambers - Civic Centre. View directions

Contact: Anne Jenkins  Governance Team Leader

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

Preliminaries

      i.        To receive any apologies for absence.

     ii.        To receive any declarations of interest.

    iii.        To receive any announcements by the Mayor.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

      i.        To receive any apologies for absence

 

The Monitoring Officer reported apologies for absence (noted above)

 

    ii.        To receive any declarations of interest

 

There were no declarations of interest at this stage.

 

   iii.        To receive any announcements by the Mayor

 

The Deputy Mayor congratulated the Mayor of Newport on his recent marriage to Alison Robbins, hence his absence at Council.  The Council gave a round of applause.

 

The Deputy Mayor announced the sad news of the recent death of Graham Dally, former Mayor and Councillor.  The Leader said a few words on behalf of the Council and a moment’s silence was held as a mark of respect.

 

The Deputy Mayor presented Councillor M Spencer with the Armed Forces Covenant Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, awarded to the Council by the Ministry of Defence.  Councillor Spencer accepted the award on behalf of the council.  Councillor Spencer praised officers for their hard work including Lisa Rawlings, Armed Forces Liaison Officer, Nicola Dance and Hannah Ashley

 

The Council had received an award from the Welsh Government, the Bee Friendly initiative, which would be formally presented to the Leader by the Minister for the Environment and Rural Affairs on a date to be agreed by the Welsh Government.

 

2.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 131 KB

To confirm and sign the minutes of the last meeting.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Minutes of the Council meeting held on 26 November 2019.

 

Councillor M Evans, referred to page 11 under Leader’s Questions, Council Tax increases.  First paragraph should read that the Council Tax increase should not be any more than the inflation rate.

 

The Leader asked for a correction on the same page under the fifth paragraph where the surname should have read David Pipe ‘with a P’ and not Pike.

 

Resolved: That the Minutes of 26 November 2019 be approved and adopted, subject to the above corrections.

 

3.

Appointments pdf icon PDF 74 KB

To consider any proposed appointments.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

To consider the proposed appointments set out in the report

 

Councillor Harvey moved the appointments set out in the Report, as agreed by the Business managers, subject to the additional appointments set out below.

 

Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed.

 

Internal Appointments

 

Committee

No. of Vacancies / Replacements

Nominations Received

Performance Scrutiny Committee - Partnerships

1 Vacancy (Chair)

Councillor J Clarke

Member Oversight of Residential Homes (formerly Social Services Rota Visits)

4 Vacancies

Councillors K Thomas, Suller, Cleverly and C Townsend

 

Appointments to External Organisations

 

Organisation

No. of Vacancies / Replacements

Nominations Received

Norse Joint Partnership Board

1

Councillor Miqdad Al-Nuaimi

Living Levels

1

Councillor D Davies to replace the Leader

Mon and Brecon Canal Board Steering Group

1

Councillor D Davies to replace the Leader

Business Improvement District (BID)

1

Councillor Harvey to replace the Leader

Chair of Newport Transport

1

Councillor Harvey to replace the Leader

Vale of Usk, RDP Local Action Group

1

Councillor D Davies to replace the Leader

 

Governing Body Appointments

 

Governing Body

No. of Vacancies / Re-appointments

Nominations Received

Pillgwenlly Primary School

1

Re-appointment of Edward Watts as LA Governor

Pentrepoeth Primary School

2

Re-appointment of Paul Gregory and Darren Walsh LA Governors

GlanUsk Primary School

1

 

Hannah Hopkins replacing

Kathryn Dryer as LA Governor

St Mary’s Primary School

1

Re-appointment of Councillor Charles Ferris as LA Governor

Millbrook Primary School

1

Karyn Kean replacing Sarah Lewis as LA Governor

St Woolos Primary School

1

Sam Dabb Appointed to current LA Governor vacancy

Monnow Primary School

1

Re-appointment of Councillor Jan Cleverly as LA Governor

 

Councillor J Clarke declared an interest in relation to his nomination for Chair of Performance Scrutiny Committee: Partnerships.

 

Councillor D Harvey added the following:

 

Councillor J Clark - Cardiff Capital Region City Deal Joint Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor L Lacey - EAS Scrutiny

Councillors D Mayer and M Rahman - Newport Live

Leader and Deputy Leader - Joint Council for Wales

 

In addition to the above appointments, Councillor Harvey informed Council of the need to agree dispensation for Councillor absence, in accordance with section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972:

 

Resolved:

To approve six month’s absence for Councillor C Jenkins.

4.

Police Issues

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Supt M Richards referred to recent crime statistics for Newport which had dropped significantly, Newport were averaging around 1600 crimes per month.  During October/November last year, the police stepped up their enforcement.  The results were startling, from 1650 in November to 1480 in December 2019.  Figures dropped by 300 crimes in January 2020 from 1300, by comparison to last year, when there were 1600 crimes.  There was a similar story for anti-social behaviour; September/November 2019 350 incidents had dropped to approximately 220 in December 2019.  The results were encouraging.

 

A recent Your Voice Survey which was run for communities to inform police of what they would like addressed by the Police had recently closed and as a result of this the Police would publish their revised priorities.

 

Superintendent Mike Richards gave a brief update on activity across three policing sectors within Newport.

 

§  Newport West team - Sgt Phil Welty taken over from Sgt R Giles.  Increase in Community Support Offices in that area.  Priorities in the area were drug misuse in Frances Drive, Maesglas and Bettws. Since November, there had been four drugs warrants executed in the Pill and Bettws area. The reporting of these incidents by members of the public and councillors allowed the Police to undertake the enforcement activity.  Also in the Bettws area, there were eight seizures of off road bikes.  As a result, Operation Harley would continue well into Spring 2020.  There had been impressive Multi agency ‘Community Walk-abouts’ in Maeslgas and Pill area, led by the Council as part of the Contextual Safeguarding Strategy.  Deb Evans, who worked for Children’s Services was part of this project.  Action plan for those areas taken forward.

 

§  Newport East team - addressing the car cruises on Sunday evening around Tesco and the Spytty retail area, J Morden, MP had been contacted and with the help of Councillor Kellaway, there was a joined up approach to address this matter; the Strategic safer Gwent Board was supporting this and inspector Cawley was leading a task and finish group to look into civil injunctions with the support of partners. 300 enforcement tickets had been issued and Tesco were using automatic plate recognition cameras.  Operation Snap, was also in place on the Go Safe website, members of the public could video any antisocial behaviour on their mobile phones and upload to this website anonymously. There was an increase in anti-social behaviour in Langstone/ Llanmartin, Police were engaging with schools as mentioned at last Council and were hoping to make more visits.  There was a reduction of nuisance behaviour along Durham Road.  Resolving issue of fire setting in Ringland and working with schools on preventative strategies. 

 

§  The City Centre dominated with night time economy during the Christmas and New Year, including road closures after dark. The Police were continuing to enforce PSPO, in relation to aggressive begging near cash machines, this remained a priority.  Supt Richards was waiting for fixed penalty notice books from the Council, and asked the interim Chief  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.

Revised Contract Standing Orders pdf icon PDF 108 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader gave a detailed presentation of the report, which proposed to update the Council’s Contract Standing Orders (CSO’s) that were reviewed in accordance with the stipulated three-year review period, taking into account national/local developments and priorities. This proposal was agreed at the December 2019 Cabinet meeting.

 

In particular, it made recommendations to change the Council’s Procurement Gateway Process, which governed how the Council procured goods and services with a greater emphasis on providing more opportunity to support Local Businesses whilst maintaining compliance with statutory Public Procurement rules, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of contract arrangements within the Council.

 

Resolved:

That Council unanimously considered and approved the revised Contract Standing Orders.

 

6.

Treasury Management Report for the Period to 30 September 2019 pdf icon PDF 194 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader presented the report, informing Council that during the first half of the financial year, the Council continued to be both a short-term investor of cash and borrower to manage day-to-day cash flows.  Forecasts currently indicated that in the future, temporary borrowing would continue to be required to fund normal day to day cash flow activities.  No additional temporary borrowing was required in the first half of the year, however there was a small amount of long-term borrowing taken at zero interest for a specific project.

                                   

All borrowing and investments undertaken during the first half of the year was expected and within the Council’s agreed limits.

 

Resolved:

That Council unanimously noted and approved the report on treasury management activities for the period to 30 September 2019 in line with the agreed Treasury Management Strategy 2019/20.

 

7.

Council Tax Reduction Scheme pdf icon PDF 116 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader presented the report, informing Council that the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for 2020/21 updated the scheme that was first introduced on 1st April 2015.

 

The Council was not required to consult on the proposals of the new scheme as the changes made were in consequence of amendments made to the Prescribed Requirements Regulations. The local discretions that were available to the Council would remain unchanged. The report provided information on the proposed Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

 

Resolved:

That the Council unanimously approved the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2020/21 in accordance with the Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Prescribed Requirements and Default Schemes) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 ("the Prescribed Requirements Regulations") exercising its local discretions as indicated in the report.

 

8.

Director of Social Services Annual Report 2018-2019 pdf icon PDF 114 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Social Services presented to Council the Annual Report of the Director of Social Services.

 

This was not normally presented by the Cabinet Member however the Corporate Director had retired in November 2019. 

 

Performance adults – strong performance generally

Hospital Discharge is just above where it should be but this is a complex area of work and the figure is representative of greater activity in the hospitals.

 

Initiatives such as In Reach where Social Workers start to work with patients to plan their discharge whilst still on the ward and the availability of Reablement services lead to faster turnaround times that can result in increased pressure on community based social care services

 

Reablement is having a positive impact with 84% of people discharged from the service with no further support needs or with a reduction in their care plan.

 

To further support and develop this culture we are moving towards a an intake model of Reablement which means that even people who have never had a care package are given Reablement upon discharge to ensure their independence is  maximised.

 

Performance children – the end of year figures are reasonable within the context of increasing number and complexity of referrals.

58% of the measures are green – nine measures have shown an improvement against the previous period. A growing degree of complexity and increased demand has had a significant impact on the ability to meet WG targets

 

The number of children supported to remain with their family is 8% below target and joint working arrangements between Barnardo’s and NCC staff have been improved with the introduction of Family Group Conferencing where families work together with professionals in a structured way to resolve their issues.

 

The number of children returned home from care should be at 13% and it is at 8.3%.  This reflects the level of complexity around cases and reassurance can be given that all children are regularly reviewed and the best option is found for the child

The percentage of children who have had 3 or more placements is at 15.63% against a target of 9%.  To mitigate this the Corporate Parenting Forum has been reinvigorated and consultation opportunities with children and young people have been improved to ensure we have sufficient resources to support children when they first come into care.

 

Levels of homelessness within care leavers has increased to 21% against a target of 10%.  This reflects National trends but focussed work is being undertaken in Newport to review all of the 16+ accommodation.  Additional properties have been sourced and a Service Manager supported by a Team Manager oversees all  accommodation related services

Care leavers in education, training or employment 12 months after leaving care is recorded as 36.36% against a target of 50%, the number improves at 24 months to 49%.  This has been a trend in past years but work will be focussed in 2019/20 to improve choices for work experience, apprenticeships and training opportunities.

 

The Welsh Government were currently consulting on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

Council Schedule of Meetings for 2020/2021 pdf icon PDF 89 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The proposed schedule of meetings attempted to structure the diary with a series of meetings to facilitate the decision making process through the Council, Executive and Regulatory Committees. The schedule of meetings also set a pattern of meetings for Scrutiny Committees and other bodies.

 

The schedule would remain a guide and subject to change and amendment to meet the needs of the work programmes of each committee or other group.

 

Resolved:

That the Council unanimously adopted the schedule of meetings as the basis for arrangements for May 2020 to May 2021, recognising it was subject to change and amendment to meet the needs of the work programmes of each committee or other group.

 

10.

Mayoral Nomination for 2020/2021

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader announced that the nomination for Mayor of Newport during 2020/21 would be Councillor D Williams and offered her congratulations and hoped that Councillor Williams would enjoy his year.

 

This was seconded by Councillor M Evans.

 

Councillor D Williams declared an interest.

 

Resolved:

The Council unanimously resolved that Councillor D Williams be appointed to serve as the Mayor Newport for 2020/21.

 

11.

Questions to the Leader of the Council

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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader gave the following announcements, before proceeding with questions:

 

The Leader had mentioned that she was privileged to recently attend the third South Wales Argus Schools Education Awards and wanted to highlight the tremendous work being carried out in schools and colleges across Newport.   Wales was undergoing the most significant transformation in over 40 years and pupil wellbeing was essential to everything we do.  Our Schools provide a safe and nurturing environment, with breakfast and afterschool clubs a whole host of services so that children can enjoy all aspects of school life to ensure that they are thriving and not surviving. 

 

The Leader was delighted to receive school visitors at the Civic Centre from all over Newport, along with the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills and senior officers, to mark the Welsh Network of health school scheme’s highly regarded National Quality Awards.  The Schools receiving this award was Glasllwch, Gaer, Mount Pleasant, St Andrews, Maindee, Eveswell, Clytha, Langstone, Malpas Court, Liwswerry Primary Schools, Ysgol Cymraeg Casnewydd and Fairoak Nursery, all of whom were to be congratulated.  Seven themes were achieved to gain this award, including food and fitness emotional development and wellbeing.  What stood out was the length of time for a school to get this award and accreditation; it could take up to nine years, huge commitment for schools and we should all be very proud. 

 

The Leader also attended the 2020 Holocaust Memorial Day service at the Cathedral, moving service led by pupils.  The Leader thanked, in particular, Caerleon Comprehensive who sang, Gwent Music Service and Langstone Primary School for the candle procession as well as the teachers for instilling values for pupils into their adult lives.

 

The Leader had mentioned that one of her focuses for Newport was sustainable development; social, cultural and economic. There would be an addition of 17 extra electric vehicle charging points in Newport following a feasibility study, which was excellent news.  These would be available for residents and visitors. 

 

The Leader also congratulated Newport Now which was part of the Business Improvement District for successfully renewing their bid for the next five years and was looking forward mutual aim to help businesses thrive within the community.  The Leader and the Chief Executive met with them recently to discuss their future plans.

 

The Regeneration Programme continued to move at pace with the development of Chartist Tower. The £1.3M investment managed by Newport Now was vital to success of the City Centre over the next five years.

 

Finally, the Leader notified colleagues of recent meetings and events that she had recently attended including Public Service Board, the G10 Summit, Cardiff City Region and Western Gateway, important partnerships with how the council worked going forward.  The Leader highlighted work discussed at the G10 Summit and Public Service Board which involved the work that Public Health Wales was undertaking. As part of this, there was also a Building a Better Gwent report and an all member seminar was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

12.

Questions to the Cabinet Members

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 City Services

     ii.        Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

    iii.        Cabinet Member for Assets

   iv.        Cabinet Member for Social Services

     v.        Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development

   vi.        Cabinet Member for Community and Resources

  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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no questions to Cabinet Members received on this occasion.

13.

Questions to the Chairs of Committees

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.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no questions to Chairs of Committees on this occasion.

14.

Standards Committee Minutes pdf icon PDF 101 KB

To note the Standards Committee Minutes of 7 November 2019.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Minutes of the Standards Committee meeting from 7 November 2019 were noted.

15.

Date of Next Meeting

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Thursday 27 February 2020 at 5pm in the Council Chambers.