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 Sustainable Development
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
Minutes:
There are five written question to the Cabinet Members:
Question 1 – Cabinet Member: Culture and Leisure
Councillor C Ferris
Given the importance of the National Trust’s stewardship of Tredegar House and the hope that this would provide a boost for tourism in Newport, may I ask when you last had a meeting with the National Trust?
Response
Whilst the Lease agreed by the previous administration bound the Council to ongoing financial payments which added pressures to budgets year on year, surprisingly the lease did not set out any formal requirements for the National Trust to meet with representatives of the Council.
However under my direction this financial burden has now been settled and the Culture and Continuing Learning Manager meets property managers to discuss property developments, repair and conservation work and marketing. The Culture and Continuing Learning Manager has also attended the regular Team Tredegar workshops arranged by the National Trust staff at Tredegar House. All of this information is provided to me during my briefings with officers and up until the start of the pandemic, I have been satisfied that the stewardship arrangement is being well managed. I am sure you are fully aware of the impact the pandemic has had on tourism and the ability of tourist attractions to operate. However the National Trust have managed to successfully navigate their way through a very difficult time and I am pleased to see that access to parts of the house as well as the café, parks and gardens is open throughout the week and that advance booking are recommended for the weekends, such is the popularity of the venue.
Supplementary Question
Given the importance of this and although Pandemic has had an impact, would there be an opportunity to meet up sometime in the future.
Councillor Harvey thanked councillor Ferris for his supplementary question and referred to her previous response.
Question 2 – Cabinet Member: Leisure and Culture
Councillor M Evans
Since August 2017 you only appear to have taken 4 formal decisions according to the Council’s website, that’s just one a year. Whilst I appreciate you would have been involved in the Transporter Bridge funding which we fully support, and the proposed new Leisure Centre, can you tell Council why you haven’t taken any decisions over the Medieval Ship for instance, and why you didn’t consult with members when you decided to introduce a pedal power scheme?
Can you also give Council an update on this scheme?
Response
The Medieval Ship project has yet to complete the freeze drying process. Progress on this was significantly affected by the pandemic. As you will appreciate, until this is complete it is premature to formally propose the next stage of the project. You are right to point out that the Transporter Bridge has been the focus of my efforts and I have been directly involved with negotiations and meetings which supported and championed the project. The Cabinet report in February detailed the work and commitment which had gone into this project to obtain over £8m from HLF and £1.5m from Welsh Government.
Your information on how many decisions I have taken as Cabinet Member is incorrect. You have failed to take account of decisions I have made as part of a joint report. There have been a number of joint decisions since August 2017, including approving the Newport Wales Marathon. We do not work in silos Cllr Evans.
In respect of the pedal power scheme, I assume you are already aware that the use of Section 106 funding for leisure purposes is managed under the Council’s scheme of delegation. The benefits of the project are clear and enable people with varying degrees of mobility, family members and carers to participate in a leisure activity together’.
The project is being delivered by the Newport Live Leisure Trust under the branding of ‘Wheels for All’. The booking of specific bikes and time slots will be possible through the Newport Live web site and app. A bike and equipment cabin has been provided at Tredegar Park, along with the necessary security system and CCTV. Adjacent disabled public toilets have been fitted out with hoists and other equipment to support people using the scheme and improvement works have been completed on upgrading pathways throughout the park to accommodate those using the scheme alongside other cyclists and pedestrians. Newport Live staff have received specialist training for using the bikes and adaptations and the full range of bikes that will be available for hire was showcased on 9 June at Tredegar Park. Once the full lockdown restrictions are lifted and the booking mechanism is live this fantastic scheme will be available at no cost to the residents of Newport.
Supplementary Question
The Newport Medieval Ship decision was taken in October 2014. In addition, in February 2019 proposals were being developed for Tredegar Park and options would be presented to the Cabinet in due course. Councillor Evans mentioned that Councillor Harvey advised that she had not visited Tredegar Park since she was Cabinet Member, therefore, where was the evidence that there was scrutiny to see if grants were available and how was the decision taken, was it an informal decision. Council Evans considered that there were a lot of unanswered questions and requested evidence of this by the Cabinet Member.
Councillor Harvey mentioned that as there was more than one supplementary she would provide Councillor Evans with a written response.
Question 3 – Deputy Leader/Cabinet Member: City Services
Councillor W Routley
With gridlock on the M4 from Magor to the Brynglas tunnels most weekends and bank holidays, will the Cabinet Member inform us on what plans he has alleviate overburden alternative routes?
Response
The recent introduction of the 50mph speed limit on the M4 through Newport by Welsh Government, will deliver both improved air quality and reduced congestion using average speed cameras to constrain traffic speeds, smooth traffic flow and improve journey times.
Lower speeds also aim to reduce the number and severity of collisions along the M4 corridor, which have historically impacted on the city’s highway network journey times due to diverted traffic seeking alternative routes.
The Council has welcomed the South East Wales Transport Commission (Burns) recommendations, which set out an ambitious yet achievable range of alternative transport options for both the city and the region to relieve congestion on the M4.
Council officers continue to work closely with Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and other stakeholders to deliver these proposals for the City.
Supplementary Question
The M4 relief road alternative was known as the Magor Road and speed changes on road had led to several near misses. Would the Deputy Leader and officers look into this to help alleviate speed on the roads.
Councillor Jeavons replied that he would be happy to meet with Councillor Routley, along with officers and the Police to discuss this matter.
Question 4 – Deputy Leader/Cabinet Member: City Services
Councillor R Mogford
Scientific studies are showing the truly devastating impact climate change is predicted to have on Wales over the next generation or two.
Recently, many Newport residents have experienced, first hand, the extreme flooding conditions throughout the low-lying parts of Newport.
Can the Cabinet member update the council on:-
i) What lessons are being learned from the last flooding event in December 2020 and what solutions are being implemented as a result.
ii) What further steps if any are being taken to minimize the risk of severe flooding in Newport, both in the medium and the long term.
iii) What new financial resource does the Cabinet Member expect to become available to assist in flood prevention measures going forward.
Response
As I advised earlier this year Cllr Mogford, like many other areas across Wales and the UK, Newport did experience sudden, heavy rainfall and incidences of flooding last December. Such flooding events are subject to a section 19 investigation and those in relation to the recent incidences in Newport have commenced, and the findings will be made public in due course. Such investigations involve all relevant bodies, including National Resources Wales, the Council and Welsh Water, and until this work is complete, I am unable to comment further.
In terms of planned works, the Council’s programme is set out in the Highway Asset Management Plan, on which Members were consulted, but the majority of large scale flood defence work is carried out by NRW.
Supplementary Question
In terms of the Section 19 report, Councillor had asked back to December, could the Deputy Leader advise when would the report be available.
Councillor Jeavons could not provide a date but would let Councillor Mogford know when it was available for the public.
Question 5 – Cabinet Member: Licensing and Regulation
Councillor W Routley
Can the cabinet member please inform Council as to what plans are in place regarding monitoring the Air quality for communities living adjacent to the M4 corridor?
Response
As you are aware, Newport City Council has declared 11 Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs), 5 of which are directly associated with air pollution from the M4 motorway. These are spread along the stretch of the M4 within Newport’s boundary, with 2 to the East of the River Usk and 3 to the West. All the AQMAs were declared years ago because Nitrogen Dioxide emission levels exceeded the Air Quality Objectives set by Welsh Government.
The Council has a statutory duty to prepare and implement an Air Quality Action Plan to address these air quality issues. The Air Quality Action Plan is currently being refreshed and updated to complement the Council’s Sustainable Travel Plan, as air quality, Climate Change and Carbon Reduction are all part of the same agenda. In the meantime, Environmental Health Officers will continue to closely monitor air quality emissions within the AQMA’s and at the locations along the M4 corridor where problems have been identified.
We have 77 monitoring tubes located across all of the AQMA’s, which are continually monitoring levels of emissions. In addition, we have secured additional SEWTA grant funding for the purchase of 3 sensors which will provide real-time data as well as levels of particulates, which are more pervasive than CO2 and NO2 emissions.
The monitoring data for the last 12 months has been significantly affected by the Covid-19 travel restrictions and the substantial reduction in the number of car journeys on the M4, with many people working from home. So, the last reliable data dates back to 2019, but even then the monitoring data was very encouraging, demonstrating a downward trend in the levels of exceedances compared with previous years. This shows that we are making progress in reducing emissions and improving air quality. At December 2019, the direction of travel with regard to air quality at all AQMAs adjacent to M4 junctions was positive. Currently, the St Julian’s AQMA which abuts the M4 has been identified by Welsh Government for revocation as it has not breached the Air Quality Objectives for a number of years. Revocation of this AQMA will take place later in 2021. The remaining AQMAs which are adjacent to motorway junctions also exhibit a gradual reduction in emission levels and are moving towards compliance. However, is not possible to give any exact timescale for compliance, at the present time, as most of the mitigation measures in relation to the M4 are matters for Welsh Government.
Supplementary Question
In Newport Matters the Cabinet Member referred to a duty of care to the environment in Newport and climate change. The Cabinet Member celebrated Clean Air Day where he recognised the 36,000 deaths due to pollution, which was a serious amount. Wales had declared a climate emergency, which covered Newport. Councillor Routley went on to say that one in22 deaths in Newport were linked to air quality. In 2017 there were 113 deaths in relation to air pollution in Newport. The problem with M4 was that it was not travelling at 50mph but was in gridlock which was polluting the air. Traffic was seeking alternative routes, instead of the A48 and the M4.
The Mayor advised that the time was up and that the Cabinet Member would respond in writing.
Question 6 – Cabinet Member: Education and Skills
Councillor R Mogford
Prior to the pandemic, both Newport Schools St Julian’s Comprehensive and Newport High were in ‘special measures’. Can the Cabinet Member for Education provide an update on how improvements to these schools are progressing and when they are likely to come out of ‘special measures’?
Response
In the period leading up to the pandemic, the governing bodies of both schools have secured the employment of new head teachers who have both taken up post during the pandemic. I applaud how both head teachers have met the challenge of taking up their roles at such an unusual time.
Both head teachers and their governing bodies have fully engaged with Education Services, EAS and Estyn during the period of the pandemic to address the recommendations of their inspections, alongside adapting provision for learners which includes the development of blended learning and providing childcare for vulnerable learners and children of key workers.
When the pandemic started Estyn suspended all planned inspections and official monitoring activity for schools in a statutory category. However, Estyn have continued to work with both St Julian’s and Newport High in a support capacity and formal monitoring activity has resumed for some schools during summer 2021.
Newport High and St Julian’s are participating in a new National multi-agency programme initiated by Welsh Government to support schools across Wales that are in a statutory Estyn category to make the required improvements. Education Services, Estyn, Welsh Government and the individual schools are working in a coordinated manner to ensure that school progress out of a statutory category as soon as possible.
Only Estyn are able to determine when a school should be removed from a category of special measures and it would not be appropriate for the Local Authority to suggest a timeline for this.
However, Education Services and EAS share the view of Estyn that both schools are making progress and are supportive of the leadership direction facilitated by the governing bodies and head teachers of both schools.
Supplementary Question
It was pleasing to hear that there were two new head teachers and looking at their webpage, Councillor Davies was chair of Governors but was also Cabinet Member. Could Councillor Davies therefore clarify how long she had been a governor and if she were still chair.
Councillor Davies confirmed that she had been a governor of St Julian’s since 2014 and was Vice Chair in 2016 for two years and remained Chair of Governor for two years and that the school was in special measures and would it be disruptive to stand down as governor and change leadership during the process. ESTYN was aware that Councillor Davies was Cabinet member but also considered that it would not be appropriate to stand down at this time but if there were any conflict of interest, Councillor Davies would ask the Vice Chair to stand in for her.
Question 7 – Cabinet Member: Sustainable Development
Councillor C Townsend
The Cabinet member will be aware of the difficulties that HMO planning applications are having on neighbouring residents and businesses.
The Council’s own SPG on HMOs makes reference to adverse impacts on community cohesion/amenity, parking and absentee landlords.
Given the difficulties that Newport City Council appears to be having with Planning Inspectors on HMO appeals, will the Cabinet member instigate a review of the SPG – which was last updated in 2017 – with a view to strengthening the local rights of residents and businesses?
Response
It is acknowledged that planning applications for HMOs can often be contentious. Indeed, poorly managed and high concentrations of HMOs can potentially lead to issues affecting local residents and often the tenants themselves. However, we must also remember that well managed HMOs can integrate well with the local community and will often provide housing opportunities for a variety of people, including young professionals. Therefore, care must be taken not to tarnish all HMOs with the same brush.
The Planning Inspectorate are following national policy and guidance. Most HMOs recently refused in Newport have been refused due to lack of car parking. The national direction of travel is very much towards sustainable transport; walking, cycling and public transport. The private car is at the bottom of the transport hierarchy. Therefore, refusals based on lack of car parking need to be thoroughly robust and it must be demonstrated why the developments are not in accessible and sustainable locations. If they do not, Planning Inspectors are allowing appeals. The Chief Planning Inspector has recently held a feedback session with the Planning Committee on this very topic.
I am familiar with member concerns and the issues HMOs can cause. However, I believe new or updated Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) is not the solution. An SPG is guidance only. It provides additional guidance on the main policy or policies within the Local Development Plan (LDP). In relation to the current HMO SPG, Policy H8 of the LDP only permits HMOs if:
· The scale and intensity does not harm the character of the building and locality as well as cause an unacceptable reduction in the amenity of neighbouring occupiers or result in on street parking problems.
· The proposal does not create an over concentration of HMOs in one area.
· Adequate noise insulation is provided and adequate amenity for future occupiers.
Councillor Townsend will be aware that the Council has recently approved the review of the LDP. It would be much more effective for us to review policy H8 rather than produce more guidance. Any new HMO policy will need to be examined by an Inspector appointed by the Welsh Government and the evidence supporting any new policy will therefore need to be robust. We will engage with partners such as Gwent Police and review complaints made to other Council services to gather such evidence. Consultation with residents, Members and stakeholders is at the heart of the LDP review process and I would welcome Council Townsend’s engagement in the review of the HMO policy.