That this Council agrees to write to the Minister for Finance and Local Government in order to request that there is a review of the formula which underpins the un-hypothecated funding of Local Authorities through the Local Government settlement. In particular, that the elements of the formula related to delivering services in a largely rural county are reconsidered.

This Council:

Records its enormous admiration and heartfelt thanks to Her Majesty the Queen for a lifetime of dedicated public service and welcomes the successful community celebrations across Monmouthshire to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

Agrees that all group leaders will sign a joint letter to Her Majesty on behalf of the people of Monmouthshire offering our warm congratulations and gratitude for all that Her Majesty and the Royal Family do for our residents.

This Council:

Notes the decision of full council in March to become the first in Wales to declare a water quality emergency and commission a strategy to improve our waterways.

Has grave concerns about the declining state of the Wye and Usk rivers in Monmouthshire and particularly the excessive and unlicensed raw sewage discharges into the Usk which are threatening biodiversity and wildlife as well as fish numbers.

Commits the Leader and Cabinet Member to work with opposition parties and relevant authorities to ensure action is being taken to improve the health of our rivers before it’s too late.

This Council:

Notes the Welsh Government has decided not to progress the WelTAG 2 study on the options for improvement of the High Beech roundabout in Chepstow this year.

Calls on the Welsh Government to urgently commit and financially support all five stages of this study and implement High Beech roundabout studies and improvements as a priority, as the well-known daily traffic congestion and travel delays at this pinch point are having a detrimental impact on the lives of local residents in all areas of life including travelling for school, work, shopping  and leisure purposes.

Can the Cabinet Member for Education make a statement regarding the steps the Council is taking to provide mental health support for Key Stage 4 and Six Form pupils in Monmouthshire?