Agenda and minutes

Item 9.2 – Motion: Gilwern GP Services – County Councillor Alistair Neill declared a personal, non-prejudicial interest as a part-time employee of the NHS.

Item 9.3 – Motion: My Day My Life - County Councillor Paul Pavia declared a personal non-prejudicial interest as an Associate of Practice Solutions. He is not involved with the project team or the project.

The Chair’s announcement was noted.

https://democracy.monmouthshire.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=14&RPID=23812375&HPID=23812375

County Councillor Frances Taylor presented Council with an e-petition on behalf of residents of Magor with Undy regarding Green Open Areas.

https://www.youtube.com/live/lifw6_4fBJE?feature=shared&t=72

The minutes of the previous meeting held on the 20^th July 2023 were confirmed as an accurate record.

The minutes of the extraordinary meeting held on the 31^st August 2023 were confirmed as an accurate record.

The Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee presented the Committee’s Annual Report for 2022/23 which outlinesthe Committee’s work and conclusions for the year. The Committee is a key component of the Council’s governance framework and provides independent oversight on the effectiveness of its governance, risk, financial management, and internal control arrangements.

The Chair confirmed that the Committee had met its core responsibilities over the course of the year. 

https://www.youtube.com/live/lifw6_4fBJE?feature=shared&t=337

Upon being put to a vote Council resolved to accept the recommendations: 

That Council:

·        re- confirms its expectations of the Governance & Audit Committee and in particular whether it wishes to confer on it any additional responsibilities,

·        agrees that the highlighted improvement areas should be addressed, and as appropriate; and

·        endorses this Report.

The Chair of the Standards Committee presented the first Annual Report 2022/23 of the Standards Committee as required by the Local Government and Elections Act 2021.  The Chair explained that it is effectively a Members’ Conduct report.  The Standards Committee strongly commended all members of the authority for continuing to maintain high standards of conduct throughout 2022/23, which was a particularly challenging year.

https://www.youtube.com/live/lifw6_4fBJE?feature=shared&t=699

Upon being put to a vote Council resolved to accept the recommendation:

That Council considers the conclusion and observations set out within this Annual Report.

The Leader presented a report of the Joint Scrutiny Arrangements for Corporate Joint Committees that outlines the requirements for appropriate scrutiny arrangements for the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee (the CJC).  The CJCs require the same performance, governance and scrutiny requirements as local authorities in arrangements that are proportionate to the scale of functions the CJC undertakes. 

Constituent councils and CJCs should give thought to the benefits of a joint overview and scrutiny committee made up of the constituent councils.

https://www.youtube.com/live/lifw6_4fBJE?feature=shared&t=946

Upon being put to the vote Council resolved to accept the recommendations:

That the Council considers the draft Terms of Reference for the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee and implements suitable arrangements by;

·        Appointing the JOSC as the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the CJC;

·        Approving the Draft Terms of Reference for its functions in respect of the CJC, as attached at Appendix 2;

·        Noting that the cost of administering the JOSC for the CJC will be dealt with by a service level agreement between RCTCBC and the CJC, to be concluded in due course.

This Council commits to Monmouthshire becoming a county of sanctuary, welcoming and supporting those fleeing war and persecution.  As part of this pledge we will strive to become an accredited member of the UK City of Sanctuary Network. We will build on work already undertaken by the authority to support refugees from Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine and work with partners across the community to develop an action plan to support refugees and asylum seekers, promoting and celebrating the contribution their make to our communities.

This Council commits to Monmouthshire becoming a county of sanctuary, welcoming and supporting those fleeing war and persecution. As part of this pledge we will strive to become an accredited member of the UK City of Sanctuary Network. We will build on work already undertaken by the authority to support refugees from Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine and work with partners across the community to develop an action plan to support refugees and asylum seekers, promoting and celebrating the contribution their make to our communities.

https://www.youtube.com/live/lifw6_4fBJE?feature=shared&t=1226

Upon being put to a vote Council resolved to accept the motion

County Councillor Jayne McKenna left the meeting at 14.27 and rejoined at 14.45

This Council requires the cabinet lead for Social Care and Accessible Health Services to bring forward a project plan that fully explores the potential to create a Health and Wellbeing Hub that maintains the provision of up to 2 days per week of essential local primary care GP services for the 3,100 registered residents in Gilwern and its surrounding communities. This plan would become a template for any further private GP closures in our county.

This Council requires the cabinet lead for Social Care and Accessible Health Services to bring forward a project plan that fully explores the potential to create a Health and Wellbeing Hub that maintains the provision of up to 2 days per week of essential local primary care GP services for the 3,100 registered residents in Gilwern and its surrounding communities. This plan would become a template for any further private GP closures in our county.

https://www.youtube.com/live/lifw6_4fBJE?feature=shared&t=2535

Upon being put to a recorded vote Council resolved to reject the motion:

Votes For: 21

Votes Against: 22

Abstentions: 0

RECORDED VOTE: GP Services, Gilwern

County Councillor Lisa Dymock joined the meeting at 14.57

This Council:

·        Endorses all the recommendations of the expert external review into the My Day, My Life service

·        Notes the Council is continuing to evaluate options for long-term provision for adults with learning disabilities, and requires a project plan to be brought forward within six weeks, setting out its preferred approach

·        Directs the administration to prepare for the reopening of Tudor Street day centre in the interim

This Council:

 · Endorses all the recommendations of the expert external review into the My Day, My Life service

· Notes the Council is continuing to evaluate options for long-term provision for adults with learning disabilities, and requires a project plan to be brought forward within six weeks, setting out its preferred approach

 · Directs the administration to prepare for the reopening of Tudor Street day centre in the interim

https://www.youtube.com/live/lifw6_4fBJE?feature=shared&t=6083

Upon being put to a recorded vote, Council resolved to amend the motion as follows:

This Council:

·        Endorses all the recommendations of the expert external review into the My Day, My Life service

·        Notes the Council is continuing to evaluate options for long-term provision for adults with learning disabilities, and requires a project plan to be brought forward within six weeks, setting out its preferred approach

·        Commits the administration to open a base for the My Day My Life service in both Monmouth and Abergavenny

Votes For the amendment: 22

Votes against the amendment: 21

Abstentions: 0

RECORDED VOTE: My Day My Life

Upon being put to a vote Council resolved to accept the new substantive motion.

That this Council recognises the duty to find suitable sites for Gypsy and Traveller pitch provision and;

1, Endorses the conclusion of the People Scrutiny Committee on 19^th July where cross group members rejected the proposals to consult on the five pieces of council owned land and recommended that the council return to the drawing board.

Members agreed not to recommend any of the pieces of land to cabinet to formally consult upon based upon concerns about the process, erroneous and incomplete information and the lack of suitability of any of the sites under consideration.

2, Agree that none of the sites shortlisted for consideration by the Cabinet is suitable, including the sites at Langley Close, Magor and Dancing Hill, Undy.
3, In line with the findings of the scrutiny committee, agree to reject the sites in Magor and Undy as unsuitable for development as Gypsy and Traveller Pitches.

That this Council recognises the duty to find suitable sites for Gypsy and Traveller pitch provision and;

1, Endorses the conclusion of the People Scrutiny Committee on 19th July where cross group members rejected the proposals to consult on the five pieces of council owned land and recommended that the council return to the drawing board. Members agreed not to recommend any of the pieces of land to cabinet to formally consult upon based upon concerns about the process, erroneous and incomplete information and the lack of suitability of any of the sites under consideration.

 2, Agree that none of the sites shortlisted for consideration by the Cabinet is suitable, including the sites at Langley Close, Magor and Dancing Hill, Undy. 3, In line with the findings of the scrutiny committee, agree to reject the sites in Magor and Undy as unsuitable for development as Gypsy and Traveller Pitches.

https://www.youtube.com/live/lifw6_4fBJE?feature=shared&t=13197

Upon being put to a recorded vote Council resolved to reject the motion.

Votes for the motion: 21

Votes against the motion: 22

RECORDED VOTE: Gypsy and Traveller Pitch Provision

We were delighted to hear the announcement of plans to repair the Wye Bridge in January, as the surface of this bridge has been in a state of disrepair for several years.

But with news that the repairs are now to be postponed until next year, I wonder if the Cabinet Member can confirm that the funds will remain to be available and will still be adequate to cover the work required to repair the bridge fully and to a high standard.

Also, many residents and businesses who rely on access over the bridge were very concerned on hearing that the bridge could potentially be completely closed for vehicular access for up to 5 whole weeks. Uncertainty on the duration of the closure caused anxiety to many residents and businesses who depend on access for work, health and provisions. Could we please have a clearer idea of how long the bridge will be closed and what mitigation is being put into place to alleviate some of the consequences of this closure before a future date is announced, including information on planned public service modifications during this time, and temporary parking facilities on either side of the bridge.

We would welcome a public meeting in Wyesham in the next few months to communicate with residents the mitigations we are able to put in place and to better understand the needs of this community.

We were delighted to hear the announcement of plans to repair the Wye Bridge in January, as the surface of this bridge has been in a state of disrepair for several years. But with news that the repairs are now to be postponed until next year, I wonder if the Cabinet Member can confirm that the funds will remain to be available and will still be adequate to cover the work required to repair the bridge fully and to a high standard. Also, many residents and businesses who rely on access over the bridge were very concerned on hearing that the bridge could potentially be completely closed for vehicular access for up to 5 whole weeks. Uncertainty on the duration of the closure caused anxiety to many residents and businesses who depend on access for work, health and provisions. Could we please have a clearer idea of how long the bridge will be closed and what mitigation is being put into place to alleviate some of the consequences of this closure before a future date is announced, including information on planned public service modifications during this time, and temporary parking facilities on either side of the bridge. We would welcome a public meeting in Wyesham in the next few months to communicate with residents the mitigations we are able to put in place and to better understand the needs of this community.

https://www.youtube.com/live/lifw6_4fBJE?feature=shared&t=15746

County Councillor Laura Wright left the meeting at 18.24

County Councillor Tony Easson left the meeting at 18.26

County Councillor Ben Callard left the meeting at 18.26

County Councillor Jackie Strong left the meeting at 18.30

County Councillor Maria Stevens left the meeting at 18.30

County Councillor Steven Garrett left the meeting at 18.30

County Councillor Tudor Thomas left the meeting at 18.32

County Councillor Lisa Dymock left the meeting at 18.36

County Councillor Fay Bromfield left the meeting at 18.37

Would the Cabinet Member provide an update on its plans to repair the Wye Bridge in Monmouth?

Would the Cabinet Member provide an update on its plans to repair the Wye Bridge in Monmouth?

https://www.youtube.com/live/lifw6_4fBJE?feature=shared&t=16193

Would the Cabinet Member provide an update on the RLDP

Would the Cabinet Member provide an update on the RLDP?

https://www.youtube.com/live/lifw6_4fBJE?feature=shared&t=16299

Could the cabinet member inform council of what lessons have been learnt from the traffic management plan that was put in place in my ward of St Kingsmark, Chepstow for the weekend of live music run by Chepstow Concerts that covered 3-days of major events in June/July of this year.

Could the cabinet member inform council of what lessons have been learnt from the traffic management plan that was put in place in my ward of St Kingsmark, Chepstow for the weekend of live music run by Chepstow Concerts that covered 3-days of major events in June/July of this year

https://www.youtube.com/live/lifw6_4fBJE?feature=shared&t=16463

Would the cabinet member accept that failings have taken place in taking forward a solution to delivery health care with the llanelly community and surrounding areas .

Will he give assurances that he will with senior officers give his upmost attention with the health board, also most importantly look for a resolution in delivery a care plan for the area and surrounding community

Would the cabinet member accept that failings have taken place in taking forward a solution to delivery health care with the llanelly community and surrounding areas.

Will he give assurances that he will with senior officers give his upmost attention with the health board, also most importantly look for a resolution in delivery a care plan for the area and surrounding community

https://www.youtube.com/live/lifw6_4fBJE?feature=shared&t=16932

Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on the timetable for the proposed county-wide review of car parking?

Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on the timetable for the proposed county-wide review of car parking?

https://www.youtube.com/live/lifw6_4fBJE?feature=shared&t=17279