Agenda

'Voice and control - which puts the individual and their needs at the centre of their care and gives them a voice in, and control over reaching the outcomes that help them achieve well-being - is one of the principles of the Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014.

Given the number of people - service users, their families and their carers - who have signed our petition, requesting that care in South Monmouthshire remain with excellent, known, local providers, would Monmouthshire County Council please acknowledge the voice of these signatories and enable service users to continue receiving care from the known, local carers that they trust?’

93% of the Lougher workforce have opted out of the TUPE process in favour of retiring or seeking alternative employment away from care if unable to stay in their current position with a company that invests in local staff, local service users and the local community.

Has the council evaluated the consequence of this loss to the care workforce and the community and what measures is the council implementing to lessen the negative impact of this decision on the vulnerable local community?

Has the Council undertaken a full impact assessment - social, environmental, and economic - on what the loss of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal would mean for our communities, and if not, when will it commit to doing so?

That this council recognises the valuable contribution that the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal brings to the economy of Monmouthshire.

Recognises that the continued health and operation of the canal is essential to the well-being of our residents and securing its future is vital to the communities who thrive along its route.

Requires the Leader of the Council to urgently convene a meeting of all key organisations to discuss a resolution and ensures all councillors including the affected ward members are briefed on developments.            

This Council:

Notes the administration’s commitment in the Community and Corporate Plan to a socially responsible procurement strategy to promote locally sourced goods and services.

Calls on the administration to undertake a full and transparent review of its procurement processes to ensure a level playing field for small and local businesses.

For an update on the authority's Active Travel Plan, including the development of the Llanfoist pedestrian bridge.

To confirm the number of cases of reported anti-social behaviour recorded across Monmouthshire in the past twelve months, including cases of vehicle off roading.

To confirm the number of fixed penalty notices issued for littering and fly tipping offences for the financial year 2024/25.

Can the Cabinet member give an update on progress towards the development of a Cultural Strategy for Monmouthshire?

How is the council working with Gwent Police and Wye Valley National Landscape to prevent damage to tracks and trails?

How is the council ensuring value for taxpayers in the effective delivery of policies to tackle homelessness?

The Canal and River Trust has expressed concern that new limits placed on its ability to extract water from the River Usk will mean that the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal may be closed during the summer months, which are of course the peak months for Welsh tourism. The Canal is a major tourism attraction for visitors as well as its value for residents and for wildlife. What steps will the administration take to support the tourism and leisure businesses which could be affected?

Monmouthshire Council are getting regular reports of bridges needing repair from residents and community councillors, but bridges are left damaged and decaying, with many bridges in a precarious state. These bridges are vital to the connectivity of communities in rural Monmouthshire in areas like Llangwm and the surrounding area. What can the cabinet member do to ensure these vital road networks are kept open and these historically significant structures are not in danger of disappearing for good?

The state of road repairs in Monmouthshire seems to be at a crisis point.  Regular reports from community councillors and residents in the Devauden Ward rarely seem to lead to pot holes being filled, culverts being cleared and gullies kept open.  If potholes are filled they last for a couple of weeks and then the roads are back to square one.  The road from Nantygelli Crossroads to Llansoy in the Devauden ward I represent is a case in point.  Soon even a pony and trap will not be able to navigate it.  What will the Cabinet Member do to change this depressing trajectory?