Agenda and draft minutes

None.

Noted.

The minutes of the meeting held on 4^th December were confirmed as an accurate record.

The Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement presented the report for Council to approve the diary of meetings for 2026/27.

Council resolved to accept the recommendation to approve the diary of meetings for 2026/27 to ensure good governance arrangements are in place and meet the requirements of the Councils Constitution.  In doing so, it was agreed that an additional meeting of Full Council be added to the diary on Friday 5^th March 2027.

The Cabinet Member for Resources presented the report to confirm arrangements for the implementation of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and approve it for 2026/27; for Council to agree to adopt the amendments to the regulations proposed by Welsh Government, as detailed in point 3.7; to affirm that annual uprating amendments will be carried out each year without a requirement to adopt the whole Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

Council resolved to accept the recommendations:

To note the making of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Prescribed Requirements (Wales) Regulations ("the Prescribed Requirements Regulations") 2013 by the Welsh Government on 26 November 2013.

To adopt the provisions within the Regulations above ("the Prescribed Requirements Regulations") and any ‘annual uprating regulations’ in respect of its Scheme for the financial year 2026/27 including the discretionary elements previously approved as the Council’s local scheme from 1st April 2026.

Motion: Chepstow Infrastructure Debate

Council notes that:

• Traffic congestion in and around Chepstow continues to have a significant impact on residents, businesses and the strategic road network.
• In March 2022, Monmouthshire County Council and Gloucestershire County Council agreed to jointly fund and progress the Chepstow Bypass through the next phase of Transport Appraisal Guidance (TAG/WelTAG).
• Progress towards developing a full business case for a relief road has since stalled.
• The prolonged delay in completing the Highbeech roundabout WelTAG work or progressing the Burn’s Commission recommendations, demonstrates the lack of momentum in addressing wider infrastructure matters.
•  In early 2024, Gloucestershire County Council indicated a willingness to commit £500,000 towards further scheme development but no matching funding has been identified by Monmouthshire County Council.
• Although the majority of any relief road would be located in England and led by the UK Government, Monmouthshire County Council and the Welsh Government have important roles in cross-border partnership working and scheme development.
•         

Council resolves to:

1. Reaffirm that addressing the traffic congestion in and around Chepstow remains a strategic transport priority for Monmouthshire County Council.
2. Request that the Cabinet bring a report to Full Council setting out:

3. Confirm that Full Council should have the opportunity to debate and make recommendations to Cabinet on the Council’s future role in progressing infrastructure projects, rather than the matter being deferred or allowed to stall further.

Motion: Chepstow Infrastructure Debate Council notes that:

· Traffic congestion in and around Chepstow continues to have a significant impact on residents, businesses and the strategic road network.

· In March 2022, Monmouthshire County Council and Gloucestershire County Council agreed to jointly fund and progress the Chepstow Bypass through the next phase of Transport Appraisal Guidance Public Document Pack (TAG/WelTAG).

· Progress towards developing a full business case for a relief road has since stalled.

· The prolonged delay in completing the Highbeech roundabout WelTAG work or progressing the Burn’s Commission recommendations, demonstrates the lack of momentum in addressing wider infrastructure matters.

· In early 2024, Gloucestershire County Council indicated a willingness to commit £500,000 towards further scheme development but no matching funding has been identified by Monmouthshire County Council.

· Although the majority of any relief road would be located in England and led by the UK Government, Monmouthshire County Council and the Welsh Government have important roles in cross-border partnership working and scheme development.

Council resolves to:

1. Reaffirm that addressing the traffic congestion in and around Chepstow remains a strategic transport priority for Monmouthshire County Council.

2. Request that the Cabinet bring a report to Full Council setting out:

·        the current status of previous commitments made by the Council in relation to a bypass/relief road for Chepstow

·        available options for funding and progressing the next phase of Transport Appraisal Guidance (TAG/WelTAG) for a bypass/relief road for Chepstow

·        a clear timetable for engagement and decision-making with Gloucestershire County Council, Welsh Government and UK Government partners, including elected parliamentary members.

3. Confirm that Full Council should have the opportunity to debate and make recommendations to Cabinet on the Council’s future role in progressing infrastructure projects, rather than the matter being deferred or allowed to stall further.

Seconded by County Councillor Chris Edwards

The meeting was adjourned at 15:00pm

Following the adjournment it was agreed that members questions be answered in writing.

This Council:

Believes the Cabinet’s draft budget for 2026-27 fails to equip the Council to meet the expectations of Monmouthshire taxpayers and calls on the Cabinet to revise the budget and explain how the £1million budget shortfall will be bridged.

Could you please provide an update on the progress of plans for the repair and refurbishment of Staunton Road in Wyesham, including updated details of the recent investigations undertaken. I would like clarification on:

1. The findings from recent surveys or assessments of the road condition.
2. The proposed timeline and scheme of works for both sections:
   • Wye Bridge to the Mayhill Public House; and
   • Mayhill to the Kymin turning.
3. A long?term maintenance plan for Staunton Road to prevent recurring deterioration and reliance on short?term fixes with an estimated costs for the proposed works.

Could you please provide an update on progress toward ensuring that public facilities across Monmouthshire are stoma-friendly, as previously agreed at Council. What steps have been taken to implement stoma-friendly provisions and has bilingual signage now been obtained?

What steps is the council taking to improve the quality of school meals?

How much does Monmouthshire County Council contribute each year to the Cardiff Capital Region in relation to all its business and projects and what projects/benefits/employment has been provided to Monmouthshire Residents?

Will the Cabinet Member provide an update on what the Council is doing to enforce parking restrictions on High Street in Chepstow?

When will work commence on the next reviews of county car parks?

What new measures or operational processes have been implemented since May 2022 to tackle potholes in Monmouthshire, and how is their effectiveness being assessed

Could the cabinet member please give the council an update ref to the situation revolving around the position with repairs forward planning on the viaduct as a main artery for the community and businesses also a main link to western side to Wales and the wider area could we have a full brief as to works been carried out.