Agenda and minutes

None.

Council received the Chairman’s announcement.

County Councillor A. Easson presented a petition on behalf of residents of Park Road, Caldicot with regards to rubbish discarded at a property.

None.

The minutes of the meeting of County Council held on 29^th June 2017 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

We received the Action List from the meeting held on 29^th June 2017.  In doing so:

·         With regards to the ’63 is the new 60’ motion, it was questioned if the proposal has been forwarded appropriately and that Members receive a copy.  The Deputy Chief Executive agreed that a written response would be issued to both Central Government and the campaign group.

·         With regards to Zero Hour Contracts, the Chief Executive had not responded to an email from Councillor Blakebrough.  The Deputy Chief Executive acknowledged this and explained that a comprehensive written response would be circulated to all Members by the end of the following working day.

·         Councillor Easson awaited a response to his query regarding the allocation of 106 monies in Portskewett. This had been omitted from the Action List but assurance was provided that a written response would be provided by the end of the following working day.

We noted the minutes of the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 16^th March 2017.

We noted the minutes of the meeting of Audit Committee held on 25^th May 2017.

We noted the minutes of the Democratic Services Committee meeting held on the 3^rd April 2017.

In doing so, Councillor S. Howarth queried if the actions on the Actions list had been carried forward.  Councillor Evans confirmed that this had been the first meeting of the new committee and that any outstanding the actions would be addressed at the next meeting.

We noted the minutes of the meeting of Democratic Services Committee held on 3^rd April.

In doing so, it was agreed that the follow up of actions would be addressed at the next meeting.

This council calls on the Welsh Government to accept the proposals in our response to their Open Market Review consultation which sought views on the data that will inform further work to extend the reach of Superfast Broadband across Wales.  This council acknowledges the digital divide that is impacting both urban and rural communities, and recognises the growing frustration that is felt by many residents who have inadequate broadband provision.  Given the fact that Monmouthshire is the second most competitive authority in Wales with the highest rate of business births, we ask that the Welsh Government prioritises Monmouthshire under the next deployment of Superfast Cymru 2 due to take place in early 2018.

This council calls on the Welsh Government to accept the proposals in our response to their Open Market Review consultation which sought views on the data that will inform further work to extend the reach of Superfast Broadband across Wales. This council acknowledges the digital divide that is impacting both urban and rural communities, and recognises the growing frustration that is felt by many residents who have inadequate broadband provision. Given the fact that Monmouthshire is the second most competitive authority in Wales with the highest rate of business births, we ask that the Welsh Government prioritises Monmouthshire under the next deployment of Superfast Cymru 2 due to take place in early 2018.

Councillor Jones credited Cath Fallon and Mike Powell who have worked tirelessly on this issue, supporting communities.  Councillor Jones assured Members, that should the motion be supported she would take this forward as a priority for our residents and would hope to see positive outcomes.

The motion was duly seconded.

Debate ensued:

Councillor Blakebrough thanked the Cabinet Member for highlighting the devastating consequences for not only Monmouthshire, but also Wales, of not being included in the first round, and thanked her for the report highlighting the strong case for Monmouthshire being one of the first authorities in the phase 2 roll out. She expressed concern that Phase 1 had been political in that Monmouthshire were at the back of the queue.

Members recognised the problems for residents and businesses alike, and concerns were raised that there was difficulty in encouraging people into the area with no appropriate infrastructure in place.

Councillor Batrouni expressed support for the motion but highlighted concerns requesting assurance from the Cabinet Member that funding would not be squandered away as had been the case in the past, and for detail of the specific measures. 

Councillor Jones responded that there were serious questions to be raised beyond the motion in terms of accountability for the first round of funding.    She added there is no divide between rural and urban areas, other than a digital divide.  In response to Councillor Batrouni’s questions there are excellent examples of where we are delivering in this field, an example being the work undertaken by Mike Powell in terms of the TV white space project.  In terms of KPIs we would work with a provider to ensure we get the digital infrastructure in place and to ensure that people access the provision.

Upon being put to the vote the motion was carried.  Councillor Jones would submit a supplementary paper to UK Government highlighting the support of Council.

The Chairman invited the Cabinet Member for Governance to present the following statement to Council:

You will have no doubt seen the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government last week on the call for Councils in Wales to work more closely together and to share and pool resources and services. Emphasis in the Cabinet Secretary’s speech, was placed on increasing integration of ‘back office’ functions with stated examples  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9a

Council was presented with the statutory Annual Report of the Chief Officer, Social Care, Health and Housing.

·         Referring to the statement that timescales for completing assessments for have not been good enough, a Member questioned if there are enough staff to compile Judiciary reports for looked after children.  The Chief Officer highlighted the need for a constructive relationship with the judiciary commenting on the challenge for this, and other Councils in the region, to prepare reports to the required high standards, and the need to provide training and support for staff. 

·         A Member queried the budget for community care asking how services will be funded sustainably in Monmouthshire and Wales in the long term referring to the demands of an aging population and the removal of the Severn Bridge tolls.  A further question was asked about standards of care which can seem variable and asked how services, especially for those with dementia, can be delivered with insufficient resources.

The Chief Officer assured that options can be explored to help people to lead better lives that are also more cost effective.   The in house homecare service specialises in dementia care and provides relationship based support.  The authority is working with the independent sector to introduce the same style of working by moving towards block contracts and supporting their training, development and recruitment.    As Turning the World Upside Down proceeds there will be changed contracts, practice and financial rewards aligned to a single approach by in house, private and Health Board services. Regarding price, the authority will work with external providers to understand true costs and develop a cost recommendation.   Preparations are also required for the challenges of registration with Social Care Wales.

A Member questioned what can be done to improve quality of life, to combat loneliness and isolation.  The Chief Officer emphasised the importance of identifying resources in every community to link people together acknowledging that some parts of the county do this well and the aspiration to have the same level of connection and support in the whole county.

In response to questions from Councillor Batrouni, it was revisited that there had been an Area Co-Ordinators pilot that was evaluated which led to the current place based working in a co-ordinated way to connect people and support community development. 

In terms of safeguarding, it was recognised that the authority had been found wanting in term of safe recruitment practice and reported that a Kerbcraft action plan is in place.  To prevent similar situations, recruitment is monitored. 

The Chief Officer explained the work with Legal Services to improve the quality of assessments and care plans. 

In terms of wellbeing, the Chief Officer confirmed her strong links with Leisure Services and provided examples such as exercise and referral, and work with the Youth Service.

The Cabinet Member, Social Care, Safeguarding and Health noted, regarding the Judiciary, that the comments are not unique to Monmouthshire and that all councils encounter the same problems which affects the morale of social workers.  In terms  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10b

Council were presented with the Corporate Safeguarding Policy by the Cabinet Member, Social Care, Safeguarding and Health.

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Debate ensued:

Councillor Batrouni queried confidence to deliver transparency and effective scrutiny. The Cabinet Member responded that there had been a lack of adherence to policy initially referring to the voluntary audit of Kerbcraft which identified gaps, and confirmed that the new Corporate Safeguarding Policy and Volunteering policy will address the shortcomings.  It was added that there is a new structure for safeguarding and every directorate has responsibility to collate data.  A central, easily accessible register has been established.

Specifically, regarding Kerbcraft, it was reported that an internal audit was inconclusive and consequently, an independent audit investigation is in progress and will be reported on shortly.  As part of the review, the Wales Audit Office has been asked to provide clarification and evidence relating to the comments made.

Secondly, a question was asked about a Wales Online survey into how many looked after children had gone missing since 2015 and noted that five councils, including Monmouthshire, had refused to provide the information.  It was responded that this question will be looked into by the Chief Officer who explained that safeguarding will always be a work in progress, there will always be issues but they will be dealt with but in an open and transparent way.  Elected Members who have not yet attended the safeguarding training were urged to attend the next session.

Council resolved to accept the recommendation and agreed and adopted the Corporate Safeguarding Policy.

County Councillor R. J. Greenland presented a report to Council which to review proposals and seek a decision on the most suitable option for the provision of a Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre in Monmouth.

During debate we noted:

·         A Member expressed concern that there had been an overspend on the development of the new school in the region of £11m and recalled that he had requested an updated schedule of works which had not been received.  A breakdown of additional costs was requested with an indication of the source of the additional funding and also regular updates on the development of the two new schools.

The Leader couldn’t recall the request and emphasised that the discussion was not about the school, which had been dealt with at a previous meeting, but was to further the Council’s commitment to provide a swimming pool in Monmouth with an enhanced leisure facility that would generate income to pay for itself.  He added that Option 2 was the best option, recognising that the first consideration was the need to not jeopardise young people’s achievements and life chances.  The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People will be bringing a report to Council in the autumn to introduce the next phases of school builds in the county.

·         A Member argued that the plans should be for a competition standard pool, with appropriate depth, lanes and viewing gallery, not a leisure pool.  Assurance was sought that, during the changeover period, staff employment is safe, and, if not, what the effect would be.  Regarding Option 2, an assessment of risks was requested of proceeding with the phases together.  It was queried how long residents would be without the use of a gym and a timescale for the completion of the pool.

Councillor R. J. Greenland responded that the original indicative project price was £6.68m.  Cost certainty was requested and confirmed as an additional £300,000.  The specifications for the pool are in the report and it will be suitable for local competitions.  The Head of Tourism Leisure Culture & Youth commented that this was an aspirational facility for Monmouth completely supported by Leisure Officers, that will add value to the old pool and confirmed that the depth meets Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) standards and suitable for teaching young people to swim.

A response was provided that there is no risk to staff and alternative work has been arranged for the duration of the project.  It was confirmed that regular meetings will be held between stakeholders to ensure safe and smooth running of the two sites.  Regarding timescales, the first phase (redesign of the fitness suite (gym), toning studio etc.) will be 32 weeks and the transformation from sports hall to pool will be up to 52 weeks.  Options are under consideration to provide temporary alternative fitness facilities in the town.

It was explained that the additional £300,000 was due to changes to the depth of floor, a longer programme on site, securing the site for e.g. safe deliveries  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11a

What discussions did the Council have with the Welsh Government regarding TrawsCymru?

What discussions did the Council have with the Welsh Government regarding

TrawsCymru?

Councillor Jones provided an explanation that TrawsCymru is a brand for a network of medium and long distance express bus routes in Wales sponsored by Welsh Government.  The routes are usually 25 miles or more and connect key towns throughout Wales complementing rail services.

In response to the question, the authority has had numerous and ongoing discussions with Welsh Government on TrawsCymru.  A study of a new route between Brecon and Chepstow via Abergavenny and Monmouth has been undertaken by Welsh Government.  Discussions are ongoing as to how this may be introduced in the future.  Both Monmouthshire and Powys have current contracts on various services that are part of this route and further meetings will take place.  Any proposals will be reported to the Strategic Transport Group and Council.

As a supplementary, Councillor Batrouni asked for the response to be supplied in writing, and also if there was a timeframe when we will see those particular routes.

Councillor B agreed to provide this information to Councillor Batrouni in due course.

What indicators will be used to assess success or failure in relation to your first priority for education outlined at the last Council?

What indicators will be used to assess success or failure in relation to your first priority for education outlined at the last Council?

Councillor John responded that the first priority is to drive up standards across the board.  Council was informed that students will be sitting new GCSE qualifications this year which are incomparable with previous years and so will provide a new baseline.  It will therefore not be possible to identify indicators and measures until there has been an opportunity to review the latest performance in order to understand how we have performed compared to other similar authorities.

As a supplementary, it was commented that the response encompassed all Key Stages and it was queried if there were measures for all key stages. It was also asked how teaching standards are assessed. 

Councillor John responded that he was proud of the standards delivered in recent years noting that Estyn inspections identified good schools in the county adding that good is not good enough. Even where there are excellent standards, we want to do better.  He detailed that performance in Foundation Phase has been ranked first in Wales every year (except one) since 2012. In Key Stage 2, we have been first for three of the last five years.  We were third in Key Stage 3 last year and first in Key Stage 4 for two of the last three years.

In recognition that we need to do better, indicators and proposals for the future will be brought forward.

What indicators will be used to assess success or failure in relation to your second priority for education outlined at the last Council?

What indicators will be used to assess success or failure in relation to your second priority for education outlined at the last Council?

Councillor John responded that the second priority was to promote children’s wellbeing in schools noting that it can have a significant impact on their performance in school.  We are developing a new structure to organise, integrate and measure activities relating to wellbeing working with Headteachers, colleagues and stakeholders.  He stated that he would not be compromising discussions by making  key announcements on measures today.

Councillor Batrouni asked a supplementary question: What discussions had taken place with members on ADM on achieving the measures of success of wellbeing.

In response, Councillor John confirmed that he will be bringing forward proposals and would be working closely with Headteachers and in discussion with students.  He stated that it was not appropriate to make key policy announcements without discussions with stakeholders.  He repeated his offer to work with any member who wishes to contribute to the debate.

What indicators will be used to assess success or failure in relation to your third priority for education outlined at the last Council?

What indicators will be used to assess success or failure in relation to your third priority for education outlined at the last Council?

Councillor John responded that the third priority was to revise and update a number of key policy areas through consultation with stakeholders and also to improve the school estate.  A number of consultations will be launched in the autumn and he was not going to prejudice the results by announcing specific indicators today.