Agenda and draft minutes

None.

The Chair of Council, County Councillor Su McConnel opened the meeting and took the opportunity to thank Council for the opportunity of representing the Council.

Group Leaders took the opportunity to address Council expressing thanks to County Councillor McConnel for her year in office as Chair.

It was proposed by County Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, and seconded by County Councillor Paul Griffiths, that County Councillor Peter Strong be elected as Chair of Monmouthshire County Council for the Civic Year 2025/26.

County Councillor Richard John proposed that County Councillor Ann Webb be elected as Chair of Monmouthshire County Council for the Civic Year 2025/26. Seconded by County Councillor Alistair Neill.

Upon being put to a recorded vote it was agreed to elect County Councillor Peter Strong as Chair. County Councillor Strong made and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and thanked Members for their support. He thanked Council for the opportunity and introduced County Councillor Jackie Strong as his consort for the year in office.

The Chair welcomed nominations for Vice-Chair of Council. It was proposed by County Councillor Paul Griffiths and seconded by County Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby that County Councillor Martyn Groucutt be appointed as Vice Chair of the County Council for the Civic Year 2025/26.

County Councillor Richard John proposed, seconded by County Councillor Frances Taylor, that County Councillor David Jones be appointed as Vice Chair of the County Council for the Civic Year 2025/26.

Upon being put to a recorded vote it was resolved that County Councillor Martyn Groucutt be appointed as Vice Chair. County Councillor Groucutt made and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office. He thanked Council for their support and introduced Maggie Harris as his consort for the year.

The minutes of the meeting held on 10^th April 2025 were approved and signed by County Councillor Su McConnel.

County Councillor Steven Garratt nominated County Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby as Leader of the Council for the year 2025/26. This was seconded by County Councillor Tudor Thomas.

County Councillor Alistair Neill nominated County Councillor Richard John as Leader of the Council for the year 2025/26. This was seconded by County Councillor Lisa Dymock.

Upon being put to a recorded vote County Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby was appointed Leader.

Cabinet Appointments were announced as:

·       County Councillor Paul Griffiths - Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Sustainable Livelihoods.

·       County Councillor Ben Callard – Cabinet Member for Resources.

·       Councillor Laura Wright – Cabinet Member for Education.

·       County Councillor Ian Chandler – Cabinet Member for Social Care, Safeguarding and Accessible Health Services.

·       County Councillor Catrin Maby – Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment.

·       County Councillor Angela Sandles – Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement.

·       County Councillor Sara Burch - Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism

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The Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement presented the report in order for Council to review the representation of different political groups on the bodies to which the Council makes appointments.

Council resolved to accept the recommendation:

That the Council approves the report as a review under Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and to allocate ordinary committees with the numbers as indicated below representing political balance:

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The Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement presented the report in order to appoint committees together with their membership and terms of reference in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

In order to provide clarity around the appointment of the chair of Democratic Services Committee, the Chief Executive provided the following amendment which was moved by Councillor John and seconded by Councillor Murphy:

This council agrees to set aside para 10.3.3 of our constitution and elect a chair of DSC in accordance with the provisions of the LG Wales Measure 2011 as set out in para 3.12 therein.

Council resolved to accept the recommendations and the above motion:

That the committees be appointed together with their membership as set out in the report, and their terms of reference attached as appendices.

That Council appointed County Councillor Lisa Dymock as Chair of Democratic Services Committee.

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The Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement presented the report for Council to appoint representatives to serve on outside bodies.  

Council resolved to accept the recommendation:

That Council notes the appointments made at its 2024 AGM for the term of Council and confirms or amends the appointments that require annual renewal as well as confirming appointments to new positions.

This council:

Notes with concern the impending ban on HGVs crossing the M48 Severn Bridge and the implications for local haulage firms.

Calls on the Welsh Government and Monmouthshire County Council to urgently assess the current and projected traffic impacts at Junction 23A M4 to Magor as a result of the M48 Severn Bridge restrictions and bring forward costed proposals to improve the road infrastructure at and around Junction 23A Magor to ensure traffic can be safely and effectively managed.

Calls on the Welsh and UK Governments to work at pace on a medium-term solution to reintroduce controlled HGV movements on the M48 Severn Bridge as soon as possible.

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County Councillor Lisa Dymock presented the motion that this Council:

Notes with concern the impending ban on HGVs crossing the M48 Severn Bridge and the implications for local haulage firms.

Calls on the Welsh Government and Monmouthshire County Council to urgently assess the current and projected traffic impacts at Junction 23A M4 to Magor as a result of the M48 Severn Bridge restrictions and bring forward costed proposals to improve the road infrastructure at and around Junction 23A Magor to ensure traffic can be safely and effectively managed.

Calls on the Welsh and UK Governments to work at pace on a medium-term solution to reintroduce controlled HGV movements on the M48 Severn Bridge as soon as possible.

Seconded by County Councillor Richard John.

County Councillor John Crook submitted an amendment:

We call on WG to urgently progress the Burns Commission recommendation to construct a link road between the M48 and the B4245 to reduce congestion on the J23a Magor Interchange.

Seconded by County Councillor Angela Sandles.

The amendment was accepted by Councillor Dymock and debate ensued.

Upon being put to a vote the motion was carried.

That this Council recognises that direct payments are intended to improve choice, control and independence, and is committed to ensuring that those who meet the eligibility criteria as set out in the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014, are provided with the necessary support to access direct payments should they wish, in a timely manner.

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County Councillor Frances Taylor presented the motion:

That this Council recognises that direct payments are intended to improve choice, control and independence, and is committed to ensuring that those who meet the eligibility criteria as set out in the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014, are provided with the necessary support to access direct payments should they wish, in a timely manner.

Seconded by County Councillor Simon Howarth.

Upon being put to a vote the motion was carried.

Would the cabinet member be able to offer a full explanation to the public of this county as to the 7ft galvanised fence installed on the mountain side at Pwllde National parks and also the buffer to the world heritage site?

Whilst it was installed for road safety it’s one off the worst cases of open countryside abuse I’ve ever encountered, and the residents of Clydach also feel let down as no contact was made with their representatives or the farming community.

Would the cabinet member be able to offer a full explanation to the public of this county as to the 7ft galvanised fence installed on the mountain side at Pwllde National parks and also the buffer to the world heritage site? Whilst it was installed for road safety it’s one off the worst cases of open countryside abuse I’ve ever encountered, and the residents of Clydach also feel let down as no contact was made with their representatives or the farming community.

The Cabinet Member responded that officers were consulting with residents on options for reducing the visibility of the fence.  It was understood that 17 residents had contacted the Council following a public meeting to share potential solutions.  The fence is there to ensure no-one is standing on the road should a collapse of the rock face happen as there is a danger to life if the road is left open.  The rock face is being surveyed at the end of May and a scoping exercise for moving the road is ongoing, however this is an unlikely solution.  Previous attempts to secure the area, including gates, concrete barriers, signage and Heras fencing have all been vandalized which is why a substantial fence was needed.  The safety of visitors and residents remains a priority, and the deterioration of the road has been a discussion between the Council and local community over an extended period.  Frustrations of the community were recognised, and a solution was being sought to reduce the visibility of the fence but ensure safety for all.  The Head of Service has apologised at the public meeting for the lack of communication.

As a supplementary Councillor Howarth expressed disappointment in the response and asked if the Cabinet Member would issue an apology?  The Cabinet Member explained that this was not a political decision but a necessary officer decision which the officer has apologised for not consulting on beforehand.

Does the cabinet member Catrin Maby believe that litter bins in our towns and villages, and also highways, play an integrated part in keeping our communities clean, tidy and most important lead by example?

Does the cabinet member Catrin Maby believe that litter bins in our towns and villages, and also highways, play an integrated part in keeping our communities clean, tidy and most important lead by example?

The Cabinet Member agreed that litter bins matter and need to be in the right place to be effective.  As a litter picker herself she appreciates the 400+ litter picking volunteers across the county.

As a supplementary Councillor Howarth asked why litter bins were being removed and not replaced without members, the public and local councillors being informed.

The Cabinet Member responded that she was only aware of one bin being removed by a resident in Councillor Howarth’s ward.  She asked that Councillor Howarth contact her with details of litter bins that needed replacing.

Could you provide an update on the progress and any findings of the recent county-wide parking review?  In particular to Usk, where there is genuine concern in my joint ward of Llanbadoc and Usk from businesses, residents, surrounding villagers and town commuters. Could you please advise on the current status, any proposed changes, and the expected timeline for the conclusions of the review to be published?

Could you provide an update on the progress and any findings of the recent county-wide parking review? In particular to Usk, where there is genuine concern in my joint ward of Llanbadoc and Usk from businesses, residents, surrounding villagers and town commuters. Could you please advise on the current status, any proposed changes, and the expected timeline for the conclusions of the review to be published?

The Cabinet Member responded that he had received a draft report from the consultants on the county wide review, and the report makes no recommendations for changes in those towns which currently have no parking charges.  Those towns include Usk, Caldicot, Magor and Raglan.  Instead, the report recommends that we undertake town by town engagement with businesses, residents and town councils to test the case for any further change.  He looked forward to working with Llanbadoc and Usk members to consider how this engagement may be conducted.

As a supplementary Councillor Howells welcomed the good news and hoped the outcomes of the review would be made available to members. He asked if the review made any suggestions on how to improve traffic enforcement?

The Cabinet Member responded that the responsibility for enforcement was recently transferred from the police to local authorities, but with no increase in funding. This has created challenges in recruiting and retaining a full team to undertake enforcement.  Action is being taken, and we will be monitoring the performance which follows. He added that Usk residents will note the challenge of funding enforcement when there is no funding stream from parking charges.

How many households in Monmouthshire have secured a council tax exemption since 2022?

How many households in Monmouthshire have secured a council tax exemption since 2022?

The Cabinet Member responded with figures for each year ending 31^st March:

·       In 2022, against 43,881 council tax accounts, there were 1080 exemptions.

·       In 2023, against 43,682 council tax accounts, there were 1307 exemptions.

·       In 2024, against 44,007 council tax accounts, there were 1142 exemptions.

·       In 2025, against 44,294 council tax accounts, there were 1105 exemptions.

The figures range from 2.46% to a high of 2.98%

Exemptions include those who are severely mentally impaired, care givers, empty and unfurnished properties and properties undergoing structural repair.

As a supplementary Councillor John referred to family in Trellech who had purchased a property at the end of 2023, and had applied for an exemption for 6 months while the property was being decorated.  They were advised that they could not have a council tax exemption because the previous owner had used up the 6 months exemption allowance.  He asked if the Cabinet Member could raise this in discussion with colleagues at a WLGA level and discuss with WG ministers the future of council tax.

The Cabinet Member asked for the information to be sent to him, and he agreed to investigate further.

To ask the Cabinet Member to respond to the UK Government's decision to withdraw funding for the Western Gateway partnership. 

To ask the Cabinet Member to respond to the UK Government's decision to withdraw funding for the Western Gateway partnership.

The Leader explained that the UK Government announced in the October 2024 budget its intention to withdraw funding for PAN regional partnerships, including the Western Gateway Partnership. MCC is not directly invested in, or engages with, the Western Gateway Partnership.  The Leader sits on the board as a representative of CCR and funding to support the Western Gateway Partnership goes through CCR.  While the decision could be seen as disappointing it has not affected the commitment of local authorities or regional bodies to continue to work together and pursue joint ventures which benefit all our businesses and citizens. Notably the recommendations of the Severn Estuary Commission are being taken forward jointly by CCR and the West of England Combined Authorities.  Currently, a memo of understanding is being draft to formalise partnership between WECA and CCR focused on shared interest to improve transport links, capitalise opportunities to promote greener, sustainable growth across our regions and the Leader will be meeting with WECA’s newly elected Mayor to take the conversation forward.

As a supplementary Councillor Davis asked the Leader to reassure members that she will use her office to hold her Labour Government colleagues at Westminster to account to ensure that the UK Government’s devolution and growth agenda benefits the whole of the UK and doesn’t abruptly stop at the Severn Bridge. He also asked what further steps she could take to advocate for further and deeper cross border economic partnership which benefits the residents of Monmouthshire.

The Leader responded that she is absolutely committed to ensuring that regional growth and our own growth is linked to the industrial strategy of the UK Government and that of the Welsh Government. She has spoken to the Welsh office and visited Westminster to appear before the select committee to discuss the need for cross border partnership and the work with CCR. A meeting with the Welsh Secretary has been secured to talk through how as a Council we can contribute and benefit from the growth agenda.

To ask the Leader, what action has the authority taken following the recent public meeting regarding the erection of a fence on Pwll ddu Road? 

Withdrawn.

Please can you provide an update on the armed forces event being hosted by the council, including any details about the schedule, participants, and public engagement and access?

Please can you provide an update on the armed forces event being hosted by the council, including any details about the schedule, participants, and public engagement and access?

The Cabinet Member welcomed the opportunity to highlight the event information.  On Saturday 28^th June we will host National Armed Forces Day which allows the opportunity to show support for those who make up the armed forces community.  It a free event at Caldicot Castle, open to the whole community but capacity is limited and free tickets are available to book in advance. 

·       The site opens at 11am and the event runs to 4pm.

·       Ajax tank.

·       A display by the RAF Falcons.

·       A band of the RAF Regiment.

·       A flypast from a Spitfire.

·       Representations from The Royal British Legion; SAFFA; and Help for Heroes.

·       Activities for Young People.

·       Musical performances and demonstrations

Town Councils have agreed to provide free coach travel to the event for their residents to ensure accessibility.

Volunteers are still needed.

In terms of engagement and promotion, the Community Development team have been distributing flyers and posters, which have been made available to all members. Roadside banners have been installed in key locations.  There has been promotion across various media outlets.  Those unable to access tickets online were encouraged to go along to community hubs where help is available.  Officers are working on mitigating impact on the local community with regards to transport.

As a supplementary Councillor Dymock wished to discuss in more depth the accessibility for elderly residents, adding that newspaper adverts would be key.

Given the vital role our leisure centre plays in supporting the community's health and wellbeing, what is the council doing to urgently secure funding for Caldicot Leisure Centre and its refurbishment to ensure residents have access to high quality, accessible facilities that encourage active and healthy lifestyles? 

Given the vital role our leisure centre plays in supporting the community's health and wellbeing, what is the council doing to urgently secure funding for Caldicot Leisure Centre and its refurbishment to ensure residents have access to high quality, accessible facilities that encourage active and healthy lifestyles?

The Cabinet Member recognised the vital role of Caldicot Leisure Centre and assured that maintaining accessible leisure facilities is a priority for the Council.  A full-scale refurbishment would be ideal, funding remains a significant challenge. Major investments must align with the broader placemaking plan currently underway, which aims to regenerate the high street and, in time, enhanced leisure opportunities.

The Council has already made significant investments in Caldicot Leisure Centre to improve the experience for users and will continue to do so.  Recent and ongoing improvements include:

·       Installations of LED energy efficient flood lights.

·       New swimming pool covers.

·       Switch from tank fed to mains fed water for better pressure.

·       Upgraded chemical treatment for the pool.

·       A fully refurbished multi-use games area with floodlit basketball court.

·       A new dedicated indoor cycling studio.

A business case is being developed to upgrade the fitness suite.  Retaining the user base is essential and there has been a steady increase in membership. The centre also hosts the Friday night positive futures initiative, supported by Police and Crime Commissioner, using sport to engage young people. Early feedback showing a reduction in antisocial behaviour. 

Any future investment decision would need to be taken in line with the Council’s Capital Strategy and the competing demands on the Council’s resources.

As a supplementary Councillor Dymock expressed that the team at Caldicot Leisure Centre were exceptional.  She referred to the skate park and asked what is happening in terms of repair works.

The Cabinet Member recognised the need for repair at Caldicot skate park and advised that this would be considered when money becomes available.  Currently the park is clear, drains unblocked and usable.   

The lifeblood of rural hamlets and villages are often the community assets such as local public houses.  They are a vital part of knitting together our communities and preventing rural isolation.  A thriving rural pub is like a beacon of hope and hospitality.  They are an essential way for friends and neighbours to keep in touch, have local get together and keep rural communities alive.  When they close, as has The Star on the Hill at Llanvihangel Tor-y-Mynydd, it devastates the area.

Would the Cabinet member for Rural Affairs please commit to gathering together an MCC led community asset team that local communities can access for advice and help on how to go about a community led bid to be able to buy their local public house for the benefit of all? 

The lifeblood of rural hamlets and villages are often the community assets such as local public houses. They are a vital part of knitting together our communities and preventing rural isolation. A thriving rural pub is like a beacon of hope and hospitality. They are an essential way for friends and neighbours to keep in touch, have local get together and keep rural communities alive. When they close, as has The Star on the Hill at Llanvihangel Tor-y-Mynydd, it devastates the area. Would the Cabinet member for Rural Affairs please commit to gathering together an MCC led community asset team that local communities can access for advice and help on how to go about a community led bid to be able to buy their local public house for the benefit of all?

The Cabinet Member had visited the place in question and could see that the church and pub were the twin anchors of the community so was sad to see that the Star on the Hill had closed.  It would be a great achievement if it could be saved and join the 150 community-owned pubs around the country.  She added that it would be great to strengthen the support MCC offers to community enterprise, but we were not able to recruit a new team, but we do have the expertise within the Community Development Team which would be the first point of contact for anybody wanting to set up a new facility. GAVO would also be a point of contact as part of their role is to broker specialist expertise. The Plunkett Foundation provide support through rural community enterprises. She urged those interested to join ‘The Pub is the Hub’ network of community pubs around the country.  She wished them success and looked forward to hearing more. 

What is the cabinet members position on the loss of Prime agricultural land for energy generation? 

What is the cabinet members position on the loss of Prime agricultural land for energy generation?

The Cabinet Member explained that the challenge is to find a balance between the need to extend renewable energy generation and the need to protect agricultural land.  He added that we owe it to future generations to provide both energy security and food security.  His view was that we need to find a balance and not seek a fixed position for or against energy generation. We should undertake, through the planning process, a case-by-case appraisal of any planning application to extend energy generation. It was understood that in Councillor Bromfield’s ward a planning application may soon be submitted to WG and was likely to be of sufficient scale to be referred to WG for determination.  MCC will be asked for information, and we have been firm with a view that there should be an environment impact assessment. When WG considers the application, it will invite comments from all who have an interest, and if that occurs the Cabinet Member would encourage all local members, residents and communities to submit their views at that time.

As a supplementary Councillor Bromfield was disappointed with the response and referred to a contradiction in WG policies.  She asked the Cabinet Member again that should this come forward as a planning application will the administration take the side of her residents who are deeply concerned.

The Cabinet Member stated that when the appraisal takes place it will include many factors and he would seek to ensure that it includes the scale of the proposal; visual impacts; impact on habitat, biodiversity, landscape.  On the basis of that appraisal the Council will submit comments on the application. 

Thank you to the highways officer for their work on speeding in Llangybi. However, data from recent years shows limited impact, Can the Cabinet Member outline any permanent solutions being considered to effectively reduce speeds and improve safety for residents and all road users? 

Thank you to the highways officer for their work on speeding in Llangybi. However, data from recent years shows limited impact, Can the Cabinet Member outline any permanent solutions being considered to effectively reduce speeds and improve safety for residents and all road users?

The Cabinet Member recognised the measures already undertaken and understood the challenge of knowing what physical measures would be acceptable.  She suggested that the first thing to do is to ask Go Safe to return to a meeting as that may be the faster and more efficient way solution.

As a supplementary Councillor Bromfield referred to the tragic death in the area, and asked the Cabinet Member to attend public meetings and listen to residents, to identify permanent traffic calming measures. She asked that the Cabinet Member arrange a Member Seminar with Go Safe.

The Cabinet Member agreed to the suggestions.

Please could you provide an update regarding Goldwire Lane in Monmouth that is subject to an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) that restricts driving to residents, visitors, deliveries, and emergency services?

Please could you provide an update regarding Goldwire Lane in Monmouth that is subject to an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) that restricts driving to residents, visitors, deliveries, and emergency services?

The Cabinet Member advised that the consultation period had recently ended. The data to date would be reviewed shortly and decision would be made on how best to move forward.  There has been positive and negative feedback, and it was important to that the outcome protects the safety for all road users.  It was noted that emergency vehicles were not restricted from that route.

As a supplementary Councillor Newell, asked that, before a final decision is made, would the Cabinet Member meet with residents to listen to arguments on both sides.

The Cabinet Member agreed to review all options.

Could the cabinet member clarify how many residents await a social work assessment and give an indication of how long are they waiting, and the longest wait times?

Could the cabinet member clarify how many residents await a social work assessment and give an indication of how long are they waiting, and the longest wait times?

The Cabinet Member took the opportunity to highlight the progress made over the last year.  In the year 2024 to 2025 we had approximately 3500 referrals into the service and for those that went on to full assessment, the average waiting time between referral and assessment was 27 days.  In March 2025 we completed 347 social care needs assessment for adult service users and those assessments were undertaken by the three integrated service teams in North, South and Central Monmouthshire, the community mental health team and community learning disability team.  As of yesterday, across the five teams there were 107 adults waiting for a social care need assessment which is a significant reduction on previous years.  However, the objective is to drive waiting times down even lower by continuing with the actions being taken.  24 of the 107 adults have been waiting for no more than 14 days; and a further 36 people who have been waiting between 15 and 30 days; 46 who have been waiting 31 and 90m days; and 1 who has to wait over 90 days.

People are not seen on the order they come onto the list.  They are triaged so that the most critical case is seen first, re-prioritising waiting lists on a daily basis. Safeguarding and critical hospital discharges are given top priority.

Anxieties around waiting times were recognised and help with this, including preventative information and advice, is available.

Could the cabinet member please provide an update on the potential impact on the Junction with the M4 at Magor in relation to the proposed introduction of the Severn Bridge 7.5t weight Limit?

Could the cabinet member please provide an update on the potential impact on the Junction with the M4 at Magor in relation to the proposed introduction of the Severn Bridge 7.5t weight Limit?

The Cabinet Member agreed to ensure that members are kept informed as information becomes available. 

Council resolved to exclude press and public.

The Cabinet Member for Education presented the report to appoint members of the Monmouthshire Standing Advisory Council (SAC) for Religion, Values and Ethics for a four-year period.

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

That the applicants set out in Appendix 1 be appointed as members of the Monmouthshire SAC for a term of four years with effect from 15^th May 2025.

Noted.