Agenda item

Cabinet Member Angela Sandles and Pennie Walker introduced the report and answered the members’ questions with Matthew Gatehouse:

• Is the trauma-informed approach to reducing school absence being extended to include social and emotional learning for all pupils, not just those already identified as having issues?

A written response will be provided to confirm this. It is understood that the data may already cover all pupils, but this will be checked and clarified. – ACTION: to receive a written response

• What more can be done to improve apprenticeships, work experience opportunities, and support for young people aged 16–24 who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET)?

There is significant work underway to expand opportunities, including a new work experience programme bringing pupils into the Council, support with CV writing and interview skills, and a stronger focus on apprenticeships. All relevant roles are now reviewed to assess whether they can be offered as apprenticeships, with oversight at senior level. Broader workforce planning and new initiatives – such as digital career exploration tools – are also being developed to promote career pathways and address the wider national challenge.

• What further action can be taken to address the gender pay gap, particularly where it relates to differences between job roles (for example, valuing care roles compared to other occupations)?

Work is ongoing to address structural and cultural factors contributing to the gender pay gap, including encouraging women into higher-paid and senior roles through training and development. A formal job evaluation scheme is in place to ensure that roles of equal value are paid equally, with independent assessment and trade union involvement to maintain transparency. While progress has been made, further work is needed through workforce planning, skills development, and broader societal change.

• What is meant by SMEs, and how will the Council rebuild and grow the number of disability confident employers, particularly among local businesses?

SMEs refers to small and medium-sized enterprises, classified by the number of employees. The Council’s employability team is working with the Department for Work and Pensions on a new programme that actively engages local businesses, particularly smaller ones, by meeting them directly, explaining the disability confident scheme, and encouraging them to join at entry level. This targeted engagement is intended to increase the number of participating organisations over time.

• How are larger businesses being engaged in the disability confident scheme, and how is business size categorised?

Business size is generally determined by the number of employees. Larger organisations are already more represented within the scheme, including the Council itself, which is the largest local employer. The current focus is on expanding participation among smaller businesses, although engagement with larger employers continues. The scheme is not primarily about cost but about creating supportive workplaces for people with disabilities – whether physical or mental – by promoting inclusive practices such as flexible working and a supportive environment, helping make organisations more accessible and attractive to potential employees.

• Do grant funding opportunities to support the diversification of rural businesses apply to farming communities, and can examples be provided?

The diversification of rural businesses is intended to include the farming community and support them in adapting and sustaining their operations in different ways. However, specific examples of supported projects were not available during the meeting, and a written response will be provided with further detail. – ACTION: to receive a written response

• Is the timetable for the RLDP (Replacement Local Development Plan) examination up to date?

It was acknowledged that the timetable referenced in the report was no longer accurate, as the examination had been postponed. This will need to be corrected in the report.

• Is it correct that the council is required to provide additional facilities such as fully enclosed, gender-neutral toilets following the Supreme Court ruling and EHRC guidance?

It was clarified that this is not a legal requirement. While the guidance suggests that providing facilities such as fully enclosed, gender-neutral toilets may be a sensible and proportionate approach to ensure access and avoid discrimination, it is not mandated by law. There is no expectation being placed on businesses or organisations to make such changes, and decisions should be based on what is appropriate in each individual context.

• What efforts are being made to ensure that people who are not digitally included can participate in consultations such as “Let’s Talk Monmouthshire”?

In addition to the online platform, the Council provides alternative ways for people to engage, including an in-person “Let’s Talk Monmouthshire” forum held at different locations across the county. Paper copies of consultations are available in libraries, and residents can receive assistance via contact centres to complete forms. The Council is also open to further suggestions to improve accessibility and inclusion.

• Is there an opportunity for councillors to receive training on the social model of disability?

Training on the social model of disability is already available through the Council’s online learning platform, although it can be difficult to locate due to the volume of content. Work is underway to improve accessibility for members by creating a more tailored portal highlighting relevant training, including this topic.

• Can the Council require or encourage its contractors to adopt inclusive practices, such as becoming disability confident employers?

The Council can include certain requirements or expectations within contracts, subject to advice from procurement colleagues to ensure they are proportionate and do not deter competition. In practice, the Council seeks to encourage inclusive practices through socially responsible procurement, including requiring social benefits – such as training opportunities or community support – as part of larger contracts.

• Is there any funding available to support upgrading public conveniences in Goytre, including improving accessibility and provision?

There is no identified specific funding pot dedicated to public conveniences. However, the Council is currently reviewing its toilet strategy, and while a direct funding source is not confirmed, officers will explore whether there are alternative funding routes or ways to link the request to relevant funding streams. The importance of such facilities for communities and visitors was acknowledged, and further advice will be sought from the appropriate teams. Action: to provide a response to the member.

Chair’s Summary:

The chair thanked the Members for their questions and the Cabinet Member and officers for their report and responses and confirmed that responses would be sought outside the meeting for the actions highlighted.