Agenda item

County Councillor Greenland took the opportunity to provide an update on business rates.  He advised that he had written to the Cabinet Secretary, and Members would be aware that the First Minister had announced that there would be a £10m relief scheme introduced for Wales.  The details of the scheme arrived last week and given that bills are to be distributed for business rates next week this was not sufficient time to reflect this scheme.  Therefore, businesses in Monmouthshire will receive bills reflecting the full increase, and it is hoped refunds due under the scheme would be made in June.  It was noted that many businesses would be under extreme risk and the Cabinet Member had again written to the Cabinet Secretary asking that businesses can pay the current amount and no more while they go through an appeal process.  He also added in his letter that he had not seen evidence to support the case that between 2008-2015 business rates in Monmouthshire have increased by 7%, whereas in Cardiff they have decreased by 3%.

The Cabinet Member added that conservative colleagues have agreed that, if following the election there is a Conservative majority administration, they will bring forward plans to help businesses through the exceptional hardship support fund which could be available.

County Councillors J. Higginson and R. Harris declared personal, non-prejudicial interests pursuant to the Members Code of Conduct as Council appointed members of the East Wales Valuation Tribunal.

County Councillor S. Jones declared a personal, non-prejudicial interest pursuant to the Members Code of Conduct as a member of the Rate Payers Forum, and Director of the Welsh Retail Consortium.

We were advised that with regards to the Morrisons store in Abergavenny, it has been indicated that they hope to be on site in April 2017, with an opening date of November.

Council were presented with a report to provide Members with an Outline Business Case (OBC) and associated papers that consider the range of alternative delivery models for the Tourism, Leisure, Culture and Youth Services (TLCY) following an independent options appraisal by Anthony Collins Solicitors and seek agreement on the next phase.

During debate the following points were noted:

Assurance was sought regarding the future of the outdoor centres under the alternative delivery model.  The Head of Tourism, Leisure and Culture explained the complex partnership with other Councils.  Whilst come Councils are retreating from the partnership we need to maintain a partnership with a remaining partners.  There is a clear indication of where the service is heading, but discussions with partners are planned over the upcoming months.  As from April, Blaenau Gwent will be the only full partner, in terms of financial contributions but are looking at their own outdoor educational offer.  Torfaen have removed £60k over the last 2 years and will remove another £60k next year.  Newport still own Talybont, Monmouthshire own Gilwern and Hilston Park.

Members heard that there was no threat to The Zone in Caldicot.  Councillor Hacket Pain added that there was no reason to consider that the link between education and the youth service would be severed. 

Councillor A. Webb thanked the officer for the report and sought assurance the Old Station, Tintern would not be affected.  We heard that the intention is to further develop the Old Station and improve the offer, including the parking and other restricting aspects.

Concern was raised regarding the TUPE of staff, in that this would increase the cost of administration.  The Head of Tourism, Leisure and Culture explained this would be part of the full business plan to be presented in September 2017. 

In response to a question regarding consultancy fees we heard the fees have been identified in the outline business case as an investment.

Members were assured that staff are kept up to date and, so far, consultation events had been well attended. 

Councillor J Prosser highlighted that the report had been through scrutiny, joint scrutiny, and seminar events and congratulated officers for innovation and forward thinking for maintaining services.

Cabinet Member for Enterprise responded to a concern regarding Monmouth Pool, explaining that the pool would be 25 metres in length, 5 lanes, and with regulations.  The sports hall will be moving to the school, but when not being used by the school would be available to the general public.  There are proposals to re-vamp the leisure centre in Monmouth, to provide more up to date facilities, bringing further use and income. 

Upon being put to the vote Council resolved to agree the recommendations:

·         That Council reset the recommendations as agreed in October 2016 to delay the full business case to enable consideration of an Outline Business Case in March 2017.

·         That Council agree to progress options 2, transform in house and option 3, new delivery model for reasons identified in the Outline Business Case and not take forward option1, stay the same and option 4, outsourcing.

·         That Council agree OBC is advanced to produce the final Full Business Case for consideration as soon as politically possible.