Venue: held remotely via video-conference
Contact: Dwynwen Jones
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Apologies Minutes: Councillors Marc
Davies, Peter Davies, Elaine Evans, Maldwyn Lewis, Alun Lloyd-Jones and
Mark Strong apologised for their inability to attend the meeting. Councillors Paul Hinge apologised for his inability
to attend the meeting due to being on other Council business. |
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Disclosures of personal interest (including whipping declarations) Members are reminded of their personal responsibility to declare any personal and prejudicial interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2000, the Council’s Constitution and the Members Code of Conduct. In addition, Members must declare any prohibited party whip which the Member has been given in relation to the meeting as per the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011. Minutes: No declarations were received. |
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An explanation of the procedure for dealing with incidence of Fly Tipping Minutes: The
Environmental Health Manager, Performance and Public Protection presented a
report to the Committee, outlining the challenges presented by COVID-19 and
prioritisation of work during this time.
He outlined the legislative framework and enforcement relating to
fly-tipping, the RIPA regulations with regards to CCT monitoring, and
regulations in relation to land ownership and responsibility for dealing with
fly-tipping on private land. It
was noted that the Council monitor hotspot locations (proactive enforcement),
as well as investigating complaints received (reactive enforcement). It was
noted that 375 incidents of fly-tipping were logged in 2020-2021 and that 106
incidents have been logged so far this year (from 1 April to 18th
August 2021). In 2020-2021, 2 fixed penalty notices were issued resulting from
proactive enforcement, with none following reactive enforcement, a reduction on
previous years. One caution was issued
in 2020-2021 due to proactive enforcement. The
report also outlines partnership working with ‘Keep Wales Tidy’, Caru
Ceredigion as well as adjacent local Authorities The following questions had been raised by
Members: ·
Members
noted that concerns regarding fly-tipping
have been raised via CLIC, however there has been a lack of response. They also
asked that a copy of the matrix which outlines where the responsibility sits is
shared with all Councillors. Officers
noted that they would look into the matter and provide copies of the matrix. ·
Members asked
whether CCTV cameras could be placed on trunk roads and private land. Officers confirmed that there are no
retrictions, subject to agreement with the land owner. ·
Members
asked whether greater use of technology could be made to monitor refuse left
alongside skips, or if skips could be provided which have a side-opening as
opposed to having to throw items over the top. ·
Members
noted that the Highways and Environmental Services will not remove fly-tipping
until a member of the Public Protection team has inspected the content, and
asked if the items could be relocated to Penrhos or Glanyrafon to be inspected.
Officers noted that they are currently working with the Highways and
Environmental Services team to review concerns such as the early presentation
of waste, and that they will raise this matter with them. ·
Members
suggested that the Public Protection Team publicise information relating to
fixed penalty notices in order educate and enhance greater awareness of this.
Officer noted that they would look into this. ·
Members
suggested that the report is shared with Town and Community Councils, in order
that they can contribute ·
Members
noted that several complaints are received in relation to lack of bins, however
a lot of take-away businesses now use cardboard which fills the bins quicker
than paper, asking whether anything could be done with regards to approaching
businesses to supply their own bins.
Officer noted that a ‘Keep Wales Tidy’ coordinator had been appointed
recently and that they would ask her to share this message with other officers
thourghout Wales for consideration as a project. Following questions by the Members of the Committee it was agreed to note the contents ... view the full minutes text for item 13. |
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An overview of Public Protection Community Warden and Pest Control Services Minutes: The
Trading Standards & Licensing Manager, Performance and Public Protection
presented a report to Committee, updating Scrutiny on the issues facing the
Public Protection’s Community Warden Service, in particular the pest control
service. It
was noted that since March 2020 the community warden service had been operating
with one Community Warden as opposed to two, prioritising complaints / requests
based upon the public health risk. From
September 2021 this will return to two full-time officers. Data relating to number of requests logged
each year since 2016. The statutory duty
on the Authority was outlined, and it was noted that the authority will need to
achieve accreditation under the SSIP scheme in order to resume joint sewer
baiting work with Dŵr Cymru. An
outline was also provided of the Farm Pest Control Services offered by
Ceredigion County Council, Dog Wardening and the Dog Fouling Enforcement
Services, and it was noted that four temporary officers were appointed over the
summer using Welsh Government hardship funding to ensure that visitors visit
Ceredigion safely and in a responsible manner. In
addition to acquiring SSIP accreditation, it was noted that the Service
proposes to create a new Pest Control Policy setting out charges for various
pest control services and a new safeguard for those on low income and
vulnerable households, and that the Service plans to consider alternative ways
of increasing dog fouling patrols / enforcement. The following questions had been raised by
Members: ·
Members asked whether
illegal tipping into drains was also a concern. Officers noted that it applied
to fat and oils also, and that legislation was brought in circa 3 to 4 years
banning the use of macerators. ·
Members noted
that they had been informed that a single officer did not have the right to
lift a manhole cover by themselves and asked whether equipment could be
provided to assist with this. Officer noted that manhole covers are the
property of Dŵr Cymru, therefore Officer do not have the authority to lift
these, and a SSIP accreditation is required in order to carry out such work. ·
Members asked
whether the increased dog attacks on sheep was a matter for this Service,
noting that members of the public generally contact the Police for such matters ·
Members asked
whether Officer handling poisons are given regular health checks. Officers confirmed that this used to happen
on a regular basis and that that this would resume shortly. ·
Members asked
regarding staffing resources. Officer noted that there are now two full-time
members of staff, and that this would be reviewed following re-commencement of
work with farms, wasps etc. ·
Members asked
about our rights in relation to dogs fouling on public footpaths. Officer noted
that the challenge is to catch them in the act ·
Members noted
that they would like to see a report outlining a clear way forward with regards
to rodent control, as opposed to report outlining the situation. Following discussion it was
agreed to: Review the situation in 6 months, and that the Service ... view the full minutes text for item 14. |
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Update on Wellbeing Centres and developments in Lampeter Wellbeing Centre Minutes: The Corporate Manager, Porth Cymorth Cynnar presented a report to the
Committee, which gave an update on the recent developments within the service.
The Committee were informed that the Service had been reviewing progress made
against the Ceredigion “Sport and Recreational Activity Strategy 2014-2020” in
preparation for the development of a new plan, which is due to operate from
2022-2027. It was noted that an initial public engagement exercise was underway
which will inform the development plan, forming the basis for the next stage of
the consultation process. Lampeter Leisure Centre will be the location of the Council’s first
Wellbeing Centre, providing an enhanced range of Through Age Services to the
residents of Lampeter and mid county. Initially, Plascrug had been the intended
first centre, however due to Plascrug being utilised as a field hospital, the
Service were required to consider developing a Wellbeing Centre in another part
of the county. On the 1st of December 2020, Cabinet approved the
proposal to develop a Wellbeing Centre in Lampeter. The Service were eager to
ensure that the funding was not lost and could be utilised at another location. Indicative costing suggest that construction costs may be met by grant
funding, although final costing will not be known until a tendering process has
taken place. It is anticipated that building works will be completed by June /
July 2022. The Leisure Centre will be
closed during building works however positive discussions have been had with
the University of Wales Trinity St David’s regarding the joint use of their
sporting facilities during this time. The following questions had
been raised by Members: · Members noted that concern had been raised by the Lampeter Lions Netball team that the reduction to the size of the Hall from 4 to 3 badminton size courts was smaller than that of a full-size netball court. Officer noted that a letter had been sent to Lampeter Lions on Thursday inviting them to meet with the Cabinet Member, the Corporate Lead Officer and the Corporate Manager for Porth Cymorth Cynnar, however have not received a response, as yet. It was noted that the service have spoken to all the other clubs that use the Hall on a regular basis, and no other objections were received. It was noted that the Netball League meetings are held at Aberaeron and that the courts at Lampeter are used for practice only. Facilities for practice will continue to be provided in the hall. There are two further full-size outdoor courts available. Officer noted that the Council is in discussion with the University of Wales Trinity St David, Lampeter with regards to sharing their facilities whilst building work is carried out. The court provided by the University is larger, being 1 metre short of a standards netball court. It was noted that Wales Netball Association is also developing the sport to include Walking Netball, Seated Netball and Tiny Tots Netball, and the development of the Wellbeing Centres will facilitate greater use of the centre ... view the full minutes text for item 15. |
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Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities involving Animals) (Wales) Regulation 2021 Minutes: The Environmental Health Manager for Policy, Performance and Public
Protection presented a report to the Committee, to inform Scrutiny of the new
Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations
2021 which came into force on the 10th September, and the additional
requirement resulting thereof. The new legislation may require many local establishments selling
animals as pets for profit to require a licence, however dog breeders currently
licensed under the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulation 2014
are exempt and will not require two licences. Conditions placed upon the
licence optimises welfare standards, which also protects the consumer. The
report further stipulates statutory guidance relating to requirements of the
licence. It was noted that this may lead to an
additional workload for the Public Protection team, however as a result of
recent work carried out by the team, compliance with licence conditions have
improved across all licensed establishments. It was also
highlighted that the implementation of “Lucy Law” will serve to improve
the welfare standards that Ceredigion County Council seeks to maintain across
all the animal industry sectors. The
following questions had been raised by Members: ·
Members asked
whether cross-bred dogs should be register with the
Kennel Club, and whether the additional work would have an impact of staffing
for the purpose of carrying out inspections.
Officers noted that not all dog breeders would require registration,
however if a pet has more than 3 litters a year, they
may accidentally fall into this category. In such circumstances, Officers would
be able to apply their judgement. Officers noted that they welcomed this
legislation and that recent compliance work had led to improved standards
across the County. Following discussion
it was agreed to note the report. |
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Minutes of the 24th June 2021 Committee meeting and any matter arising therefrom Minutes: It was AGREED to confirm as a true record the
Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 24 June 2021. |