Agenda and minutes

i.       Councillor Catrin M S. Davies apologised for her inability to attend the meeting.

ii.      James Starbuck, Corporate Director apologised for his inability to attend the meeting.

i.       A warm welcome was extended to Ricky Cooper to his first Cabinet meeting following his appointment as Corporate Lead Officer: Porth Cynnal.

ii.      Congratulations were extended to all involved with the hosting of Rali Ceredigion 2023 held recently. Staff and partners were thanked for their work to ensure the success of the event, which had impacted positively on Ceredigion as a whole. 

iii.    Condolences were extended to the family of former County Councillor Meurig James, who passed away recently.

iv.    Condolences were also extended to the family of Steffan Rees from Penparcau, Aberystwyth, who passed away recently.

i.       Councillor Gareth Davies declared a personal and prejudicial interest in relation to item 63 and withdrew from the meeting whilst the matter was being discussed.

ii.      Councillor Matthew Vaux declared a personal interest in relation to item 72.

To confirm as a true record the Minutes of the previous Meeting of the Cabinet held on 4 July 2023.

Matters arising: There were no matters arising from the minutes.

None.

None.

a)    Feedback from the Thriving Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the Proposal for 2 hours of free parking before 11am at Council Operated Pay and Display Car Parks.

Cabinet noted the report and requested that further consideration be given by the Thriving Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee to the recommendations proposed (including consideration of the free parking pilots in Tregaron and Llandysul) prior to the 2024-2025 budget setting process.

b)    Feedback from the Healthier Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Recruitment Challenges in Through Age Wellbeing Services.

Cabinet noted the report and the recruitment challenges in the Through Age Wellbeing Services and agreed with the recommendations made by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, noting that it would also seek to continue to collaborate with Aberystwyth University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

c)     Feedback from the Learning Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to ‘Y Dyfodol’, Cellan.

Cabinet noted the report and the need to explore options for nursery provision in the Lampeter area; however, the proposal from the Committee was not a viable option.

DECISION:

i.       To adopt hybrid working as a permanent option for employees able to work as efficiently remotely as in the office.

ii.      To develop a Hybrid Working Policy to replace the current Interim Hybrid Working Policy.

iii.    To note the feedback from the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Reason for the decision:

To support the continuation of hybrid ways of working.

DECISION:

i.       To approve the Menopause Policy (Appendix A).

ii.      To note the feedback from the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee and confirming that a Menopause Champion would be appointed, that the Council would be promoting World Menopause Day and that a Members’ Workshop will be held to raise awareness.

Reason for the decision:

To support employees experiencing menopausal symptoms and their managers in tackling the occupational aspects of this natural process.

DECISION:

i.       To approve the Workforce Plan 2023-2028.

ii.      To note the feedback from the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Reason for the decision:

To support the adoption of a new workforce plan to support the workforce meeting its current and future service delivery needs.

DECISION:

To approve the making of the necessary Traffic Regulation Order and the publication of a subsequent Notice of Making in the press to this effect.

Reason for the decision:

To secure access to a newly constructed flood alleviation sewerage facility from St Mary Street and to improve pedestrian access from Morgan Street to St Mary Street.

DECISION:

To recommend to Council that the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) for Alcohol related Anti-Social Behaviour are extended for a further 3 years, effective from 20^th October 2023 to 19^th October 2026.

Reason for the decision:

The current PSPOs expire on the 19^th October 2023. There is a need to facilitate a continuation of measures by way of continuing the provision of PSPOs in the three town centres specified. This is required in order to address instances of alcohol related anti-social behaviour, crime caused by the intoxicated individuals and harassment and intimidation to members of the public.

DECISION:

To recommend to Council that the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for prohibiting dogs in a designated area of Borth beach and requiring dogs to be kept on a lead in a designated area of Borth promenade is extended for a further 3 years from 19.10.2023 until 19.10.2026 in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Reason for the decision:

·       The current PSPO expires on the 19^th October 2023.

·       There is a need to facilitate a continuation of measures by way of continuing the provision of the PSPO in Borth. This is required in order to address instances of dog fouling and related antisocial behaviour such as failing to keep dogs under control.

·       In order to comply with statutory requirements and to ensure proper and effective enforcement of the legislation.

DECISION:

1.     To approve that the compulsory polling district and places review commences on Monday, 2 October 2023.

2.     To approve the outline timetable and process for the review.

Reason for the decision:

To ensure compliance with legislation.

DECISION:

1.     To endorse the updated Medium Term Financial Strategy.

2.     To recommend to Full Council on 21/09/23 that the updated Medium Term Financial Strategy is approved.

3.     To note the feedback from the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

DECISION:

1.     To note the overall Revenue position outlined in the report, including the mitigation measures being employed to manage a challenging in year financial position.

2.     To approve the Budget movements required as result of the alignment of Budgets to the latest Council Structure as summarised in Section 2.

Reason for the decision:

To recognise the financial position and to ensure the right measures are put in place to ensure the Council achieves a balanced financial position for the 2023/24 financial year.

DECISION:

1.     To agree to commence a formal Public Consultation regarding the future level of Council Tax Premiums on both Long Term Empty Properties and Second Homes in Ceredigion.

2.     To delegate authority to the Corporate Lead Officer: Finance & Procurement and the Corporate Lead Officer: Policy, Performance & Public Protection to prepare and launch the Public consultation.

3.     To agree that a Cross Party Working Group of Members is instigated to consider the matter of Council Tax Premiums.

4.     To note that any decision to change the existing level of Council Tax Premium on either Long Term Empty Properties or Second Homes in Ceredigion will require a Full Council decision.

Reason for the decision:

To take the necessary first steps to allow future consideration, in due course, on the level of Council Tax Premium to be applied to both Long Term Empty Properties and Second Homes in Ceredigion.

Cabinet noted the report.

Cabinet noted the report.

None.