Venue: held remotely via video-conference
Contact: Nia Jones
No. | Item |
---|---|
Apologies Minutes: a) Councillor Steve Davies, Elaine Evans, Matthew Woolfall-Jones and
Maldwyn Lewis apologised for their inability to attend the meeting. |
|
Disclosure of personal / prejudicial interests Minutes: a) Councillor
Elizabeth Evans declared a personal and prejudicial interest in relation to
minute 11 below and left the meeting during this item. b) Eifion
Evans, Chief Executive declared a personal and prejudicial interest in relation
to minute 13 below, in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Local Government
and withdrew from the meeting during this item. |
|
Personal matters Minutes: a)
Councillor Paul Hinge congratulated Josh Tarling
who is currently competing in the Junior World Cycling Championship. On Tuesday
he competed in the time-trial as a first time junior, winning the silver
medal. He also competed in the European
event two weeks ago winning 2 gold medals: one in the Team Pursuit and one in
the Omnium. He also held the yellow jersey for 2 of the three days of racing at
the Junior ‘Tour of Wales’ cycling competition; b)
Councillor Paul Hinge congratulated Finlay
Tarling a member of the Welsh Youth Cycling Team winning the Team Pursuit, The
Maddison Race and the Circuit Race during the 3 day event at the UK School
Games’ c)
Councillor Paul Hinge congratulated Lowri
Richards a member of the Welsh Youth Cycling Team winning the Team Pursuit at
the UK School Games; d)
Councillor Paul Hinge congratulated Griff Lewis
on wining the second stage of the Junior ‘Tour of Wales’ cycling competition,
and for winning the Junior Championship at the Welsh National Criterium
Championship in Rhyl, picking up his Category1 licence e)
Councillor Paul Hinge congratulated Ieuan Andy
Davies on winning the veteran 50+ road cycling race at the Welsh National
Criterium Championship in Rhyl; f)
Councillor Paul Hinge congratulated Gruff Lewis
on winning the time-trial at the Welsh National Championship in Newcastle
Emlyn, and he is now the Welsh National Time Trial Champion Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn also congratulated
him on winning the sprint at Borth in the Tour de Britain held recently, and
Councillor Dai Mason also paid tribute to him; g)
Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn congratulated Gwenallt
Llwyd Ifan on winning the Chair at the National Eisteddfod; h)
Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn congratulated Lleucu
Roberts on winning the Daniel Owen Memorial Price and the Prose Medal at the
National Eisteddfod; i)
Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn congratulated Katie
Hall, a Tregaron Day Care Assistant on being awarded the Social Care Star Award
for her excellent care of Bryntirion residents; j)
Councillor Ceredig Davies extended his
condolences to the family of Mr William Edwards a former Councillor who passed
away recently; k)
Councillor
Ceredig Davies extended his condolences
to the family of Mr John Davies who passed away recently; l)
Councillor Ray Quant congratulated Councillor
Dan Potter on being awarded a Medal for 40 years voluntary service with the
RNLI; m) Councillor
Ray Quant congratulated Councillor Marc Davies on being awarded a Medal for20
years’ service as a retained fire service officer; n)
Councillor Ray Quant thanked the Fire Service
and the Police Authority for their excellent service in responding to a fire in
Borth, He thanked the Local Authority for their prompt action organising road
closures and diversions and arranging alternative accommodation which
fortunately was not required, and he thanked James Davies for his prompt action
in alerting services to the incident; o) Councillor Gareth Lloyd congratulated Dion and Cara on organising a successful fund raising event raising funds for the Cancer Ward in Glangwili; p) Councillor Catherine Hughes congratulated Zara ... view the full minutes text for item 3. |
|
A verbal update by the Leader of the Council in relation to COVID-19 Minutes: Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn gave a verbal update in relation to
COVID-19 in Ceredigion. She noted that the infection figure had increased since she last
reported to Council in June from 12.4 to 376.9 per hundred thousand in Ceredigion,
and that the rate for all of Wales had increased from 22.5 to 559.9 per hundred
thousand. The majority of cases are among pupils of school age, and whilst no
School in Ceredigion has closed, some staff in neighbouring schools in
Carmarthen are teaching remotely, and one school in Powys has had to
close. Pupils between the ages of 12 and 15 will receive a letter from
Hywel Dda University Health Board shortly inviting them to get their vaccines
from 4 October onwards, and will be able to attend either the Llanbadarn or the
Cwmcou Mass Vaccination Centres.
Students have returned to Aberystwyth University and The University of
Wales Trinity St David, Lampeter Campus, and both are monitoring the situation
closely in relation to COVID-19 cases. The Health Service is under immense pressure at the moment as has
been reported. In addition Care Services are also under significant pressures,
with increased demand for care packages and a reduction in the availability of
staff both within the central team and with contract providers. The Council is currently advertising for
additional staff, and the Leader asked that if anyone is aware of someone that
may be looking for a career in caring to apply now as there is an urgent need
for their service. There are currently 7 homes that are in the red category, with
positive cases having all been identified amongst staff. There are some voids currently within the
care homes, however until the Welsh Government changes its rules enabling
people to go into specific parts of the homes that are in the red category, we
cannot support the hospitals in enabling discharge from hospital. We hope that we can influence the Welsh
Government on this matter. The mobile library is still available for click and collect, and
the town libraries are still open. There
is a limit on the number of people that can enter at any one time and for a
limited period only, and the computers are unavailable at present. The road closures as part of the Safe Zones have now come to an end. The Council will be consulting the opinion of everyone regarding the operation on streets during the summer which will include the public, businesses etc. Many of the businesses have been grateful for the opportunity to operate outdoors but we need to understand the views of a wide range of people. |
|
To confirm the Minutes of the Meetings of the Council held on 17.06.2021 PDF 240 KB Minutes: It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 17th June 2021. |
|
Proposer: Councillor Ifan Davies Seconder: Councillor Ray Quant MBE Council notes that: The Independent Group requests that Ceredigion County Council call on Welsh Government to legislate that: 1. Any subsidy directly or indirectly obtained through any government schemes for carbon management: a) is retained as carbon credit for the benefit of Wales’ economy and people, b) and that each County has a percentage gain of any credit generated in the said County which can be offset against the public services and goods of that said County, c) and also, that any third-party sale or lease of carbon credit outside Wales cannot be activated unless Wales is carbon neutral and where there is a 10% surplus of credit. Minutes: Proposer: Cllr. Ifan
Davies Seconder: Cllr. Ray
Quant Council notes that: The Independent Group requests
that Ceredigion County Council call on Welsh Government to legislate that: 1. Any subsidy directly or indirectly
obtained through any government schemes for carbon management: a) is retained as
carbon credit for the benefit of Wales’ economy and people, b) and that each
County has a percentage gain of any credit generated in the said County which
can be offset against the public services and goods of that said County, c) and also, that
any third-party sale or lease of carbon credit outside Wales cannot be
activated unless Wales is carbon neutral and where there is a 10% surplus of
credit. Councillor
Ifan Davies gave an outline of current situation noting that the Welsh
Government has set a target for Wales to be carbon neutral by 2050 and for the
public sector to be 95% carbon neutral by end of the decade. It was noted however, that there is currently
a crisis in rural Wales with companies from other countries purchasing farms in
rural areas to be entirely planted with trees in order to access the carbon
management grants. Councillor Davies
stated that he was aware of four farms have been purchased recently for this
purpose, three in Carmarthenshire and one in Ceredigion. Councillor
Davies stated that as farmers we realise the need to plant trees on our farms,
which are planted on poor quality land, with the remaining land retained for
food production. This recent development will impact on our community, our
culture and our Welsh language. Our
young people will not be able to remain here, and this is comparable to the
flooding of Tryweryn. Wales is not for
sale for carbon credits. We need to draw the attention of Welsh Government
to the real danger facing rural areas. Our carbon footprint in Ceredigion is
very good, however the unintended consequences of the policy is that if credits
are transferred outside Wales we will not be able to produce meat, milk, cheese
and other food products and we will have to import such things. Councillor
Ray Quant noted that it is a pleasure to second this Motion, noting that this
is a high level strategic statement to the Welsh Government on behalf of
Ceredigion County Council. During
the discussion, Members noted that they supported the Motion stating that
purchasing carbon credits could be seen as a way for large corporations to
offload their responsibilities, whilst our self-sufficiency and ability to meet
our own needs is reduced. Members noted that the Welsh Government provide
grants to farmers to grow trees, and that this funding is being provided to these
large corporations. Members also noted that that surplus carbon credits could
attract businesses to the area. It was also noted that Carbon can also be
trapped effectively in land, and that planting trees everywhere is not the only
answer. Councillor
Ellen ap Gwynn noted that she would raise this matter
with the Welsh Government. Following ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
|
Minutes: Councillor
Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Performance
and Partnerships, presented the report noting
that the WLGA has been taking steps to advance gender equality and diversity
in local democracy and ensuring that the barriers and challenges to attracting
more diverse councillors are removed.
These barriers may include tie commitments and meeting times, political
and organisational culture, childcare and other caring responsibilities, public
criticism and online abuse, remuneration and impact on employment and lack of
diverse role models and incumbency. The WLGA Council unanimously agreed
that all Local Authorities should sign up to the Diversity in Democracy
Declaration providing a clear, public commitment to improving diversity,
agreeing the following Declaration: This Council commits to being a Diverse
Council. We agree to: •
Provide a clear public commitment to
improving diversity in democracy •
Demonstrate an open and welcoming culture to
all, promoting the highest standards of behaviour and conduct •
Consider staggering council meeting times
and agreeing recess periods to support councillors with other commitments; and •
Set out an Action Plan of activity ahead of
the 2022 local elections. Members acknowledged that there is a lack of
diversity currently within the Council and encouraged people from all
backgrounds to stand at the next election.
They also acknowledged the challenges, and the difficulty in persuading
individuals to stand at the Council elections in the current climate, and it
was noted that the Council would try to attract different cohorts via the
social media platforms. Following a vote, it was RESOLVED to: (i) endorse
the Diversity Declaration as agreed by the WLGA Council as follows: This Council commits to being
a Diverse Council. We agree to: •
Provide a clear public commitment to
improving diversity in democracy •
Demonstrate an open and welcoming culture to
all, promoting the highest standards of behaviour and conduct •
Consider staggering council meeting times
and agreeing recess periods to support councillors with other commitments; and •
Set out an Action Plan of activity ahead of
the 2022 local elections; (ii)
approve that the Democratic Services Committee,
in conjunction with the Group Leaders agree upon and deliver on an action plan
leading up to the 2022 local elections with the aim of improving diversity in
democracy. |
|
Minutes: Councillor Ellen ap
Gwynn, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Policy, Performance and
Partnerships presented the report noting that a letter had been received from Julie
James MS, Minister for Climate Change inviting Local Authorities to join the
Welsh Government in supporting the ‘Edinburgh Declaration: the greater inclusion of the role of local
authorities and cities within the post-2020 global biodiversity framework -
ensuring transformative change for nature over the coming decade’. The Edinburgh
Declaration sets out commitments to implement the post-2020 global biodiversity
framework locally, ensuring people who live in local authorities across Wales
can live in harmony with nature and protect valuable local ecosystems for
future generations. Members
acknowledged the importance of biodiversity and local ecosystems, however there
was concern that there was a lack of detail in the letter from the Minister,
and that it had not considered unintended consequences such as the impact on
planning decisions. Following a vote, it was RESOLVED
to approve that the Council’s signs up to pledge its
support for the Edinburgh Process and Declaration. |
|
Minutes: Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for
Policy, Performance and Partnerships presented a report to the Council, noting
that the Council’s Complaints Policy and Procedures have been updated to
incorporate vast operational changes that have taken place since the last
review in 2015 which includes the centralisation of the Complaints and FOI
Service, and to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Complaints
Standards Authority introduced under the Public Service Ombudsman (Wales) 2019
Act, giving the Ombudsman authority to investigate without a referral from a
complainant. These requirements are contained within the Council’s Complains
Procedures document, which includes reporting bi-annually to the Cabinet
Committee of Elected Members, and reporting information on complaints
performance to the Governance and Audit Committee at least twice a year. Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn thanked the Officers
for their work in producing the report and revising the policy accordingly. Councillor Ivor Williams, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny for
Corporate Services noted that the committee reviewed the report at its meeting
of 7 July 2021, recommending that it is referred to Council for approval. Following a vote, it was RESOLVED to approve the revised Concerns and Complaints Policy and Procedures 2021, and its implementation and publication. |
|
Minutes: Councillor
Ray Quant Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Legal and
Governance, People and Organisation and Democratic Services presented the report noting
that the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCS) had recently carried
out a review of the ways in which data is handled by the public authorities,
including any data obtained under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016 and
the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPS) 2000. The RIPA Policy PART II Directed Surveillance,
Covert Human Intelligence Sources and Communications data Corporate Policy
& Procedures Document has been revised, and these changes together with a
Draft RIPA Social Media were consider by the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny
Coordinating Committee on 15 September 2021 who resolved to recommend to
Council to approve. Councillor Ray Quant thanked Officers for their
hard work in preparing the documents, and their presentation to the Overview
and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee. Following
a vote, it was RESOLVED to 1. Approve the changes made to the Council’s
RIPA Policy (as per Appendix 1 of the report); and 2. Approve the draft RIPA Social Media
Policy (as per Appendix 2 of the report). |
|
Minutes: Councillor
Rhodri Evans, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration presented the report
outlining the situation in relation to Phosphates within the River Teifi
Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and seeking delegated powers to determine
planning applications that would adversely affect the integrity of the SAC. It
was noted that a report was presented and approved by Cabinet on 13 July 2021. Ceredigion County Council, as a ‘competent
authority’ under the Habitats Regulations is legally requires to assess the potential impacts of
projects and plans, on internationally important sites which include the Teifi
SAC and catchment areas. Where there is a ‘Likely Significant Effect’, the
council must carry out an ‘Appropriate Assessment’ in order to determine, with
scientific certainty, that there would be no ‘Adverse Effect on Integrity’ on
the designated site from the plan or project, either alone or in combination
with other plans and projects. It was noted that
the LPA currently have 45 applications
that cannot be determined due to the above issue, which consequently need to be
refused however the Corporate Lead Officer for Economy and Regeneration does
not currently have delegated powers to refuse, and the Local Members cannot
request that applications are presented to the Development Control Committee
for determination, as there is insufficient information to support a proposal
and a resolution to approve would result in an illegal decision. Members noted their
concerns regarding the impact on planning applications and the knock-on effects
on trade-people such as builder, electricians and plumbers; the impact on
important developments such as Cylch Carol, the Wellbeing Centres and social
housing; the lack of detail provided by
Dŵr Cymru regarding the method of sampling; concern that this may be
extended to include coastal areas where there may be an effect on the marine
environment; concern regarding private sewerage work which have not been
adopted by Dŵr Cymru and the costs which are passed on to residents and
the lack of timescale provided by the Welsh Government for providing guidance
on how these decisions should be made. It was noted that
The Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive have met with Dŵr Cymru
and Natural Resources Wales, however very little information was
forthcoming. Russell Hughes-Pickering,
the Corporate Lead Officer for Economy and Regeneration has set up a Nutrients
Management Board, which will be Chaired by Councillor
Rhodri Evans. This board will be able to
look into these concerns in detail. Following a vote, it was RESOLVED to approve the granting of delegated powers to the CLO Economy and Regeneration in consultation with the cabinet member to determine planning applications that do not comply with the phosphates directive (pursuant to the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017), and have been received after the 1st June 2021. All applications that fall under this category and were received prior to the 1st of June 2021 would be held in abeyance until a time when there is clear guidance for determination of applications. |
|
Minutes: Councillor
Ray Quant Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Legal and
Governance, People and Organisation and Democratic Services presented the report noting
that the proposed changes have been considered and approved by the Cross Party
Working Group, to include: ·
Changes relating to the Ethics & Standards Committee and Governance
and Audit Committee to
reflect the requirements of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021
(‘the 2021 Act’); ·
An
amendment to the Constitution fee to reflect that copies of the
Constitution may be provided for a charge representing no more than the cost of
providing the copy; ·
Amendments relating the a guide to the Constitution; ·
Reference to the Council’s Anti-Slavery Statement / Policy; ·
An explanation and amendments of delegation in relation to Channel and
CONTEST; ·
Amendments to delegations to the Corporate Lead Officer for Policy,
Performance and Public Protection to reflect legislative changes in relation to
wild animal and travelling circuses, smoking regulations, dangerous trees and
litter; ·
The removal of reference to Education of Regional Working (ERW); ·
Amendments regarding Notices of Motion which has also been approved for
recommendation to Council by the Democratic Services Committee; ·
Amendment to the call-in procedure which has also been approved for
recommendation to Council by the Democratic Services Committee; ·
Amendments to clarify the voting procedures; ·
Amendments relating to Regulatory Committees referencing voting
procedures; ·
Reference to the Socio-Economic duties; ·
Delegation to the Corporate Lead Officer Economy and Regeneration
relating to Phosphates in Special Areas of Conservation; ·
Amendments to Housing to include the introduction and delegations for the Energy Efficiency
(Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 and Renting
Homes (Fees etc.)(Wales) Act 2019 ; ·
Amendment to the wording, removing the restriction on a Local
Authority’s Monitoring Officer being he Head of Democratic Services as per
Local Government and Elections (Wales) 2021 Act, to be amended from May 2022; ·
Amendment to name of Porth Cymorth
Cynnar; ·
Amendments to delegations to the Corporate Lead Officer Customer Contact
to confirm the responsibility for Cyber resilience; ·
Amendment to the wording, replacing the word ‘salary’ with
‘remuneration’ in relation to the Chief Executive in accordance with the Local
Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 which came into force from 20th
March 2021), and amendment of title from ‘Head of Paid Services’ to ‘Chief
Executive’; ·
Amendment to reflect a requirement to consult on decision making
processes and performance in accordance with the Local Government and Elections
(Wales) Act 2021. A number of minor
amendments were also noted related to stylistic and formatting changes, and
corrections relating to names of committees. Following a vote, it was RESOLVED to: 1. note the contents of the Report 2. approve the changes to the Constitution,
as recommended by the Council’s Cross-Party Constitution Working Group and as
listed in Proposals 1-20 of the Report; and 3. authorise the
CLO Legal and Governance / Monitoring
Officer to update the Council’s Constitution. |
|
Minutes: Councillor
Ray Quant, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Legal and
Governance, People and Organisation and Democratic Services presented the report noting
that Phases 1 and 2 of the Council restructure had been agreed by Council in
2018 and 2019. It was noted that as a result of this restructure, there are now
3 fewer roles at Senior Management level.
Phase 3 of the restructure relates to addressing the level of
remuneration of the Chief Executive by means of introducing a new pay structure
and applying a four point range to ensure consistency with all other Chief
Officer Pay ranges within the Council.
It was stated that the proposals had been presented and approved by the
Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales on 11th June 2021. Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn
thanked Caroline Lewis, Corporate Director for leading on the final element of
the restructuring process, also thanking the Chief Executive and all Senior
Officers for all the additional work done during the recent challenging times. It was noted that measures had been put in place to
ensure that moving forward, a dual pay structure would be maintained if an Officer
did not accept a pay award to ensure that this situation did not arise again. Following a vote, it was RESOLVED to: 1.
accept the proposal to amend the Chief Officer
post remuneration and range as indicated and as approved by the Independent
Remuneration Panel; 2.
approve to
implement the changes to the remuneration range for the post of Chief
Executive, with effect from 1st April 2021. |
|
Minutes: Councillor Alun Williams explained his reasons for
standing down from this role, in order to continue providing the COVID-19
vaccine, and thanked the local Community Health Council and the other Members
of the Executive Group for all their hard work.
It was noted that this group advocates for patient complaints and are
responsible for holding the Hywel Dda Health Board to account. In addition to
this they have worked hard to ensure the reinstating of the bowel cancer
screening, the breast cancer screening and they were the first Health Board in
Wales to provide i-pads on all hospital wards. Following a vote, Councillor Gareth Davies was nominated to represent Ceredigion County Council on the Hywel Dda Community Health Council. |
|
The Governance and Audit Committee Annual Report 2020/21 PDF 641 KB Minutes: Councillor Rowland Rees-Evans, Chair of Audit Committee, presented
the report to the Council noting the work undertaken during the year. He thanked Officers for their hard work throughout the year, and
thanked the Members of Audit Committee for their contribution. The content of the report was noted by Council. |