Agenda and minutes

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Media

Items
No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors P. Hughes, T.J. Jones, S. Phillips and G.B. Thomas

2.

DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTERESTS.

Minutes:

Councillor

Minute Number

Nature of Interest

K. Lloyd

7.3 – Notice of Motion by Councillor Rob James

Is a member of Unison Retirement Section. He has received dispensation to speak but not vote

A Lenny

7.1 – Notice of Motion by Councillor L. Bowen

Part of the motion relates to street names and he lives on Picton Terrace. He has had legal advice from the monitoring officer and can speak and vote on a general vote, but not on the part relating to street names if that vote is put separately.

K. Madge

6.1 – Question by Councillor K. Madge to Councillor Jane Tremlett, Executive Board Member for Social Care and Health

His daughter works in Social Services

E. Morgan

7.3 – Notice of Motion by Councillor Rob James

Life Member of Unison

R. James

8.1 – Homes as Power Stations

Representative for the Council on the Swansea Bay Regional Scrutiny Committee

Mr C. Moore

7.3 – Notice of Motion by Councillor Rob James

A Family member has previously been an agency worker at the theatre.

 

3.

CHAIR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Minutes:

·       The Chair extended his appreciation to those members of Council who had attended the Annual meeting and to his friends, family and distinguished guests who had recorded short video message for the day;

·       The Chair announced that his chosen charities for his Year of Office would be Prostrate Cancer and St Peter’s Church, Llanybydder;

·       The Chair referred to his recent visit to Llanybydder School to view the preparations made to welcome the children back to school during the Covid 19 pandemic.

4.

TO APPROVE AND SIGN AS A CORRECT RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE:-

Minutes:

The Chair referred to the three sets of minutes being presented for adoption to Council that day as correct records, and advised that it was his intention, subject to no objections being received, to take the proposers and seconders and any matters of accuracy individually but would take only one vote to adopt all the minutes, subject to any amendments.

4.1

3RD MARCH 2020 pdf icon PDF 453 KB

Minutes:

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 3rd March 2020 be signed as a correct record.

 

4.2

10TH MARCH 2020 pdf icon PDF 239 KB

Minutes:

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 10th March 2020 be signed as a correct record.

 

4.3

10TH JUNE 2020 pdf icon PDF 115 KB

Minutes:

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 10th June 2020 be signed as a correct record.

 

5.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS:- pdf icon PDF 57 KB

5.1

QUESTION BY A DAVIES TO COUNCILLOR EMLYN DOLE, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

“For several months, me and my friends have been struggling to get to school after our school bus was removed.

 We have been relying on our parents to drive us to school, as the paths to school are not suitable.

 The school bus being removed is having a big impact on my friends’ families with parents being late for work, issues with the service bus and the weather has been horrendous. 

 I am concerned that the number of people being dropped off by a car is harming our environment.

 People keep passing the blame so my question is when will we have our school buses back?”

Minutes:

The Chair advised that Miss Davies was unable to attend today’s meeting and had requested that he ask the following question on her behalf:-

“For several months, me and my friends have been struggling to get to school after our school bus was removed.

We have been relying on our parents to drive us to school, as the paths to school are not suitable.

The school bus being removed is having a big impact on my friends’ families with parents being late for work, issues with the service bus and the weather has been horrendous. 

I am concerned that the number of people being dropped off by a car is harming our environment.

People keep passing the blame so my question is when will we have our school buses back?”

The Chair advised that a written response would be conveyed to Miss Davies in accordance with part 10.7 of the Council’s Corporate Procedure Rules.

5.2

QUESTION BY S. BERE TO COUNCILLOR EMLYN DOLE, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

“Urban green spaces, such as Jackson’s Lane in the centre of Carmarthen town, are playing an increasingly important role as part of our urban infrastructure, not least because of their potential to absorb excess rainwater as part of sustainable urban drainage systems, and the ability of their plants and trees to act as natural air conditioning during heatwaves or dry spells. Local authorities have long recognised that its green spaces provide a range of benefits beyond their recreational value, including natural or ‘ecosystem’ services such as flood regulation, water quality regulation, noise absorption, carbon storage, wild species diversity, etc. Green spaces are often accurately referred to as the green lungs of a town or city, so in the light of this and the Council’s own green credentials will Cllr. Dole initiate an immediate review of the decision to regenerate Jackson’s Lane, to satisfy himself that the Council is doing all it can to adhere to its green credentials, whilst ensuring that the health & wellbeing benefits of our town centres are maximised.?”

Minutes:

The Chair advised that Ms Bere was unable to attend today’s meeting and had requested that he ask the following question on her behalf:-

 

“Urban green spaces, such as Jackson’s Lane in the centre of Carmarthen town, are playing an increasingly important role as part of our urban infrastructure, not least because of their potential to absorb excess rainwater as part of sustainable urban drainage systems, and the ability of their plants and trees to act as natural air conditioning during heatwaves or dry spells. Local authorities have long recognised that its green spaces provide a range of benefits beyond their recreational value, including natural or ‘ecosystem’ services such as flood regulation, water quality regulation, noise absorption, carbon storage, wild species diversity, etc. Green spaces are often accurately referred to as the green lungs of a town or city, so in the light of this and the Council’s own green credentials will Cllr. Dole initiate an immediate review of the decision to regenerate Jackson’s Lane, to satisfy himself that the Council is doing all it can to adhere to its green credentials, whilst ensuring that the health & wellbeing benefits of our town centres are maximised.?”  

 

The Chair advised that a written response would be conveyed to Ms Bere in accordance with part 10.7 of the Council’s Corporate Procedure Rules.

5.3

QUESTION BY R. NARAYAN-TAYLOR TO COUNCILLOR JANE TREMLETT, EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER FOR SOCIAL CARE

“In the centre of Carmarthen town there are currently only two viable areas of green space, Barn Rd. Cemetery and Jackson's Lane where residents can access clean fresh air, engage with nature, relax and meet friends. As a result, it comes as no surprise that they are much loved and in the case of Jackson's Lane very well used, paricularly in the spring and summer months. In the light of the growing evidence that such green spaces make a positive contribution to physical and mental health will Councillor Tremlett request an immediate review of the Council's decision to regenerate Jackson's Lane so as to satisfy herself that the council is doing all it can to promote the health and well-being of its residents, whilst meeting its own well-being goals and the goals of the "Well-Being of Future Generations(Wales) Act 2015”

 

Minutes:

In the centre of Carmarthen town there are currently only two viable areas of green space, Barn Rd. Cemetery and Jackson's Lane where residents can access clean fresh air, engage with nature, relax and meet friends. As a result, it comes as no surprise that they are much loved and in the case of Jackson's Lane very well used, particularly in the spring and summer months. In the light of the growing evidence that such green spaces make a positive contribution to physical and mental health will Councillor Tremlett request an immediate review of the Council's decision to regenerate Jackson's Lane so as to satisfy herself that the council is doing all it can to promote the health and well-being of its residents, whilst meeting its own well-being goals and the goals of the "Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015

 

Response by Councillor Jane Tremlett, Executive Board Member for Social Care and Health:-

 

The points raised by Mr Narayan-Taylor are very relevant in current times and public spaces like Jacksons Lane will play an important role for people’s health and wellbeing as we emerge from the Covid – 19 lock-down. I can advise Mr Narayan-Taylor that the Jackson’s Lane redevelopment project will be progressed taking into account the Council’s commitment to improving its green credentials. As we emerge from the pandemic, consideration will also be given to the revised scheme’s ability to meet the objectives of the Well-Being and Future Generations(Wales) Act 2015 in delivering economic resilience and prosperity, whilst protecting our culture; our welsh language; our residents health and well-being; the environment; and promoting equality and cohesiveness.

 

There was no supplementary question

5.4

QUESTION BY J HEATH TO COUNCILLOR CEFIN CAMPBELL, EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND RURAL AFFAIRS

“ In light of the County Council’s commendable decision to declare a climate emergency at the beginning of 2019, followed by its decision to request the Dyfed Pension fund to look at divesting in fossil fuels, followed by its decision in February 2020 to call on the Welsh and Westminster governments to follow its own lead by bringing forward their net-zero carbon targets from 2050 to 2030, will Cllr. Campbell, as the Council’s lead on the environment, request an immediate review of the decision to regenerate the Jackson’s Lane area of Carmarthen town, to satisfy himself that the proposals for Jackson’s Lane are not contrary to the Council’s commendable environment agenda?”

 

Minutes:

The Chair advised that Mr Heath was unable to attend today’s meeting and had requested that he ask the following question on his behalf:-

“In light of the County Council’s commendable decision to declare a climate emergency at the beginning of 2019, followed by its decision to request the Dyfed Pension fund to look at divesting in fossil fuels, followed by its decision in February 2020 to call on the Welsh and Westminster governments to follow its own lead by bringing forward their net-zero carbon targets from 2050 to 2030, will Cllr. Campbell, as the Council’s lead on the environment, request an immediate review of the decision to regenerate the Jackson’s Lane area of Carmarthen town, to satisfy himself that the proposals for Jackson’s Lane are not contrary to the Council’s commendable environment agenda?”

The Chair advised that a written response would be conveyed to Mr Heath in accordance with part 10.7 of the Council’s Corporate Procedure Rules.

6.

QUESTION BY MEMBERS:-

6.1

QUESTION BY COUNCILLOR KEVIN MADGE TO COUNCILLOR JANE TREMLETT, EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER FOR SOCIAL CARE AND HEALTH

“The Covid-19 Pandemic has demonstrated that Social Care is essential to the fabric of our society which underlines the huge financial pressures being faced by Social Care in Carmarthenshire and Wales.

Could  we have  an update from  the Executive Board Member with the latest financial pressures facing this authority In the remaining months of this financial year.”

 

 

Minutes:

(NOTE: Councillor K. Madge had earlier declared an interest in this item)

 

The Covid-19 Pandemic has demonstrated that Social Care is essential to the fabric of our society which underlines the huge financial pressures being faced by Social Care in Carmarthenshire and Wales.

 

Could we have an update from the Executive Board Member with the latest financial pressures facing this authority in the remaining months of this financial year.  

 

Response by Councillor Jane Tremlett, Executive Board Member for Social Care and Health:-

 

Thank you Councillor Madge for your question. I would agree that this crisis has highlighted to the whole of society the importance of social care. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the work care staff across our county do. Members will now be aware that we responded to the crisis promptly offering immediate financial support to care homes and domiciliary care providers. To date most of these costs have been met by Welsh Government although there is considerable uncertainty moving forward as to how long this support will last. Care homes, in particular, will need substantial ongoing support as they manage vacancies because of COVID 19.

 

Whilst I welcome the raising of the National profile for Social Care we await clarity from Welsh Government on what financial support looks like in the long term. This will have a significant baring on what the final outturn will be for the year and whether the additional funds we allocated in the budget last year will be sufficient. Our corporate budget monitoring process will monitor and report on the position closely as we move forward.

 

It is clear that we need a long-term solution to the funding of social care and I continue to make the case with the Director that national solutions need to be developed by Government as a matter of urgency.

 

Supplementary Question by Councillor Kevin Madge:

What more do you think needs to be done at a national level to resolve the pressures on the funding?

 

Response by Councillor Jane Tremlett, Executive Board Member for Social Care and Health:-

 

Thank you Kevin. Yes I think its just constant pressure on Welsh Government. I was attending a meeting last week as Chair of the Regional Partnership Board with both the Health Minister and the deputy health minister and the support from all Regional Partnership Chairs for the funding to be closely looked at and to respond as quickly as possible to local authorities because of the critical funding crisis that we face

7.

TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING NOTICES OF MOTION:-

7.1

NOTICE OF MOTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR LIAM BOWEN pdf icon PDF 57 KB

Addressing Racism in Carmarthenshire

The harrowing death of George Floyd in the USA and the weeks of protest and debate that have followed has given us all an opportunity to reflect on the harsh reality of racism across the world. We pride ourselves on being a caring, open and inclusive County, but it has to be openly acknowledged that sadly elements of racism and intolerance remain within our society today. It is therefore incumbent on this Council to formally recognise these failings, reach out to the BAME community, formulate proactive educational programmes and undertale a re-evalutaion of our historical monuments in the light of recent events. Therefore:

This Council

  • Makes a clear and unequivocal statement that it abhors racism, prejudice and discrimination in all its forms – past and present.
  • Supports the message of ‘Black Lives Matter’ and believes in the right of citizens to protest peacefully in a safe environment
  • Recognises the importance of BAME communities in our county and commits to working with them we aim to educate, identify and eradicate racism in Carmarthenshire.

The council will:

  • Listen to the voice of BAME communities in our county and will set up a Cross Party Task and Finish group to take evidence to ensure that their concerns, fears and proposals are fully heard and informs future policy
  • Work with the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner to deal with racism, prejudice and discrimation within the judicial system

·         Continue to learn from historical events in a factually balanced approach

  • Commit to working with our schools to include the themes of colonialism, exploitation, discrimination and racism in the new National Curriculum and in lifelong learning
  • Undertake a review of public monuments, including the one to Thomas Picton in Carmarthen, as well as street names and report upon their appropriateness in 21st century Wales
  • Embrace Black History Month (October) by holding public events to highlight the reality of the negative impact of racial inequality and celebrate the contribution made by BAME communities to our local and national life

 

Minutes:

(NOTE: Councillor A. Lenny had earlier declared an interest in this item)

 

Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor
Liam Bowen:-

 

Addressing Racism in Carmarthenshire

The harrowing death of George Floyd in the USA and the weeks of protest and debate that have followed has given us all an opportunity to reflect on the harsh reality of racism across the world. We pride ourselves on being a caring, open and inclusive County, but it has to be openly acknowledged that sadly elements of racism and intolerance remain within our society today. It is therefore incumbent on this Council to formally recognise these failings, reach out to the BAME community, formulate proactive educational programmes and undertale a re-evalutaion of our historical monuments in the light of recent events. Therefore:

This Council

  • Makes a clear and unequivocal statement that it abhors racism, prejudice and discrimination in all its forms – past and present.
  • Supports the message of ‘Black Lives Matter’ and believes in the right of citizens to protest peacefully in a safe environment
  • Recognises the importance of BAME communities in our county and commits to working with them we aim to educate, identify and eradicate racism in Carmarthenshire.

The council will:

  • Listen to the voice of BAME communities in our county and will set up a Cross Party Task and Finish group to take evidence to ensure that their concerns, fears and proposals are fully heard and informs future policy
  • Work with the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner to deal with racism, prejudice and discrimination within the judicial system

·        Continue to learn from historical events in a factually balanced approach

  • Commit to working with our schools to include the themes of colonialism, exploitation, discrimination and racism in the new National Curriculum and in lifelong learning
  • Undertake a review of public monuments, including the one to Thomas Picton in Carmarthen, as well as street names and report upon their appropriateness in 21st century Wales
  • Embrace Black History Month (October) by holding public events to highlight the reality of the negative impact of racial inequality and celebrate the contribution made by BAME communities to our local and national life

The motion was duly seconded.

 

The following amendment to the motion was proposed by Councillor F. Akhtar that amended bullet points one and five only within Councillor Bowen’s Motion ie:

 

The council will:

  • Listen to the voice of BAME communities in our county and will set up a Cross Party Task and Finish group to take evidence to ensure that their concerns, fears and proposals are fully heard and informs future policy, with the group completing the work within six months.
  • Welcome the First Minister’s announcement to undertake a national review of public monuments, including the one to Thomas Picton in Carmarthen, as well as street names and report upon their appropriateness in 21st century Wales

 

The amendment was duly seconded

 

The proposer and seconder of the Amendment were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.1

7.2

NOTICE OF MOTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR KEVIN MADGE pdf icon PDF 50 KB

 

 

“With the Amman Valley Railway line coal transportation coming to the end of its life, we believe that Carmarthenshire Council should carry out a feasibility study of the railway line, to see if we could do a modern environmentally-friendly green railway. The modern rail bus would connect the Amman Valley and the Gwendrarth Valley with Llanelli and Swansea.

 

The line could to help reduce transport poverty, help residents to travel to work and bring tourists into our valleys, creating jobs in the years to come. This line was established in 1842 and we must preserve it for our future generations.  

 

It is essential that a feasibility study be carried out, with the line being mothballed as soon as possible to ensure that any future plans remain affordable to the public.”

 

Minutes:

Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor
Kevin Madge:-

 

“With the Amman Valley Railway line coal transportation coming to the end of its life, we believe that Carmarthenshire Council should carry out a feasibility study of the railway line, to see if we could do a modern environmentally-friendly green railway. The modern rail bus would connect the Amman Valley and the Gwendrarth Valley with Llanelli and Swansea.

 

The line could to help reduce transport poverty, help residents to travel to work and bring tourists into our valleys, creating jobs in the years to come. This line was established in 1842 and we must preserve it for our future generations.  

 

It is essential that a feasibility study be carried out, with the line being mothballed as soon as possible to ensure that any future plans remain affordable to the public”. 

 

The following amendment to the motion was proposed by Councillor H. Evans and duly seconded:

 

This Council:

 

• Believes that with coal transportation along the Amman Valley Railway line coming to the end of its life, we should look to develop a modern, environmentally-friendly, passenger railway.

 

• Reaffirms its resolution of October 18th 2017 in calling for the development of a Swansea Bay and Western Valleys Metro to include the Amman Valley, and other Carmarthenshire communities.

 

• Notes that the Welsh Government has already commissioned a feasibility study into the development of a Swansea Bay and Western Valleys Metro, following a budget agreement with Plaid Cymru in 2017.

 

• Expresses its disappointment that the Feasibility Study into the development of the Swansea Bay and Western Valleys Metro has not yet been published.

 

• Calls on the Welsh Government to publish the feasibility study and to ensure that work is undertaken to identify the potential of reopening the Amman and Gwendraeth Valley railway lines to passengers.

 

The modern rail would connect the Amman Valley and the Gwendraeth Valley with Llanelli and Swansea.

 

The line could to help reduce transport poverty, help residents to travel to work and bring tourists into our valleys, creating jobs in the years to come. This line was established in 1842 and we must preserve it for our future generations.  

 

It is essential that a feasibility study be carried out, with the line being mothballed as soon as possible to ensure that any future plans remain affordable to the public.”

 

The proposer and seconder of the Amendment were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and outlined the reasons for its submission.

 

A number of statements were made in support of the amendment. 

 

The Council was advised that the proposer and seconder of the original motion accepted the amendment

 

The amendment thereupon became the substantive motion

 

Council was advised that if the substantive motion was supported it would be referred to the Executive Board.

 

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Substantive Motion be supported and referred to the Executive Board.

 

7.3

NOTICE OF MOTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR ROB JAMES

“That Carmarthenshire Council agrees:

1.         To directly employ all the agency staff working in the theatre made redundant by the Agency instead of furloughing them as requested by Carmarthenshire County Council. 

2.        That the Authority should complete of a full review into the use of agency work within Carmarthenshire County Council and publish its findings on our website as soon as possible.

3.        That the Council should seek to TUPE all agency workers employed for more than 2 years as permanent employees. 

4.        That we should stop the practice of paying fees to agency companies and evaluate opportunities for creating in-house systems to support all departments including but not exclusively, teachers and teaching assistants, social workers and care workers and our hospitality/leisure teams.”

Minutes:

(NOTE: Councillors K. Lloyd and E. Morgan together with Mr C. Moore had earlier declared interests in this item)

 

Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Rob James:-

That Carmarthenshire Council agrees:

1.        To directly employ all the agency staff working in the theatre made redundant by the Agency instead of furloughing them as requested by Carmarthenshire County Council. 

2.        That the Authority should complete of a full review into the use of agency work within Carmarthenshire County Council and publish its findings on our website as soon as possible.

3.        That the Council should seek to TUPE all agency workers employed for more than 2 years as permanent employees. 

4.        That we should stop the practice of paying fees to agency companies and evaluate opportunities for creating in-house systems to support all departments including but not exclusively, teachers and teaching assistants, social workers and care workers and our hospitality/leisure teams.

The Motion was duly seconded.

 

The proposer and seconder of the Motion were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and outlined the reasons for its submission, as set out in the Motion.

 

A number of statements were made both in support of and against the Motion.

 

Council was advised that if the motion was supported it would be referred to the Executive Board.

 

Following a vote it was

 

RESOLVED that the Notice of Motion be not supported.

8.

TO CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD IN RESPECT OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS

8.1

HOMES AS POWER STATIONS (EXECUTIVE BOARD 16TH MARCH 2020) pdf icon PDF 304 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(NOTE: Councillor R. James declared an interest at the commencement of this item as a representative of the Council on the Swansea Bay Regional Scrutiny Committee)

 

The Council was informed that the Executive Board at its meeting held on

the 16th March 2020 (minute 9 refers) had considered a report on the Swansea Bay City Deal ‘Homes as Power Stations’ Regional Business Case, being led by Neath Port Talbot Council, (detailed as appendix 1 to the report) for submission to the Portfolio Management Office, in accordance with the City Deal Implementation plan in order to secure City Deal Funding approval.

 

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the following recommendations of the Executive Board be adopted:-

 

“the Homes as Power Stations Business Case, detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, be endorsed and its formal submission to the Portfolio Management Office be authorised in accordance with the City Deal Implementation Plan to secure City Deal Funding approval;

 

delegated authority be granted to the Head of Regeneration, in consultation with the Leader and relevant Executive Board Members, to approve any amendments to the business case following approval in light of any amendments that may be required by the Joint Committee of the Swansea Bay City Deal;

 

the Head of Regeneration, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, the Leader and any relevant Executive Board Members be authorised to enter into any grant agreements o associated documentation that might be necessary to draw down funding from the UK/Welsh Government or the Accountable Body of the Swansea Bay City Deal.”

9.

TO RECEIVE THE REPORTS OF THE MEETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD HELD ON THE:-

Minutes:

The Chair referred to the two sets of Executive Board Minutes to be received by Council and advised that it was his intention, subject to no objections being received, to take the proposers and seconders individually but would take only one vote to receive the minutes.

 

9.1

16TH MARCH 2020 pdf icon PDF 189 KB

Minutes:

9.2

1ST JUNE 2020 pdf icon PDF 75 KB

Minutes:

 

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