Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Board held on the 30th November, 2020 be signed as a correct record.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Board held on the 23^rd November, 2020 be signed as a correct record.

[NOTE:  Councillor J. Gilasbey had earlier declared a personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item number 8 – Proposal to Review Education Provision in the Mynyddygarreg and Gwenllian Areas.  She had received dispensation from the Standards Committee to speak on the matter.]

The Chair advised that no questions on notice had been submitted by members.  However, Councillor J. Gilasbey, had sought permission in accordance with CPR 11.1 to ask a question in relation to agenda item 8 – Proposal to Review Education Provision in the Mynyddygarreg and Gwenllian Areas.

Councillor Gilasbey sought confirmation and clarity for the people in Mynyddygarreg and others in her ward that the decision to make these changes has not already been made and that there will be due consideration of their views in the forthcoming consultation, with all alternatives being given full discussion and reviewed before any decision to close a well-loved local school.  She asked why, after the local governing bodies of both schools who were in the process of talks to go from a soft to a hard federation, they have not been involved totally or been able to input together into the current proposal.

The Executive Board Member for Education & Children explained that no decision has been made regarding the future of Mynyddygarreg and Gwenllian schools.  No decision would be made today.  The Executive Board would only be considering whether to start the consultation process in relation to the proposals. 

With regard to the second part of the question, the Executive Board Member explained that initial discussions have been held with the Governing Bodies and Headteacher.  The consultation process will enable everyone from the Governing Body to the teachers to parents and public to give their opinions.  He reiterated that no decision would be made today.

The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.

The Executive Board considered a report detailing proposals to shorten the current Internal School Organisation Decision Making and Determination Process following its approval by the Executive Board Member for Education and Children in September 2018. The current proposal had been developed in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the work of the Modernising Education Provision (MEP) Team and the subsequent delays in its work programme of approximately 6 months

It was reported that whilst the team was now in the process of undertaking all planned work prior to the pandemic within a timescale as close as possible to the original, there was an issue with regard to the progression of school re-organisation proposals. As such, consideration had been given to reducing the Internal School Organisation Decision Making and Determination Process to help the team to re-prioritise required consultations in an effective and timely manner.

To achieve that reduction, it was proposed to remove consultation with the Education and Children Scrutiny Committee from Stages 2 and 3 of the process on the basis that the Executive Board was able to approve Stage 2 and County Council Stage 3. If adopted, the revision would reduce the consultation process by approximately 2 months. The new process would then be:-

Stage 1 – Education and Children Scrutiny Committee and Executive Board

Stage 2 – Executive Board

Stage 3 – Executive Board and Council

The Board noted that the Education and Children Scrutiny Committee endorsed the proposal at its meeting held on the 23^rd November 2020 and recommended that the Executive Board progress amending the process for progressing statutory proposals and consultations as detailed in the report i.e. the removal of consultation with the Education and Children Scrutiny Committee at Stages 2 and 3 of the Internal School Organisation Decision Making and Determination Process

Reference was made to the illustrative flow chart included in the report and to the fact that the Executive Board Member for Education & Children should be included.  The Director of Education & Children informed the Board that this happened as a matter of course but he would make sure that the chart was amended accordingly.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL THAT the proposal to shorten the Internal School Organisation Decision Making and Determination Process be approved and that the Education and Children Scrutiny Committee be removed from Stages 2 and 3 of the consultation process.

The Executive Board considered a report detailing proposals to review the primary education provision in the Mynyddygarreg and Gwenllian area as part of its legal responsibility to review the number and type of schools it had in an area and whether it was making the best use of resources and facilities to deliver the opportunities that children deserve.

The report set out the current and future projected pupil numbers at both schools and the proposals for the provision of a new school within the current catchment area of Ysgol Gymraeg Gwenllian to Welsh Government Standard with capacity for 240 pupils (210 + 30 nursery places) between the ages of 3-11 to ensure the school was able to deliver the full curriculum in a modern, safe and inspiring learning environment with enhanced outside areas. The proposed investment would also address poor building condition and lack of adequate space and provision in the existing school by providing a Category A school with sufficient places for current and projected demand.

It was therefore proposed:-

-       To discontinue Ysgol Gynradd Mynyddygarreg as from 31^st August, 2021;

-       From 1st September, 2021 all pupils will be registered at Ysgol Gymraeg Gwenllian, operating on both sites (Ysgol Gymraeg Gwenllian and the former Ysgol Gynradd Mynyddygarreg) increasing its capacity to 178 + 17 nursery places;

-       Re-designate Ysgol Gymraeg Gwenllian’s catchment area to include that of the former Ysgol Gynradd Mynyddygarreg’s catchment area as of 1st September, 2021;

-       Relocate Ysgol Gymraeg Gwenllian to a new site and increase its capacity to 210 + 30 nursery places as of September 2023, when occupation of the new school was proposed.

The Executive Board noted that the Education and Children Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on the 23^rd November 2020 endorsed the proposal and recommended to the Executive Board that a formal consultation process be initiated.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED

The Executive Board considered a report detailing a proposal to change the age range at Swiss Valley Primary School from 4-11 to 3-11. It was noted that Ysgol Swiss Valley had been undertaking a pilot scheme to become a 3-11 school since 2013, initiated as part of a Welsh Government scheme to give parents flexibility and choice regarding nursery provision. However, as the school was currently advertised officially as a 4-11school, parents were unaware or confused with regard to what nursery provision the school offered.

The proposal aimed to provide equal provision within the Llanelli area, aligning Ysgol Swiss Valley with neighbouring schools that were already 3-11 schools. The governing body and head teacher were positive following the outcome of the pilot scheme and now wished to proceed with officially making the school a 3-11 school through statutory process.

It was therefore proposed to change the age range of Swiss Valley Primary School from 4-11 to 3-11 from 1^st September, 2021.

The Board noted that the Education and Children Scrutiny Committee at its meeting held on the 23^rd November 2020 had endorsed the proposals and recommended to the Executive Board to initiate a formal consultation

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED

[NOTE:  Councillor P. Hughes-Griffiths had earlier declared an interest in this item and left the meeting prior to the consideration and determination thereof.]

The Executive Board considered a report detailing proposals to review the primary education provision in the Blaenau and Llandybie areas as part of its legal responsibility to review the number and type of schools it had in an area and whether it was making the best use of resources and facilities to deliver the opportunities that children deserve.

The report set out the current and future projected pupil numbers at both schools and the proposals for the provision of a new school within the current catchment area of Ysgol Gynradd Llandybie to Welsh Government Standard with capacity for 315 pupils and 45 nursey pupils between the ages of 3-11 to ensure the school was able to deliver the full curriculum in a modern, safe and inspiring learning environment with enhanced outside areas. The proposed investment would also address poor building condition and lack of adequate space and provision in the existing school by providing a Category A school with sufficient places for current and projected demand

It was therefore proposed:-

-       To discontinue Ysgol Gynradd Blaenau as of 31^st  August 2021;

-       From 1^st September 2021 all pupils will be registered at Ysgol Llandybie operating on both sites (Ysgol Gynradd Llandybie and the former Ysgol Gynradd Blaenau) increasing its capacity to 287 + 50 nursery places;

-       Re-designate Ysgol Gynradd Llandybie’s catchment area to include that of the former Ysgol Gynradd Blaenau catchment area as of 1^st September 2021;

-       Change the nature of provision at Ysgol Gynradd Llandybie to Welsh Medium as of 1^st September 2021;

-       Relocate Ysgol Gynradd Llandybie to a new school site and increase its capacity to 315 + 45 nursery places as of September 2024, when occupation of the new school is proposed.

The Executive Board noted that the Education and Children Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on the 23^rd November 2020 had endorsed the proposal and recommended to the Executive Board that a formal consultation process be initiated.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED

The Executive Board considered a report detailing proposals to reconfigure and remodel Behaviour Support Services at Ysgol Rhydygors to improve provision for children and Young People. It noted that following a strategic review of the Authority’s Behaviour Services, it was proposed to move from a silo focus on behaviour to a more universal approach to include pupil wellbeing and engagement. To achieve that, a four phase model of behaviour services had been developed which included providing behaviour and engagement support on four levels with support ranging from intervention and support in mainstream schools to specialised respite or residential placements. For the purposes of consistency, access to highly specialist support, access to a broad and balanced curriculum with a range of accreditation options and the offer of individual and bespoke education plans offered in the current Pupil Referral Units through the 3 tiered approach, there was a requirement to discontinue Ysgol Rhydygors as a special school and establish it as a Pupil Referral Unit and the proposal presented to the Board would, if approved, initiate that change.

It was therefore proposed:-

-       to discontinue Ysgol Rhydygors Special School as of the 31st August 2021.  All former Ysgol Rhydygors pupils will continue to receive their education on the site of the former Ysgol Rhydygors school. If approved, instead of receiving provision in a special school, pupils will be educated in a Pupil Referral Unit.  Whilst the proposal should be considered as a whole, the consultation document related to point 1 only. Points 2 and 3 noted below would be undertaken via separate procedures;

-       should the above (Point 1) be approved, the Local Authority will establish a Pupil Referral Unit on the site of the former Ysgol Rhydygors school as of the 1st September 2021;

-       additionally, should Point 1 be approved, the Local Authority will establish a Children’s Home/Respite Centre on the site of the former Ysgol Rhydygors School/Residential Unit as of the 1st September 2021. All former Ysgol Rhydygors pupils who have an element of residential education as part of their SEN Statement will continue to receive this on the site of the former Ysgol Rhydygors school.

The Executive Board noted that the Education and Children Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on the 23^rd November 2020 endorsed the proposal and recommended to the Executive Board that a formal consultation process be initiated.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED

[NOTE:  Councillor J. Tremlett had earlier declared an interest in this item.]

The Executive Board considered a report detailing representations received on the Revised Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan 2018-2033 in response to the Council’s decision on the 10^th January 2018 to formally commence the preparation of a Revised (Replacement) LDP. That resolution included a six week public consultation undertaken between the 29^th January 2020 and, following an extension of over two weeks, closed on the 27^th March 2020. That was subsequently supplemented by a further 3 week consultation closing on the 2^nd October 2020 to reflect the impact of the closure of public buildings during the final few weeks of the consultation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Board noted that the report set out the responses received to the consultation and sought to set out a series of Focused Changes proposed in response to recommendations received along with those which may have emerged as a result of changes in legislation, guidance, evidence or in the interest of clarity and meaning. They also provided an opportunity to incorporate and respond to issues arising from Covid-19, as reported to Council in the Covid-19 Assessment in association with the Revised Delivery Agreement on the 22^nd October, 2020.

It was noted that some amendments needed to be made to Appendices 2, 8 and 9 prior to submission to Full Council.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL:-

The Executive Board considered a report on the review undertaken of the Regional Technical Statement for Aggregates – South Wales produced in accordance with the requirements of Minerals Technical Advice Note 1: Aggregates (MTAN 1).

The Board noted that the purpose of the RTS2 was to provide a strategy for the future supply of construction aggregates within each region (North and South Wales) taking into account the latest information in relation to the balance of supply and demand and current notions of sustainability as enshrined in the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. It provided a mechanism for encouraging the sustainable management of natural resources within a region for a 25-year period for crushed rock and 22 years for land-won sand and gravel. The document also considered the impact of the proximity principle, environmental capacity and a number of other supply and demand factors.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED TO RECEOMMEND TO COUNCIL that the Regional Technical Statement for Aggregates – South Wales – Second Review (RTS2) be endorsed.

            The Executive Board was reminded that at its meeting held on the 27^th July, 2020 in response to two Notices of Motion it had established a politically balanced Task and Finish Advisory Panel to listen to the voice of the BAME communities in Carmarthenshire

            The Board noted that at the Group’s first meeting held on the 3^rd August 2020 it had, being aware of the public comment and discussion at the time of monuments and memorials across Wales, including the Picton Monument in Carmarthen, determined that the interpretation and history of Sir Thomas Picton should be dealt with at the outset, with the focus of submitting a full report on the Group’s findings to the Board in February 2021. In accordance with the Group’s decision, the Board received for consideration its interim report relating to Sir Thomas Picton.

            UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED

The Executive Board considered the Council Tax Base 2021-22 report. The Board was reminded that the Council was required to determine, on an annual basis, its Council Tax Base and the Council Tax Base of each community within its area, for the purpose of calculating the level of Council Tax for the forthcoming financial year and, under the provisions of Section 84 of the Local Government Act 2003 and the Local Authorities Executive Arrangements (Functions and Responsibilities) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2004, the annual calculation had been delegated to the Executive Board.

The calculation of the Tax Base for the County Council for 2021-22 was detailed in Table 1a and summarised in Table 1b, which were appended to the report.  The calculation for individual Town and Community Council areas for 2021-22 was summarised in Table 2 and detailed in Appendix A, which were also appended to the report.

The Board noted that the Tax Base report provided calculations  were Authority-wide as well as broken down into all community and town council areas for their precept purposes and that the Council Tax Base for the financial year 2021-2022 had been calculated at £74,425.19.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED

15.1    that the Council Tax Base calculations for the financial year 2021-22, as detailed within Appendix A of the report, be approved;

15.2    that a Council Tax Base of £74,425.19, as detailed within tables 1a and 1b of the report, be confirmed in respect of the County Council area;

15.3    that the relevant tax bases for the individual community and town council areas, as detailed in table 2 of the report, be confirmed.

The Chair advised that there were no items of urgent business.

The Chair, on behalf of the Executive Board, extended sincere sympathy to all those residents throughout the county who have been affected by Covid-19, from those who have lost loved ones to those who continue to suffer and struggle.

He also extended his gratitude to his fellow Executive Board members for the hard work undertaken this year and to all Council staff for going above and beyond, under the excellent leadership of the Chief Executive, who had demonstrated yet again her unstinting support for the people of Carmarthenshire.

He concluded by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.