Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor G. Davies.

The Leader took the opportunity to congratulate the Carmarthenshire’s Girls’ Choir for their outstanding achievement in coming 2nds whilst representing Wales in the 2017 Eurovision Choir of the Year competition at Arena Riga in Latvia.

The Leader also wished to express his gratitude to all those involved in the making Carmarthenshire Council’s presence at the Royal Welsh Show a success. 

There were no declarations of personal interest.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Board held on the 26^th June, 2017 be signed as a correct record.

The WG via its agency SWTRA is trying to impose double yellow /no waiting in villages and communities along the A483T from Pont Abraham to Llandeilo. These restrictions in the villages of Tycroes, Llandybie and Ffairfach are being imposed without proper consultation with the residents. These restrictions seem to be designed only to fulfil the mantra of the trunk road   “nothing must impede the flow of traffic”. These restrictions are effectively stopping residents parking outside their homes and in the majority of cases they have no other options. The question I wish to ask you Councillor Evans –what is Carmarthenshire County Council doing to represent the views of the residents of these communities and get WG to review these lunatic plans.

The Executive Board received the following Question on Notice submitted by Councillor E.G. Thomas to Councillor H. Evans, Executive Board Member for Environment:-

“The WG via its agency SWTRA is trying to impose double yellow /no waiting in villages and communities along the A483T from Pont Abraham to Llandeilo. These restrictions in the villages of Tycroes, Llandybie and Ffairfach are being imposed without proper consultation with the residents. These restrictions seem to be designed only to fulfil the mantra of the trunk road   “nothing must impede the flow of traffic”. These restrictions are effectively stopping residents parking outside their homes and in the majority of cases they have no other options. The question I wish to ask you Councillor Evans –what is Carmarthenshire County Council doing to represent the views of the residents of these communities and get WG to review these lunatic plans.”

Response by Councillor Hazel Evans, Executive Board Member for Environment:-

“W.S. Atkins have been engaged as Consultant Engineers to prepare proposals for parking restrictions on the A483 Trunk Road at Tycroes, Llandybie and Ffairfach.  The Consultant Engineers wrote directly to local Members on 20^th June 2017.  Following local Members representation, the Head of Transport wrote to W.S Atkins on the 25^th and 27^th June, 2017 to set out local Member concerns regarding the proposals and the lack of consultation with the County Council as the local highway Authority.

They have confirmed that this is an informal consultation process, if the Welsh Government decide to proceed, there would be further opportunity both by yourselves as local Members, us as a Highway Authority and also Members of the public to respond. 

The Welsh Government have confirmed to the AM, Mr Adam Price, that local opinion would have a heavy weighting in the decision process, should it get to that stage.”

The Chair advised that no public questions on notice had been received.

The Executive Board considered a report on the Carmarthenshire Museums Strategic Plan 2017 – 2022 which was supported by a presentation. The Plan provided a vision for an ambitious museums improvement programme and had identified five key objectives to deliver the vision for an excellent service by 2022.

The Strategy had identified a number of significant challenges that Carmarthenshire Museums would need to address in order to deliver against the Council’s Corporate Strategic aims.  Furthermore, the new Plan had recognised an appetite to deliver significant improvements across the museum service in terms of preserving collections, facilities and the customer facing activities. 

The Head of Leisure informed Members that funding in excess of £1m had been awarded to the Tywi Gateway Trust and this would go towards improving the gardens and the museum in Abergwili.

A concern was raised with regard to the level of investment required to deliver the Strategy up to 2022, in both financial and staffing terms.  The Executive Board Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism referred to the report and quoted “the financial implications of developments would be addressed separately as part of the Council’s approved project management process. However, many of the proposed developments in this plan are linked to external funding.  While Museum Accreditation is not always an essential requirement for external funding, some of the main funders in this sector (Welsh Government and its associates) will not consider applications from large local authority museums that fail to meet the Accreditation standard.  This Strategic Plan is linked to Carmarthenshire Museums’ application for Museum Accreditation.” 

The Executive Board Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism added that the Authority would be submitting external fund bids which include the Museum Archives and Libraries divisions of the Welsh Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund.  A number of internal capital bids would also be considered as part of the budget setting process later this year.  

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:-

6.1     to receive and approve the Carmarthenshire Museums Strategic Plan 2017– 2022;

6.2     that lead officers meet relevant members to review developments at:
Parc Howard; County Museum, Abergwili; Kidwelly Industrial Museums and the Museum of Speed, Pendine.

It was noted that the above-mentioned report had been withdrawn from consideration at today’s meeting and following further consideration would be considered at a future meeting.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Agile Investment Plan be deferred for further consideration.

The Executive Board was reminded that Council, at its meeting held on the 23^rd February, 2016 (Minute 9 refers) had adopted the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy 2016/17. In line with that policy the Board received the Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report which outlined the Authority’s Treasury Management activities in 2016/17 and summarised the activities that had taken place during 2016/17 under the headings of: Investments; Borrowing; Treasury Management Prudential Indicators; Prudential Indicators; Leasing and Rescheduling.

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL that the Annual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator Report 2016-17 be received.

The Executive Board considered the Work Ready Programme Report 2015-17 which provided proposals to secure funding for a further two years following the ongoing success of the programme.

The Board noted that the project was almost in its 6th year of operating and had demonstrated exponential success year on year with over 90% of apprentices either securing permanent employment or work outside the Authority.  Furthermore, the programme included strong links with the Authority’s current Corporate Strategy and would be an integral part in supporting the outcomes under the Wellbeing and Future Generations agenda.

In order to ensure the ongoing success of the programme the report proposed to secure funding for a further two years and that the current level of remuneration for apprentices (level 2 to 3) be reviewed, to ensure the Authority remained competitive and retained recruits for the whole duration of their apprenticeship. Furthermore, the proposal to become an accredited centre would place the Authority in a strong position for regional collaboration by offering the Work Ready Programme to neighbouring local authorities, and securing income stream.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

9.1     To receive and agree the proposal for extending the Work Ready Programme using existing funding supplemented by £505,214 to secure the development of the project over the next 2 years;

9.2     Via workforce planning, map out current and future skills needs and identify areas of future recruitment demand and allocate resources to support these opportunities;

9.3     To work closely with departments’ workforce plans to facilitate multi-level development amongst existing employees by accessing funding available from Welsh Government;

9.4       Continually develop people to ensure our workforce is highly skilled and supported through employees’ early career within CCC, maximising potential funding streams;

9.5       Increase apprentice salary to £12k per annum; the costed model might mean the employment of less staff but represents more effective use of the investment;

9.6       Implement a comprehensive recruitment strategy to include social media marketing campaign;

9.7       Ensure sustainability of the project by supporting funding for the post of Work Based Learning Coordinator;

9.8       Explore regional expansion opportunities with a view to offering the Work Ready Programme to neighbouring local authorities, thereby reducing costs and providing opportunities for collaboration.

The Executive Board considered the Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan Annual Monitoring Report 2016/17 which had been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and the Local Development Plan (LDP) Regulations 2005.

It was noted that this report was required for submission to the Welsh Government by 31^st October 2017.

It was asked, if local Councillors could be formally consulted for their input into the Annual Monitoring Report?  The Deputy Leader stated that that it was not a requirement to consult on the Annual Monitoring Report, however, the report had been considered at the last Community Scrutiny Committee held on 20^th July, 2017 and that the report would be available on the website for comment.  Furthermore, with regard to the review of the Local Development Plan, Members were informed that a formal consultation would take place which would be supported by an Advisory Group.

RESOLVEDTHAT IT BE RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

10.1   To receive and accept the content of the second Annual Monitoring Report for the Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan – as required for submission to the Welsh Government by 31^st October 2017;

10.2   To commence the early full or partial review of the Carmarthenshire LDP:

10.2.1   To consider and to address the shortfall in available housing land supply and consider the interventions necessary;

10.2.2   To prepare further evidence on the implications and veracity of the 2014 sub-national Household and Population projections and consider them in light of the review;

10.2.3   To consider the distribution and delivery of housing and the success or otherwise of the strategy, or its components in meeting the identified housing requirements;

10.3   To produce a review report setting out and explaining the extent of any changes required to the Plan;

10.4   Grant officers delegated authority to make typographical or factual amendments as necessary to improve the clarity and accuracy of the AMR.

The Executive Board considered a report which provided an update on the progress to date in relation to the introduction of a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) within Carmarthenshire.  The report also provided updates on the devolved nature of CIL in Wales and its future in a National context which included the recent independent review of CIL commissioned by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).  The report outlined the potential forthcoming changes and the resultant implications.

It was asked if assurances could be provided to ensure that the opinions of County Councillors is asked for proactively, before the thrust of the Section 106 money is agreed between the County Council and the Developer, by adding this into the process for the future?  The Deputy Leader advised that during the process of planning applications, Members could liaise with the individual case officer to seek if there were any opportunities for Section 106 money.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL:-

11.1       That the Carmarthenshire Community Infrastructure Levey Update and Progress Report be received;

11.2       That the current position in relation to the future of CIL both within a national and within a Welsh context be noted;

11.3       That progress on the preparation of a Carmarthenshire CIL be held in abeyance pending the outcome of future considerations of the Welsh Government as a result of the Wales Act 2017;

11.4       That a further report is presented when there is clear indication on the future of CIL, on any changes to the CIL regulations or proposals for a replacement tariff;

11.5       That the progress to date be noted and that the representations received be utilised to inform any future work on CIL or any replacement.

The Executive Board considered a report on Moving Offence Enforcement Powers which provided information on acquiring additional powers that would complement the current parking enforcement powers and would provide a greater resource to assist the movement of people and goods, keep school sites safer and generally keep traffic moving.  The report identified areas within Carmarthen which were of a particular concern regarding the safety of pedestrians and the free movement of traffic, which at present was only enforceable by the police. 

It was noted, that subject to consent the Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions (General Provisions) (Wales) Regulations 2013 enabled Local Authorities to take responsibility for enforcement of bus lanes and some moving traffic contraventions. The enforcement of such offences would be undertaken through the use of approved camera devices.  The County Council must apply to the Wales Government to seek consent for use of the statutory powers which would cover the areas as set out in the report.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL:-

12.1       that the report on the Moving Traffic Offence Enforcement Powers be received;

12.2       An application be made to the Welsh Assembly Government for the creation of an Order to designate certain streets in Carmarthenshire as a ‘Civil Enforcement Area’ for bus lane and moving traffic contraventions.

12.3       Delegation of authority to the Director of Environment to proceed with the measures necessary to give effect to the proposals set out in this report.

12.4       Liaison with PATROL-UK, the statutory body providing the independent adjudication service, to determine whether any amendments to the current contractual arrangements are required and to effect any such changes. This applies equally to other statutory bodies, such as DVLA and the Traffic Enforcement Centre.

12.5       To approve the proposals for funding the set up costs from the Development Fund as outlined in the Financial Implications.

12.6       The Director of Environment to investigate the feasibility of using fixed camera devices as alternative to vehicle mounted camera devices.

The Executive Board considered the Draft Annual Report of the Statutory Director of Social Services on the Performance of Social Care Services in Carmarthenshire 2016/17.  Which provided Members with comprehensive information on the performance of Social Care Services in Carmarthenshire.  The report also set out progress made on areas identified for improvement in the previous year’s report whilst highlighting areas to be developed in the current year. 

The Executive Board Member for Social Care and Health expressed her appreciation to the Director of Social Services for his leadership over the last year and following the evaluation of services from CSSIW quoted, “The local authority continues to benefit from strong leadership across adults and children’s services, with good stability and effective support for its workforce’.

The Director of Community Services added that whilst this report was a Social Service function report, it also cut across the Children Services Directorate.  The work by Children Services had contributed to a reduction in the level of statutory intervention in families.  The outcomes of this work had resulted in less children being looked by Social Services in Carmarthenshire than in comparison to previous years with more families being supported.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL to receive and accept the content of the Draft Annual Report of the Statutory Director of Social Services on the Performance of Social Care Services in Carmarthenshire 2016/17.

The Executive Board considered a report detailing the current financial outlook and providing an update on the current financial model covering the next three financial years.  The report outlined proposals for taking forward the budget preparation for the three year period 2018/19 to 2020/21.

The Executive Board Member for Communities and Rural Affairs made reference to the Implications section of the report and stated that within the Policy, Crime & Disorder and Equalities section he felt that the Welsh Language should be incorporated into and included as one of the characteristic groups and not stated as a standalone.  It was agreed that this amendment would be made.

RESOLVED:

14.1That the initial budget outlook and significant financial challenges it poses be noted;

14.2That the proposed approach to identifying the required savings be endorsed;

14.3That the proposed approach to the budget consultation be endorsed.

The Executive Board considered a report on Service Integration and Pooled Funds which been prepared on a regional basis for use within the governance structures of the relevant organisations such as the Health Board and respective councils within the West Wales Care Partnership area.  Under the 2014 Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act (SSWBA), councils and health boards have a statutory obligation to establish and maintain pooled fund arrangements in relation to:

·         The exercise of their care home accommodation functions (by 6 April 2018)

·         The exercise of their family support functions

·         Specified functions exercised jointly in response to Population Assessments, where such arrangements are considered appropriate

Members noted the regional arrangements that were in place to support organisations in meeting obligations under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (SSWBA) in respect of pooled funding provisions.

It was commented that Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Local Authorities appeared to be contributing less money than Carmarthenshire into pooled funds and that there was no mention, within the report, of any contribution to Hywel Dda. 

It was asked what the total annual pooled funds would be and what the effect would be regarding care homes as detailed within the report?

In response to a query regarding the total amount of pooled funds and what effect it would have in relation to care homes, as detailed in the report, the Executive Board Member for Social Care and Health highlighted that the figures in the report were indicative figures.  She added that there was a statutory deadline for establishing pooled fund arrangements between health and social services for adult care homes, by 6^th April 2018 and that detailed work was currently underway to identify the total sum involved, which may vary accordingly to the definitions of care homes used. 

Furthermore, little guidance had been provided by Welsh Government on the perimeters of such a budget and therefore detailed proposals on the amounts to be pooled, along with the proposed governance arrangements would be drawn up.

RESOLVED:

15.1       That the report on Service Integration and Pooled funds be received and to note that regional arrangements – under the West Wales Care Partnership have been put in place to advance work on service integration and pooled funds;

15.2       That there is a statutory deadline for establishing pooled fund arrangements between health and social services for adult care homes, by 6th April 2018;

15.3       That Carmarthenshire is acting as a ‘pace-setter’ within the Region by taking work forward on integrating a wider range of services.  The current thinking is to give priority to completing already advanced integration in respect of short term care arrangements;

15.4       That other opportunities for furthering service integration are under active consideration on a regional basis.

The Executive Board gave consideration to a report which would endorse membership of the Executive Board Advisory Panels and Outside bodies as detailed within the report, subject to determination of the following appointments for which more than 1 nomination has been received:-

·         The Industrial Communities Alliance  -  Wales  Region

·         Llanelly House

·         Consortium for Local Authorities in Wales

Members noted a membership change to the School Improvement Panel, Councillor Darren Price to replace Councillor Ann Davies.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the appointment of members to serve on outside bodies be as detailed in the circulated schedule subject to

·         Councillor S. Allen to serve on the Industrial Communities Alliance  -  Wales Region;

·         Executive Board Member for Resources, Councillor D. Jenkins to serve on  Llanelly House;

·         Councillor A. Davies to serve on the Consortium for Local Authorities in Wales (CLAW)

There were no urgent matters to be considered.

THE REPORTS RELATING TO THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NOT FOR PUBLICATION AS THEY CONTAIN EXEMPT INFORMATION AS DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH 14 OF PART 4 OF SCHEDULE 12A TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972 AS AMENDED BY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ACCESS TO INFORMATION) (VARIATION) (WALES) ORDER 2007. IF, FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST TEST, THE BOARD RESOLVES PURSUANT TO THE ACT TO CONSIDER THESE ITEMS IN PRIVATE, THE PUBLIC WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM THE MEETING DURING SUCH CONSIDERATION.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED pursuant to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information)(Variation) (Wales) Order 2007, that the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items as the reports contained exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

Following the application of the public interest test it was UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED, pursuant to the Act referred to in minute number 18 above, to consider this matter in private, with the public excluded from the meeting as it would involve the disclosure of exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, including the Authority holding that information.

The Executive Board considered a report seeking a decision on the future use of the property as detailed within the report.

RESOLVED to progress with current private sector interest, whilst seeking to ensure the heritage and cultural aspect of the building are maintained.