Appendix 4a

Corporate Priority Action Plan Monitoring Report - 2018/19

PLACE - Creating neighbourhoods where people are proud to live and work

Summary of progress We continue to make positive progress in the PLACE priority, ‘Creating neighbourhoods where people are proud to live and work’ as a Council and with partners including Welsh Government, Housing Associations, and as part of the Cwm Taf Public Services Board. We cannot include every single aspect of the Council’s work to deliver this priority nor can a document written at a point in time reflect the changes that have followed and which have been well publicised. However, we have taken a pragmatic approach to provide the reader with as complete a picture as possible, including where we are doing well and where we can do better. Progress in some of our key measures is slower than we anticipated and where this is the case, explanations have been included. From our work to date, we are understanding more about how we embed the requirements of the Well-being of Future Generations Act and this will continue to affect how we shape our 2019/20 plans.

The PLACE priority focuses on three steps which are set out in detail in this evaluation, some of our achievements are set out below

So that Rhondda Cynon Taf will be amongst the safest places in Wales, with high levels of community cohesion, and residents feeling safe we have  put in place a Public Space Protection Order to promote sensible drinking and control and prevent alcohol related anti-social behaviour in Pontypridd and Aberdare  worked with partners in the Community Safety Partnership to prevent crime and disorder, including anti-social behaviour, tackle violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence, protect vulnerable groups from harm and victimisation and reducing environmental crime.  put in place a Community Alcohol Partnership in Pontypridd to support a culture of responsible drinking, reducing young people’s access to alcohol and raising residents’ awareness of the impact of alcohol on communities.  continued to raise the profile of road safety through various activities, projects and programmes for pupils in schools, cyclists, pedestrians of all ages, drivers and those about to learn to drive.  tackling dangerous parking and enforcing parking arrangements around schools

So that Rhondda Cynon Taf's parks and green spaces continue to be valued by residents we have  gained ‘Green Flag’ status for 8 of our parks and open spaces including Aberdare Park for the first time making it clear to visitors they will be enjoying an epic open space that meets the high standards of the Green Flag awards  held free community events in Ynysangharad and Aberdare parks, including the Big Welsh Bites and Aberdare Festival as well as weekly Park runs  enabled children, young people and families to enjoy no cost local facilities by supporting community groups and volunteers to open 7 paddling pools for a minimum of 4 weeks in the summer

Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

 involved residents of all ages in physical and mental well-being events as well as providing learning opportunities in our parks To support Involved and resilient communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf we have  put in place a three-year programme to develop Community Hubs that will bring a range of services and community support together in locations across RCT with three on target for completion in 2019.  put in place new housing allocation scheme to better support long term housing need  supported vulnerable residents to stay engaged with services through our new @home library service and access to more services as part of the mobile library provision  encouraged more residents of all ages and abilities to engage with Arts events and to participate in arts projects that will increase confidence, encourage and develop new skills and reduce isolation and involved residents in community events to celebrate the history and culture of the Valleys.

To help make Rhondda Cynon Taf’s local environment clean and attractive, with well-maintained roads and pavements, flowing traffic, increased recycling and less waste sent to landfill we have  continued to invest in improving our highways infrastructure and delivering safer roads for drivers and pedestrians.  continued to support and encourage active travel with improved bus services and improvements to park and ride.  continued our flood alleviation schemes and improved the information available to our residents about flood risks.  worked directly with residents to increase the amount of waste they recycle.

However, there are still areas of the plan we need to address to see the full impact our work to date, these include  evaluating of the Public Spaces Protection Order in Pontypridd  progressing the development of the Community Hubs, making sure that we learn the lessons from those that are already in place  making sure that the construction projects that were delayed because of the contractors going into administration are completed in this financial year with new contractors

Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 1: Rhondda Cynon Taf will be amongst the safest places in Wales, with high levels of community cohesion, and residents feeling safe Our work in this priority, both now and in the future, will contribute to the seven national Well-being Goals, a set out in the Well-being of Future Generations Act, in particular a Wales of cohesive communities, a healthier Wales and a more equal Wales.

Key Measures for this Priority  93.52% of young people have not reoffended within 6 months of attendance on the DIVERT Programme Worse than last year (96.45%) - LPPN154  17% of Residents surveyed feel unsafe in our town centres – Better than our target of 25% LPPN163

Community safety relates to people’s sense of personal security and their feelings of safety in relation to where they live, work and spend their leisure time.

The Cwm Taf Community Safety Partnership Board is required by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to develop a strategy for the reduction of crime and disorder in the area, including antisocial behaviour and other behaviour adversely affecting the local environment.

To meet this requirement, the Board has put in place the Cwm Taf Community Safety Delivery Plan 2018/21, and set out the following priorities:

 Reduce the impact of alcohol and drug misuse on our communities  Divert offenders and reduce re-offending  Tackle violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence  Promote safe and confident communities  Protect vulnerable groups form harm and victimisation  Improve our environment by reducing environmental crime

The latest progress update was presented to Public Service Delivery, Communities & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee – Crime and Disorder in February 2019. The update indicated the majority of planned actions are ‘on-target’. This reflects the positive work to prevent crime and disorder through the partnership. An example of positive partnership working is reflected in the case study of Mrs X, a victim of anti-social behaviour.

To improve communication with and involvement of residents and communities about crime and antisocial behaviour, the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) introduced a Community Safety newsletter ‘People Patrol’. Residents are encouraged to sign-up to the free e-newsletter that provides information and raises awareness of crime prevention, personal and community safety issues and anti-social behaviour and how these issues can be reported. It also includes updates on issues currently being addressed by the partnership, for example, an increase in reported incidents of illegal off-road vehicle activity and where they are

Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 1: Rhondda Cynon Taf will be amongst the safest places in Wales, with high levels of community cohesion, and residents feeling safe occurring. It also encourages residents to report issues of concern and to ‘Get involved’ in campaigns that can help to make communities safer. There are currently over 1,500 subscribers to the newsletter and more are being encouraged to sign-up, at local events, for example, at PACT meetings.

We have worked with schools and community organisations to educate people about the prevention of terrorism and radicalisation, and to increase awareness of hate crime and how to report it. 2,796 people attended training on hate crime, what it was and how to report it. 91.20% of people receiving this training reported an increased awareness of hate crime reporting procedures. Feedback from those schools receiving training has been positive and includes the following: “I’ve spoken to some of the pupils and you’ll be pleased to know they said the session was very good and interesting!” Headteacher - Parc Primary School “Thanks for today…. they’ve done follow up work all day and got a lot out of your session. Much appreciated”. Headteacher - Ton Pentre Junior School

During the year, there were 443 reported hate crime occurrences within Cwm Taf, a decrease compared to 2017/18 when 473 occurrences. They were categorised as follows: Category 2018/19 2017/18 No % No % Racial 257 58% 291 62% Sexual orientation 82 18% 102 21% Disability 87 20% 49 10% Religion 14 3% 22 5% Transgender 3 1% 9 2% Total Reported 443 473

Further work to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour and long term problems includes the DIVERT programme which aims to prevent re-offending by working with first time offenders aged 18-25 to address the underlying issues behind their behaviour. In partnership with South Wales Police, we work with young adults on the programme, to engage in restorative interventions where appropriate, and attend a whole day, interactive, educational workshop focusing on the consequences of their actions. An example of a referral to the DIVERT programme can be found in the linked case study, and an update on the performance of the programme was provided to Public Services Scrutiny Committee in October 2018.

During the 2018/19 Divert Programme:

Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 1: Rhondda Cynon Taf will be amongst the safest places in Wales, with high levels of community cohesion, and residents feeling safe  93.52% of young people that took part in DIVERT, did not reoffend within six months of attending the course  85.29% of incidents that led young people to offend were committed under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs  109 referrals were made to partner agencies including: substance misuse; mental health support; counselling and employment/education/training opportunities  357 signposts to partner agencies have been made including accommodation services, domestic abuse services and to the GP.

Feeling safe influences how people value their community and is important to people’s quality of life, often making the difference between people wanting to live and stay in their neighbourhood or not. We know that many of the complex issues such as alcohol and drug misuse are closely related to antisocial behaviour, and can only be tackled effectively through collaboration with our partner organisations and the local community. In partnership with South Wales Police, schools, licensees and the local community, we have been working to prevent underage drinking by reducing young people's access to alcohol and by educating residents of the impact on communities.

In September, a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) came into force, introducing ‘no alcohol zones’ in Aberdare and Pontypridd Town Centres and specified surrounding areas in order to tackle alcohol-related antisocial behaviour. Promoted by the Calling Time on Street Drinking campaign and #AlcoholFreeStreets on social media, the new rules followed focused engagement with residents throughout August.

Since 1 September, it is pleasing to report that individuals stopped by either Council or Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) for drinking alcohol within the zones have handed over their alcohol without issue and accepted the warning given. 24 warning letters have been issued since the launch outlining the reasons for alcohol confiscation, and explaining to the recipients that if they are stopped again they will be subject to further penalties. This option is preferred to issuing a £100 Fixed Penalty Notices. Promotion of the PSPO continues in and around the Town Centres and includes signage, advertising on public transport, leaflets to all business premises and printed beer mats available to all licensed premises within the ‘no-alcohol zones’. ‘Calling Time on Street Drinking’ stickers have also been given to local taxi drivers working in Aberdare and Pontypridd, to place visibly in their vehicles, and joint patrols of the areas continue between the Council and South Wales Police,

PSPO news articles were also released on the Councils Social Media sites such as Twitter and the Council’s Intranet, for example, during the Rugby Autumn Internationals, in addition to a BBC Television News article being featured about the PSPO. The PSPO was also referenced in the ‘People Patrol’ Autumn newsletter. PSPO literature has also been provided to the Local Drug and Alcohol Support Teams and so that it can be included in packs provided to all new clients taking up support from the Drug and Alcohol Support Teams.

Anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of unacceptable activity that causes harm to an individual, to their community or to their environment. This could be an action that leaves a person feeling alarmed, harassed or distressed, fearing a crime will be committed or concerned for public safety, public disorder or public Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 1: Rhondda Cynon Taf will be amongst the safest places in Wales, with high levels of community cohesion, and residents feeling safe nuisance. 1,789 incidents of anti-social behaviour were recorded in RCT during the year, which is fewer than reported during 2017/18 (2,034). The highest level of incidents were recorded in Aberdare East (100), Aberdare West (76), Porth (71), Abercynon (65) and Ystrad (63). Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) incidents in Ystrad Rhondda, in particular at Gelligaled Park was a particular concern. The case study, ASB in Gelligaled Park, is a positive example of how antisocial behaviour can be dealt with quickly and effectively, and longer-term plans put in place to improve the look/safety of the area when partners work together.

Following its success in Porth, a second Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) has been set up in Pontypridd, to develop a culture of responsible drinking. In partnership with South Wales Police, schools, licensees and the local community, we have continued to prevent underage drinking by reducing young people's access to alcohol and by educating residents of the impact on communities.

Looking to seek the views of young people in the area and ensure that they are involved in decision-making, a survey was undertaken with over 600 young people between the ages of 12-18. They told us:  61% drink alcohol ranging from every day (1%) to only a few times a year (29%)  78% of those saying they drink alcohol, have been given alcohol by others in the last 4 weeks o 59% by a parent or guardian o 47% by friends o 23% by relatives o 16% by other people o 15% by a sibling  53% have also obtained alcohol in another way o 72% taken from home with permission o 30% taken from a friend’s home with permission o 14% stolen from home o 4% stolen from a shop o 1% stolen from a friend’s home or elsewhere  71% would drink at home, 46% at someone else’s home, 40% at a party and 15% on the street, in a park or somewhere outside.  25% responded that there were not enough local activities that did not involve alcohol. Suggestions were also provided on what they would like including youth clubs, sports activities, skate parks, etc.

When asked for an opinion on why young people drink over 70% responded ‘to look cool in front of their friends’ and ‘to be sociable with friends’. 62% said it was “because it gave them a rush or buzz” and over 50% said it was “because friends pressure them into it”, “because it makes them more confident”, “helps them forget their problems” or “because they are bored and have nothing to do”. Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 1: Rhondda Cynon Taf will be amongst the safest places in Wales, with high levels of community cohesion, and residents feeling safe Using the findings of this survey and through Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) funding, during April 2018, a Youth Club provision was established in Pontypridd, which is regularly attended by young people each week. TEDS (Treatment and Education Drug Services) have also held a 6-week programme at the Youth Club with sessions based on understanding substances, the impact of substances and support networks for young people. This fits with the CAP ethos of partnership working to tackle underage alcohol misuse and associated anti-social behaviour.

It is widely recognised that the retail sector has a part to play in regulating the advertising, sales and enforcement relating to underage drinking. In collaboration with Sainsbury’s, a Dragons Den type event was held in November to involve young people in a project to curb underage drinking. The event focussed on providing young people with the opportunity to submit ideas on how they could influence and deter underage drinking, providing the opportunity to present solutions themselves, from the prospective of a young person, rather than adults guessing at a diversionary scheme. Four teams of young people took part and presented a plan for an event, project or a scheme that will divert local youths away from drinking alcohol and causing antisocial behaviour. The standard of applications was very high, resulting in joint winners. Both teams agreed to merge their ideas together, which included a disco/event celebrating ‘no alcohol to have fun’ supported by prompt cards with slogans e.g. 3 alcohol units in a pint of lager and a supporting poster campaign ‘Don’t fall into it’. The Community Safety Partnership, YEPs and CAP are now working collaboratively to organise the event scheduled at the end of the school year. An evaluation of the work of the Pontypridd Community Alcohol Partnership is likely to take place during 2019/20. The evaluation will focus on what the partnership has delivered and the impact on residents and the wider community.

We continue to take proactive steps to keep our residents safe and prevent road traffic incidents. National Statistics show that the number of people killed or seriously injured on Rhondda Cynon Taf’s1 roads has declined over the last three years.

Year 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 – Qtr 32 Totals 59 36 23 Killed 7 3 3 Seriously Injured 52 33 20

1 Source Stats Wales - https://statswales.gov.wales/Catalogue/Transport/Roads/Road-Accidents/accidents/ksiroadaccidents-by-area-year. Statistics refer to casualties resulting from personal injury accidents on public roads reported to the police and forwarded to the Welsh Government. Road Accident Data contains details of the accident, the number of vehicles involved and information on casualties. 2 2018/19 Year end data available July 2019. Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 1: Rhondda Cynon Taf will be amongst the safest places in Wales, with high levels of community cohesion, and residents feeling safe Preventing and reducing road traffic incidents continued in 2018/19. Working with South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service we have used Welsh Government funding to provide road safety training and information to residents of all ages, raising the profile of road safety, making sure residents are more aware of the dangers presented by traffic and can navigate our roads safely.

This has included:  Continued promotion and involvement in Road Safety Week (19-25 November) co-ordinated by the Road Safety charity ‘Brake’. o The theme for Road Safety Week 2018 was ‘Bike Smart’ which aimed to raise the awareness of the safety of those on two wheels, as analysis shows that those on two wheels are 63 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured every hour. During this week, the road safety team undertook a variety of activities to raise the profile of road safety amongst residents of all ages. o Promoted road safety at events at various venues across RCT.  National Standards Cycle Training – Delivered to 997 year 5 and 6 pupils in 49 schools. This training aims to increase the road safety skills and knowledge of young cyclists, to help reduce the likelihood of these vulnerable road users being involved in road traffic collisions.  Kerbcraft and Child Pedestrian Training - this training initiative aims to improve the road safety knowledge of 5 to 7 year olds, and equip them will the necessary skills to help them be safer pedestrians. 1,443 pupils received training from 37 schools.  Pass Plus Cymru - the delivery of young driver training helps increase driver experiences and knowledge, as driver inexperience is a primary factor in collisions involving young drivers. During 2018-19, 204 young drivers from across the region participated in this initiative.  Megadrive - aimed at pre-drivers aged 16+, this road safety scheme educates on how to be responsible car users, whether as a driver or a passenger. During the year, Megadrive was delivered to 412 students at John’s Church in Wales School, YG Garth Olwg, Y Pant, YG Cymmer, Aberdare Community School, and Coleg Y Cymoedd Aberdare, Nantgarw and Rhondda campuses.  Annual Road Safety Quiz - Held in May 2018, in collaboration with South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service at the Mayor’s Chamber in the Municipal Buildings in Pontypridd. Six top-scoring Primary schools took part out of the thirty-two schools that took part in the preliminary round of the quiz earlier this year. Cwmdâr Primary, the winning school went on to represent RCT at the South Wales Police Road Safety Final.

Information about ‘Pass Plus Cymru’ and ‘Drive Safer for Longer’ courses, the annual ‘Road Safety Quiz’, activities during ‘Road Safety Week’ and other related safety engagement events in the community are communicated via the Council’s social media platforms. In addition, the Council’s Twitter page regularly re- tweets posts that have been tagged “@rctcouncil” which includes road safety content shared by schools, usually during cycling or ‘Kerbcraft’ training.

Local Authorities have a duty to tackle dangerous parking and the Traffic Management Act (TMA) 2004 allows Councils to enforce civil parking contraventions. This year we have used these powers to ensure the safety of our residents through preventative measures, including increased parking enforcement outside schools to address residents’ concerns with unlawful and dangerous parking. Approximately a quarter of all complaints received by the Council about unlawful parking are related to issues outside schools. Although the physical presence of Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO) helps to deter parking at such locations whilst Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 1: Rhondda Cynon Taf will be amongst the safest places in Wales, with high levels of community cohesion, and residents feeling safe they are in attendance, once the CEOs have left an area, indiscriminate parking re-occurs. The Council’s Cabinet on 26th October 2017, agreed to purchase a new enforcement vehicle to tackle these issues. Following a successful communications/public relations campaign outlining the new service, the mobile camera vehicle commenced enforcement in September 2018. The fully equipped vehicle with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera and infrared technology to capture clearly defined images, has been used to tackle the abuse of parking restrictions outside schools. Subsequent service progress updates have been provided to the Council’s Cabinet on 21st November 2018, and at the Public Services Communities and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee on 31st January 2019. Between September 2018 and March 2019,172 Formal Warning Notices and 2,458 Penalty Charge Notices were issued. It is expected that having this preventative enforcement regime outside schools, will have a positive effect on the number of unlawfully parked vehicles at school locations. This will see school environments and pedestrian crossing facilities made safer and easier to use, and in turn encourage and promote walking to school encouraging healthier lifestyles, and reducing vehicular pollution.

Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 2: Rhondda Cynon Taf's parks and green spaces continue to be valued by residents Our work in this priority, both now and in the future, will contribute to the seven national Well-being Goals set out in the Well-being of Future Generations Act, in particular a resilient Wales, a healthier Wales, a Wales of cohesive s communities and a globally responsible Wales.

Key Measures for this Priority  81% of residents are satisfied with our parks and open spaces for leisure, enjoyment and sport – Worse than 2016/17 86% - LLCS016

Local people identified wildlife, the local landscape quality and outdoor activity as important to their well-being. Well-maintained, accessible outdoor spaces provide opportunities for physical activity and relaxation, contributing to the prevention of a variety of physical and mental health conditions. Having access to green spaces are beneficial for our well-being, both as individuals and communities.

Our parks and green spaces serve a wide variety of purposes and it is important that we balance the differing needs of residents whilst also protecting and enhancing the natural environment. We know that many people are passionate about their local parks and countryside and we have involved communities in developing and protecting our green spaces. We have progressed projects that started last year, working in collaboration with our residents to ensure that they are involved and working together for the benefit of the whole community.

Second phase funding has been secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund Parks for People Grants Programme to enable delivery of projects in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park (YWMP) including the development of the horticultural training facility, restoration of the bandstand and sunken garden as well as improvements to the mock rock outcrop area. An activity programme has also commenced providing opportunities for volunteering and training within the park. A report on progress to date was presented to the Ynysangharad War Memorial Park Cabinet Committee in June 2018. A further update reported on positive progress including:  50 participants enrolled on the Volunteer Programme, with over 1,650 volunteering hours given to the park. Activities include the maintenance and upgrading of park benches completed by Learning Curve, planting flowers throughout the park, removal of invasive species and litter picking.  Establishment of a Friends of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park group that has delivered a ‘Poppies in the Park’ project. This free to attend project, provided opportunity for residents to reflect, remember and create a lasting memorial for Armistice Day 2018. The poppies formed a cascade in the Park’s Middle Avenue, renamed ‘Walk of Remembrance’ to honour the brave men and women of the Armed Forces. Since being established, the ‘Friends Group’ has also been involved in other projects around the park including a schools Flower Bed project, developing a vegetable patch within the compound area and ‘botanical coasters’ workshops.

The Council has also encouraged RCT residents to become involved in the development of YWMP through a press release and a published timetable of activities, events and volunteering days at the Park. This included A bat walk and talk; Mindfulness; Arts, crafts, gardening and other learning taster days; Open access park surgeries where people can share their views and get involved; English and maths basic skills lessons and School Holiday fun for children. As a direct result

Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 2: Rhondda Cynon Taf's parks and green spaces continue to be valued by residents of these sessions alongside an increased programme in the ‘Lido Ponty’, the total number of visitors to the park has increased by 9% (64,683 visits), from 682,349 in 2017/18 to 747,032 in 2018/19.

An engagement event held with residents in August 2018 to ensure their involvement in development plans for YWMP told us:  the majority of respondents are happy with the facilities provided, although there are some concerns regarding anti-social behaviour / feeling safe within the park and the provision of activities for young children and youth.  most people are aware of the Park’s history and heritage although results show that the levels of understanding vary.  the majority of respondents would like to see a website with information about upcoming events and activities within the Park.  overall most respondents are satisfied with Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and are in favour of introducing new activities including an education and training centre and restoration of certain areas within the park.

Comments received include: “It is a pleasant walk through into Pontypridd itself”. “Unique town centre park, with plenty of amenities. Lido is superb asset for the entire County Borough”. “Despite an order forbidding drinking of alcohol in the park, this is not policed and often drunken people can be found throwing their litter around and intimidating users, especially with children”. “It does not cater for the young people of Pontypridd 13/14 - 18 yrs. They feel that it would be preferred if they did not hang out in the park other than going to the Lido.”

This feedback is being used to develop and improve facilities in the Park in the future.

During November 2018, Ynysangharad War Memorial Park's place as a memorial to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country was protected in perpetuity following a successful application for the Park to be a dedicated Centenary Field site, as part of a national campaign involving the Royal British Legion and Fields in Trust. The Centenary Field status will also underpin the Council's ongoing Armed Forces Covenant, which is dedicated to supporting serving and retired Armed Forces Personnel and their families. By dedicating land through the Centenary Fields programme, the Council has ensured that valuable green space is protected as a living remembrance to those who fought and lost their lives in World War I. This dedication, one of 30 throughout Wales, is aligned with the spirit of the Armed Forces Covenant and will be recognised by the community as a clear commitment to the importance of these spaces now and in the future.

During December 2018, ‘The Welsh Mining Experience’ at the Rhondda Heritage Park was officially recognised an award-winning attraction after picking up the ‘Family Venue of the Year’ at the Welsh Hospitality Awards held at the Coal Exchange Cardiff. More on this can be found in our ECONOMY evaluation. Our grant bid for a ‘Community Oral History Project’ at the Rhondda Heritage Park was unsuccessful, but we have been advised to resubmit during 2019/20. Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 2: Rhondda Cynon Taf's parks and green spaces continue to be valued by residents

The ‘Friends of Aberdare Park’ community group with our support has been successful in obtaining a grant from Pen Y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund towards a proposed ‘Splash Pad’ at Aberdare Park. The group is currently working to secure the remainder of the funding submitting applications to the Big Lottery Fund, Welsh Church Act Fund and the Community Enabling Fund.

The ‘Friends of Taffs Well Park’ community groups have been successful in accessing a Co-op Local Community grant to develop a sensory garden within the park. The group take an active role in maintaining the willow garden, the orchard and the flowers around the war memorial.

We continue to provide support to people with learning disabilities so that they can enjoy all aspects of our parks. We collaborate with ‘Learning Curve’ our delivery partner in the National Lottery Heritage Fund (previously HLF) in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, and people continue to be supported to get involved in the maintenance of the park e.g. maintaining the condition of park benches.

Our Parks and open spaces host many events involving communities including weekly Parkruns at :  Pontypridd. Held every Saturday at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and attended by an average of 190 people. The event is organised and supported by approximately 21 volunteers every Saturday. A 2km ‘Junior Parkrun’ for children and young people aged 4 – 14 years takes place every Sunday morning at 9am and,  a newly established Aberdare Parkrun at Aberdare Park. Since June 2018, an average of 109 people run every Saturday morning, supported by 19 volunteers each week. The runs are free and open to everyone.

Other events include; the Aberdare Festival, held at Aberdare Park with free admission to attractions including a free Festival land train, live music and local food and craft stalls. 3,248 people attended the most recent event in July 2018.

The Big Welsh Bite held at Ynysangharad Park, on 4th and 5th August and hosted a record attendance of 20,000 people. The event included a birds of prey display, arena shows, farm animals and a funfair. All produce available at Big Welsh Bite was grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed by the stallholders themselves, resulting in an array of home grown local produce. People from the event told us:

“Food stalls all looked great - good variety and all looked very tasty! Farm animals were brilliant and staff there were great in teaching kids about the animals and letting them pet them”, “Lovely - more here this year” and “Great event”.

Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 2: Rhondda Cynon Taf's parks and green spaces continue to be valued by residents During 2018, the Council continued to support Community Groups to open local paddling pools through the ‘RCT Together’ initiative. This enabled 7 Groups to successfully open paddling pools for a minimum of 4 weeks during the summer. This included pools at Abercynon War Memorial, Lee Gardens (Penrhiwceiber), Gwernifor (Mountain Ash), Butchers Pool (Ynysybwl), Penygraig, Treorchy and Maerdy

Feedback from the Community Groups involved, include the sense of achievement of local volunteers from giving up their time to support a community facility and actually seeing the outcome of opening the pool. “The pools provide a place for families to go without having to spend money, ‘in kind’ support from local sponsors, builders and businesses was tremendous and fundraising makes a difference for our community projects”.

Additionally, three paddling pools now operate under a lease agreement that provides opportunities for funding to deliver a range of community engagement projects and initiatives year on year. For example, Lee Gardens operated their first ‘Fit + Fed’ programme which is run by StreetGames Wales. A range of partners supported this initiative, which saw 134 children aged 1-13 years registered to the project. Overall, 224 breakfast and 507 lunches were consumed. Alongside the normal operating pool opening hours, these children took part on a range of activities provided by the host partners, such as swimming lessons, rookie lifeguard lessons and fitness activities. This resulted in 38 new volunteers getting involved to make this a successful initiative. Feedback received:

“All 3 of my children have had a fab 6 weeks holiday in the pool. They loved Fit + Fed every day, swimming lessons, rookie lifeguards and the Zorbs! Thank you everyone, well done”. “I have been Head teacher in Penrhiwceiber for 15 years and the Lee Gardens Pool is the most exciting project ever! 100%. Volunteers deserve medal. Ardderchog & Da iawn!!!”

Through the ‘RCT Together’ initiative, the Council and our partners held an Information Event in January 2019 to inform and support the above community groups to open their pools for Summer 2019, subject to the necessary resourcing and training requirements being met.

All Rhondda Cynon Taf’s parks are promoted on the Visit Rhondda Cynon Taf Web page but we have more work to do to increase our presence on social media so that people are made more directly aware. This will be progressed over the next year. Eight of our parks have been celebrated and recognised by the Green Flag Award scheme, that recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the UK. These are:  Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd  Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare  Aberdare Park  Taff’s Well Park  CwmClydach Countryside Park near Tonypandy  Lee Gardens Community Pool Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 2: Rhondda Cynon Taf's parks and green spaces continue to be valued by residents  Daerwonno Outdoor Centre  Pontygwaith Nature Reserve

Each of the parks and open spaces has reached the high standards needed to secure a Green Flag Award or a Green Flag Community Award. Aberdare Park, which has recently seen the refurbishment of its play area, George V fountain and the surfacing used for the famous Aberdare Park Road Races, secured Green Flag status for the first time. The Green Flags are now be flying at the parks and open spaces, making it clear to visitors they will be enjoying an epic open space that has met the high standards of the Green Flag awards, which are organised by Keep Wales Tidy.

We know that biodiversity is essential for our long-term future and we continue to take steps to meet our biodiversity duty arising from the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. The Act provides a framework for a more joined up approach to managing natural resources such as the land, water, air and wildlife. It also means that we have to think about how we use these natural resources so they will still be available for the future. As a result of the Act, public bodies, including the Council, have to consider biodiversity in all their decision-making and actions. This new law works alongside what we need to do to improve Environmental Well-being as set out in the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

In the meantime, we have maintained the Local Biodiversity Action Plan and provided advice on ecological and land management identifying environmental impacts on new developments including housing and infrastructure improvements with an emphasis on habitat management including grassland, wetland, hedgerow and woodland management. This is helping to manage natural resources by mainstreaming biodiversity into planning processes for all our services, ensuring that long-term sustainability will be a core consideration in all decision making. This will help to safeguard the biodiversity of the area for future generations.

Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 3: Involved and resilient communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf Our work in this priority, both now and in the future, will contribute to the seven national Well-being Goals, as set out in the Well-being of Future Generations Act, in particular a Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh Language, a Wales of cohesive communities, a healthier Wales and a more equal Wales.

Key Measures for this Priority  86.5% of residents are satisfied with the County Borough as a place to live

We know that Community involvement can be a powerful tool in preventing or tackling many of the issues people face.

The Council has used the ‘Neighbourhood Networks’ approach in plans to build resilient communities. These communities are based on a set of characteristics and principles supporting the development of services, support and provision, implementing early intervention and prevention initiatives and encourage community engagement to respond to local need. The development of Community Hubs will respond to the current and longer-term needs of our residents, particularly as demand for our services is expected to grow in parallel with the population, in particular, the proportion of older people. In our PEOPLE evaluation, there is more information on the development of Extra Care housing, which will enable older people to lead independent lives, integrate with the community and limit social isolation. Community hubs will bring together residents of all ages and encourage intergenerational interaction and activities, breaking down the barriers between generations and helping each generation to appreciate and value the contribution of others.

Neighbourhood Networks comprise of Community Hubs and are based on a ‘Hubs and Spoke model3’. Community Hubs provide a range of citizen based services in one or a number of closely located buildings in priority neighbourhoods. The hub provides information and advice on site to the public and facilitates provision across the wider network of Community Spokes within the Neighbourhood Network. The ‘Spokes’ within the Neighbourhood Network will encompass the wide range of facilities and services run by public or third sector organisations all locally based in the designated catchment area. The hub and the associated spokes are intended to work as a network and by working in a more collaborative way; support the public to navigate all the relevant support available to them in their local area. These facilities support a preventative approach that enables individuals and families to access support as early as possible to prevent problems from escalating. It is expected to deliver/support on the following long term outcomes:  Better public services that are joined up, cost effective and accessible  A community in which peoples physical and mental well-being is maximised  A community that is well connected  A community that enables people to fulfil their potential no matter what their background or circumstances

3 The ‘Hub-and-Spoke Model’ arranges citizen based services into a network consisting of an anchor location (HUB) which offers information and advice, and facilitates provision to a wider network of Community facilities and services (SPOKES).

Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 3: Involved and resilient communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf  A community that promotes and protects its culture and heritage

Community Hubs will bring services together to provide a better public service offer and create economies of scale in terms of staffing and building costs. This in turn will make better, more cost effective use of our community assets and reinvesting resources in new retrofitted, fit for purpose buildings will enable services to be sustainable in the longer term.

During the last year, we have progressed our 3-year plan to develop Community Hubs within Rhondda Cynon Taf, as agreed by the Council’s Cabinet at its meeting on 19th April 2018.

Rhondda Fach - Ferndale Community Hub – The Hub at Ferndale, known as the ‘HWB’, has seen the relocation and enhancement of Ferndale Library to the new premises. Fern Partnership will provide a comprehensive childcare offer, while information, advice and employment support programmes will also be available. Fern Partnership will be the anchor organisation for the Hub with responsibility for supporting and developing the community network within the area. Key developments to date include:  Holding 7 Community Engagement Events ensuring the Hub is developed with the community  Recruiting a Community Coordinator to develop community involvement  Partnership working for example, the Greening Project actively creating opportunities for children to connect with nature and community in their everyday lives.  Theory of Change Framework 4developed in partnership with key stakeholders including the community and Welsh Government.  The establishment of a Management Board, and a draft Terms of Reference.  Holding Shared Workforce development days with Community Hub staff to support One Public Service approach  Training key individuals about Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE)  Data Cymru are supporting the evaluation of the Cwm Taf Children First Community Zone pilot in Ferndale and Merthyr (Gurnos). This Rhondda Fach Community Hub is scheduled to be officially opened in July 2019. There will be continued engagement with residents and service users to ensure the Community Hub meets the needs of residents in Ferndale.

South Cynon - Canolfan Pennar (Mountain Ash Community Hub)

4 Theory of Change is essentially a comprehensive description and illustration of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context. It is focused in particular on mapping out or “filling in” what has been described as the “missing middle” between what a program or change initiative does (its activities or interventions) and how these lead to desired goals being achieved. It does this by first identifying the desired long-term goals and then works back from these to identify all the conditions (outcomes) that must be in place (and how these related to one another causally) for the goals to occur. These are all mapped out in an Outcomes Framework. Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 3: Involved and resilient communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf Opening in June 2019, the Hub will provide direct access to many of the services residents need on a daily basis as well as providing opportunities to receive employment support and advice and assistance on a range of issues that affect people’s quality of life and well-being. A range of Council service will be co- located i.e. Library Service, One4All Centre and Council’s Employment Pathway support. A community café run by a third party Café provider will also ensure food, including hot meals, is available throughout the day. A new changing facility with accessible toilet has also been included in the design. Residents and community groups will continue to have access to rooms to meet and the community space will also be available for use by partner organisations to deliver support services in line with the community’s need.

South Rhondda – Porth Plaza Hub - will provide local communities with direct access to many of the services residents need on a daily basis as well as providing opportunities to receive business support, employment support and information, advice and assistance on a range of issues that affect people’s quality of life and well-being. The co-location of services within Porth Plaza will enable the Council to provide residents and community groups with access to rooms to meet and socialise, developing a Neighbourhood Network. The building works are set for completion in October 2019.

Following an extensive mapping exercise we have identified the following gaps in existing provision:  Open access play schemes;  Youth provision in Porth Town Centre;  Activity based services, respite and befriending services for the elderly and frail;  Accessible and inclusive opportunities for individuals with Learning Disabilities

To meet identified local need the following provision will be developed within the Hub:  A single point of access for residents to gain Information, Advice and Guidance.  An enhanced library facility, including a comfortable seating area, children’s area and computer access.  Additional community space for meetings and events  Additional space for targeted service delivery including activities for 50+  Fit for purpose space for youth provision  Employment Pathway Support and access to adult community learning provision  Accessible Disabled toilets and changing facilities for adults. In addition, consultation has taken place as part of the Porth Town Centre Regeneration Strategy, with the views of community members being taken into account. More information on this is available in the ECONOMY evaluation.

North Cynon - Cynon Linc Community Hub – During the year, the leasehold has been transferred from St Mair’s Day Centre to Age Connects Morgannwg (ACM). This third sector Community Hub being developed by ACM, will bring together a range of services including a social enterprise bistro, community space for local groups to hire, childcare provision and a headquarters for ACM to provide community outreach, befriending and information, advice and assistance for older Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 3: Involved and resilient communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf people. ACM proposes to transform the existing day centre for over 50 years olds into an intergenerational community hub with co-located GP surgery and childcare provision. Information on the future development works is also available. The Council will continue its commitment to deliver Community Hubs across Rhondda Cynon Taf meeting its commitment to create a further 6 Hubs in the next two years.

We know that accessibility to Council services is important to our residents. This year, the opportunity has arisen for the Council’s Library Service to challenge the delivery of its mobile service across the County Borough, with a view to improving the service for all residents whilst at the same time, ensuring that it offers an enhanced range of services. This would include acting as outreach hubs that could facilitate the delivery of advice and guidance to customers by other Council services and partner agencies on a rota basis, such as One4All customer service staff, the Council’s Consultation team and third sector organisations.

Following consideration of a report to Council’s Cabinet on 20th September containing the outcomes of an eight-week consultation with residents on proposed changes to the mobile library service, it was agreed to:  reduce the number of vehicles from 3 to 2 and replace with two new purpose built vehicles that would have on board access to Wi-Fi;  change the method of delivery from 393 short stops per fortnight to 48 longer stops every three weeks that would enable the service to expand the range of provision available on the vehicles and extend the scope of access  rebrand the Library Housebound Service to the @HomeLibraryService.

The new mobile service was launched on the 11th February. Visitor figures show that whilst initial take up has been good with people using the service at the majority of stops, numbers are lower than for the previous service. This was expected given that this is a new model of service delivery which needs time to build a new audience within communities. Communities for Work Plus have also used the service as outreach hubs to promote their services in difficult to reach areas. We will continue to promote the service through the Council’s various media channels including our Facebook page. Further engagement will also be undertaken to establish suitable locations for mobile library stopping points.

A new Draft Library Services Strategy was agreed by Cabinet in March 2019. The new Strategy focuses on  keeping the service relevant in a rapidly changing environment;  embedding new models of service delivery;  improving the library experience for customers

This Strategy and delivery of the associated Action Plan will ensure that the Library Service is sustainable over the longer-term and remains relevant in the face of changing patterns of customer usage and raised expectations of modern library services. In order to provide the maximum benefit possible to customers, and maximise its own resources, the service will work with other Council services and partner organisations to facilitate a wide range of activities and events. Co-location in community hubs will add significant value to the service provided to customers and contribute to the creation of a more integrative model of Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 3: Involved and resilient communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf provision – specifically one that is focussed on providing early intervention in order to prevent problems and issues experienced by children, young people and families from deteriorating. The provision of a @HomeLibraryService with its expanded eligibility criteria is designed to prevent the most vulnerable customers from being adversely affected by the changes in mobile library provision. The strategy indicates the retention of a Children and Young People’s service as this is seen as essential to ensure access to books and associated activities that will prevent young people from being at a disadvantage in their education. Customers of all ages will be involved in reviewing the services provided at libraries and mobile libraries through Customer Satisfaction Surveys due to take place later in 2019. We will monitor our progress to ensure that we meet our aims and customer expectations.

We have also improved facilities at Tonypandy Library this year, to ensure that the provision is sustainable and fit for the future. £120k of Welsh Government’s Transformation Capital Grant funding was secured to carry out renovations including:  Two new consultation rooms for confidential advice sessions.  A new IT suite for Work Clubs, Digital Friday provision and adult education classes.  A new community room.  A new dedicated Makerspace area for people of all ages to create and collaborate on projects.  An upgrade to the existing kitchen space.  The creation of a disabled toilet, and improvements to the disabled access into the building by widening the pathway.

The new look library was formally opened in March 2019, and has been welcomed by residents in the area. Since reopening feedback to staff has been excellent and new joiner figures have been increasing steadily. Communities for Work Plus are using the smaller meeting rooms on an almost daily basis to carry out one to one meetings with their clients and they have started a weekly computer for beginners’ class. A new ‘Rhondda Housing Reading Group’ has been formed and is using the community room every Tuesday. A number of groups have also used the larger community room for one off training activities. Future plans include the introduction of a ‘Code Club5’ and a Mother and toddler group.

To improve digital technology in our libraries, funding has been allocated for the provision of self-service machines for taking out and returning books at Ferndale, Mountain Ash, Treorchy and Aberdare Libraries. A tender document is currently being produced and installation of self-service machines is expected in these locations by the end of the financial year following the end of the procurement process.

The popularity of e-books and e-audiobooks has continued to grow with 30,309 titles being downloaded in 2018/19 in comparison with 28,307 in 2017/18. In response to this growth, we have committed to spending a greater proportion of our book budget on digital titles in order to improve the range of titles and

5 Code Club is a programme run by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a registered UK charity. Aimed at 9 to 13-year-olds the club offers free easy to follow step by step guides that enable young people to make their own computer games, animations and websites using various coding language. Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 3: Involved and resilient communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf lower waiting times on popular titles. In addition to this, we are currently working on the introduction of a tablet loaning scheme for users of our @HomeLibraryService.so they can experience all the benefits of accessing digital titles.

Our work in this priority, both now and in the future, will contribute to the seven national Well-being Goals, in particular a Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh Language, a Wales of cohesive communities, a healthier Wales and a more Equal Wales.

During the last year, we have involved and encouraged people to take part in our arts projects to help build confidence, improve communication, limit isolation, as well as support well-being, employment and educational prospects. Through our Families First commissioned Youth Arts and SONIG Youth Music Industry programmes, projects have included:  Flossy & Boo Artists in Residence at the Park & Dare Theatre, have been working with children and their families to develop work e.g. The Ramshackles Brilliant Adventure  Avant Cymru, Associate Artists of RCT Theatres have been working with the community to develop the serial drama Rhondda Road, as well as bringing Sadler’s Wells Breakin’ Conventions to the Park & Dare Theatre in March 2019. In addition, ‘How Green was my Valley’ a writing challenge event for ages 14-24 asking them to think about living in the valleys and what their thoughts are for the future. The participants were supported by professional scriptwriters through a workshop, and provided positive feedback.  Hot Jam6, at the Park & Dare Theatre engaging young people through an intensive music boot camp.  Young Promoters Network, supporting young people to develop a music scene in grass roots venues across RCT  Fortitude Through Music - supporting young people into employment, education and training working with the Council’s Employment Pathway programmes and community organisations to identify hard to reach young people.  Creation of ‘Behind Closed Doors’ an animation taster project created with young carers who expressed an interest in learning animation skills.  TakepART a participatory art programme within theatres and on an outreach basis including through the medium of Welsh at Garth Olwg Lifelong Learning Centre.

We have also continued with our theatre performances and screenings specifically catering for older people as part of an integrated approach to supporting their well-being or recovery from illness.  ‘Daytime Delights’ - Theatre performances and screenings to specifically cater for older people including a matinee performance of Black RAT’s ‘Loot’ at the Coliseum Theatre, and a screening of Avant Cymru’s ‘Lands of Our Fathers’ at the Park & Dare Theatre  Celebrating creativity in old age, in collaboration with Wick’d Productions and the Older People’s Advisory Group, a performance of ‘That’s Life’ with Lee Gilbert and his Big Band was once again held at the Park & Dare Theatre.  ‘Concert & Cakes’ events have also been held including the 80th Birthday Coliseum Afternoon Tea.

6 Funded through Families First Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 3: Involved and resilient communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf

This year we celebrated and commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Coliseum Theatre, with various activities being held to mark the occasion including:  Creation of a Cynon Valley Cultural Network, with Arts Council for Wales funding, inviting the community to engage with Cynon Valley culture.  Jack Jones in Concert at 80 years old  Concert & Cakes 80th Birthday Afternoon Tea  Kids Club 80th Birthday Party  History of the Coliseum Theatre Exhibition at Cynon Valley Museum  Tour of co-production with Motherlode ‘Exodus’  Working with Rhondda-based writer Rachel Trezise and Director Rich Tunley to explore the development of a drama peppered with music from the Stereophonic’s ‘Word Gets Around’ album. The performance celebrates the fact that the band were originally signed following a showcase at the Coliseum in the 90s as part of the ‘Splash’ Tour  80th Anniversary Gala Concert

The Park and Dare Theatre, Treorchy was also part of the first annual 2018 Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT). A series of events and activities celebrating creativity in the Rhondda were held during June 2018. This included live music, comedy, art and photography, ‘book talk’ and arts and crafts. The theatre hosted performances from Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra; Only Men Allowed and friends, ‘Rhondda Rips It Up’ featuring the Welsh National Opera and ‘Dance back to Broadway’ presented by students of Treorchy Comprehensive school. The 2019 event will once again be supported by the Council sharing the RAFT 2019 vision of partnership working, community involvement and performing and exhibiting work by people of all ages and abilities.

During 2018/19, we have progressed a Cwm Taf Involvement Strategy with our partners that will reflect a partnership approach to consultation and engagement activity and avoid duplication. We have also refreshed the Council’s Citizens Panel to gain resident views from those people actively interested in community matters.

In order to support long term housing need and meet statutory obligations under the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 the Council’s Housing Allocation Scheme has been updated. This update is required by Welsh Government every two years, to ensure equality of access to social housing for all people with a housing need, and to ensure that the Scheme reflects changes to Welfare Reform policies e.g. Universal Credit.

During May 2018, a report detailing the scheme, outcomes of resident engagement and policy changes was presented to Council’s Cabinet, and subject to minor amendments, was passed by Cabinet. The following changes have been made this year to make the housing allocations scheme more accessible:  Applicants will receive affordability information and advice at the point of application, and housing benefits will be included in financial assessments to ensure that applicants can afford the tenancy.  Where applicable, applicants will be matched to properties that have existing adaptions that meet their needs. Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 3: Involved and resilient communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf  Applicants that are in priority housing categories will have their housing needs reviewed earlier to ensure they are receiving the support they need, and high-risk groups e.g. those experiencing domestic abuse, will be of higher priority.  More support will be provided to those with rent arrears to ensure that they remain eligible to apply for social housing.  Homeless people or those threatened with homelessness will be able to apply for social housing support within the Housing Allocation Scheme dependent upon the outcomes of their assessment.

During the year, the Council has prevented 532 households from becoming homeless within 56 days, which is 71% of those households that have been threatened with homelessness. For those households and individuals who have become homeless the Council has continued to offer appropriate support to resolve their homelessness situation and provide housing related support particularly to those with complex housing requirements. To further prevent homelessness, Cabinet approved the Council’s Homeless Strategy 2018-2022 in December 2018 to ensure a strategic, long-term approach is taken by the Council and our partners to ensuring suitable accommodation and satisfactory support is available to those who are or may become homeless.

We have progressed our plans for the Bryn Pica Eco Park Development with funding and outline planning arrangements now in place. Ground clearance investigations have been undertaken successfully for the first phase of the scheme and the strategic business case has been developed which includes the site design and building layout as agreed Cabinet in outline plans last year.

As part of the Budget Consultation process, residents have told us: “This is a good idea. All recycling done on one site rather than hauling to external companies all over the country – carbon footprint reduction.” “We’ve all got to do a lot more to recycle and protect the environment”.

The multi-million-pound Eco Park development will help turn more rubbish into a resource by collecting and re-using waste materials such as the heat and electrical energy produced on site. The scheme will also bring other benefits that the Eco Park will bring to residents, communities and businesses include:  Interest from businesses to locate within the County Borough, taking advantage of cheap sustainable energy.  Increased employment opportunities within Cynon Valley, for people with a range of skills.  Using cheap sustainable (green) energy to facilitate the local economy.

Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 4: Rhondda Cynon Taf’s local environment will be clean and attractive, with well-maintained roads and pavements, flowing traffic, increased recycling and less waste sent to landfill Our work in this priority, both now and in the future, will contribute to the seven national Well-being Goals set out in the Well-being of Future Generations Act, in particular a prosperous Wales, a resilient Wales, a healthier Wales, a Wales of cohesive s communities and a globally responsible Wales.

Key Measures for this Priority 61.01% Waste recycled, less than in 2017/18 (61.31%) (Worse) – Tonnage of recycling has increased, as has the total of overall waste. Only 2% of the waste we collect is sent to landfill, with the remaining waste, including food, used to produce energy. 129 Fixed Penalty Notices linked to the Public Spaces Protection order for Dog Controls have been issued (170 in 2017/18) – Better. This reduction could be attributed to the active enforcement of the PSPO and as a result, residents adopting improved dog control habits.

We know that improvements to the physical environment and that good transport infrastructure has a positive effect on the economy and is of great benefit to residents, businesses and visitors.

Rhondda Cynon Taf’s highways and transport infrastructure is one of the Council’s largest assets. We maintain 1,284km of roads  165km A roads,  76km B roads,  123.5km C roads and  919km of Unclassified roads  456 bridges, culverts and subways and we also manage 29,000 energy efficient LED street lights.

Through our budget consultation, residents have told us: “Roads- continue to invest. Lots of new houses so need to make sure transport links will be suitable.”

This year we have continued our efforts to ensure safe driving conditions for our residents with a focus on repairs and renewal of our highways, and on the replacement of roads. We have undertaken repairs to our highways with 102 roads being resurfaced including the Roundabout at Trehafod and in Aberdare Town Centre. 42 roads receiving specialised surface treatments[1], and a further 60 receiving a more ‘traditional[2]’ surfacing renewal, in addition 2,076 potholes have been repaired.

[1] Specialised surface treatments are thin applications applied to the existing carriageway surface prolonging the expected life of the highway. [2] Traditional surface treatments whereby the existing surface is planed off and replaced with a wearing course Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 4: Rhondda Cynon Taf’s local environment will be clean and attractive, with well-maintained roads and pavements, flowing traffic, increased recycling and less waste sent to landfill The Council also received a prestigious national outstanding engineering achievement award in recognition of the work undertaken in 2017-19 on the Maerdy Mountain road repair and improvement scheme. The Institute of Civil Engineers Wales awarded the Roy Edwards Award to the Maerdy Mountain Landslip Project for Engineering Excellence.

We have also undertaken:  Essential highway repair schemes including the completion of the resurfacing of two sections of the A4059 in Aberdare and along sections of the Sardis Gyratory in Pontypridd.  Work to reset the ancient cobbled stones of Llantrisant's Swan Street.  58-replacement footway schemes.  12 street lighting replacement projects, which now means that all of the street lighting stock in RCT is LED.

A number of successful structural repairs have also been undertaken including:  Pontyclun River Bridge – scour repairs, repairing the crack to the bridge’s arch barrel, re-pointing its parapets and re-surfacing the footway over the bridge  Bridge repairs and refurbishments at Cwmaman Road, Godreaman and included re-building an adjacent wing wall, repairing the masonry stonework at several locations and removing tree roots, which are damaging the structure.  Reconstructing the river wall at Pontygwaith to rectify scour damage caused over a number of years and to alleviate the potential risk to nearby properties in the future  Upper Boat Bridge the replacement of deck joints to the bridge supporting Gwaelod-Y-Garth Road  Progressed design for the replacement of St Albans Bridge, Blaenrhondda  Repairs to the retaining wall at Pontypridd Road, Porth in collaboration with Dwr Cymru

We have also progressed longer-term projects that will make better use of the existing highway, help to relieve congestion, improve safety, air pollution and improve the resilience of the highway network. An update on the progress of these schemes over the last twelve months:  Mountain Ash Southern Cross Valley Link - Walters/Sisk completed the design and commenced the main construction phase for bridge and road works in July 2018 with project completion scheduled for Winter 2019/20. Preparatory work to divert the trunk sewer on the east side of the river in advance of the main bridge works started in October 2018.  Llanharan Bypass - The Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG) Stage 1 has been recently completed for the Bypass and the Stage 2 study has been commissioned. Preliminary design has commenced with ecological surveys of the area.

Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 4: Rhondda Cynon Taf’s local environment will be clean and attractive, with well-maintained roads and pavements, flowing traffic, increased recycling and less waste sent to landfill  A4119 Ely Valley Road Dualling (Stinkpot Hill) - On 21st June 2018, Cabinet approved proposals to progress the dualling of the A4119 (Stinkpot Hill). Land mapping required for the project has been completed and land acquisition negotiations have commenced with third party landowners. Preliminary design, site investigation and ecological surveys have been completed.  Cynon Gateway North (A4059 Aberdare Bypass Extension) – Preliminary design on the project has commenced together with preliminary appraisal of environmental and ecological issues.  Gelli/Treorchy Relief Road – A feasibility study has commenced on the issues, constraints and potential solutions for this project.

The A470 Pontypridd to Upper Boat was also selected for inclusion in a Welsh Government study to identify potential network management measures to assist in bringing reductions in NO2 leading to improved air quality. This has included imposing a temporary 50mph speed limit on the length of the A470 study corridor between the Upper Boat and Bridge Street Interchanges. More detail on the progress of this study is also available and recommendations include a permanent adoption of the reduced speed limit.

In partnership with Welsh Government, we have developed safe routes in the community for pedestrians and cyclists. Improvements have been made across RCT to improve local provision including:  Ystrad Rhondda Community Route includes improvements to the footpath through Ystrad and the delivery of a cycle lane through Gelli Industrial Estate, and a wider, i.e. 3m, shared cycle and footpath between Ystrad Rhondda Railway Station and the footbridge to the rear of Rhondda Sports Centre. The Sports Centre’s entrance was altered, along with the introduction of speed reduction measures, in order to continue the 3m shared path.  Porth Safer Community Routes Scheme included a 20mph zone at Cemetery Road as well as a new raised zebra crossing, the raising of two existing zebra crossings, and the installation of a raised plateau at the school crossing patrol location  Cwmaman Safer Routes Scheme - includes a 20mph zone for motorists on Glanaman Road, along with the installation of flat top road humps, footway widening and a new lay-by. A new uncontrolled pedestrian crossing has also been installed at Mountain Road near its junction with Prospect Place.  Pedestrian safety improvements were delivered in Treorchy - including a new footway and ‘on road’ bus lay-by within Abergorci Industrial Estate; a 20mph zone was introduced at Station Road near the school entrance. The existing zebra crossing has been replaced as a raised plateau and the original bus stop was relocated and improved, and the vehicle entrance to Ystradfechan Park was re-aligned.  Safe crossing point and road resurfacing was completed at: o Trebanog Road, Cymmer, and o Park View Terrace in Abercwmboi  New footway to replace grass verge at Cardiff Road in Nantgarw - in support of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, the existing footways to either side of the grass verge, now link to create a safe walking route for pedestrians in this busy area.

Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 4: Rhondda Cynon Taf’s local environment will be clean and attractive, with well-maintained roads and pavements, flowing traffic, increased recycling and less waste sent to landfill

Although highways development is crucial to the prosperity of the area in the short and medium term, we have balanced this necessary development with investment in long-term strategies to find viable alternatives to car use. This includes delivery of safe community routes for walking and cycling, including designing safe routes for our children to travel to school; strategic improvements to public transport. This includes the A4119 bus corridor to decrease journey times and encourage people to switch to more sustainable forms of transport; and investigating the viability of new park and ride schemes to reduce traffic in our town centres.

The Council is committed to promoting active travel, leading to the improved health and wellbeing of our residents. To encourage walking and cycling, the Council has completed an additional link to the existing Llantrisant Community Route. This also included the installation of new fencing and gates, along with footpath construction and provision of new traffic signage. Long-term environmental benefits are also expected with the reduction of local car journeys.

We have also been successful in obtaining funding and delivering upgrades to our bus infrastructure. Funded by the Welsh Governments Local Transport Fund, improvements continued on the 87 bus stops from Tonypandy to Groesfaen, along the Rhondda-Cardiff corridor, ranging from the creation of raised bus stop kerbs to provide better access to the new low-floor buses, improved signage, bus shelters where required, footway and carriageway surfacing and new road markings. Improvement works also have included modifications to the signal-controlled junction at Talbot Green / Llantrisant to help improve capacity and improve journey time reliability. More buses are also being provided each hour, making services more frequent and attractive to use. Encouraging more people onto public transport will help to reduce congestion on our roads, reduce travel times and will have positive long-term effects on the environment.

To provide a more integrated, long term transport provision agreed by Cabinet in 2017, the Council has progressed its plans for 10 new Park and Ride Schemes at Treherbert, Cwmbach, Ynyswen, Treorchy, Llwynypia, Trehafod, Fernhill, Abercynon (Phase 2), Pontyclun and Llanharan. Progress this year includes:  Construction of the car park at Abercynon Park and Ride Phase 2 is complete and open.  Stage 1 works at Pontyclun Park and Ride Phase 2 was completed in the Spring 2018, which provided an additional 14 parking spaces at the existing car park situated adjacent to Pontyclun Rugby Club. Phase 2 is currently at feasibility stage.  Porth Park and Ride Phase 2 - statutory procedures are ongoing, and construction is scheduled for 2019/20.

These plans will integrate with the significant enhancements to rail capacity on the Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr lines by 2022, with a commitment of 4 trains per hour operating to the top of each valley, as part of the City Deal investment in the Metro Project.

We know that our climate is changing, and forecasts suggest that we will see higher sea levels, increased intensity of rainfall and more frequent flooding. More of us will experience flooding, the consequences of that flooding will be greater and the risk to life, the economy and the environment will increase. However, Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 4: Rhondda Cynon Taf’s local environment will be clean and attractive, with well-maintained roads and pavements, flowing traffic, increased recycling and less waste sent to landfill steps can be taken to manage the risks of flooding and reduce both the frequency and consequences, and we continue with our statutory duty to prevent flooding as far as possible.

The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 was introduced following the review of the 2007 flooding that was widespread across the UK. The Act sets out to provide a better and more comprehensive management of flood risk for people, homes and businesses. Under this legislation, RCT became a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and was given the duty to develop, maintain, apply and monitor a strategy for local flood risk with the objective to ‘Reduce the Consequences of Flood Risk’. A Local Flood Risk Management Strategy was developed to balance the needs of communities, the economy and the environment, and forms the framework within which communities have a greater say in local risk management decisions. A summary version is also available in both English and Welsh. The Local Strategy encourages more effective risk management by enabling people, communities, business and the public sector to work together.

This year our focus has been on improving flood information to ensure that it is current and that residents have the information they need to make informed decisions. Web updates have been made to the Flood Risk Regulations 2009 following a collaborative review of the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment undertaken with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). A new web page has also been added to support the new mandatory Sustainable Drainage Approval required within Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Legislative changes implemented in January-19 requires all new developments of more than one dwelling house or where the construction area is 100m2 or more, to require Sustainable Drainage approval through the use of Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) techniques to manage the surface water. The approval ensures that development is designed, constructed and operated in accordance with the Welsh Government’s National Standards for Sustainable Drainage (SuDs)7. Through the Approval process, RCT will consult with NRW, Welsh Water, Canal and Rivers Trust and the Highway Authority to ensure the 11 principals and 6 national standards are upheld within the proposals.

Further web updates have created a series of links and shortcuts within the existing planning application and building control web pages which direct applicants to the Sustainable Drainage web page, within which a new advice page also provides advice and offers a pre-application review service to residents, where additional information can be provided and questions asked.

Details of our current Flood Alleviation Schemes are also available on RCTCBC web pages and provide information on the following schemes: - Cwmaman, Bwllfa Road - Cwmdare, Rhydyfelin, Cae Nant Flats - Rhydyfelin, Nant Cae-Dudwg - Cilfynydd, Nant Gwawr - Aberaman and Nant y Fedw - Ynysboeth.

Key Measures for this Priority  61.01% of our waste has been recycled – compared to 61.31% last year – Slightly worse  97.59% of fly tips have been cleared within 5 working days – compared to 96.94% last year - Better

7 SuDs provide a natural approach to managing drainage, prevent water pollution and flooding in urban areas and create green spaces and habitat for wildlife in towns and cities. Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 4: Rhondda Cynon Taf’s local environment will be clean and attractive, with well-maintained roads and pavements, flowing traffic, increased recycling and less waste sent to landfill  99.4% of our streets and highways are of a high level or acceptable level of cleanliness– same as last year

We continue to work towards achieving the 70% recycling target set by Welsh Government for 2024/25. We have not hit our recycling target of 63% this year, despite increasing the amount of waste being recycled (74,791 tonnes in 2018/19 compared to 73,121.39 tonnes in 2017/18). We do know that we have substantially increased recycling in the following categories since last year: Tonnage Recycled Tonnage Increase Category 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2016/17 – 2018/19 Nappies 1,970.21 1,463.28 639.49 +1,330.72 Rubble 17,069.14 15,724.54 15,054.12 +2,015.02 Food Waste 11,216.48 10,737.74 10,407.29 +809.19 Glass 5,544.64 5,320.14 5,178.81 +365.83 Residents have told us: “Recycling and education- important investment.”

We continue to raise awareness of recycling and encourage and support residents to recycle more. Earlier this year, Welsh Government supported and funded ‘Everyone’s Doing IT’ a joint recycling campaign with six South East Wales Local Authorities. The campaign included the slogan ‘Stop, Think, Recycle Wales and encouraged residents to recycle as much as they can, particularly as more people across Wales are now choosing to recycle, and question those that are not.

During February and March 2019, we worked with Ynysybwl residents to improve their recycling levels as part of this campaign, undertaking targeted engagement to positively influence recycling behaviours.

The results achieved below demonstrate the impact of the campaign before and after targeted awareness raising with Ynysybwl residents.

No. Households No. Households Recycling Type Outcomes achieved from campaign Before Campaign After Campaign 508 Recycle everything correctly8 665 157 more Households (31%) now recycle correctly 391 Undertake some type of recycling9 272 119 households have positively increased their recycling habits 170 Don’t recycle 113 57 more households now recycle

8 All recycling – dry and food waste with no contamination and no recyclables in black bag waste 9 Recycle dry or food waste but not both, have some mild contamination and/or have some recyclables in their black bag waste Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 4: Rhondda Cynon Taf’s local environment will be clean and attractive, with well-maintained roads and pavements, flowing traffic, increased recycling and less waste sent to landfill

We continue to communicate with residents via the Council’s website and via Facebook and Twitter to ensure that residents are kept informed of where they can collect recycling bags or request them for delivery, the opening times of our Community Recycling Centres sites and have information on what can and cannot be recycled. We also promote and raise awareness of the long-term benefits of recycling and the location of our Recycling Banks (SORT Centres).

In addition to the areas identified in the campaign above, we have also worked with and involved residents in other communities where we know there are low levels of recycling. Through face-to-face doorstep engagement, support and clear information on how to recycle, we have seen positive results. No. of DRY RECYCLING FOOD RECYCLING Area Properties At start of campaign After intervention % Change At start of campaign After intervention % Change Ynysybwl 1,048 65.6% 91.5% +25.9% 36.3% 62.1% +25.8% Brynna 1 995 83.2% 96.5% +13.6% 57.1% 78.6% +21.5% Brynna 2 808 77.5% 97.0% +19.5% 51.9% 77.8% +25.9% Tonteg 732 82.5% 94.1% +11.6% 62.4% 76.1% +13.7% Cwmbach 1 941 77.2% 95.4% +18.2% 33.3% 46.3% +13.0% Cwmbach 2 820 82.9% 98.2% +15.3% 53.4% 78.0% +24.6%

We have also worked with primary schools across RCT to raise awareness of recycling through various recycling competitions including:  Easter egg packaging collection – 45 Primary schools took part and collected 1,006.4 tonnes of packaging.  Christmas card collection – 60 Primary schools took part, with approximately 4 tonnes of cards collected.  School uniform collection – 29 Primary schools took part, 1.75 tonnes of uniform collected.  Battery collection – 40 Primary schools took part, with 1.74 tonnes of batteries collected.

Attending events across RCT including the Aberdare Festival, Vintage Transport Day, Ynysybwl Festival, Armed Forces Day and the Big Welsh Bite has enabled us to talk directly with residents, promote recycling, distribute recycling bags, advise of changes to recycling days, respond to questions and provide advice. We have also collaborated with local supermarkets during national recycling week between 24th and 30th September, to promote recycling and answer questions.

Our 10th annual ‘Love where you Live’ 2018 Awards ceremony celebrated and recognised those residents that are involved and use inspirational activity in the community to help improve the local environment, prevent environmental issues escalating and keep Rhondda Cynon Taf safe, clean and green. The award ceremony was held in July and entries continue to be of a very high standard. This year, awards were presented to:

Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 4: Rhondda Cynon Taf’s local environment will be clean and attractive, with well-maintained roads and pavements, flowing traffic, increased recycling and less waste sent to landfill  Best Kept Community / Best Community Project and Overall Winner- Rhondda Fundraisers (Winner) – This small group of volunteers collect unwanted household items and auction them online to raise vital funds to benefit their local community. In the last 3-years, they have raised £15,000 and have helped local organisations raise the funds they need to purchase items for the local community which can be anything from rugby kits, cheerleading uniforms to external defibrillators.  Community Environmental Champion - Phil Rumble – Ferndale Grassroots, who works tirelessly to keep his local area in Ferndale clean, tidy and litter free  Most Innovative Environmental Project - Cwmaman Infants School who implemented changes in their school to reduce plastic waste and ‘ditch the straws’ to minimise the effects of litter on animals.  Best School Environmental Initiative - Cwmclydach Primary School for effectively applying the school eco code ‘Reuse the past, Recycle the present and Save the future’ through regular litter picks, spreading the ‘anti-litter message’ and learned about the importance of renewable energy.  Best Environmental Partnership Initiative - Rhondda Housing Association - working in partnership with Greggs to fight hunger, financial exclusion and minimise food wastage by redistributing surplus nutritious food to those families across RCT who are in greatest need  School Environmental Champions - Treorchy Comprehensive School & Cluster Primary Schools - - The Eco Committee held and ‘Eco Day’ with the focus on ‘Plastics in the Ocean’, and extended the project to the eight cluster primary schools where they worked with them to come up with one or more ways that they can make a difference. .  School Environmental Champion -Helga Lewis Parc Primary School – For Introducing initiatives at the school including the collection of plastic bottles that were converted onto plant pots, bins, mini greenhouses and plastic brooms. She has also set up an ‘Eco Ideas’ box.

Residents continue to tell us that they want us to tackle dog fouling, litter – including smoking related waste, flyposting, fly tipping, graffiti and other waste issues. We know that clean and safe communities are a source of pride and attract tourism to Cwm Taf, providing a valuable contribution to the economy.

The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog controls formally implemented on 1 October 2017, allows enforcement activity against irresponsible dog owners. Our ‘Sort **IT Out!’ Campaign continues to send a clear message to irresponsible dog owners that dog fouling and lack of control over dogs will not be tolerated, and resident feedback captured during our annual budget consultation supports this:

“Dog wardens need to come down on people a lot more. Dog fouling is a big problem.” “More dog bins needed…”

During 2018/19, enforcement activity associated with the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog controls has resulted in the following:  129 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued (170 in 2017/18) o 46% for dogs on restricted areas e.g. sports pitches, play areas etc. o 52% for dog fouling Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19

Priority 4: Rhondda Cynon Taf’s local environment will be clean and attractive, with well-maintained roads and pavements, flowing traffic, increased recycling and less waste sent to landfill o 2% for dogs off leads or not under control

Of these Fixed Penalty Notices  77% have paid in full  8% still awaiting payment or on payment plan  11% sent to legal for prosecution  4% have been cancelled

We have also increased the number of dog waste bins to 1,056 an increase of 43 bins compared to last year. The PSPO for dog controls continues to contribute to a cleaner RCT through the prevention of dog fouling the community, promoting responsible dog ownership.

Keeping local areas clean is extremely important to our residents, and we will continue to review the effectiveness of our street cleaning operations to enable quicker responses when problems are identified. The prevention of environmental crimes such as littering, dog fouling and fly tipping is also the most effective way to keep our streets clean. We have continued to raise awareness in schools, with residents and community groups on environmental issues and encourage people to take pride in their local area. The Treforest Liaison Officer continues to work with the residents of Treforest and the University of South Wales to promote recycling and waste minimisation. At the end of the academic year, the Treforest Liaison Officer visited the campus Halls of Residence to speak with students about their recycling responsibilities when they move into rented accommodation in the area.

There has been greater emphasis on fly tipping during the year aided by the Council's roving covert cameras, located at various points across the County Borough. The photographic evidence gathered has been used in a number of successful prosecutions, as shown in this Council press release. In addition, a case of animal cruelty and abandonment made the national news, with the culprit receiving a prison sentence and a ban from keeping animals for 10 years.

To deter fly tipping and enforce the message of ‘zero tolerance’, we have used our enforcement powers. In the last year, 26 fly-tipping cases involving RCT residents have been before Merthyr Magistrate Court. These were for ‘Section 33-Fly-tipping Offences’, ‘Section 34 - Duty of Care Offences’ (Failure to Control Waste) i.e. passing waste to unknown persons leading it to be fly tipped, and also where persons have failed to pay fixed penalty notices for waste offences. This court action has resulted in £12,623k of fines issued as well as 3 custodial sentences. A further 40+ cases are currently being examined with a view to legal proceedings. An example of enforcement action undertaken following an occurrence of fly tipping is demonstrated in the following case study.

We also post and tweet information to residents to inform them about street cleansing issues, promoting the work of our cleansing and enforcement teams and encouraging residents to help to keep their communities clean.

Corporate Plan End of Year Monitoring 2018/19