Public Document Pack
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg. Cyfarwyddiaeth y Prif Weithredwr / Chief Rhowch wybod i ni os mai Cymraeg yw eich Executive’s Directorate dewis iaith. Deialu uniongyrchol / Direct line /: 01656 643148 / We welcome correspondence in Welsh. Please 643147 / 643694 let us know if your language choice is Welsh. Gofynnwch am / Ask for: Andrew Rees
Ein cyf / Our ref: Eich cyf / Your ref:
Dyddiad/Date: Wednesday, 12 September 2018
Dear Councillor,
CABINET
A meeting of the Cabinet will be held in the Committee Rooms 1/2/3 - Civic Offices Angel Street Bridgend CF31 4WB on Tuesday, 18 September 2018 at 14:30.
AGENDA
1. Apologies for Absence To receive apologies for absence from Members.
2. Declarations of Interest To receive declarations of personal and prejudicial interest (if any) from Members/Officers in accordance with the provisions of the Members’ Code of Conduct adopted by Council from 1 September 2008.
3. Approval of Minutes 3 - 10 To receive for approval the Minutes of 17/07/2018
4. Playing Fields, Outdoor Sports Facilities and Parks Pavilions 11 - 20
5. Community Asset Transfer of Tennis Court at Pencoed Recreation Ground and 21 - 78 Consideration of Objections Received Pursuant to Section 123(2a) Local Government Act 1972
6. Rationalisation of Supported Bus Services 2018/2019 79 - 102
7. Children's Social Care-University Support Packages For Care Leavers 103 - 142
8. Nomination to Valleys To Coast Board 143 - 146
9. Local Air Quality Management - Annual Progress Report 2018 147 - 218
10. Information Reports For Noting 219 - 272
11. Urgent Items To consider any items of business that by reason of special circumstances the chairperson
By receiving this Agenda Pack electronically you will save the Authority approx. £5.44 in printing costs is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency in accordance with paragraph 2.4 (e) of the Cabinet Procedure Rules within the Constitution.
Yours faithfully K Watson Head of Legal and Regulatory Services
Councillors: Councillors Councillors HJ David PJ White D Patel CE Smith HM Williams RE Young Agenda Item 3 CABINET - TUESDAY, 17 JULY 2018
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE CABINET HELD IN COMMITTEE ROOMS 1/2/3 - CIVIC OFFICES ANGEL STREET BRIDGEND CF31 4WB ON TUESDAY, 17 JULY 2018 AT 14:30
Present
Councillor HJ David – Chairperson
CE Smith PJ White HM Williams D Patel RE Young
Officers:
Greg Lane Head of Democratic Services Kelly Watson Head of Legal & Regulatory Services Darren Mepham Chief Executive Susan Cooper Corporate Director - Social Services & Wellbeing Mark Galvin Senior Democratic Services Officer - Committees Lindsay Harvey Corporate Director Education and Family Support Zak Shell Head of Neighbourhood Services
228. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from the following Officers:-
Interim Head of Finance and S151 Officer Corporate Director Communities
229. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillors PJ White and RE Young declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 7., in that they were mentioned in the report as being appointed LA Governors at certain schools.
230. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of meetings of Cabinet held on the following dates, be approved as a true and accurate record:-
15 May 2018 19 June 2018
231. BUDGET MONITORING 2018-19 - QUARTER 1 FORECAST
The Interim Head of Finance submitted a report that was presented by the Chief Executive in her absence, the purpose of which, was to provide Cabinet with an update on the Council’s financial position as at 30 June 2018.
The report gave some background information, and following this it showed in paragraph 4.1.1 the Council’s net revenue budget and projected outturn for 2018-19 in Table 1. This reflected that as at 30 June 2018, the Council had an under spend of £1.298m which was similar to the status regarding Quarter 1 this time last year.
The next part of the report detailed certain Budget Virements/Technical Adjustments, with one of the latter being an allocation of £3.007m funding to Directorates to meet the costs of the nationally agreed pay award.
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The Chief Executive then confirmed that given the large scale reductions on Council wide budgets in 2018-19 (42.6% of overall Council budget reductions) there is a risk that there may not be sufficient funding available within these budgets for any major price inflation increases, particularly as inflation rates remain relatively higher than previous years (CPI was 2.4% in May 2018 compared to 0.5% in March 2016 and 2.3% in March 2017), so the budget will need to be monitored closely during the remainder of the year.
He then made reference to the paragraph entitled ‘Monitoring of Budget Reduction Proposals’ and Prior Year Budget Reductions, and Table 2 in paragraph 4.2.2 of the report entitled Outstanding Prior Year Budget Reductions. This showed that of the £2.604m outstanding reductions, £1.192m is likely to be achieved in 2018-19 leaving a shortfall of £1.412m, with some proposals still not likely to be achieved, that included Learner Transport amongst others. There was an added shortfall relating to the Social Services and Wellbeing Directorate, which was currently being monitored through a Financial Plan.
The Chief Executive continued his submission, by then referring to Budget Reductions for 2018-19, together with a comparison of the RAG position against Quarter 1 in 2017- 18. He added that the most significant budget reduction proposals unlikely to be achieved were associated with the Learner Transport Policy, Reductions to the budget for Public Conveniences and the Removal of Subsidised Bus Services.
He then outlined a summary of the financial position for each main service area, further details of which could be found in Appendix 3 to the report, with comments on the most significant variances shown on a Directorate by Directorate basis, in paragraphs 4.3.1 to 4.3.5 of the report.
The Chief Executive then concluded his submission, by giving a resume of Council Wide budgets and Capital Programme monitoring, with Appendix 4 of the report providing details of the individual schemes within the Capital Programme, showing the budget available in 2018-19 compared to the projected spend.
The Deputy Leader thanked the Chief Executive for his submission, and noted the financial pressures being experienced in the Social Services and Wellbeing Directorate. He asked the Corporate Director – Social Services and Wellbeing how these were currently being managed.
The Corporate Director – Social Services and Wellbeing responded by stating that the Directorate were being challenged financially by individuals with Learning Disability who had very complex and challenging behaviour, and she and key Officers in her Directorate were presently conducting a review of service delivery pressures due to the high demand associated with the support of people with this condition. This also involved reviewing the Day Service structure and re-examining different of packages of care that were available in the support of these needs. This included ongoing discussions with health over the provision of combined packages where appropriate.
In respect of Looked After Children (LAC), she was pleased to confirm that there were less now than there were this time last year, and more use was looking to be made of In- House rather than Independent Foster Carers which were far more expensive.
Other local authorities were also being benchmarked, in order to establish what practises they were adopting to combat the high expense committed to the ongoing support of both individuals with Learning Disabilities and LAC.
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The Cabinet Member for Social Services and Early Help reminded Members that the Annual Report in respect of Social Services was on the agenda for Council tomorrow, and this would highlight the challenges that lie ahead in respect of the service, and how best to meet these. Continued hard decisions would need to be made he felt, in order to achieve the savings the Directorate would be required to make moving forward.
The Leader echoed the above statement, adding that there would be a reduction in funding to local authorities from Welsh Government next year, and this would inevitably lead to unpopular decisions having to be made. He commended the reduction in Independent Foster Carers by 20% in the last year which had in turn realised the Council some savings. He added that BCBC’s numbers of LAC were also stabilising whilst those in other neighbouring authorities were generally increasing. He was also pleased to see that Officers were working hard to keep children safe and wherever it was possible, with their immediate families.
In terms of the Capital Programme, he was happy with the investment being committed to the Eastern Promenade (£400k), the Water Sports centre and Harbour improvements (£2.5m), and Safe Routes to School provision (nearly £1m). He sought confirmation however, that all these schemes had now had the approval of full Council.
The Chief Executive confirmed that some of the above had been approved by Council and that others would be within the immediate future.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet noted the projected revenue and capital outturn position for 2018-19.
232. PUBLIC CONSULTATION PUBLIC SPACES PROTECTION ORDER CONTROL OF DOGS
The Corporate Director Communities presented a report, the purpose of which, was to seek authority to conduct an additional consultation in relation to Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO’s), further to the consultation that occurred in July-Oct 2017. This consultation would specifically be to introduce dog fouling and other dog controls in Bridgend County Borough Council.
By way of background information, the Head of Neighbourhood Services confirmed that through a report dated 27 June 2017 entitled PSPO’s, Cabinet approved a Consultation to seek views on the creation of these, for the purposes outlined in paragraph 3.1 of the report.
He added that whilst initially Orders would relate to the control of dogs were not included in the PSPO consultation, following a number of Member representations requesting that greater steps be taken to combat the issues of irresponsible dog ownership, inclusion of a PSPO consultation to also address this area, was now being proposed.
The next part of the report outlined the unsightly, unpleasant and danger to people’s health that can be caused by dog excrement, and that while the majority of dog owners were responsible, there were a minority who allowed their dog to foul in public places without cleaning the mess up after them, which could lead to a health issue, such as for example in playing fields etc.
The introduction of a PSPO advised the Head of Neighbourhood Services, can impose certain restrictions, that would assist in correcting irresponsible behaviour associated with a minority of dog owners.
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Paragraph 4.6 of the report then confirmed the process to follow with regard to any consultation over the making of Public Spaces Protection Orders for the Control of Dogs, while paragraph 4.7 outlined the extent of areas the Orders would cover, as well as what the provisions of the Orders would contain in relation to control measures for dog owners and the level of fine if an owner was caught contravening the provisions of such Orders.
The Head of Neighbourhood Services concluded his submission, by advising that the public consultation would also concentrate on the views of disabled groups, and in particular, any impact the Orders would have on this contingency of dog owners.
The Cabinet Member – Communities commended the report, adding that if the Orders were introduced, they would allow for better control over anyone caught breaching the provisions of such Orders.
The Cabinet Member – Social Services and Early Help stated that he hoped the Orders would be complimented by the extra provision of dog litter bins being placed in areas of the County Borough, in order that owners have sufficient receptacles where they could deposit dog fouling they collect from their animal.
The Leader advised that responsible dog owners had nothing to fear from the proposals contained in the report, and that Cabinet would await with interest the outcome of the public consultation. He asked what the definition was of ‘public places’.
The Head of Legal and Regulatory Services and Monitoring Officer replied that this meant any location where the public had access to be this paid or open access. Signage could then be put in place advising the public that the Orders were in place there.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet agreed to:-
1. Undertake a public consultation exercise on the proposal to make a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to introduce dog controls in Bridgend County Borough as detailed in section 4 of the report, specifically:
The prohibition of dog fouling in all public places; A requirement to carry bags or other suitable means for the disposal of dog faeces; A requirement allowing authorised officers to give a direction that a dog be put and kept on a lead if necessary.
Receive a further report detailing the responses to the public consultation previously undertaken as per paragraph 3.1 of the report, and the consultation proposed in this report, together with any recommendations for proposed PSPOs.
233. INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY PROSPERING FROM THE ENERGY REVOLUTION
The Corporate Director – Communities, submitted a report, seeking Cabinet approval for Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) to be part of a consortium looking to prepare and submit a proposal to the UK Government to meet the requirements of its Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF), as part of the Prospering From The Energy Revolution Programme.
The Head of Neighbourhood Services advised by way of background information, that ‘The Prospering From The Energy Revolution’ was part of the UK Government’s Clean Growth Strategy, and is an ambitious blueprint for lowering carbon emissions, protecting the environment. The Energy Revolution Challenge was also designed to address many
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societal challenges linked to energy, such as those referenced to in paragraph 3.1 of the report.
He added that the energy system was currently undergoing rapid change, due to a number of factors such as those exampled in paragraph 3.2 of the report.
The Head of Neighbourhood Services further added, that the Government were committing a considerable amount of funding in the investment of low carbon innovation, up to 2021. 10% of this would be allocated to the development of smart systems designed to provide cheap and clean energy across the heat, power and transport sectors. A breakdown of government funding on low carbon innovation was shown in paragraph 3.3 of the report.
The Prospering from the Energy Revolution Programme was designed to be business led, to be delivered through an ambitious and innovative consortium, which would comprise of the following:-
Project Developers; ICT Specialists; Technology Developers; Local Authorities; Energy Sector Companies; Research Institutions, and Multi-disciplinary Consultants
The Head of Neighbourhood Services explained that the Proposal will be led by Cenin Renewables, a company based at the Parc Stormy site.
A Digital Master Plan would detail how digital technology will develop integrated solutions for the decarbonisation of heat, power and transport, that will have benefits across the entire energy system.
The proposal for the ISCF was subject to commercial confidentialities due to the role of the private sector within the proposal, with the intention being, that the Cenin Renewables site near Porthcawl, could utilise its power generation capability to become a decarbonised hub.
The Head of Neighbourhood Services further explained, that discussions had also been held at a City Deal level and the Bridgend proposal would be a pathfinder project for the Capital Region, where learning and supply chain opportunities can be generated for the region. Especially, if City Deal Monies could be leveraged into the scheme sometime in the future.
The Head of Neighbourhood Services finally concluded his submission, by outlining the report’s financial implications.
The Cabinet Member Communities advised that he was very happy with the proposals of the report and that BCBC was part of this illustrious project.
There would be in total £120m of funding made available between 3 participating Authorities, ie Bridgend, Manchester and Newcastle. BCBC would therefore make an appropriate bid for £40m as part of the project, which was an unprecedented amount of money as part of the consortia.
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Being part of the Prospering From The Energy Revolution Programme, would enhance further, Bridgend’s growing reputation as being positive, proactive and a major force in the UK when it came to delivering alternative and more improved energy methods under its Energy Strategic Plan, which would cover a period up to 2050.
The closing date for bids he added was 28 July 2018.
He moved the report (which was duly seconded and carried unanimously) as a flagship project that would see Bridgend as one of the few elite areas of the country in delivering improved energy systems in the future.
He was proud of this, and thanked the team supporting the project in BCBC, as this was a very small section delivering both a vast and excellent project(s).
The Leader echoed this, and added that the overall Programme was awe inspiring, and would put Bridgend clearly on the map as one of just 3 locations within the whole of the UK that would be involved in the development of this prestigious programme, with all the funding for this coming from an external rather than an internal source.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet gave approval for Bridgend County Borough Council to participate in the Prospering from the Energy Revolution ISCF proposal.
234. APPOINTMENT OF LOCAL AUTHORITY GOVERNORS
The Interim Corporate Director – Education and Family Support submitted a report, the purpose of which, was to seek approval from Cabinet for the appointment of local authority governors to the school governing bodies listed at paragraphs 4.1of the report.
This section of the report showed that appointments had been made to the governing bodies of the schools detailed therein, as these candidates were considered suitable for the role and there were no competition for any of the vacancies.
Paragraph 4.2 of the report, highlighted that there were still 17 vacancies that required to be filled in 15 Schools (Appendix A to the report referred).
The Cabinet Member, Education and Regeneration advised, that best efforts would be made to ensure that the remaining vacancies on School governing bodies were filled in the immediate future.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet approved the appointments listed at paragraphs 4.1of the report.
235. FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME
The Head of Legal and Regulatory Services presented a report, the purpose of which, was to seek Cabinet approval for items to be included on the Forward Work Programme (FWP) for the period 1 October 2018 to 31 January 2019.
In accordance with a provision of the Council’s Constitution, the FWP will cover a period of four months, and contain matters which the Cabinet, Overview and Scrutiny Committees and Council are likely to consider, in the way of plans, policies or strategies that form part of the Authority’s Policy Framework.
Paragraph 4.1 of the report, outlined the FWP for Cabinet (Appendix 1 of the report), the FWP for Council for the same period (Appendix 2 of the report), and finally the Overview and Scrutiny FWP (shown at Appendix 3 to the report).
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The Head of Legal and Regulatory Services confirmed that there would be a translation cost of approximately £60 for each quarterly update of the FWP when it is published on the BCBC website, which would be met from existing budgets.
The Leader pointed out that the Overview and Scrutiny FWP was carefully constructed by these Committees and led on by the Chairpersons in consultation with Cabinet and CMB, with the view of ensuring that topical and meaningful items find their way onto the agendas of future Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings.
RESOLVED: (1) That Cabinet approved the Cabinet Forward Work Programme for the period 1 October 2018 to 31 January 2019, as shown at Appendix 1 to the report, and (2) Noted the Council and Scrutiny Forward Work Programmes as shown at Appendix 2 and 3 to the report, respectively.
236. INFORMATION REPORTS FOR NOTING
The Head of Legal and Regulatory Services presented a report, which informed Cabinet of the Information reports for noting published since its last scheduled meeting.
The Information Reports so referred to, were detailed in paragraph 4.1 of the report.
In respect of the Social Services Representations and Complaints Annual Report 2017/18, the Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help advised that this was an excellent report as was reflected in paragraph 3.4, in that the majority of complaints received were addressed and resolved informally (prior to reaching Stage 1 of the complaints procedure) and becoming formal complaints.
He also referred to paragraph 4.2 of the report that confirmed that during the period 2017/2018, the number of representations (complaints, comments and compliments) received in respect of adult social care and children’s social care totalled 552, and of this total, concerns resolved pre-complaints procedure amounted to 198, while 300 compliments had been received.
The Leader added to this by stating that this was good news, given that more complaints had been received within the above period than had been in the previous period ie 2016/2017.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet acknowledged the publication of the documents listed in the report.
237. URGENT ITEMS
None.
238. EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
RESOLVED: That under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business as it contains exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 14 and 16 of Part 4 and Paragraph 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007.
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Following the application of the public interest test in consideration of this item, it was resolved that pursuant to the Act referred to above it be considered in private, with the public being excluded from the meeting as it would involve the disclosure of exempt information of the nature as stated above.
239. APPROVAL OF EXEMPT MINUTES
RESOLVED: That the exempt Minutes of a meeting of Cabinet dated 19 June 2018, be approved as a true and accurate record.
The meeting closed at 15:45
8 Page 10 Agenda Item 4
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
REPORT TO CABINET
18 SEPTEMBER 2018
REPORT OF THE CORPORATE DIRECTOR - COMMUNITIES
PLAYING FIELDS, OUTDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES AND PARKS PAVILIONS
1. Purpose of the Report
1.1 The purpose of the report is to seek Cabinet approval to undertake a consultation exercise on proposals to make the Council’s provision of playing fields, outdoor sports facilities and parks pavilions more financially sustainable moving forward.
2. Connection to Corporate Improvement Objectives/Other Corporate Priorities
2.1 The report links to the Corporate priority of ‘Smarter Use of Resources’, ensuring that all resources are used as effectively and efficiently as possible and support the delivery of services throughout the community that can help deliver the Council’s priorities. It also aligns with the priority of moving to a position where there is less reliance on the Council for the cost and provision of services by seeking ways in which the local community, relevant sports clubs and potentially Town and Community Councils might pay a greater part moving forward in maintaining and operating these facilities.
3. Background
3.1 The Council is the main provider of outdoor sports facilities in the County Borough. The provision of these facilities, such as sports pitches and playing fields, is recognised as playing an important contributory part in helping to achieve healthy lifestyles and better levels of physical and mental wellbeing for the County Borough’s residents. The Council promotes and subsidises a range of measures intended to support and increase levels of participation in sport and physical activity.
3.2 Historically the Council has charged a fixed hire fee for any formal hire of its outdoor sports facilities. However, these fees do not go anywhere near covering the cost associated with providing and maintaining these facilities. The level of subsidy the Council offers will vary depending on the nature of the users (senior or junior) and the type of sport (for example, rugby, football, cricket, bowls). Additionally the quality of the facilities provided will vary to some extent based on factors such as league requirements, drainage facilities and frequency of use. The formal use of outdoor sports facilities is predominantly by boys and men and so there are potentially equality issues in terms of the current distribution of Council financial support. For example, sports played predominantly by women and girls, such as netball, do not receive similar levels of subsidy.
3.3 Many of the sites and facilities are used by a number of separate clubs and organisations as well as being accessible on an informal basis to the wider
Page 11 community. In contrast some facilities are used almost exclusively by a single club or organisation.
3.4 A full list of parks pavilions, playing fields and outdoor sports facilities currently provided by the Council is included in Appendix A. Please note there are also additional playing fields in sites such as Litchard where the pavilion on site is already managed by the local community council.
3.5 As the cumulative impact of many years of substantial budget reductions has been felt by the Council, and the forecast is for further diminishing of resources, it has become apparent that the current level of Council subsidy offered for the provision of outdoor sport and recreation facilities and the associated parks pavilions will not be sustainable. Therefore if no action is taken it is inevitable that the Council will be forced into a position where, as part of future budget reductions, facilities will be forced to close. Even without further specific reductions in the revenue budget associated with maintaining and operating these facilities, many are in a poor state of repair and will be forced to close if minimum levels of health and safety compliance cannot be sustained. However, the Council is committed to finding alternative ways of working and preserving community facilities, including the transfer of responsibility in appropriate circumstances to community groups or Town and Community Councils. This is consistent with the Council’s priority of seeking less reliance on the Council.
3.6 However, it is recognised that a formal policy change, with a potentially significant increase in charges, is likely to be necessary as a catalyst to prompt a greater up take of Community Asset Transfer (CAT) opportunities. A move towards full cost recovery with regard to the provision of playing fields, sports facilities and parks pavilions is likely to be such a trigger and would be consistent with the Council’s commercialisation agenda where it seeks, where appropriate, to cover its costs through charging. Such a move is also similar to changes in other Welsh Local authorities, including the Vale of Glamorgan , Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire, where to varying degrees policies have been pursued that encourage CAT or long leases with user sports clubs as those Authorities have been forced to increase charges towards the full cost of provision. There is however no consistent pattern across Wales and some Councils, such as Rhondda Cynon Taf, continue to support policies that maintain high levels of overall public subsidy for the provision of sports facilities.
3.7 In the prevailing financial climate in Bridgend, there would seem to be a justification to review the current level of subsidy offered for these facilities given the pressures on the Council’s budget. However, any proposals need to also recognise the important role that sport and physical activity plays for many sectors of the community. It also needs to be recognised that the vast majority of sports clubs are operated by a small number of volunteers and already face other challenges and financial pressures in maintaining the running and operation of sports teams. In Bridgend, even a recent change to the way that sports clubs were charged for their usage (a move towards an average annual charge which did not financially penalise the majority of clubs) elicited some strong negative reactions. However, set against this, cutbacks to the amount of maintenance the Council is now able to carry out has led in some cases to complaints about the standard of sports facility provision and the trajectory of travel with regard to budgets means that maintaining the current level of subsidy is likely to be impossible without wholesale closure of
Page 12 facilities throughout the County Borough. The aim of the Council therefore is to take a set of proposals and options for public consultation on this matter recognising the issues highlighted in this section to inform future policy and strategy with regard to the provision of, and charging for, playing fields, outdoor sports facilities and parks pavilions, and seek ways in which provision can be sustained without such a financial reliance on the Council. The consultation will be targeted at relevant stakeholders such as sports clubs and local organisations who currently use the facilities in scope but also allow Town and Community Councils and relevant sports governing bodies to have their say.
3.8 As things currently stand there are provisional Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) proposals relating to this area of service of £150,000 in 2019/20 and a further £350,000 in 2020/21. This is in addition to other historic financial cutbacks to the area of service over recent years that have reduced levels of service in some cases and overall resilience across the service. To be clear, in order to meet the full proposed MTFS savings over the coming years, as well as changing the basis of charging for these facilities and accelerating the CAT process it is also likely that other measures, for example, a rationalisation of children’s play areas, may also be necessary.
4. Current Situation
4.1 The current charges for the use of sports facilities for users of the Council’s sports facilities are set out in Appendix B. The level of subsidy for the provision of each of these facilities, as highlighted earlier in the report, will vary. However, in general terms it is estimated that on average the income received from applying charges to users will only make up 20-25% of the actual costs of providing and maintaining the facilities, so typically for the provision and maintenance of outdoor sports pitches and pavilions the Council is providing a subsidy of up to 80%. In 2018/19 the total budgeted income received from charges is £93,000 and the total budgeted revenue expenditure for this area of service is £452,000. In addition, as the condition of some facilities deteriorates there is an increasing need for investment to ensure the facilities remain safe to use. The Council monitors the charges levied by other local authorities in Wales and historically the charges it applies are in the mid-range in Wales for facilities such as rugby pitches, football pitches, and cricket pitches. The situation is slightly different for the provision of bowling greens where in most cases the Council already has an arrangement with the user club for them to self-manage the facility in return for a small annual grant. As part of the proposed review and consultation exercise it will be necessary to also review these arrangements and ensure value for money moving forward. A significant number of clubs have expressed an interest in potential asset transfer but at this stage only a small number of clubs have progressed or are well advanced with Community Asset Transfer, including Bryncethin RFC and Caerau Football Club.
4.2 In the main however, while there has been considerable initial interest in CAT from sports clubs, most have decided not to pursue their interest beyond that initial expression because while the Council continues to provide a revenue subsidy of up to 80% there is a disincentive to do so. The contract of the current CAT Officer is due to end at the end of October 2018. It is clear that any business case to extend that contract should be dependent on there being a greater likelihood of more CAT transfers. This in turn will result in financial savings and hopefully greater long term sustainability of community sports facilities, albeit it is understood that those taking
Page 13 on CAT will need to be supported appropriately to ensure they have both the skills and expertise to complete the transfer and also the longer term commitment and wherewithal to run the facilities properly moving forward. Cabinet will recall that there is an identified sum of £ 1 million in the capital programme to support CAT of sports pavilions as a way of investing in the buildings as part of any proposed transfer subject to business case. Any extension of the CAT Officer’s contract will therefore be explicitly linked to the approval by Cabinet to move forward on this proposal and consult on a new charging policy for the users of playing fields, outdoor sports facilities and parks pavilions, with a move towards full cost recovery. This in turn will change the incentive to progress CAT applications as it is likely that these facilities would make up the majority of potential successful CATs.
4.3 As outlined previously, it is proposed to seek the views of various stakeholders including local sports and recreation clubs, relevant governing bodies and Town and Community Councils, via an appropriate consultation exercise, subject to Cabinet approval, on the Council’s proposal to move towards full cost recovery for the provision and maintenance of its playing fields, outdoor sports facilities and parks pavilions. In parallel the Council will seek to accelerate (including for example consideration of a fast track process) and promote its offer to local sports clubs, community groups and/or Town and Community Councils of taking the opportunity to transfer the assets and take out long leases or management agreements on them. The Council will continue to offer an appropriate capital investment sum that can be used in the right circumstances to support this process as necessary and evidenced by a business case, and also practical support provided through the CAT Officer.
4.4 It is likely that the consultation will propose that charges are amended to cover the full cost of providing the relevant facilities from April 2020. This in turn will allow the various clubs and organisations time to progress and complete CATs before then if they would rather take on direct responsibility for running and maintaining the facilities than pay the full cost recovery charges. The consultation exercise is intended to offer the opportunity to comment on and shape the Council’s proposals, including allowing the opportunity for other alternative proposals that would create the same level of required savings to come forward.
4.5 This matter was reported to the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 5th September 2018 for consideration. Members of the Committee had some concerns with the proposal. In particular Members were of the view that they would rather have had earlier engagement with regard to this matter and also that ideally more detail could have been presented to them prior to embarking on a public consultation exercise. In addition they thought that it was important that previous scrutiny recommendations with regard to improving and streamlining the CAT process needed to be completed, and that in order for clubs and organisations to properly understand their potential future undertakings if they pursued CAT, full and accurate costings and up to date condition surveys were required. They were also keen to support the extension of the CAT officer’s role to support clubs and organisations with potential transfers. Finally, Members stated that they thought other opportunities to ensure adequate outdoor sports provision was maintained should be explored, specifically the prospect of greater utilisation of school playing fields.
Page 14 4.6 In response to these concerns Cabinet should be aware that there is already a task and finish group, including representation from the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member Communities, looking at a review of the current CAT process with the intention of reporting back to the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee in the New Year. A business case is also currently being prepared to extend the role of the CAT Officer, dependent on Cabinet approving the proposals in this report. The necessary MTFS savings in 2019/20 and 2020/21 dictate that a consultation exercise needs to be undertaken as soon as possible. Were it to be delayed pending the collation of all information, for example condition survey details and costs, user clubs and organisations would have much less time to be made aware of the likely situation and respond to it, for example by choosing to pursue CAT. The issue of potential use of schools provision is also a valid one and was already being considered in parallel to the proposed consultation exercise. It is likely however that even if additional community access to school facilities could be successfully negotiated with individual schools, it would only be a partial solution to the issues that have been outlined. It is not a solution that, due to local management of schools, the Council can ensure happens and therefore is not a credible strategy on its own to address the financial imperative. However, it potentially will be part of the Council’s future strategy for outdoor sports provision and we would anticipate that part of the consultation response might be with regard to this matter.
4.7 Subject to the approval of Cabinet it is proposed that a consultation exercise is carried out on these matters, with then a further report brought back to both the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet in the first half of 2019 to consider the consultation response and any specific proposals with regard to future charging for and management of the Council’s playing fields, outdoor sports facilities and parks pavilions. In the meantime all relevant clubs, user groups and Town and Community Councils will be written to setting out the Council’s proposal and drawing attention to the consultation exercise.
5. Effect upon Policy Framework& Procedure Rules
5.1 None
6. Equality Impact Assessment
6.1 An Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) has not been carried out at this stage but it is recognised that a full EIA will be required to be completed prior to any final decision by Cabinet on changes to the charging for and the management of sports facilities, informed by the proposed consultation exercise.
7. Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 Implications
7.1 Similarly the proposed consultation exercise will inform the Council’s views on the impact of changes to the way it provides and charges for outdoor sports facilities on future generations.
8. Financial Implications
8.1 The 2018/19 net budget for Parks and Playing Fields is £359,380, broken down into an expenditure budget of £452,460 and hire income of £93,080. However, charges
Page 15 for these facilities also form part of the wider Authority grounds maintenance budget of £1.6 million. In addition there is a separate budget for children’s play areas of £116,690.
8.2 There are Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) proposals relating to this area of service of £150,000 in 2019/20 and a further £350,000 in 2020/21. This is in addition to other historic financial cutbacks to the area of service over recent years that have reduced levels of service in some cases and overall resilience across the service.
8.3 The proposals are intended to ensure that the proposed MTFS savings can be met by securing additional income from users paying the increased charges and/or more significantly by encouraging the transfer of facilities and reducing the overall maintenance and management costs to the Council.
8.4 In order to achieve the full level of saving currently proposed in the Medium Term Financial Strategy it will also be necessary to review and consider a rationalisation of children’s play areas throughout the County Borough and the current grant arrangements paid to bowls clubs as part of their self-management arrangements.
9. Recommendation
9.1 That Cabinet approve that a consultation exercise is undertaken on proposals to make the Council’s provision of playing fields, outdoor sports pitches and parks pavilions more financially sustainable moving forward.
9.2 That a further report setting out the results of that consultation exercise and any proposals to change the way in which the Council charges for and manages its playing fields, outdoor sports pitches and parks pavilions will be brought to both the relevant overview and scrutiny committee and Cabinet in due course.
9.3 That if Cabinet are minded to approve recommendations 9.1 and 9.2, that Cabinet note that a business case will be made for additional funding from the Change Management Fund for the Section 151 Officer to consider and Corporate Management Board to approve, to extend the current contract of the Community Asset Transfer Officer to ensure that adequate resource is available to respond to demand from sports clubs and other organisations to requests for Community Asset Transfer.
Mark Shephard Corporate Director Communities 11 September 2018
Contact Officer: Mark Shephard, Corporate Director Communities Telephone: 01656 643380 E-mail: [email protected] Postal Address Civic Offices Angel Street Bridgend CF31 4WB Background Papers: OVSC1 Report 5th September 2018
Page 16 APPENDIX A Green Spaces - Sports Facilities (August 2018)
SPORTS PAVILIONS UPRN Site Name Pavilion Name Address Postcode 30025 ABERFIELDS PLAYING FIELDS, OGMORE VALE Aberfields Pavilion Aber Road, Nantymoel CF32 7PN 20018 BETTWS PLAYING FIELDS Bettws Heol Richard Price, Bettws CF32 4LL 20019 BLAENGARW CRICKET Blaengarw Cricket Garreg Side, Blaengarw CF32 8NL 20020 BLANDY PARK PLAYING FIELDS Blandy Park Rear of Oxford Street, Pontycymmer CF32 8DG 40026 BRYNCETHIN RUGBY PLAYING FIELDS Bryncethin Blackmill Road, Bryncethin CF32 9YW 70022 CAE GOF PLAYING FIELDS Cae Gof Cefn Road, Cefn Cribwr CF32 0AA 10040 CAERAU AFC. Caerau Athletic Humphrey's Terrace, Caerau CF34 0SG 10041 CAERAU WELFARE PARK Caerau Welfare Protheroe Street, Caerau CF34 0SP 50020 COYCHURCH PLAYING FIELDS Coychurch Heol Simonston, Coity CF35 6AA 70023 CROFT GOCH PLAYING FIELDS Croft Goch Pisgah Street, Kenfig Hill CF33 6BU 20021 CWM GARW PLAYING FIELDS Cwm Garw Rugby Garreg Side, Blaengarw CF32 8NL 30026 EVANSTOWN WELFARE PARK Evanstown Heol y Parc, Evanstown CF39 8RH 10042 GARTH PARK Garth Welfare Bridgend Road, Garth CF34 0NE 50021 GREAT WESTERN AVENUE PLAYING FIELDS Gt Western Avenue Gt Western Avenue, Bridgend CF31 1PE 90012 HEOL-Y-CYW PLAYING FIELDS. Heol y Cyw Off High Street, Heol y Cyw CF32 6HZ 10043 HERMON ROAD/METCALF STREET PLAYING FIELD Hermon Road Hermon Road, Caerau CF34 0RH 20022 LAWRENCE PARK PLAYING FIELDS Lawrence Park Gwaun Bant, Pontycymer CF32 8HD 30027 LEWISTOWN PLAYING FIELDS Lewistown Blackmill Road. Lewistown CF32 7HU 20023 LLANGEINOR RECREATION GROUND Llangeinor Bettws Road, Llangeinor CF32 8PG 10045 LLANGYNWYD PLAYING FIELDS Llangynwyd Maesteg Road, Llangynwyd CF34 9SG 10047 MAESTEG WELFARE PARK Maesteg Welfare Heol Ty Gwyn, Maesteg CF34 0AZ 30028 NANTYMOEL R.F.C. PLAYING FIELD Nantymoel Park Gwendoline Street, Nantymoel CF32 7SG 60062 NEWBRIDGE FIELDS (NORTH) Newbridge Flds (BS) Angel Street, Bridgend CF31 3AZ 60063 NEWBRIDGE FIELDS (SOUTH CRICKET) Newbridge Flds (Cricket) Angel Street, Bridgend CF31 3PN 60064 NEWBRIDGE FIELDS (SOUTH NEW) Newbridge Flds (New) Angel Street, Bridgend CF31 3PN 70025 NORTH CORNELLY PLAYING FIELDS, MEADOW ST Cornelly Meadow Street, North Cornelly CF33 4LL 30029 OGMORE VALE R.F.C. PLAYING FIELD Ogmore Park Bridge Street, Ogmore Vale CF32 7AN 40028 PANDY PARK PLAYING FIELDS Pandy Park Terfyn, Ynysawdre CF32 9EW 90013 PENCOED RECREATION GROUND Felindre Felindre Road, Pencoed CF35 5PB 20024 PWLL-Y-GARN PLAYING FIELDS Pwll Carn Pwllcarn Terrace, Blaengarw CF32 8HT 80033 REST BAY PLAYING FIELDS Rest Bay Rest Bay, Porthcawl CF36 3QB 10114 SOUTH PARADE South Parade South Parade, Maesteg CF34 0AB 90014 WOODLANDS PARK, PENCOED Woodlands Llwyn Gwern, Pencoed CF35 6UN
BOWLS PAVILIONS 30066 CAEDU PARK Ogmore Vale Bowls Club Park Avenue, Ogmore Vale CF32 7DH 70022 CAE GOF BOWLS PAVILION Cefn Cribwr Bowls Club Cefn Road, Cefn Cribwr CF32 0AA 10041 CAERAU WELFARE PARK - BOWLS. Caerau Atheletic Bowls Club Protheroe Street, Caerau CF34 0SP 30026 EVANSTOWN WELFARE PARK - BOWLS Gilfach Coch Mens Bowls / GC Ladies BC Heol y Parc, Evanstown CF39 8RH 10042 GARTH PARK. Maesteg Celtic Bowls Club Bridgend Road, Garth CF34 0NE 80028 GRIFFIN PARK Griffin Park Pavilion Association New Road, Porthcawl CF36 5DG 20022 LAWRENCE PARK PLAYING FIELDS Garw Valley Tennis Club Gwaun Bant, Pontycymer CF32 8HD 20022 LAWRENCE PARK PLAYING FIELDS Waunbant Bowls Federation Lane, Pontycymer CF32 8LQ 10047 MAESTEG WELFARE PARK BOWLS PAVILION Maesteg Bowls Club Heol Ty Gwyn, Maesteg, CF34 9PW 60187 NEWBRIDGE FIELDS BOWLS PAVILION Bridgend Municipal Bowling Club Newbridge Fields, Bridgend CF31 4AH 90036 PENCOED BOWLS PAVILION Pencoed Bowls Club Felindre Road, Pencoed CF35 5PB 70026 PYLE BOWLING GREEN. Kenfig Hill and Pyle Bowls Club Marshfield Avenue, Pyle CF33 6BS 30030 WAUNLLWYD Wyndham Bowls Club Waun Fach, Nantymoel CF32 7PU
Page 17 This page is intentionally left blank APPENDIX B 2018/19 Facility & Activity (all charges inclusive of VAT (17/18 charge unless stated otherwise) plus 4%)
Bowling Greens Season Ticket Adult £79.00 Season Ticket Junior/OAP £53.00 Casual Use Per Hour Adult £4.60 Casual Use Per Hour Junior/OAP £3.20
Putting Greens Casual Use Per Round Adult £3.60 Casual Use Per Round Junior/OAP £2.50 Lost Balls
Tennis Season Adult £66.00 Season Junior/OAP £43.30 Club Use Per Game Adult £3.80 Club Use Per Game Junior/OAP £3.00
Playing Fields Sports Pitches - Rugby / Football Adult Use of Pitch £35.70 Junior Use of Pitch £22.80 Mini Use of Pitch £17.00
Sports Pitches - Cricket Adult Use of Pitch - Prepared Wicket £41.30 Junior Use of Pitch - Prepared Wicket £26.80 Adult Use of Pitch - Artificial Wicket £24.80 Junior Use of Pitch - Artificial Wicket £14.00
Special Day Events Adult Use of Ground £111.10 Junior Use of Ground £66.00
Pavilions In Conjunction With The Use of Sports Pitches Adult Use of Pavilion (Rugby/Football) £18.90 Junior Use of Pavilion (Rugby/Football) £12.10 Adult Use of Pavilion (Cricket) £18.90 Junior Use of Pavilion (Cricket) £12.10 Mini Use of Pavilion £12.10
Special Day Events Adult Use for Special Events £72.30 Junior Use for Special Events £40.50
Page 19 Social Events, Meetings etc. Social Event Less Than 4 Hours - Adult £79.70 Social Event Less Than 4 Hours - Junior/OAP £45.70 Meeting Less Than 4 Hours - Adult £26.50 Meeting Less Than 4 Hours - Junior/OAP £15.30 All Year Use (Once Weekly) - Adult £617.00 All Year Use (Once Weekly) - Junior/OAP £354.40 All Year Use (Once Monthly) - Adult £184.80 All Year Use (Once Monthly) - Junior/OAP £103.90
Page 20 Agenda Item 5
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
REPORT TO CABINET
18 SEPTEMBER 2018
REPORT OF THE CORPORATE DIRECTOR COMMUNITIES
COMMUNITY ASSET TRANSFER OF TENNIS COURT AT PENCOED RECREATION GROUND AND CONSIDERATION OF OBJECTIONS RECEIVED PURSUANT TO SECTION 123(2A) LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 The Council’s Community Asset Transfer Steering Group approved the 35 year leasehold transfer of the Tennis Court at Pencoed Recreation Ground to Pencoed Town Council on 30 October 2017 and as the site comprises public open space, the Council advertised the community asset transfer in accordance with Section 123(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 and asked for any objections to be made in writing by no later than 13 July 2018.
1.2 This report outlines the objections received and Cabinet is asked to consider this report and decide whether or not the Council should complete the leasehold transfer of the Tennis Court to enable it to be transformed into a Skateboard Park by Pencoed Town Council.
2. Connection to Corporate Improvement Objectives/Other Corporate Priorities
2.1 Helping people to be more self-reliant – taking early steps to reduce or prevent people from becoming vulnerable or dependent on the Council and its services.
2.2 Smarter use of resources – ensuring that all its resources (financial, physical, human and technological) are used as effectively and efficiently as possible and support the development of resources throughout the community that can help deliver the Council’s priorities.
3. Background
3.1 The Tennis Court is located at Pencoed Recreation Ground, Felindre Road, Pencoed as shown coloured green on the plan attached at Appendix A.
3.2 The site is located within the Main Settlement boundary of Pencoed, as defined by the Council’s adopted Local Development Plan (2013). It is positioned approximately 395 metres to the west of the A473 Primary Route, and is around 700 metres to the north of the M4 motorway. Felindre Road (C001) is located approximately 120 metres to the north, which is the main vehicular and pedestrian access point.
Page 21 3.3 The need for a Skateboard Park was first included in the Pencoed Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) adopted in the Bridgend Unitary Development Plan (UDP) that was approved in January 2011. A copy of the SPG was sent to over 100 targeted consultees including planning consultants and statutory undertakers with 33 representations being received. The Skateboard / BMX Park project received the following responses:
Support Disagree No Opinion No Response 50% 14% 11% 25%
3.4 Pencoed Town Council has previously taken possession of one of the tennis courts at the Recreation Ground in 2013 and converted it into a multi- use games area (MUGA), with conditional planning consent being approved on 25 February 2013 (Application Reference P/13/31/FUL) but without the leasehold being agreed with the Council. The Town Council submitted an Expression of Interest for a community asset transfer (CAT) on 31 January 2017 to transform the remaining tennis court into a Skateboard Park. The CAT Steering Group agreed at the meeting held on 27 February 2017 that the transfer of the tennis court should be approved subject to Pencoed Town Council accepting a joint 35 year lease for both tennis courts.
3.5 Following discussions with the CAT Officer on 5 April 2017 the Town Clerk confirmed that the lease transfer of both tennis courts should be progressed, and the CAT Steering Group was informed of the Town Council’s decision on 3 May 2017 and agreed that a lease should be progressed (subject to planning permission).
3.6 A business case and report seeking approval for the leasehold transfer of the Tennis Courts was approved by the CAT Steering Group on 30 October 2017.
3.7 The Town Council submitted a planning application (Reference P/17/931/FUL on 3 November 2017 for the installation of a Skateboard Park and the application was advertised through direct neighbor notification and the erection of a site notice. No representation was received within the consultation period which expired on 4 December 2017.
3.8 Public Protection was consulted on the proposed development and raised concerns about the noise impact of the development on neighbouring properties. A Noise Impact Assessment was submitted on 4 April 2018 which concluded that the impact of the development is acceptable providing that the maximum height of any ramps is 1.7 metres and a 2.5 metre acoustic barrier is provided around the skate park.
3.9 Planning permission was formally granted by the Council on 24 April 2018.
Page 22 4. Current situation/proposal
4.1 Pencoed Town Council is seeking to transform the remaining tennis court which is presently an under used resource and in a poor state of repair (see photograph at Appendix B) into a Skateboard Park that can be used by the young people of the area. The Skateboard Park will assist in promoting good health and provide an additional activity for young persons to participate in.
4.2 The Skateboard Park would be subject to regular inspection to ensure it is kept safe and tidy by the Town Council’s Community Services Supervisor who already fulfils a similar responsibility in respect of the MUGA. It must be noted that the Green Spaces and Bereavement Services Manager has confirmed that the Authority has a vicarious liability to make sure that the facility is installed, inspected and maintained to BS EN 14974:2006+A1:2010 and that an Annual Inspection by an approved Independent Playground Inspector is required.
4.3 The Town Council submitted a funding application for £20K under the Council’s Town and Community Council Capital Grant Fund 2018-19 towards an estimated total project cost of £59K for the development of a Skateboard Park which was approved by Cabinet on 27 March 2018.
4.4 The proposed community asset transfer of the Tennis Courts (the area already utilised as a MUGA and the proposed Skateboard Park) has been advertised by way of Notice for two consecutive weeks on 21 and 28 June 2018 in the Glamorgan Gazette, in accordance with the requirements of Section 123(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 relating to “Public Open Space”. The Notice required any objections to the proposed community asset transfer to be made in writing no later than 13 July 2018.
Objections 4.5 The advertising of the Council’s intention to proceed with the community asset transfer and potential closure of the remaining Tennis Court resulted in a total of 490 objections being received by the Council during the objection period, viz:
Type of Objection No. Letters Sent 23 Signed Petition 161 Electronic Petition 306 Total 490
4.6 An analysis of the petitions identified some duplication – 18 entries (or 3.7% of the total):
Type of Duplication No. Letter Sent and Signed Petition 7 Letter Sent and Electronic Petition 2 Signed Petition and Electronic Petition 8
Page 23 Electronic Petition Twice 1 Total 18 4.7 The objections received by the Council pursuant to Section 123(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 Notice should be viewed and considered by Cabinet prior to making their decision on the community asset transfer of the Tennis Court. Copies of the objections are attached as follows.
Letters Sent Appendix C(1) Signed Petition & Electronic Petition Appendix C(2)
4.8 In addition to the individual letters included at Appendix C(1), a further 34 comments were made as part of the electronic petition and these have been included at Appendix D.
4.9 Although not an exhaustive list, the objections can be broadly categorised as follows:
The loss of a “well used” tennis court facility; The skate park could be located at numerous other locations within Pencoed; There are no maintenance costs to the Council in keeping the Tennis Court open.
4.10 Below are a few respresentative extracts from the objections received relating to the loss of the Tennis Court:
“This tennis court is only one of four tennis courts remaining and is used regularly by residents of the town.” “The tennis courts are used by all ages, provide healthy exercise for those who use it and should, in my opinion, be retained.” “There is no logic whatsoever in taking away one facility to provide another one given the numerous alternative locations within the town.” “We need more facilities not less”.
4.11 Pencoed Town Council has submitted the following response to the objections received, not necessarily in order of priority:
a) The proposal for a Skateboard Park in Pencoed has been longstanding and follows consultation by Hyder in the Regeneration Strategy accepted by the Council in 2011 on a partnership basis.
b) The proposed site is the most suitable area at Pencoed Recreation Ground because of potential noise nuisance to neighbours. The site also lends itself to the strategy within Pencoed Town Council to develop youth facilities and wellbeing of the future generations of Pencoed.
Page 24 c) The existing Tennis Court is dilapidated and potentially dangerous with the fencing damaged and the net in a very poor state. This situation has existed for several years. It is unfit for purpose. d) The Town Council met with objectors at their meeting in July and they argued that they wished to retain the Tennis facility at the site, however there has never been a request to provide or improve the Tennis Court made to Pencoed Town Council.
e) There is a MUGA next to the proposed Skate Park which can be used safely for all ball games.
f) Pencoed Town Council is not averse to considering provision of additional facilities for Tennis.
g) Pencoed Town Council invites the Cabinet to visit the site before any final decision is made, to examine the poor state of repair of existing facilities.
h) Pencoed Town Council has sought to establish whether or not Pencoed has a Tennis Association and to the best of the knowledge of the residents, one does not exist.
i) Pencoed Town Council are concerned that many signatures on the on- line and paper petitions may be from people who have little or no knowledge of the needs or requirements of the residents of Pencoed since they do not live within the boundaries of Pencoed or indeed Bridgend County Borough.
k) Pencoed Town Council has already acted upon the decisions relating to the community asset transfer of the said land and incurred costs. This is based on information given to the Town Council by the Council indicating the land has been agreed to be leased.
4.12 In summary, Cabinet is asked to note that the Tennis Court is in a poor state of repair and the Council due to current financial constraints is not in a position to improve or replace the facility and Pencoed Town Council has indicated that they will consider providing tennis facilities in the future. The development of a Skateboard Park for young persons was an objective included in the Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan of Pencoed Town Council that was previously adopted by the Council and the community asset transfer of the remaining Tennis Court will facilitate the achievement of this objective.
5. Effect upon Policy Framework & Procedure Rules
5.1 None.
Page 25 6. Equality Impact Assessment
6.1 An Equality Impact Assessment is not required for the transfer or disposals of land and buildings.
7. Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 Assessment
7.1 The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 Assessment based on the 5 ways of working has been considered and there are no significant or unacceptable impacts upon the achievement of wellbeing goals/objectives as a result of the proposed decommissioning of the Tennis Court and replacement with a Skateboard Park.
8. Financial Implications
8.1 The Council has allocated £20K to the total development cost of the Skateboard Park which is estimated to be £59K under the 2018/19 Town and Community Council Capital Grant scheme.
8.2 The Council will achieve minimal maintenance cost savings from the transfer of the asset, and no income is currently derived by way of hire charges from the use of the tennis court.
9. Recommendation
9.1 That Cabinet, having considered this Report and the objections received in response to the Notices published in accordance with Section 123(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972, authorises the community asset transfer of the Tennis Court at Pencoed Recreation Ground to Pencoed Town Council so that it can be subject to development as a Skateboard Park.
Mark Shephard Corporate Director, Communities September 2018
Contact Officer: Guy Smith Community Asset Transfer Officer
Telephone: (01656) 815323 /
E-mail: [email protected]
Postal Address Bridgend County Borough Council Civic Offices Angel Street Bridgend CF31 4WB
Background documents: None
Page 26
11 2
3 F ELI NDR E R OAD
23
Play Area
Bowling Club House Green
Swimming Pool
m e
e s l n a a S M
Sports Court Tennis Recreation Ground Courts
Youth Sports Development Centre / Canolfan Datblygiad Euenctid
Pencoed Comprehensive School
©Crown Copyright and database right 2018. Ordnance Survey 100023405.
Land at Pencoed Aerial Imagery: Cities Revealed aerial photography copyright Recreation Ground The GeoInformation Group 2011. Copyright Getmapping plc MARK SHEPHARD Countryside Council for Wales, ©Crown Copyright and database Corporate Director - COMMUNITIES right 2011. Ordnance Survey 100018813.
Forestry Commission, Civic Offices Plot generated by: morgas14 Scale 1 : 1250 ©Crown Copyright and database Angel Street Ref: Land at Pencoed right 2011. Ordnance Survey 100025498. BRIDGEND COUNTY Bridgend CF31 4WB Date 24/05/2018 BOROUGH COUNCIL Telephone (01656) 643643 Recreation Ground Page 27 This page is intentionally left blank Page 29 This page is intentionally left blank APPENDIX C(1)
LETTERS SENT
Page 31 This page is intentionally left blank Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 This page is intentionally left blank APPENDIX C(2)
SIGNED PETITION & ELECTRONIC PETITION
Page 59 This page is intentionally left blank Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Agenda Item 6
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
REPORT OF THE CORPORATE DIRECTOR – COMMUNITIES
18 SEPTEMBER 2018
REPORT TO CABINET
RATIONALISATION OF SUPPORTED BUS SERVICES 2018/2019
1. Purpose of Report.
1.1 To update cabinet on the impact of the subsidised bus reductions as identified in the cabinet report of 15 May 2018, and to propose that cabinet agree to a further consultation on a proposal to remove the remainder of bus subsidy as provided by the council for the financial year 2019/20 as part of the proposed savings within the council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2019-20 to 2022-23.
2. Connection to Corporate Improvement Objectives / Other Corporate Priorities.
2.1 The proposal links to the Corporate Improvement Plan 2016-20 (Reviewed 2017-18) Priority Three - Smarter use of resources with alignment to the MTFS.
3. Background.
3.1 Bridgend County Borough Council and Welsh Government support the provision of regional and local bus services by subsidising routes that are potentially not commercially viable. These services serve routes that enable residents who live along them to access employment, education, health care and social activities.
3.2 For the current financial year BCBC’s core budget for supported bus services for 2018/19 is now £180,000. This is supplemented by a Welsh Government allocation provided to BCBC through the Bus Services Support Grant (BSSG) of £386,825 in 2018/19, of which a target amount of £85,224 should be spent on funding community transport operations in the county borough.
3.4 A grant application was submitted by Bridgend Community Transport to Bridgend County Borough Council on 09 July 2018 for the sum of £84,934.32, leaving a balance of £301,890.68 to be spent on core strategic bus network in Bridgend, as per the Welsh Government BSSG guidance notes.
3.5 The following table identifies the bus routes which formed part of the agreed budget reduction for 2018/19. It was agreed to use £50,000 of the additional funding raised through increasing the Council Tax by 4.5% (instead of the original 4.2% proposed) to continue subsidising three of the bus services shown at the top of the table (Service No. 51, 803 and 61) for the current financial year.
3.6 Thus the remaining six bus services shown in the table have not been subsidised since the 11 August 2018, following a three months’ notice period.
Page 79 Operator Route Fully Funded or Comments/Implications Type of Service Service No. *Partly Funded?
*Some journeys or sections of the route are operated commercially by the operator. 51 EASYWAY Bridgend to Oaklands Fully Funded Provides Access to Bridgend Library / Rec Centre. Local Road, Daytime. No alternative bus services, apart from accessing the main road (Park Street - (Monday to Saturday) X1, X2, X4 & 172 Services). However the distance is not excessive (0.2 miles). 803 EASYWAY Danygraig to Fully Funded Provides Access Portway Surgery Local Porthcawl, Daytime. Alternative bus services available (X2 and1 72 Services) except for Danygraig (Monday to Saturday) residents, who will have no alternative bus service, apart from accessing the main road (Bridgend Road) which is quite a distance to travel (0.55 miles). This contract is mostly council funded and a small part is commercial. There is likelihood that if funding was removed, then it is possible that the commercial section of the route would not be commercially viable. 61 PEYTON Nottage to Porthcawl Fully Funded Provides Access to South Road Surgery and Portway Surgery. The contract has Local TRAVEL (Circular), Daytime. been retendered due to the 14-15 MTFS and new contractor took over in July 15. (Monday to Saturday) No alternative bus services for local residents in Nottage and Western Porthcawl. However, an alternative service is available on West Road and South Road (63B Service). However, this is quite a distance for some residents living to the west of Nottage and Porthcawl West (0.8 miles).The route of this service is planned to be extended to Newton Nottage Road, when a new surgery opens. Subsidy Discontinued Below Routes 81 EASYWAY Bridgend to Pen-y-Fai *Partly Funded Provides Access to Princess of Wales Hospital, as well as Quarella Road/Wildmill Local via Brackla & Coity Residents. Morning & Afternoon. Commercially operated journeys in this timetable are available on this service, but (Monday to Friday) only between 09:15 and 14:40 (Monday to Friday). Outside these times Penyfai will have the 67 Service (if retained). Other services available for Brackla (62, 64, 66 & 404 Services). However residents living on the Princess Way corridor will need to access Brackla triangle (0.82 miles). Coity has an alternative service (73 Service but this service is also under review). 68/69 FIRST Bridgend to Cefn *Partly Funded Provides access to Bridgend Town Centre Local CYMRU Glas, Early morning No alternative bus services, apart from accessing the main road (Park Street - and Evening. X1, X2, X4 & 172 Services). However, this is quite a distance for residents (Monday to Saturday) living in the northern part of Cefn Glas (0.78 miles). Commercially operated journeys are available on this service throughout the day. 52 EASYWAY Bridgend to Fully Funded Provides Access to Bridgend Library / Rec Centre Local Broadlands, Daytime. No alternative bus services for Broadlands Estate residents, apart from (Monday to Saturday) walking to the main road (Park Street) for an alternative service (X1, X2, X4 & 172 Services). However, this is quite a distance for some residents living in the Southern part of the Broadlands Estate (0.8 miles). 63B FIRST Bridgend to *Partly Funded 1) Serves areas of major planned population and employment growth. Regional CYMRU Porthcawl, Early 2) Links to Princess of Wales Hospital, providing health care services. morning and Evening 3) Links key regional settlements. Mon- Sat) 4) Improves access to employment. 5) Serves areas of major planned population and employment growth. 6) Linking transport and regional hub in Bridgend for connectivity to the regional network. 7) Improves access to the regional shopping centre (McArthur Glen – Pines). 8) Links key regional settlements (Cardiff, Neath Port Talbot, Swansea & Vale of Glamorgan). 9) Enhance business case for the METRO. No alternative bus service. Commercially operated journeys are available on this service throughout the day. 62 FIRST Bridgend to Pencoed - *Partly Funded Provides transport link for residents visiting the Princess of Wales Hospital, via Local CYMRU 2 No. Evening Bridgend Town Centre. Journey's - (Monday Alternative evening bus service from Pencoed Monument (404 Service). to Saturday) However, this is quite a distance for residents living in the western area over the level crossing of Pencoed (0.84 miles). Commercially operated journeys are available on this service throughout the day. 73 EASYWAY Pyle to Fully Funded Provides access to Princess of Wales Hospital Local Fforddygyfraith, (Tue Alternative services available for Pyle residents (63, 63B, X1 & X4 Services), & Fri only) Cefn Cribbwr residents (63 &63B Service) and Coity (81 Service, but this service is also under review). Fforddygyfraith residents will have no alternative service, apart from accessing the main roads (Cefn Road 1.1 miles – Service No. 63/63B or Maesteg Road A4063 1.7 miles – Service No. 70 & 71).
4. Current situation
4.1 Since the bus operators were notified of the services to be terminated under the MTFS agreed savings proposals for 2018/19, discussions have taken place between BCBC Officers and the bus operators on the 5th and 6th of June 2018 to discuss the decision and ways of moving forward after 11 August 2018, when the agreed bus service contracts would cease.
Subsequent to the discussions, the bus operators have registered applications to change bus services to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, with the changes coming into effect from Monday 13 August 2018 and Monday 03 September 2018.
4.2 In the attached appendices, the revised timetables are provided which show the journeys being retained on a commercial basis by the bus operator and the journeys that are not deemed commercially viable and consequently being removed.
Page 80 In summary the result of the subsidy removal has been remarkably positive with five out of the six subsidised routes being commercially retained and provided albeit with modifications or reductions in frequencies as detailed below. The only route that has been completely removed is the Pyle to Fforddygyfraith, Tuesday and Friday route.
Service No. 62 (Appendix 1 - Bridgend to Pencoed - Monday to Saturday)
Last journey departing from Pencoed will be at 17:20, this is a further reduction made by the bus operator. The last departure from Bridgend Bus Station will be 18:35 to Pencoed (the expected consequence of the reductions indicated that this could have been earlier at 16:53).
Service No. 63/63B (Appendix 2 – Bridgend to Porthcawl – Monday to Saturday)
Part of service to be retained is the 06:12 from North Cornelly to Bridgend. However, this will operate on Monday to Friday only.
Additionally, the agreed reduction of the evening journeys will be retained, with just an alteration to the last inbound and outbound journeys which will operate on Friday and Saturday only.
Note for info: 63B Bridgend to Porthcawl (via Maudlam and Kenfig Pool):
Since the dialogue with the operators, First Cymru Buses Ltd have issued three months’ notice to cancel this contract and returned the subsidy, in order to rebrand the 63 Service network, which consists of operating every 20 minutes, instead of every 15 minutes. The council is seeking an alternative bus operator to operate a similar route from Monday 05 November 2018.
This contract is currently funded through the Bus Services Support Grant (BSSG) from the Welsh Government.
Service No. 68/69 (Appendix 3 – (Bridgend to Cefn Glas – Monday to Saturday)
Service 68 - All but one of the evening services are to be removed, so the final journey from Bridgend Bus Station will depart at 19:00.
Service 69 – The 07:00 departure is to be retained and also all but two of the evening journeys are to be removed, with the final departure at 19:30.
Service No. 52 (Appendix 4 – Bridgend to Broadlands – Monday to Saturday)
This service was to be removed in its entirety. However, the operator has registered a service to provide six journeys Monday to Friday, reducing to five on a Saturday.
NB service will not operate via Bridgend ‘Life Centre’.
Service No. 81 (Appendix 5 – Bridgend – Brackla (Princess Way) – Pen-y-Fai – Monday to Friday)
Page 81 This service will continue to be operated by Easyway Minibus Hire Ltd on a commercial basis, but with a revised timetable and route from Monday 03 September 2018:
The 08:13 and 15:15 journeys from Pen-y-Fai to Bridgend, via Coity and Brackla will no longer be operated, as it is deemed not commercially viable by the bus operator (these journeys were funded by BCBC prior to the budget reductions).
The two other journeys previously funded by BCBC will be retained, with minor alternations to the departure times.
However, more notably, the timetable no longer includes Parc Prison or Coity (previously funded by BCBC).
Service No. 73 (Pyle to Bridgend via Fforddygyfraith on Tuesdays and Fridays)
This service no longer operates after Friday 10 August 2018, as it is not deemed commercially viable. The bus operator (Easyway) submitted a registration to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner to cancel the bus service.
4.3 The continuation of the selected bus services/journeys will be monitored by the bus operators over a period, and depending on passenger numbers, they may decide to retain, vary or terminate the service, as long as 56 days’ notice has been provided to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner.
4.4 Future Implications
4.5 It is currently proposed that in order to meet savings targets in the 2019/20 MTFS to remove all remaining council funding for supported bus services in the county borough. In order to deliver such a saving it is proposed that a public consultation is desirable in order for the council to properly consider the implications arising from the removal of this funding.
4.6 The table below lists the remaining services that would potentially no longer be subsidised from the 2019/20 financial year.
Page 82 Service Operator Route Impact 18/19 18/19 Comments / Implications Type of No Assessment Estimated Estimated Service July 17 Annual Cost Cumulative (220) (£) Cost (£)
67 FIRST Bridgend to Aberkenfig via Pen-y-Fai - 167 £ 18,720.00 £,18,720.00 Provides Access to Sarn Surgery Local CYMRU (Monday to Saturday) No alternative bus services for Aberkenfig & Pen-y- Fai residents to access Sarn Surgery. A through bus is available for Aberkenfig residents travelling between Bridgend and Maesteg (70/71 Service). Reduced service for Pen-y-Fai residents (between 09:15 and 14:40 Monday to Friday only)(Service 81). This contract is part council funded and commercial. There is a likelihood that if funding was removed then it is possible that the commercial section of the route would not be commercially viable 37 EASYWAY Maesteg Parc Estate, Daytime, (Monday 164 £ 28,750.80 £47,470.80 No alternative bus services for Maesteg Parc Estate Local to Saturday) residents, apart from accessing the main roads (Commercial Street). However, this is quite a distance for some residents living in Maesteg Parc (0.7miles).
Local 73 FIRST Bridgend to Blaengarw, Evenings 140 £ 26,616.72 £74,087.52 Provides Access to Princess of Wales Hospital CYMRU (Monday to Saturday) Commercially operated journeys are available on this service, but at a reduced frequency. 76 FIRST Bridgend to Bettws, Vale View Diversion 135 £ 3,120.00 £77,207.52 Provides Access to Sarn surgery and Princess of Local CYMRU (Monday to Saturday) Wales hospital for Vale View residents Commercially operated journeys are available on this service. No alternative service for Vale View, Woodland Way and Highfield Place residents. Residents will need to access the main road (Sarn Hill - 0.25 miles). 51 EASYWAY Bridgend to Oaklands Road, Daytime, 125 £ 11,263.20 £88,470.72 Provides Access to Bridgend Library / Rec Centre. Local (Monday to Saturday) No alternative bus services, apart from accessing the main road (Park Street - X1, X2, X4 & 172 Services). However the distance is not excessive (0.2 miles). 803 TRAVELFINAL Danygraig to Porthcawl - (Monday to 125 £ 26,520.00 £114,990.72 Provides Access Portway Surgery Local Saturday) Alternative bus services available (X2 and1 72 Services) except for Danygraig residents, who will have no alternative bus service, apart from accessing the main road (Bridgend Road) which is quite a distance to travel (0.55 miles). This contract is mostly council funded and a small part is commercial. There is likelihood that if funding was removed, then it is possible that the commercial section of the route would not be commercially viable. 61 PEYTON Nottage to Porthcawl (Circular) (Monday 120 £ 13,712.40 £128,703.12 Provides Access to South Road Surgery and Local TRAVEL to Saturday) Portway Surgery. The contract has been retendered due to the 14-15 MTFS and new contractor took over in July 15. No alternative bus services for local residents in Nottage and Western Porthcawl. However, an alternative service is available on West Road and South Road (63B Service). However, this is quite a distance for some residents living to the west of Nottage and Porthcawl West (0.8 miles).The route of this service is planned to be extended to Newton Nottage Road, when a new surgery opens. Possible £5,000.00 £133,703.12 Indexation on all local bus service contracts, Local Indexation All excluding deminimis contracts. Contracts 16 EASYWAY Bridgend to Blaengarw via Heol-y-Myndd 140 £47,121.36 £180,824.48 Route operates along major traffic corridor in the Regional and Braich-y-cymmer (Daytime Mon-Sat) Garw valley. Connects with trains at Bridgend Railway Station for commuters (tackles congestion and encourages modal shift). Linking transport and regional hub in Bridgend for connectivity to the regional and national transport network. It sieves commuter traffic from going through Junction 36 of the M4. Improves access to the regional shopping centre (McArthur Glen – Pines), located at Junction 36 of the M4. Improves access to employment in an area of high deprivation. Links to Princess of Wales Hospital, providing health care services. Alternative bus services operate on the majority of this route, apart from Heol-y-Mynydd, Wigan Terrace and Braichycymmer. Also Quarella Road. Table 1
4.7 Recent experiences following the removal of subsidies in the 2018/19 year have demonstrated that the removal of subsidies will not necessarily mean that all of the above routes will no longer be provided. However the decision to continue to operate them in full or part would lie with the operators dependant on the commercial viability.
Page 83 4.8 Additionally it should be noted that consideration would also need to be given to the content and implications of a letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure dated 02 May 2018 indicating that “from April 2019, each local authority’s allocation from BSSG will have to be at least match-funded by a commitment to expenditure from an authority’s own budget in support of bus and community transport networks in its area”. This position is still being properly assessed and clarification sought from Welsh Government on the exact implications.
4.9 Financial support towards Bridgend Community Transport may also be affected in the event of BCBC not being able to attract BSSG funding from the Welsh Government. This would have an adverse impact on communities and residents that rely on Community Transport, especially in areas that are not served by local public bus services.
4.10 Further reductions in BCBC budget for supported bus services could have an effect on the commercially operated bus services, as supported bus services help make the commercial bus network viable.
5. Effect upon Policy Framework & Procedure Rules
5.1 There is no effect upon Policy Framework or Procedure Rules
6. Equalities Impact Assessment
6.1 A full Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) will need to be carried out, if the proposal to remove all BCBC funding is to be considered further for approval. The result of the suggested consultation would inform the EIA. This would then be included with a future cabinet report.
7. Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 Assessment
7.1 The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 Assessment based on the 5 ways of working and any requisite mitigating measures will be required prior to making the a decision to remove the subsidies. This will be included in a further report to Cabinet, taking into consideration the outcomes of the public consultation.
8. Financial Implications
8.1 The removal of the remaining £180,000 BCBC funding towards supported bus services would have a financial implication on Bridgend bus station, as revenue from departure charges at Bridgend bus station will drop. The departure charges of £0.30 per departure were introduced in light of the budget reduction for Bridgend bus station of £40,000 for 2015/16 MTFS proposals. Currently, the supported bus services generate over 13,000 departures from Bridgend bus station each year, which contributes approximately £4,000 per year towards the departure revenue.
8.2 Some bus shelters may also be left redundant in areas of Bridgend where local bus services will no longer operate. A demolitions budget may be required. This cost would only be identified following the subsidy removal and understanding the resultant level of service removal by operators.
Page 84 9. Recommendation.
9.1 It is recommended that Cabinet:
o Considers the content of this report and agrees that a public consultation is undertaken on the proposals following which a Full Equality Impact Assessment will be undertaken.
o Agrees to a further report outlining the results of the consultation, to be accompanied by a Full Equality Impact Assessment, to be presented at a future meeting of Cabinet in order that the proposals outlined in this report may be considered.
MARK SHEPHARD 11 September 2018
CORPORATE DIRECTOR - COMMUNITIES
Contact Officer: Kevin Mulcahy, Group Manager Highways Telephone: (01656) 642535
E-mail: [email protected]
Page 85 This page is intentionally left blank SERVICE No. 62
BRIDGEND to PENCOED via Brackla and Coychurch
Monday to Saturday Pencoed (Kennedy Drive) 0817 0920 1020 1120 1220 Pencoed (Wimbourne Rd Clinic) 0821 0924 1024 1124 1224 Pencoed (Monument) 0824 0927 1027 1127 1227 Coychurch (White Horse) 0831 0934 1034 1134 1234 Mid Glamorgan Crematorium 0833 0936 1036 1136 1236 Brackla (Channel View) 0837H 0940 1040 1140 1240 Brackla (Hunters Ridge) 0839 0942 1042 1142 1242 Bridgend (Cheapside Aldi) 0846 0949 1049 1149 1249 Bridgend Bus Station 0849 0952 1052 1152 1252
Service 62 (Bridgend to Pencoed) Bridgend Bus Station 0853 0953 1053 1153 1253 Bridgend (Cheapside Aldi) 0855 0955 1055 1155 1255 Brackla (Hunters Ridge) 0903 1003 1103 1203 1303 Brackla (Channel View) 0905 1005 1105 1205 1305 Mid Glamorgan Crematorium 0907 1007 1107 1207 1307 Coychurch (White Horse) 0911 1011 1111 1211 1311 Pencoed (Monument) 0916 1016 1116 1216 1316 Pencoed (Kennedy Drive) 0920 1020 1120 1220 1320
Note: H - On Schooldays does not operate via Channel View
TIMETABLE FROM MONDAY 13 AUGUST 2018
Operated by First Cymru Buses Ltd
Page 87 1320 1420 1520 1620 1720 1820 1324 1424 1524 1624 1724 1824 1327 1427 1527 1627 1727 1827 1334 1434 1534 1634 1734 1834 1336 1436 1536 1636 1736 1836 1340 1440 1540 1640 1740 1840 1342 1442 1542 1642 1742 1842 1349 1449 1549 1649 1749 1849 1352 1452 1552 1652 1752 1852
1353 1453 1553 1653 1753 1835 1901 1355 1455 1555 1655 1755 1837 1903 1403 1503 1603 1703 1803 1845 1911 1405 1505H 1605 1705 1805 1847 1913 1407 1507 1607 1707 1807 1849 1915 1411 1511 1611 1711 1811 1853 1919 1416 1516 1616 1716 1816 1858 1924 1420 1520 1620 1720 1820 1902 1928
Additional Journey Journey removed Journey removed (previously commercially operated)
Page 88 Page 89 Page Service No. 63/63B Bridgend to Porthcawl via Cefn Cribbwr, Pyle and North Cornelly Monday to Saturday Bridgend Bus Station 0645 0725 0755 0815 0830 0845 0900 0915 0930 0945 1000 1015 1030 1045 1100 Bridgend Bus Station ------Princess of Wales Hospital 0649 0729 0759 0819 0834 0849 0904 0919 0934 0949 1004 1019 1034 1049 1104 Pines Centre (Odeon Cinema) 0653 0733 0803 0823 0838 0853 0908 0923 0938 0953 1008 1023 1038 1053 1108 Cefn Cribbwr (Cefn Cross) 0702 0742 0812 0832 0847 0902 0917 0932 0947 1002 1017 1032 1047 1102 1117 Pyle (Cross) 0712 0752 0821 0841 0856 0911 0926 0941 0956 1011 1026 1041 1056 1111 1126 North Cornelly (Heol Llan) 0724 0804 0831 0851 0906 0921 0936 0951 1006 1021 1036 1051 1106 1121 1136 South Cornelly ---- 0807 0834 0854 ---- 0924 0939 0954 ---- 1024 1039 1054 ---- 1124 1139 Kenfig Pool Nature Reserve 0728 ------0910 ------1010 ------1110 ------West Park Drive (Seagull) 0734 ------0918 ------1018 ------1118 ------Porthcawl (John Street) 0740 0816 0843 0903 0925 0933 0948 1003 1025 1033 1048 1103 1125 1133 1148 1115 1130 1145 1200 1215 1230 1245 1300 1315 1330 1345 1400 1415 1430 1445 ------1119 1134 1149 1204 1219 1234 1249 1304 1319 1334 1349 1404 1419 1434 1449 1123 1138 1153 1208 1223 1238 1253 1308 1323 1338 1353 1408 1423 1438 1453 1132 1147 1202 1217 1232 1247 1302 1317 1332 1347 1402 1417 1432 1447 1502 1141 1156 1211 1226 1241 1256 1311 1326 1341 1356 1411 1426 1441 1456 1511 1151 1206 1221 1236 1251 1306 1321 1336 1351 1406 1421 1436 1451 1506 1521 1154 ---- 1224 1239 1254 ---- 1324 1339 1354 ---- 1424 1439 1454 ---- 1524 ---- 1210 ------1310 ------1410 ------1510 ------1218 ------1318 ------1418 ------1518A ---- 1203 1225 1233 1248 1303 1325 1333 1348 1403 1425 1433 1448 1503 1525 1533 F&S 1500 1515 1530 1545 1600 1615 1630 1645 1700 1715 1730 1745 1800 ------1825 2020 2215 1504 1519 1534 1549 1604 1619 1634 1649 1704 1719 1734 1749 1804 1829 2024 2219 1508 1523 1538 1553 1608 1623 1638 1653 1708 1723 1738 1753 1808 1833 2028 2223 1517 1532 1547 1602 1617 1632 1647 1702 1717 1732 1747 1802 1817 1842 2037 2232 1526 1541 1556 1611 1626 1642 1656 1712 1727 1742 1756 1811 1826 1851 2046 2241 1536 1551 1606 1621 1636 1653 1706 1723 1738 1753 1806 1821 1836 1901 2056 2251 1539 1554 ---- 1624 1639 1656 ---- 1726 1741 1756 ---- 1824 1839 ------1610 ------1710 ------1810 ------1905 2100 2255 ------1618 ------1718 ------1818 ------1911 2106 2301 1548 1603 1625 1633 1648 1705 1725 1735 1750 1805 1825 1833 1848 1917 2112 2307 This page is intentionally left blank Porthcawl to Bridgend via North Cornelly, Pyle and Cefn Cribbwr Page 91 Page Monday to Saturday M-F Porthcawl (John Street) ---- 0640 ------0745 ---- 0820 0845 0907 0927 0942 0957 1007 1027 1042 West Park Drive (Seagull) ------0914 ------1014 ------Kenfig Pool Nature Reserve ------0920 ------1020 ------South Cornelly ---- 0648 ------0754 ---- 0829 0855 ---- 0936 0951 1006 ---- 1036 1051 North Cornelly (Heol Llan) 0612 0650 0710 0730 0757 0815 0832 0900 0924 0938 0953 1008 1024 1038 1053 Pyle (Cross) 0618 0659 0722 0742 0809 0827 0844 0911 0935 0949 1004 1019 1035 1049 1104 Cefn Cribbwr (Cefn Cross) 0626 0707 0732 0752 0821 0836 0853 0921 0944 0958 1013 1028 1044 1058 1113 Aberkenfig (New Park Road) 0630 0711 0737 0757 0828 0841 0858 0926 0949 1003 1018 1033 1049 1103 1118 Sarn (Post Office) ------Brynmenyn. ------Pines Centre (Sainsbury's) 0634 0715 0742 0802 0833 0845 0902 0931 0953 1007 1022 1037 1053 1107 1122 Princess of Wales Hospital 0637 0718 0746 0806 0836 0849 0906 0935 0957 1011 1026 1041 1057 1111 1126 Bridgend Bus Station 0641 0722 0751 0811 0840 0854 0911 0939 1002 1016 1031 1046 1102 1116 1131 1057 1107 1127 1142 1157 1207 1227 1242 1257 1307 1327 1342 1357 1407 1427 ---- 1114 ------1214 ------1314 ------1414 ------1120 ------1220 ------1320 ------1420 ---- 1106 ---- 1136 1151 1206 ---- 1236 1251 1306 ---- 1336 1351 1406 ---- 1436 1108 1124 1138 1153 1208 1224 1238 1253 1308 1324 1338 1353 1408 1424 1438 1119 1135 1149 1204 1219 1235 1249 1304 1319 1335 1349 1404 1419 1435 1449 1128 1144 1158 1213 1228 1244 1258 1313 1328 1344 1358 1413 1428 1444 1458 1133 1149 1203 1218 1233 1249 1303 1318 1333 1349 1403 1418 1433 1449 1503 ------1137 1153 1207 1222 1237 1253 1307 1322 1337 1353 1407 1422 1437 1453 1507 1141 1157 1211 1226 1241 1257 1311 1326 1341 1357 1411 1426 1441 1457 1511 1146 1202 1216 1231 1246 1302 1316 1331 1346 1402 1416 1431 1446 1502 1516 1442 1457 1507 1527 1542 1557 1607 1627 1642 1657 1710 1730 1742 1757 1810 ------1514A ------1614 ------1717 ------1817 ------1520 ------1620 ------1723 ------1823 1451 1506 ---- 1536 1551 1606 ---- 1636 1651 1706 ---- 1739 1751 1806 ---- 1453 1508 1524 1538 1553 1608 1624 1638 1653 1708 1727 1741 1753 1808 1827 1504 1519 1535 1549 1604 1619 1635 1649 1704 1719 1738 1752 1804 1819 1838 1513 1528 1544 1558 1613 1628 1644 1658 1713 1728 1747 1801 1813 1828 1847 1518 1533 1549 1603 1618 1633 1649 1703 1718 1733 1752 1806 1818 1833 1852 Page 92 Page ------1522 1537 1553 1607 1622 1637 1653 1707 1722 1737 1756 1810 1822 1837 1856 1526 1541 1557 1611 1626 1641 1657 1711 1726 1741 1800 1814 1826 1841 1900 1531 1546 1602 1616 1631 1646 1702 1716 1731 1746 1805 1819 1831 1846 1905 1827 1842 1857 1920 2115 2310 ------1927 2122 2316 ------1934 2129 2322 1836 1851 1906 ------1838 1853 1908 1938 2133 2326 1849 1904 1919 1946 2141 2334 1858 1913 1928 1955 2150 2343 1903 1918 1933 2000 2155 2347 ------2350 ------2353 1907 1922 1937 2004 2159 ---- 1911 1926 1941 2008 2203 ---- 1916 1931 1946 2013 2208 ---- Note: BCBC Funded (not affected by budget reduction) M-F - This journey operates on Monday to Friday Journey retained, but partially altered. F & S - This journey operates on Friday and Saturday only TIMETABLE FROM MONDAY 13 AUGUST 2018 Operated by First Cymru Buses Ltd Service 68 /69
Bridgend - Cefn Glas, clockwise circular Monday to Saturday Bridgend Bus Station 0800 0830 0900 0930 1000 1030 then 0 30 Heol-y-Ffrenhines 0805 0835H 0905 0935 1005 1035 at 5 35 Bryntirion (Broad Oak Way) 0809 0839 0909 0939 1009 1039 these 9 39 Barnes Avenue 0814 0844 0914 0944 1014 1044 mins. 14 44 Longfellow Dr/Tennyson Ave 0817 0847 0917 0947 1017 1047 past 17 47 Ystrad Fawr 0820 0850 0920 0950 1020 1050 each 20 50 Bridgend Bus Station 0827 0857 0927 0957 1027 1057 hour 27 57
Bridgend to Cefn Glas, anti-clockwise circular Monday to Saturday Bridgend Bus Station 0700 0745 0815 0845 then 15 45 1445 Ystrad Fawr 0705 0750 0820 0850 at 20 50 1450 Longfellow Dr/Tennyson Ave 0708 0753 0823 0853 these 23 53 1453 Westminster Way 0712 0757 0827 0857 mins. 27 57 until 1457 Bryntirion (Broad Oak Way) 0717 0802 0832 0902 past 32 2 1502 Heol-y-Ffrenhines 0720 0805 0835H 0905 each 35 5 1505H Bridgend Bus Station 0725 0812 0842 0912 hour 42 12 1512
Journey Retained Journey removed
TIMETABLE FROM MONDAY 13 AUGUST 2018
Operated by First Cymru Buses Ltd
Page 93 1430 1500 1500 1530 1600 1630 1700 1730 1800 1900 2000 1435 1505 1505H 1535H 1605 1635 1705 1735 1805 1905 2005 1439 1509 1509 1539 1609 1639 1709 1739 1809 1909 2009 until 1444 1514 1514 1544 1614 1644 1714 1744 1814 1914 2014 1447 1517 ---- 1547 1617 1647 1717 1747 1817 1917 2017 1450 1520 1520 1550 1620 1650 1720 1750 1820 1920 2020 1457 1527 1527 1557 1627 1657 1727 1757 1827 1925 2025
1515 1515 1545 1615 1645 1715 1830 1930 2030 2130 2230 1520 1520 1550 1620 1650 1720 1835 1935 2035 2135 2235 1523 ---- 1553 1623 1653 1723 1838 1938 2038 2138 2238 1527 1527 1557 1627 1657 1727 1842 1942 2042 2142 2242 1532 1532 1602 1632 1702 1732 1847 1947 2047 2147 2247 1535 1535H 1605 1635 1705 1735 1850 1950 2050 2150 2250 1542 1542 1612 1642 1712 1742 1855 1955 2055 2155 2255
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Page 95 This page is intentionally left blank SERVICE 97 Page No. 52
BRIDGEND to BROADLANDS via Park Street
Monday to Saturday
M-F M-F Bridgend Bus Station 0725 0745 0905 0945 1045 1145 1245 1345 1430 1645 1700 1745 Park Street 0728 0748 0908 0948 ------1148 ------1348 ------1648 1703 1748 Bryntirion Hill 0730 0750 0910 0950 1050 1150 1250 1350 1435 1650 1705 1750 Broadlands Estate 0733 0753 0913 0953 1053 1153 1253 1353 1438 1653 1708 1753 Bryntirion Hill 0736 0756 0919 0959 1059 1159 1259 1359 1444 1659 1714 1759 Park Street 0738 0758 0922 1002 ------1202 ------1402 ------1701 1717 1801 Bridgend Bus Station 0744 0804 0925 1005 1105 1205 1305 1405 1450 1705 1720 1805
M-F - These journeys operate on Monday to Friday only TIMETABLE FROM MONDAY 13 AUGUST 2018 Journey retained, but altered to no longer operate via Bridgend Rec/Library Operated by Easyway Minibus Hire Ltd Journey removed This page is intentionally left blank ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Service No. 52 (Bridgend - Broadlands - Bridgend)
Bridgend Bus Station Boulevard De Villenave D'Oran A473 Angel Street * Glan y Parc * Park Street Bryntirion Hill B4622 Careg Llwyd Gentle Way B4622 Blandy Road Blandy Hill Blandy Road B4622 Bryntirion Hill Park Street Glan y Parc * Angel Street * A473 Boulevard De Villenave D'Oran Bridgend Bus Station
* Variation
$3gaskeil.xlsx Page 99 This page is intentionally left blank 81 - BRIDGEND - BRACKLA (Princess Way) - COITY - HMP PARC PRISON (Heol Hopcyn John) - PEN-Y-FAI (Via Princess of Wales Hospital) EASYWAY MINIBUS HIRE Ltd - 01656 655655
Monday to Friday (Except Bank Holidays) Service No. 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 Pen-y-Fai (opp. Angelton Road) ------0915 1015 1115 ------1415 ------1647 Pen-y-Fai (Chantel Avenue) ------0917 1017 1117 ------1417 ------1649 The Pines - Sainsbury’s ------0921 1021 1121 ------1422 ------1654 Litchard Cross (POW Hospital) ------0925 1025 1125 ------1425 ------1701 Quarella Road/Cemetery Road ------0928 1028 1128 ------1428 ------1704 BRIDGEND (Bus Station) ------0932 1032 1132 ------1432 ------1708 BRIDGEND (Bus Station) ------0935 1035 1135 1330 ------1710 Brackla (Princess Way) ------0940 1040 1140 1335 ------1712 Brackla (Triangle) ------0942 1042 1142 1337 ------1714 Brackla (Brackla Way) ------0947 1047 1147 1342 ------1716 Brackla (Channel View) ------0950 1050 1150 1345 ------1719 Brackla (Princess Way) ------0955 1055 1155 1350 ------1721 BRIDGEND (Bus Station) ------0959 1059 1159 1355 ------BRIDGEND (Bus Station) ------1000 1100 1200 1400 ------1630 ------Quarella Road/Cemetery Road ------1002 1102 1202 1402 ------1632 ------Litchard Cross (POW Hospital) ------1004 1104 1204 1404 ------1635 ------The Pines – Sainsbury’s ------1008 1108 1208 1408 ------1639 ------Pen-y-Fai (Chantel Avenue) ------1012 1112 1212 1412 ------1643 ------Pen-y-Fai (Opp. Angelton Road) ------1014 1114 1214 1414 ------1647 ------
TIMETABLE FROM MONDAY 03 SEPTEMBER 2018
Page 101 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 7
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
REPORT TO CABINET
18 SEPTEMBER 2018
REPORT OF THE CORPORATE DIRECTOR, SOCIAL SERVICES AND WELLBEING
CHILDREN’S SOCIAL CARE – UNIVERSITY SUPPORT PACKAGES FOR CARE LEAVERS
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 To inform Cabinet (further to the report on 30th January 2018) of the methodology and findings from the consultation that has been conducted over a twelve week period in relation to financial support provided to care leavers.
1.2 To remind Cabinet that this report is also written in light of Welsh Government’s response to the ‘Diamond Review’ – a review of the student support and higher education funding in Wales that will begin to be implemented in the this academic year (2018/19).
1.3 To seek approval from Cabinet to proceed in writing a policy pursuant to the preferred option 3.
2. Connection to Corporate Improvement Objectives/Other Corporate Priorities
2.1 This report assists in the achievement of the following corporate priority/priorities:-
1. Supporting a successful economy – taking steps to make the county a good place to do business, for people to live, work, study and visit, and to ensure that our schools are focused on raising the skills, qualifications and ambitions of all people in the county.
2. Helping people to be more self-reliant – taking early steps to reduce or prevent people from becoming vulnerable or dependent on the Council and its services.
3. Background
3.1 As noted in the previous report of 30th January 2018, the Local Authority has, for many years, provided young care leavers with financial assistance to attend university and higher education courses. This financial support has enabled young people to meet the costs of term time and vacation accommodation, pay for tuition fees and receive weekly maintenance payments.
3.2 Such assistance has been provided to young people in the absence of an agreed and ratified policy and it has been acknowledged that the approach to the levels of support offered has developed through custom and practice within children’s social care. Such an approach cannot guarantee consistency of practice or ensure equity of the financial support provided to individuals.
Page 103 3.3 There is currently no identified budget specifically from which this financial support can be drawn from and to date it has come out of the care leavers generic support budget.
3.4 In September 2016, the Cabinet Secretary for Education published the Diamond Report which proposed a costed package of recommendations for the future funding of higher education in Wales. Welsh Government has accepted these recommendations and plans to start implementing them in the academic year 2018/19.
3.5 The Local Authority is currently supporting nine care leavers to attend university, and have identified that over the next three years this number is likely to increase. This is very positive and, in order to achieve the best outcomes for young care leavers, it is necessary to devise a policy that ensures appropriate levels of financial support, fairness and consistency so that Bridgend can sustain suitable levels of support into the future.
3.6 The Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, (SSWBA), lays down the Local Authority’s responsibilities with regards to care leavers over the age of 18 who wish to continue their education and sets out what financial assistance the Local Authority MUST provide. This will be the basis from which the policy is developed.
3.7 In her Hidden Ambitions spotlight report published in February 2017, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Sally Holland, asks local and national government to pledge their support to realising the ambitions of young people leaving care. The Commissioner wants to ensure that young people leaving care have the same expectations in terms of care and support as their peers and to have an education that helps them to fulfil their potential. To show commitment to care experienced children and young people Welsh Government wants to guarantee financial support for care leavers going onto higher education.
3.8 At the start of the academic year (2018/19) all care leavers attending University were entitled to a non-repayable grant of £8,100 per year from Welsh Government and the option of a £900 loan which means a total of up to £9,000 per year. (Note that these figures are for outside of London.)
3.9 Welsh Government will no longer be providing students with Tuition Fee Grants. Instead students will be eligible for, and will be supported to apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the total amount of their £9000 fees each year which they will have to pay back once earning over an agreed amount; the non-repayable Welsh Government Living Costs Grant of £8,100 a year; the £900 loan should they require it.
3.10 Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) has recognised a need to devise a policy that ensures appropriate levels of financial support, fairness and consistency to its care leavers, so that they are not disadvantaged financially and encouraged to take some financial responsibility for their own education and future.
3.11 On 30th January 2018 Cabinet received a report which set out three financial proposals to support care leavers attending University.
Page 104 3.12 Each proposal has been carefully considered and would enable BCBC to support them in their further education and subsequent independence and in the same way as responsible parents would ordinarily do.
3.13 All three options will be consistent in ensuring that BCBC is compliant with the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act, 2014 in that it funds vacation time accommodation and provides each student with a £2,000 bursary payment as a minimum. The different options proposed vary in what is provided to each student in addition to this minimum requirement.
4 Current Situation/Proposal
4.1 A consultation on the proposals was conducted over a 12 week period between 23 February 2018 and 18 May 2018. The consultation was available to complete online via a link sent by the Leaving Care Team to those who would be interested in or impacted upon by the proposals and was available in English, Welsh and as an accessible version.
4.2 The consultation provided a background to the proposals and provided three options. Respondents were asked to select their preferred option and then asked if they had an alternative proposal. The council’s standard set of equalities monitoring questions were also included with the survey, as it is now recommended good practice for all public facing consultations carried out by the council. The content of the consultation remains available online in closed consultations.
4.3 Children’s Social Care also emailed the link to the consultation to Children’s Social Care practitioners and managers, students (past present and future), Overview and Scrutiny Committee Members, Education and family support staff and schools. The consultation document can be found at Appendix 1.
4.4 The data collection method and the online consultation, was developed using plain English to maximise understanding and although Welsh was offered, all responses were in English.
4.5 In total, there were 34 responses, all responses were received via the online survey. The Leaving Care Team directed all young people that they had engaged with during the live consultation period to the survey.
Profile of respondents
4.6 The information below shows the key data and response information in relation to questions 1, 2 and 3 of the consultation document.
4.7 Headline figures 18% of respondents were current students, 12% were graduates and 70% other. The majority of respondents were aged 25-44 (35%) The age group 16-24 made up 18% of respondents 58% of responders selected option one as their preferred option Option three (the preferred option) was selected by 28% of responders as their preferred option.
4.8 The data below identifies the number and type of respondents:
Page 105 Respondents were asked in which capacity they were responding. The majority (70%) responded as “other”. 12% responded as university graduates, 9% current university students, 6% as college student and 3% as secondary school student.
Of those who responded other (24 respondents) there were 16 responders who did not give the capacity in which they were responding.
The majority of respondents were aged 25-44 (35%), followed by age 45-54 (24%) and then age 16-24 (18%).
62% of responses were received from females, 23% from males. 3% stated that they preferred to not give their gender and 12% did not respond to this question.
Page 106 Analysis of responses
4.9 University support packages for care leavers survey options
Option 1 o BCBC pays the student’s tuition fee of £9,000. o The student pays for their accommodation and living costs during term time through loans/grants. o Any additional maintenance / discretionary payments made to individuals will be based on an individual assessed need basis.
Option 2 o The student pays their tuition fee of £9,000 per year through a repayable loan. o The student pays for their accommodation and living costs during term time through loans/grants. o Any additional maintenance / discretionary payments made to individuals will be based on an individual assessed need basis.
Option 3 (Original Preferred option) o The student pays their tuition fee of £9,000 per year through a repayable loan. BCBC provides the student with a weekly incentive payment during term time (e.g. £25 per week). o The student pays for their accommodation and living costs during term time through loans/grants. o Any additional maintenance / discretionary payments made to individuals will be based on an individual assessed need basis.
4.10 The most popular option among responders was option one (58%). Option three was the second most popular (28%). Option two was favoured by 14% of responders. Two respondents’ selected two options and one respondent did not select an option, commenting that “these options will not be affordable”.
Page 107 One “other” response was received when respondents were asked which option they would prefer.
4.11 Responses to questions 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the consultation are attached at Appendix 2.
Current Situation
4.12 In the academic year 2016/2017 Children’s social care supported 8 care leavers who were attending university totaling approximately £108,560. This was reduced by £3,900 due to the exception of one care leaver whose tuition fees were paid by Social Care Wales as she is completing her social work degree.
BCBC average estimated cost per student in 2016/17 Annual Costs Paid by BCBC Paid by Student Tuition Fees top up (as per 16/17) £3,900 Nil Accommodation Costs (term time) *assumed average £5,532 Nil Weekly maintenance (term time) £4,138 Nil Bursary £0 Nil
Total £13,570 Nil
4.13 In the academic year 2017/2018, Children’s Social Care supported nine care leavers to attend university. The Local Authority provided full financial support for four of these care leavers costing approximately £54,280. Three of these care leavers were in their final year of study and one was in her second year of study. With regards to the other five care leavers, three were first year students and two were second year students.
4.14 Prior to the start of the academic year 2017/18, all nine care leavers were supported to consider all the financial options available to them at that time including loans and grants through student welfare services. The three care leavers entering into their 3rd and final year of study chose not to apply for personal loans or grants and as Corporate Parents the Local Authority supported their decision and continued to financially support them fully. One care leaver entering into her second year of study also chose not to make applications for loans and grants and again was financially supported by Children’s social care. The remaining five students out of the nine noted made a personal choice to apply for loans and grants to support their education and lifestyle.
Page 108 4.15 BCBC continued to pay accommodation fees for one care leaver who was living in a supported lodgings placement and have provided discretionary financial assistance to two of the first year students. Discretionary payments were utilised to support payments for rent and living costs.
4.16 Two care leavers dropped out of university during the past two years but this is not attributable to any changes in the financial support they received.
4.17 Whilst the number of care leavers studying at university has been comparable over the past two academic years, the amount of financial support Children’s social care have provided has been mixed but based on the needs of the students themselves.
4.18 BCBC, when providing full financial support have paid on average £13,570 per student per year. By the five students mentioned above who chose to take out loans and grants this year and with BCBC supplementing this with additional financial support tailored to meet their needs, the Council has reduced expenditure in the region of £67,850.
4.19 Option 1 – 58% preferred this option. This option would mean that the student’s tuition fees are paid by BCBC. As a result the Local Authority would have to give even greater consideration to requests by the student for discretionary payments. This option could have wider implications if the student is in financial crisis or hardship.
4.20 This option would mean that the care leavers would continue to be dependent on the Council and could lead itself to singling out the student as a care leaver when many do not want to share their background and upbringing with others. It also in some cases could act as a barrier to achievement given the student will have no personal financial investment in their education and depending on how the student manages their finances could bring about additional spending for the Local Authority through discretionary payments would not mature into learning new skills or managing finances as his/her peers.
4.21 Option 2 – this option was putting all the cost onto the care leavers and therefore was discounted as the Council would not be acting as responsible corporate parents.
4.22 Option 3 - Within this option the care leavers would be supported to apply for loans and grants to pay for their tuition fees. Children’s social care would provide the student with a weekly allowance and a bursary in addition to the grants they are entitled to access. The student would not be expected to start repaying the loan until they are in full time employment and receiving a salary which enables them to do this without compromising them financially. The repayment of such a loan would not commence until the individual is in receipt of an annual income of £25,000 a year.
4.23 The tuition fee will be the largest cost repayable as per the conditions noted above. All 3 options lend themselves to a smaller loan/grant option for accommodation fees. 4.24 This option would allow greater independence and financial security on a weekly basis by enabling the student to manage a weekly allowance provided by Children’s social care giving the student the flexibility to manage monies for food and social activities.
Page 109 4.25 This option will also promote the students personal financial investment in their own education and by making applications for loans and grants will place them on an even financial platform as the majority of other students.
4.26 This option will also enable Children’s social care to financially support care leavers by making discretionary payments to students who may find themselves in times of hardship depending on their personal circumstances.
4.27 Option 3 will still encourage money management which is in line with the ethos behind the Diamond Report. This report emphasizes a “move towards improved maintenance and support arrangements for all full time and part time undergraduate students, with the highest level of grant support covering the full cost of maintenance for those most in need, together with subsidised loans to cover full cost of tuition fees.’ There is a clear principle of ‘no upfront fees’ within the report that also encourages financial support equivalent to the national living wage.
4.28 As part of this review and associated proposals other Local Authorities listed below were contacted in terms of their financial assistance to care leavers and their responses are within the data below.
LA Tuition Term- Weekly Non term Non term Bursary Other Fees time mainten- time time Accomm- ance Accomm- Mainten- odation odation ance RCT Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Merthyr No Yes No Yes Yes Yes NPT No No Yes (£75) Yes Yes No Ceredigion No No No Yes Yes No £1500 per year Bridgend Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
4.29 The consultation concluded that the preferred option was Option 1. The rationale based on the comments submitted by the participants was to primarily reduce cost for this group of young people. However, this option is not in keeping with the ethos of the Diamond Report nor does it support young care leavers to learn about personal responsibility and financial independence.
4.30 Option 3 allows the student financial independence and security on a weekly basis by means of a weekly allowance not forgetting that the student will have access to a substantial grant and bursary to the sum of £10,000. The care leaver will be supported financially but there will be a more equitable balance between a loan (from the student loan company), a grant and discretionary payment from BCBC. Loans would be accessed through the student loan company which is a non profit making government owned organization set up in 1989. Care leavers will also continue to receive emotional and practical support. Students as care leavers will be eligible for on-going support and advice from Children’s Social Care and they will also be able to access the same from student welfare services to support them in the management of these monies.
Page 110 4.31 Finally this option also allows each student’s individual circumstances to be considered for discretionary payments should they find themselves under increased economic pressures or crisis which could impact on study.
5. Effect upon Policy Framework and Procedure Rules
5.1 The outcome of this consultation will result in a new policy on financial support for care leavers attending university.
6. Equality Impact Assessment
6.1 An EIA has been completed which shows there will be an impact on a small group of young people. However the intention of the Policy is to ensure this cohort of young people receive financial report.
6.2 Appropriate consultation will be arranged ensuring that relevant policies are applied throughout the process.
7. Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 Implications
7.1 The implementation of the duties and responsibilities under the Social Services and Wellbeing Act (Wales) (SSWBA) 2014, in turn, supports the promotion of two of the seven goals of the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 within the County Borough of Bridgend. By promoting an environment that maximises people’s physical and mental well-being and by supporting children, young people, adults and their carers and families to fulfil their potential no matter what their circumstances, the wellbeing goals of a Healthier and more equal Bridgend and Wales are supported.
7.2 The Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 provides the basis for driving a different kind of public service in Wales, with five ways of working to guide how the Authority should work to deliver wellbeing outcomes for people. The following is a summary to show how the five ways of working to achieve the well-being goals have been considered in this report:
Long Term – Social Services is demand led and the SSWBA focusses on wellbeing outcomes for the future. There is a requirement to meet the needs of people in the longer term and, as such the Local Authority has acknowledged the need to develop a policy to financially support its care leavers to attend university. Prevention – the report is about the consultation on three financial options. This will ensure that need is anticipated and resources can be more effectively directed to better support care leavers and manage demand. Integration – the implementation of the SSWBA requires local authorities to work with partners, to ensure care and support for its care leavers who wish to attend university is provided. The report evidences consultation with education professionals with this regard and with a view to enabling care leavers to access employment. Collaboration – This will be managed in order to provide the best possible intervention for care leavers wishing to attend university. Involvement – the key stakeholders are the people who use social care. There is considerable engagement including surveys, stakeholder meetings, feedback
Page 111 forms and the complaints process. The provision of accessible information and advice helps to ensure that the voice of adults, children and young people is heard.
8.0 Financial Implications
8.1 Those young people who are already in University continue to receive support as per our current arrangements as outlined in the table below:
BCBC Current Position Annual Costs Paid by BCBC Paid by Student Tuition Fees top up (as per 16/17) £3,900 Nil Accommodation Costs (term time) *assumed average £5,532 Nil Weekly maintenance (term time) £4,138 Nil Bursary £0 Nil
Total £13,570 Nil
8.2 Option 3 (original preferred option of the service-see Cabinet report 30th January 2018) Annual Costs Paid by BCBC Paid by Student Tuition Fees top up (as per 16/17) £9,000 Accommodation Costs (term time) *assumed average £5,532 40 week incentive payment £1,000 Bursary £667
Total £1,667 £14,532
* £9,000 applies to Welsh Universities and would be £9,250 for outside of Wales. The Authority pays weekly incentive for 40 weeks (e.g. £25 per week) Student receives tuition fee of £9,000 from Tuition Fee Loan Student funds accommodation and maintenance costs from Living Costs Grant.
As with all students there will be a risk that the student will find it hard to manage financially. However they will continue to receive emotional and practical support from the leaving care team. The student will benefit from the weekly incentive payment in addition to the loans and grants available to them. The Bursary (one third of £2,000) will be provided at the completion of each academic year to support the student over summer vacation from university. The incentive payment can be made weekly or monthly to support the student.
9.0 Recommendation
9.1 Cabinet is asked to approve option 3 as described in this report to enable implementation of a new policy.
Susan Cooper Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing
Page 112 August 2018
10. Contact Officer: Elizabeth Walton-James Telephone: 01656 642073 Email: [email protected]
11. Background Documents None
Page 113 This page is intentionally left blank CHILDREN’S SOCIAL CARE – UNIVERSITY SUPPORT PACKAGES FOR CARE LEAVERS
Dewiswch iaith i ddechrau’r arolwg. Please select a language to begin the survey.
English
Cymraeg
Page 115 Background.
For many years BCBC has provided its care leavers with financial assistance to attend university and higher education courses. BCBC has paid for each university student’s term time and vacation accommodation, their yearly tuition fees and provided each student with a weekly maintenance payment during term time. In addition students have also been eligible for non-repayable grants from Welsh Government. To date students have been in receipt of approximately £18,670 per year made up of grants and contributions from BCBC.
In September 2016, the Cabinet Secretary for Education published the Diamond Report which proposed a costed package of recommendations for the future funding of higher education in Wales. Welsh Government has accepted these recommendations and plans to start implementing them in the next academic year. (2018/19)
At the start of the next academic year (2018/19) all care leavers attending University will be entitled to a non-repayable grant of £8,100 per year from Welsh Government and the option of a £900 loan to provide up to £9,000 per year. (Note that these figures are for outside of London.)
Welsh Government will no longer be providing students with Tuition Fee Grants. Instead students will be able to apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the total amount of their £9000 fees each year which they will have to pay back once earning over an agreed amount.
In light of this report BCBC has recognised a need to devise a policy that ensures appropriate levels of financial support, fairness and consistency is provided to its care leavers, so that they are not disadvantaged in anyway but also encouraged to take some financial responsibility for their own education and future.
This consultation proposes three options of how BCBC could financially support its care leavers attending university. Each proposal has been carefully considered and would not compromise individuals but would enable BCBC to support them in their further education and subsequent independence and in the same way as responsible parents would ordinarily do. All three options will be consistent in ensuring that BCBC is compliant with the SSWBA in that it funds vacation time accommodation and provides each student with a £2000 bursary payment as a minimum. The different options proposed vary in what is provided to each student in addition to this minimum requirement.
All students will be eligible for and will be supported to apply for the non-repayable Welsh Government Living Costs Grant of £8100 a year. All students will be supported to apply for the £900 loan should they require it. All students will be supported to apply for a Tuition Fee (repayable) Loan of up to £9,000 which pays for their tuition fees in full.
Page 116 Introduction
This survey will take around 10 minutes to complete.
All information received is stored using secure servers and in accordance to the Data Protection Act (1998). When gathering data it is our policy to take all necessary steps to ensure personal information is processed lawfully. Your personal information will never be shared externally.
Page 117 About you
Q1 Are you responding as: (please select one option only).
Secondary College Student University University Other School Student Student Graduate
If 'other' please detail
Q2 Please select your age category? Please tick one box only Under 16 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+ Prefer not to say
Page 118 Options under consideration
Option 1
The student pays for their accommodation and living costs during term time through loans/grants.
BCBC pays the student’s tuition fee of £9,000.
Any additional maintenance / discretionary payments made to individuals will be based on an individual assessed need basis.
Option 2
The student pays for their accommodation and living costs during term time through loans/grants
The student pays their tuition fee of £9000 per year through a repayable loan.
Any additional maintenance / discretionary payments made to individuals will be based on an individual assessed need basis.
Option 3 (Preferred option)
The student pays for their accommodation and living costs during term time through loans/grants
The student pays their tuition fee of £9000 per year through a repayable loan.
BCBC provides the student with a weekly incentive payment during term time (e.g. £25 per week)
Any additional maintenance / discretionary payments made to individuals will be based on an individual assessed need basis.
Page 119 Q3 Which option would you prefer? Please select all that apply.
Option one Option two Option three Other
Q4 Do you think there are any additional factors to be considered?
Q5 How will the proposals affect you?
Q6 Do you have any other alternative proposal?
Q7 Please use this space to provide any further comments on this proposal
Page 120 Q8 Would you like to be emailed once the consultation report is available? Yes No
Q9 If you have answered 'yes' please provide your email address below
Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey
Remember you can always have your say on improving council services by visiting www.bridgend.gov.uk/CitizensPanel to join our Citizens' Panel.
Do you no longer wish to be part of our Citizens’ Panel? As part of Data Protection Guidance we regularly review the information we hold. If you no longer wish to be part of the Citizens’ Panel please get in touch with the Communications, Marketing and Engagement team on 01656 643664 or email us on '[email protected]' and we will remove your details from our system upon receipt of your request.
Do you no longer wish to receive additional surveys? As part of Data Protection Guidance we regularly review the information we hold. If you no longer wish to receive additional surveys please get in touch with the Communications, Marketing and Engagement team on 01656 643664 or email us on '[email protected]' and we will remove your details from our system upon receipt of your request.
Page 121 Equalities
In order to help us ensure that we are providing services fairly to everyone who needs them, we would be grateful if you could answer a few more questions about yourself.
The information you supply will be kept confidentially and will only be used for the purposes of equalities monitoring.
Completion of these questions is not required as part of the questionnaire. You do not have to answer any of the questions if you do not wish to do so. Alternatively, you can choose to answer some and not others by selecting the 'prefer not to say' options.
Q10 Are you happy to answer a few more questions about yourself? Please select one option only.
Yes No
Page 122 Equalities monitoring
Q11 What is your date of birth? (DD/MM/YYYY) Prefer not to say
Page 123 Equalities monitoring
A disability is a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long- term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out day-to-day activities.
Q12 Do you consider yourself to be disabled? Please select one option only. Yes No (go to Q14) Prefer not to say Do you consider yourself to be disabled? Please select on...
Q13 Please indicate below the type of impairment which applies to you. Please select all options that apply. Physical impairment, such as difficulty using your arms or mobility issues which means using a wheelchair or crutches Sensory impairment, such as being blind or having a serious visual impairment or being D/deaf or hard of hearing Mental health condition, such as depression or schizophrenia Learning difficulty, such as Down’s syndrome or dyslexia, or cognitive impairment, such as autism or head-injury Long-standing illness or health condition such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, chronic heart disease, or epilepsy Other (please use space below) Prefer not to say
Page 124 Equalities monitoring
Q14 How would you describe your nationality? Please select one option only.
Welsh Northern Irish Other (please type in the box below) English British Prefer not to say Scottish
Page 125 Equalities monitoring
Q15 What is your ethnic group? Please select one option only.
White Black / African / Caribbean / black British
Mixed / multiple ethnic groups Other ethnic group (please type in the box below) Asian or Asian British Prefer not to say
Page 126 Equalities monitoring
Q16 White
Welsh / English / Scottish / Northern Irish / Irish Traveller British Any other white background (please type in the Irish box below)
Gypsy
Q17 Mixed / multiple ethnic groups
White and black Caribbean White and Asian
White and black African Any other mixed / multiple ethnic background (please type in the box below)
Q18 Asian or Asian British
Indian Chinese
Pakistani Any other Asian background (please type in the box below) Bangladeshi
Q19 Black / African / Caribbean / black British
African Any other black / African / Caribbean background (please type in the box below) Caribbean
Q20 Other ethnic groups
Arab Any other ethnic group (please type in the box below)
Page 127 Equalities monitoring
Q21 What is your religion or belief? Please select one option only.
No religion Hindu Sikh
Christian Jewish Other (please type in the box below) Buddhist Muslim Prefer not to say
Page 128 Equalities monitoring
Q22 What is your gender? Please select one option only.
Male Female Other Prefer not to say
Q23 Is your gender the same now as that which you were assigned at birth? Please select one option only.
Yes No Prefer not to say
Page 129 Equalities monitoring
Q24 Are you pregnant? Please select one option only.
Yes No Prefer not to say
Q25 Have you given birth within the past 26 weeks? Please select one option only.
Yes No Prefer not to say
Page 130 Equalities monitoring
Q26 What is your sexual orientation? Please select one option only.
Heterosexual / straight Gay woman / lesbian Other
Gay man Bisexual Prefer not to say
Page 131 Equalities monitoring
Q27 What is your marital status? Please select one option only.
Single Civil partnered Prefer not to say
Partnered Divorced
Married Widowed
Page 132 Equalities monitoring
A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.
Q28 Are you a carer? Please select one option only.
Yes No Prefer not to say
Page 133 Equalities monitoring
Q29 Are you able to... Please select one option per row.
Not at all A little Fairly well Fluently Prefer not to say
speak Welsh?
read Welsh?
write Welsh?
Page 134 Next steps
If you would like to be kept up to date on our key consultations please opt in and Opt include your details below. in
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Page 135 Thank you
Please select the tick below to submit your response.
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.
Remember you can always have your say on improving council services by clicking here to join our Citizens' Panel.
Page 136 APPENDIX 2
Consultation responses
Questions 4, 5, 6 and 7 within the consultation enabled respondents to provide a narrative response. Below are the questions, the consultee response(s) and the service area comments in italics.
Question 4 - Do you think there are any additional factors to be considered?
Additional support for learner-continued foster placement for practical/emotional support and holidays.
All care leavers are allocated a Personal Advisor until the age of 25yrs to provide consistent support and advice when they are in full time education regardless of whether it is in term time or holidays.
Accommodation out of term time as many of these young people will not have family they can stay with.
Many young people who attend university will not have the support of their family to stay with out of term time. Care leavers would be able to access additional support over and above those young people who do not have supportive families to apply for grants/loans which will develop their independence and financial skills to manage a household. Additional financial support would be assessed on an individual basis to enable the student to remain in their accommodation such as halls of residence, shared housing or supported lodgings if they maintain contact with carers. They will also have access to a bursary to financially support them.
The previous policy had seen Bridgend’s care leaver cohort attending university in increasing numbers, but was unrealistic in the long term given increasing tuition fees and local government cuts. It should be recognised that in addition to loans and grants available many students are additionally supported by “the bank of mum and dad” in order to fully experience university life.
Bridgend do not have a policy with regard to financial assistance for care leavers who wished to attend university and are addressing this via this consultation. It is acknowledged that many students are financially supported by their parents to attend university but there will also be students whose parents are not in a position to financially support them. There may also be families who have the financial means to support their child/ren through university but choose not to support their child or their relationship is such that support is limited. As corporate parents the Local Authority will also be able to consider additional financial support by means of discretionary payments to the student.
Consideration on changes to student finance and the support that can be provided from the university.
All students, care leavers or not, will be able to access support provided from the university and care leavers will be further supported by the Local Authority
1 Page 137 both emotionally and financially on an individual basis.
I feel university students should take some responsibility for their own finances.
The Local Authority’s original preferred option would mean that care leavers take more responsibility for their own finances. This option would bring about balance in providing financial support to students but also with regard to enabling care leavers to develop independent financial life skills that are realistic and would better prepare them for their adult life when managing their home and associated finances.
People who are already in university and have been having their accommodation paid are now left not know if they are going to be able to stay in their homes?
The financial support for care leavers who are currently attending university will not change. The Leaving Care Team have spoken with these individuals to assure them that they will not be affected by this consultation or the approved option.
Young people leaving care already have enough obstacles to overcome without being saddled with future debt and money worries.
It is acknowledged that care leavers will have been disadvantaged in their childhood, however as corporate parents the Local Authority has a responsibility to prepare its care leavers with the skills to live independently and manage their monies responsibly. Removing any matters relating to debt or management of loans, grants etc is not realistic and would not support this.
Yes, there is already too much debt involved for young people
Care leavers as any other young person who attends university would not start paying back their loans or grants until they are employed and reach a specific tax band. Students applying for loans would do so through The Student Loans Company (SLC) which is a non-profit making Government-owned organization set up in 1989. The SLC provides loans and grants to students in universities and colleges in the UK. From April 2018, loan repayment thresholds are as follows:
Annual income of £25,000 a year, £2,083 a month or £480 a week.
Yes, because the student could get themselves into a difficult financial situation otherwise and this could impact on their education.
Care leavers have access to continuous support from their Personal Advisor and they would also be able to access support and advice from their university to ensure that any financial matters do not impact on their educational achievements.
Question 5 - How will the proposals affect you?
2 Page 138 Societal impact of less LAC children achieving university level
Financial matters should not preclude care leavers from attending university and thereafter contributing to their community and society as a whole.
I review the support provided to these young people at their Pathway Reviews. It will not directly affect me however I do not want to see previously looked after children have to struggle because they do not have family they can rely on.
As previously noted not all children who have been brought up amongst their families have the support of their parents or wider family members.
I felt proud of Bridgend’s previous policy in terms of recognising that only 6% of care leavers’ progress to university versus 50% of young people in the general populace, but appreciate this is unsustainable.
As noted earlier Bridgend does not currently have a financial policy to support its care leavers. The Local authority does have to make significant financial savings but this consultation is not to address this it is to ensure there is a balance in supporting its care leavers in achieving their potential through attending university whilst equipping them with financial management skills which they will need as adults and future parents of children within our community.
Proposal 3 is in line with SSWBA 2014 and its ethos of supporting people to take more responsibility over their own lives.
This is what the Local Authority as Corporate Parents aims to achieve.
I’d just be able to afford my rent.
Care leavers will also have access to a bursary to financially support them in addition to support to make applications for loans and grants and the Local Authority will also consider additional discretionary financial support on an individual basis.
It won’t but it would ensure that young people are adequately supported.
A policy to financially support young care leavers will ensure equity and consistency across this young group of people. Agreeing a financial option and thereafter developing a policy will allow care leavers the security of knowing what support options are available to them and enable the Local Authority to project its financial position in relation to this group of young people.
Question 6 - Do you have any other alternative proposal?
I believe that option 1, plus a £25 weekly living allowance would incentivise young people to attend who may otherwise be deterred by accruing debt or struggling to manage whilst studying.
3 Page 139 Option 1, does give the care leaver greater financial resources and even more so with an additional £ 25 weekly living allowance. However it does not support the care leaver to manage their finances or assist in the development of skills into independence with regards to money management and further development of the individual’s sense of financial responsibility.
Keep supporting the individuals who are trying their best to better themselves and go to university.
The Local Authority already ensures care leavers are supported and will continue to encourage young people who are Looked After to achieve and reach their full potential.
You should focus on getting the young person successfully started on a graduate career, by meeting all first year costs before considering debt creation.
All care leavers have a choice to attend university and are supported with regard to all alternative opportunities available to them. Meeting all the first year costs for care leavers is disproportionate in comparison to some students who are not care leavers.
Question 7 - Further comments on this proposal
Care doesn’t stop at a certain age. These young people have already started life disadvantaged. I feel that burdening them with a large load will have a negative effect on their future.
Care leavers will be supported by the Local Authority throughout their education and a balance between loans and grants will assist them in their money management. There are many children within our communities who are disadvantaged but who have not become Looked After and who will receive less support than that available to Bridgend’s care leavers.
I feel that the Local Authority should make university as achievable for care leavers as possible to address the huge discrepancy in the percentage progressing to university.
The Local Authority takes pride in their role as a Corporate Parent and in ensuring children in their care achieve and reach their full potential. Any policy would be designed to support young people and be equitable with the majority of other young people who attend university and have to manage debts and loans.
Free level 4 qualifications because debt puts a lot of people off. The police force now asks every applicant to have a degree so should an appropriate applicant be turned away because they’re afraid of debt.
Care leavers are and will be supported to manage debt appropriately and other children who have not been Looked After may not have this opportunity if they are estranged from their family or their family are not financially secure.
4 Page 140 We do not have parents we can turn to for help.
The Local Authority support Looked After children and its care leavers as their corporate parents. Whilst Looked After are supported by both their Social Worker and Personal Advisor, as care leavers they continue to be supported by their Personal Advisor and will also have access to community and adult services to ensure they continue to receive support into their adulthood.
£25 a week is pocket money – it won’t meet any additional needs or special circumstances – already inflation is biting into your proposed loans/grants.
Such support is already in existence. All Care leavers do and can receive discretionary financial support for additional needs and special circumstances.
4.12 47% of responders told us that they would like to receive information on the consultation once the report is available. If “yes”, responders were asked to provide their email address for future correspondence.
5 Page 141 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 8
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
REPORT TO CABINET
18 SEPTEMBER 18 2018
REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
NOMINATION TO VALLEYS TO COAST BOARD
1. Purpose of report
1.1 The purpose of this report is to seek Cabinet’s approval for the appointment of member representation on Valleys to Coast (V2C) Board.
2. Connection to corporate improvement objectives/other corporate priorities
2.1 This report assists in the achievement of the following corporate priority/priorities:
Helping people to be more self-reliant* – taking early steps to reduce or prevent people from becoming vulnerable or dependent on the Council and its services.
3. Background
3.1 Following a ballot of tenants, V2C was established through a housing stock transfer from BCBC in September 2003 with the aim of improving tenants homes in order to meet the Welsh Governments Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) and to support the wider community.
3.2 As part of the transfer document (the memorandum of association) for V2C, a Board of Management was established with a three way, equal share membership of Board Members from the Council (BCBC), tenant Board Members and independent Board Members
3.3 On the 29 September 2016 the Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced that Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) in Wales should be classified in the national accounts as Public Non-financial Corporations. The reason for this is RSLs are subject to what ONS term government control, mainly through regulatory powers, set out in the Housing Act 1996. Previously, RSLs were classified as Private Non- financial Corporations.
3.4 A significant proportion of the RSL development programme is funded through borrowing from the private sector which supplements Welsh Government Social Housing Grant and other funding programmes.
3.5 The classification of RSLs in Wales as Public Non-financial Corporations increased the Public Sector Net Debt and Public Sector Net Borrowing because any private sector market borrowings (currently, on average £200 million per year) taken out by the newly classified public sector RSLs scored as a charge against Welsh Government budgets. Funding for housing therefore competed with other Welsh Government priorities with the result that this would have meant fewer new
Page 143 affordable homes and limited options for the Welsh Government to maximise the positive contributions RSLs make to the communities in which they work, including significant local employment and economic benefits.
3.6 The RSL sector (both locally and nationally) subsequently lobbied the Welsh Government to amend or remove those elements of central and local government control which had led to the ONS decision to classify RSLs as Public Non-financial Corporations to allow ONS to reclassify RSLs back to Private Non-financial Corporations. In order to do so, amendments to the regulation of RSLs were required.
4. Current situation/proposal
4.1 On 13th June 2018 the Welsh Assembly Government enacted in the Regulation of Registered Social Landlords (Wales) Act 2018 (“the Act”) which makes provision in respect of the constitutional arrangements for RSLs in Wales, limiting local authority influence on the RSL Boards with the intention of changing the classification and regulatory status of RSL’s in Wales. Following the enactment of the Act the ONS re- classified RSL’s in Wales and has changed their current classification from Public Non-Financial Corporations to Private Non-Financial Corporations.
4.2 The Act determines the local authority membership of RSL Boards and introduces a number of changes to the current role including the following:
Local authority appointees are not allowed to exceed 24% of the total RSL Board membership Any resolution of the RSL Board will not require more than 75% of the votes cast to be passed It removes the requirement for any local authority appointee to be present to achieve a quorate meeting
4.3 In light of this legislative change, V2C have taken the opportunity to review its Board structure and make-up and are looking to move to a skills based Board by removing all constituent parts and appointing according to skills requirement. In addition, they are not seeking to increase the number of their Board and are proposing for there to be nine full Board members.
4.5 As part of their restructure of the Board V2C intend to reduce the current number of local authority members on their Board from 3 to 1 members, effective from the 13th October 2018. The final makeup of the Board has not yet been decided by V2C and these discussions are expected to take place shortly within V2C.
4.5 Despite the requirement to reduce direct Board membership by BCBC members, given V2C’s situation as the largest stock holding RSL, Cabinet should note that regular meetings and mechanisms are in place to ensure that V2C continue to assist BCBC in meeting the strategic housing needs of the citizens of the borough. These include, but are not limited to –
Quarterly strategic meetings of the Leader, Cabinet Members, Chief Executive and Head of Service with V2C Chief Executive and Senior Management Team (SMT);
Page 144 Quarterly management meetings of Head of Service and Group Manager with V2C SMT; Weekly operational meetings of senior housing service officers of both organisations; Monthly meetings of senior development and strategy staff of both organisations.
4.6 It is therefore, proposed that a Member be appointed to the V2C Board to comply with the new legislation and meet the required deadlines.
5. Effect upon policy framework and procedure rules
5.1 None
6. Equality Impact Assessment
6.1 No equalities impact
7. Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 implications
7.1 The well-being goals identified in the Act were considered in the preparation of this report. It is considered that there will be no significant or unacceptable impacts upon the achievement of well-being goals/objectives as a result of this report.
8. Financial implications
8.1 No financial implications
9. Recommendation
9.1 Cabinet is recommended to appoint a representative to the V2C Board.
Darren Mepham Chief Executive 22nd August 2018
Contact officer: Lynne Berry Group Manager, Housing
Telephone: (01656) 643517
Email: [email protected]
Postal address: Housing, Ravenscourt,
Background documents: The Regulation of Registered Social Landlords (Wales) Act 2018
Page 145 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 9
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
REPORT TO CABINET
18 SEPTEMBER 2018
REPORT OF THE HEAD OF LEGAL AND REGULATROY SERVICES
LOCAL AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT – ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2018
1. Purpose of report
1.1 The purpose of this report is to present the 2018 Local Air Quality Management Annual Progress Report (APR) for Bridgend County Borough Council. This report requires Cabinet approval in order to submit a Final version to Welsh Government.
2. Connection to corporate improvement objectives/other corporate priorities
2.1 This report assists in the achievement of the following corporate priority/priorities:
Supporting a successful economy* – taking steps to make the county a good place to do business, for people to live, work, study and visit, and to ensure that our schools are focused on raising the skills, qualifications and ambitions of all people in the county.
3. Background
3.1 The Local Air Quality Management process (LAQM), places a statutory obligation on all local authorities to regularly review and assess air quality in their areas and to determine whether the air quality objectives to protect health are likely to be achieved. Where exceedances occur or are considered likely to occur, the local authority must declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and prepare an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) setting out the measures it intends to put in place in pursuit of the objectives.
3.2 The Annual Progress Report provides details on the ratified data for the air quality monitoring undertaken in 2017 within Bridgend County Borough Council.
4. Current situation/proposal
4.1 The Annual Progress Report confirms that in general air quality within Bridgend County Borough continues to meet the relevant air quality objectives as prescribed in the Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000 and the Air Quality (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2002.
4.2 However, it is notable that Park Street, Bridgend is a specific area of concern.
4.3 Two Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) monitoring locations situated on Park Street, as detailed in Figure 1, highlight elevated and exceeding annual average levels of NO2 when compared to the annual average NO2 Air Quality Objective of 40µg/m3. A further location at Sunnyside indicates compliance with the objective.
Page 147 OBC 102 – Sunnyside (23.7 µg/m3 ) OBC-103- Park Street (37.6µg/m3) OBC-104- Park Street (41.5µg/m3)
Figure 1 – 2017 Monitoring Locations on Park, Street, Bridgend
4.4 During 2018, monitoring for NO2 has been increased further along Park Street, with an additional two NO2 monitoring sites implemented. These will continue to be monitored. Figure 2 illustrates the current 2018 network of monitoring for Park Street including the additional two locations (OBC 109 and OBC 110). 4.5 Figure 2 – 2018 Monitoring Locations on Park Street, Bridgend
Page 148 4.6 While a full dataset is not available for 2018, it is evident that site OBC-110, which is situated at residential facades on Park Street, that the results are significantly elevated and there is the likelihood of exceedances of both the air quality objectives set for NO2. However, llocation OBC-109 currently meets the NO2 Air Quality Objective of 40µg/m3.
4.7 In line with Welsh Government’s Policy Guidance, following submission and approval of the 2018 Annual Progress Report, the Council will make an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) order for the Park Street Area. There will be a future report to Cabinet accompanied by an appropriate technical report setting out the reasons why the order is needed. A Draft Air Quality Action Plan will also need to be implemented.
5. Effect upon policy framework and procedure rules
5.1 The Report does not have any impacts on policy framework and procedure rules.
6. Equality Impact Assessment
6.1 There are no equality implications arising from this report.
7. Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 implications
7.1 Local Area Quality Management supports the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act goals of:
A healthier Wales A globally responsible Wales Overall, improving air quality contributes significantly to the majority of the well-being goals.
8. Financial implications
8.1 The Annual Progress Report itself does not have any financial implications.
9. Recommendation
9.1. That Cabinet approves the 2018 Annual Progress Report on Local Air Quality Management for Bridgend County Borough Council (as attached at Appendix 1) for submission as a final version to Welsh Government before 30th September 2018.
9.2. That Cabinet notes that it will receive a further report on the requirement for an Air Quality Management Area at Park Street, Bridgend.
Kelly Watson Head of Legal and Regulatory Services 18th September 2018
Contact officer: Jason Bale Team Manager – Environment (Shared Regulatory Services)
Page 149 Telephone: 02920 871 896
Email: [email protected]
Postal address: Shared Regulatory Services, Civic Offices, Bridgend CF31 4WB
Background documents: None
Appendix 1 - Local Air Quality Management Annual Progress Report 2018
Page 150 Bridgend County Borough Council
2018 Annual Air Quality Progress Report for Bridgend County Borough Council
In fulfillment of Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 Local Air Quality Management
August 2018
LAQMPage Annual 151 Progress Report 2018 Bridgend County Borough Council
Local Authority Officer Craig Lewis Department Shared Regulatory Services Public Protection Legal and Regulatory Services Bridgend County Borough Council Address Civic Offices Angel Street Bridgend CF31 4WB
Telephone e-mail [email protected] Report Reference
number Air Quality Progress Report 2018 Date 17/08/2017
LAQMPage Annual 152 Progress Report 2018 Bridgend County Borough Council
Executive Summary: Air Quality in Our Area
Air Quality in Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) Local authorities have a statutory duty under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 & Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland 2007 to manage local air quality. The Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) process places an obligation on all local authorities to regularly review and assess air quality in their areas, and to determine whether or not air quality objectives are likely to be achieved.
The air quality objectives applicable to LAQM in Wales are set out in the Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000, No. 1940 (Wales 138) and Air Quality (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2002, No 3182 (Wales 298). Where the air quality reviews indicate that the air quality objectives may not be met the local authority is required to designate an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). Action must then be taken at a local level and outlined in a specific Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) to ensure that air quality in the identified area improves.
In line with the Local Authorities’ statutory duties under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995, Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) on behalf of BCBC undertakes regular air quality monitoring at specifically allocated locations across Bridgend using automated and non-automated principles for ambient air nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10) & sulphur dioxide (SO2).
With regards to prioritising ambient air quality sampling locations, the Council adopts a risk based approach to any allocation of monitoring sites, considering the requirements of The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance 16, February 2018 (previously April 2016). The designated monitoring locations are assigned based on relevant exposure and where the certain Air Quality Objective levels for a particular pollutant applies. TG(16) states that annual mean objectives should apply at “All locations where members of the public might be regularly exposed. Building facades of residential properties, schools, hospitals, car homes etc.”
Automatic Monitoring Sites- BCBC has two automatic air quality monitoring sites which are located at Ewenny Cross Roundabout and Rhiwceilog (Rockwool Ltd). The sites monitor on a 24/7 basis measuring levels of NO2, PM10 & SO2.
LAQMPage Annual 153 Progress Report 2018 iii Bridgend County Borough Council
In October 2017, due to continued compliance for SO2, following permissions from SRS on behalf of
BCBC and NRW, Rockwool Ltd has relocated its SO2 monitor to the vestry of Soar Chapel, Rhiwceiliog.
Non-automatic Monitoring Sites- In 2017 BCBC operated 30 specifically allocated non automatic monitoring sites in Bridgend which monitor levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).
The 2017 Annual Progress Report (APR) outlined that the NO2 non-automatic monitoring network utilised in Bridgend had been expanded for 2017. Ten additional non-automatic NO2 monitoring locations were commissioned based on known areas of particularly elevated traffic flows, introduction of traffic management systems and foreseeable development, all with nearby relevant exposure. These newly commissioned sites included Park Street, Coity Road, Cowbridge Road and Bridgend Town Centre’s Market Street.
Previous annual LAQM reporting for Bridgend has highlighted continued compliance with national air quality objectives as prescribed in the Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000 and the Air Quality (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2002. Therefore there have been no requirements to implement any Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) in Bridgend. However, since the commissioning of ten non-automatic NO2 monitoring locations in 2017, a review of the yearly datasets indicate elevated and exceeding annual average levels of NO2 at sensitive receptor locations along Park Street, Bridgend. Figure 1.1 illustrates the locations of the Park Street monitors in 2017.
Figure 1.1- 2017 NO2 Diffusion Tube Monitors Park Street
The two NO2 monitoring locations situated on Park Street highlight elevated and exceeding annual 3 average levels of NO2 when compared to the annual average NO2 objective set at 40µg/m ;
LAQMPage Annual 154 Progress Report 2018 iv Bridgend County Borough Council
OBC-103- 39 Park Street (37.6µg/m3) OBC-104- 51 Park Street (41.5µg/m3)
Despite the highlighted area of concern, compliance with the air quality objectives was achieved at all other monitoring locations.
At the time of writing this report, BCBC’s network of NO2 diffusion tubes has been assessed, whereby the network has been expanded to encapsulate a wider foot print of Bridgend. Existing monitoring locations have also been amended and improved to represent worse case exposure. The new areas of monitoring now include Pencoed and Porthcawl and therefore results from these areas will be examined and reported in BCBC’s 2019 APR.
SRS & BCBC recognises that in order to tackle these known pockets of poor air quality, a more suitable and constructive approach is required to target the whole of Bridgend, improving overall air quality. With the implementation of correct long term measures, highlighted road networks and identified areas of concern should be able to benefit from improved air quality. The recent Welsh Government guidance on local air quality management recommended two clear goals:
(1) achieve compliance with the national air quality objectives in specific hotspots and (2) reduce exposure to pollution more widely, so as to achieve the greatest public health benefit.
Collective efforts, therefore, should look beyond targeted action in localised air pollution hotspots and do this in parallel with universal action to reduce risks for everyone.
In sight of these aspirations SRS & BCBC adopts the principles of The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. The Act is a significant enabler to improve air quality as it calls for sustainable cross-sector action based on the principles of long-term, prevention-focused integration, collaboration and involvement. It intends to improve economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being in Wales to ensure the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The Act places responsibilities on public bodies in Wales to work in new ways (including via Public Services Boards) towards national Well-being goals. Progress is measured against a suite of well-being and Public Health Outcomes Framework indicators; there is one specifically concerned with air pollution.
As Figure 1.2 illustrates below, the Act is the legislative vehicle for “Health in all Policies in Wales” and provides the underpinning principles for all policy and decision making, including economic
LAQMPage Annual 155 Progress Report 2018 v Bridgend County Borough Council development, in Wales. Reducing air pollution, health risks and inequalities can help contribute to most, if not all, of the well-being goals. As such, the Act presents excellent opportunities to change policy and practice to enhance air quality management arrangements across Bridgend (and wider).
Figure 1.2- The Well- being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 Matrix
Actions to Improve Air Quality To date BCBC has not declared an AQMA, therefore no further action was required to address air quality management. SRS & BCBC, in accordance with Welsh Government’s (WG) Local Air Quality Management Policy Guidance, July 2017, looked to improve its monitoring capability and strengthen the datasets captured in 2017. As referenced in the policy guidance;
“the national air quality objectives are not ‘safe’ levels of air pollution. Rather they represent a pragmatic threshold above which government considers the health risks associated with air pollution are unacceptable.”
As mentioned, in an effort to broaden its air quality understanding BCBC acquired additional non- automatic NO2 monitoring sites in 2017 and also recently in 2018 amended and improved the network.
It was also noted in the 2017 APR that quality issues were apparent with the automatic monitoring station installed at Ewenny Cross Roundabout. Due to staffing requirements routine calibrations needed every two weeks, as per the requirements of LAQM TG(16), Section 7.170 were unable to be fulfilled. This consequently impacted the ability to undertake a site specific co-location study. In October 2017, the Specialist Services Team acquired additional staff resource to assist with local air quality monitoring. Unfortunately this position only came into place in the later part of the year, whereby inconsistency with calibrations was prevalent for much of 2017.
LAQMPage Annual 156 Progress Report 2018 vi Bridgend County Borough Council
Local Priorities and Challenges
Based on the 2017 figures, under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 & Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland 2007, according to the statutory requirements of LAQM a DRAFT Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) must be implemented within 18 months of declaring an AQMA. In accordance with WG’s Policy Guidance for LAQM;
4.12 A draft action plan must be produced for review by the Welsh Government within 18 months of the coming-into-force date of the AQMA order, and the action plan must be formally adopted before two years have elapsed. A Local Authority failing to produce a draft action plan for review by the Welsh Government within two years of declaring or extending an AQMA will, in the absence of a compelling explanation, be issued with a direction from the Welsh Ministers under section 85(3) of the 1995 Act.
During 2018, monitoring for NO2 has been increased further along Park Street, with an additional two NO2 monitoring sites implemented. Figure 1.3 illustrates the current 2018 network of monitoring for Park Street including the additional two locations.
Figure 1.3- 2018 NO2 Diffusion Tube Monitors Park Street
Although a full dataset is not available for 2018, it is evident that site OBC-110, situated at the residential facades of 101/103 Park Street, figures are elevated and there is the likelihood of exceedances of the air quality objectives set for NO2.
LAQMPage Annual 157 Progress Report 2018 vii Bridgend County Borough Council
In line with Welsh Governments Policy Guidance, following submission and approval of the 2018 Annual Progress Report, SRS & BCBC will need to legally declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) for the Park Street Area, and this will be accompanied by an appropriate technical report setting out the reasons for the declaration.
Given that a number of residential properties will be included in the boundary of AQMA, SRS & BCBC will need to engage with these residents in a formal and effective communications exercise in order that the reasons and the implications of an AQMA can be adequately explained to them and the wider community as necessary.
Following the declaration of the AQMA, the Council will have up to 24 months to formalise an Action Plan in order to implement appropriate measures to try and improve/ reduce the NO2 levels within the AQMA.
As part of the action plan a thorough understanding for air quality levels and trends will need to be gathered to inform any mitigation measures implemented. Therefore it is envisaged that the Ewenny Cross Roundabout automatic monitoring station will be installed in an appropriate location along
Park Street which will measure NO2 and PM10. Progress has already started with the allocation of a new sampling location with site visits undertaken and acquiring a contracted service to support data handling and ratification. At the time of writing this report consultants have successfully started the data handling of data collected at Ewenny Cross Roundabout.
The development of a suitable action plan will require cross departmental working, especially from colleagues in Transportation, Highways and Planning.
In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of any proposed actions, detailed air quality and transport modelling will likely be required to support any decisions to implement the preferred action measures.
How to Get Involved BCBC welcomes any correspondence relating to air quality enquiries or concerns. Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) Specialist Services Team represents BCBC for air quality and therefore is contactable via the webpage www.srs.wales/en/Home.aspx. Monthly average monitoring data for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is available at https://airquality.gov.wales/
LAQMPage Annual 158 Progress Report 2018 viii Bridgend County Borough Council
Table of Contents
Executive Summary: Air Quality in Our Area ...... iii Air Quality in Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) ...... iii Actions to Improve Air Quality ...... vi Local Priorities and Challenges ...... vii How to Get Involved...... viii 1. Actions to Improve Air Quality ...... 12 1.1 Previous Work in Relation to Air Quality ...... 12 1.2 Air Quality Management Areas ...... 18 1.3 Implementation of Action Plans ...... 19 2. Air Quality Monitoring Data and Comparison with Air Quality Objectives ...... 20 2.1 Summary of Monitoring Undertaken in 2017 ...... 20 2.1.1 Automatic Monitoring Sites ...... 20 2.1.2 Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites...... 26 2.2 2017 Air Quality Monitoring Results ...... 35 2.3 Comparison of 2017 Monitoring Results with Previous Years and the Air Quality Objectives ...... 42
2.3.1 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)...... 42
2.3.2 Particulate Matter (PM10) ...... 43
2.3.3 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) ...... 43 2.4 Summary of Compliance with AQS Objectives as of 2017 ...... 43 3. New Local Developments ...... 44 3.1 Road Traffic Sources (& other transport) ...... 44 3.1.1 Airports ...... 44 3.1.2 Railways (Diesel and Steam Trains) ...... 44 Stationary Trains ...... 44 Moving Trains ...... 44 3.1.3 Ports (Shipping) ...... 44 3.2 Industrial / Fugitive or Uncontrolled Sources / Commercial Sources ...... 45 3.2.1 New or Proposed Installations for which an Air Quality Assessment has been Carried Out ...... 45 3.2.2 Existing Installations where Emissions have Increased Substantially or New Relevant Exposure has been introduced ...... 45 3.2.3 New or Significantly Changed Installations with No Previous Air Quality Assessment ...... 45 3.2.4 Major Fuel (Petrol) Storage Depots ...... 45
LAQMPage Annual 159 Progress Report 2018 ix Bridgend County Borough Council
3.2.5 Petrol Stations ...... 45 3.2.6 Poultry Farms ...... 45 3.3 Commercial and Domestic Sources ...... 46 3.3.1 Biomass Combustion – Individual Installations ...... 46 3.3.2 Biomass Combustion – Combined Impacts ...... 46 3.3.3 Other Sources ...... 46 3.3.4 Domestic Solid-Fuel Burning ...... 46 3.4 New Developments with Fugitive or Uncontrolled Sources ...... 46 3.5 Planning Applications ...... 47 4. Polices and Strategies Affecting Airborne Pollution ...... 49 4.1 Air Quality Planning Policies ...... 49 4.2 Local Transport Plans and Strategies ...... 49 4.3 Active Travel Plans and Strategies ...... 50 4.4 Local Authorities Well-being Objectives ...... 51 4.5 Green Infrastructure Plans and Strategies ...... 52 4.6 Climate Change Strategies ...... 54 5. Conclusions and Proposed Actions ...... 55 5.1 Conclusions from New Monitoring Data ...... 55 5.2 Conclusions relating to New Local Developments/ Sources ...... 55 5.3 Other Conclusions ...... 55 5.4 Proposed Actions ...... 55 References ...... 57 Appendices ...... 58 Appendix A: Monthly Diffusion Tube Monitoring Results ...... 59 Appendix B: A Summary of Local Air Quality Management ...... 62 Purpose of an Annual Progress Report ...... 62 Air Quality Objectives ...... 62 Appendix C: Air Quality Monitoring Data QA/QC ...... 64 Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors ...... 64 Short-Term to Long-Term Data Adjustment ...... 65 QA/QC of Diffusion Tube Monitoring ...... 67 Glossary of Terms ...... 68
List of Tables Table 2.1- Details of Automatic Monitoring Sites Table 2.2- Details of Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites 2017 Table 0.1 – Non-automatic Annual Mean NO2 Monitoring Results (2013- 2017) Table 0.4 – Automatic Annual Mean NO2 Monitoring Results (2013- 2017) Table 2.5 –Automatic 1-hour Mean NO2 Monitoring Results (2013- 2017)
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Table 0.6 – Automatic Annual Mean PM10 Monitoring Results (2013- 2017) Table 0.7 – Automatic 24-Hour Mean PM10 Monitoring Results (2013- 2017) Table 0.8 – Automatic SO2 Monitoring Results: Comparison with Objectives Table A.1 – Full Monthly Diffusion Tube Results for 2017 Table B.1 – Air Quality Objectives Included in Regulations for the Purpose of LAQM in Wales Table C.1 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of NO2 annualisation ratio for Ewenny Cross Roundabout AMS Table C.2 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-069 Table C.3 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-101 Table C.4 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-049 Table C.5 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-050 Table C.6 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-106 Table C.8 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-080 Table C.7 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-087 Table C.9 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-081 Table C.10 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-082 Table C.11 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-083
List of Figures Figure 1.1- 2017 NO2 Diffusion Tube Monitors Park Street Figure 1.2- The Well- being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 Matrix Figure 1.3- 2018 NO2 Diffusion Tube Monitors Park Street Figure 1.4- Envisaged AQMA boundary for Park Street AQMA Figure 2.1- Map of Ewenny Cross Roundabout Automatic Monitoring Site Figure 2.2- Map of Rockwool Automatic Monitoring Site (Original Location Cadairfarch Farm) Figure 2.3- Map of Rockwool Automatic Monitoring Site (New Location- Vestry of Soar Chapel, Rhiwceiliog est October 2017) Figure 2.4a– AREA A – Tondu Roundabout NO2 Diffusion Tube Locations Figure 2.4b– AREA B – Ewenny Cross Roundabout, A48 By-Pass NO2 Diffusion Tube Locations Figure 2.4c– AREA C – Nolton Street/ Ewenny Cross Link/ A473 Cowbridge Road NO2 Diffusion Tube Locations Figure 2.4d– Area D – Bridgend town Centre NO2 Diffusion Tube Location Figure 2.4e– Area E – Park Street NO2 Diffusion Tube Locations Figure 2.4f– Area F – Coity Road NO2 Diffusion Tube Locations Figure 2.4g– AREA G – Maesteg Town Centre NO2 Diffusion Tube Locations Figure 0.5 – Trends in Annual Mean NO2 Concentrations Figure 2.6- Bridgend PSB Four Well-being Objectives
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1. Actions to Improve Air Quality 1.1 Previous Work in Relation to Air Quality
First Round of Review and Assessment Between 1999 and 2001, Bridgend County Borough Council published reports corresponding to stages 1, 2 and 3 of the first round of review and assessment of air quality. Seven key pollutants were examined (carbon monoxide, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, lead, nitrogen dioxide, fine particles (PM10) and sulphur dioxide). These assessments predicted no exceedences of any of the objectives. It concluded that in order to fulfil the requirements of the Environment Act 1995, air quality should be reviewed and assessed again in 2003.
Second Round of Review and Assessment Following new technical and policy guidance issued by Defra, Bridgend County Borough Council published its first Updating and Screening Assessment in June 2003. Of the seven pollutants subjected to the updating and screening assessment process, it was concluded that the likelihood of the air quality objectives for carbon monoxide, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, lead and sulphur dioxide being exceeded was negligible and that it was not necessary to carry out a detailed assessment of any of these pollutants. However, the updating and screening assessment for nitrogen dioxide and PM10 revealed gaps in the data gathered and concluded that there was evidence to suggest non-compliance with the air quality objectives for PM10 and
NO2 at three locations resulting from road traffic emissions. It was suggested that there was a requirement to continue to a Detailed Assessment for the following locations;
A48 Ewenny Cross, Bridgend The western end of Cowbridge Road, Bridgend The western end of the Bridgend Cross Valley Link Road.
In addition it was also recommended to carry out a co-location exercise to determine the bias correction for the passive nitrogen dioxide detector tubes provided and analysed by Severn Trent Laboratories.
In July 2005, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Local Air Quality Management Progress Report recommended that;
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-All currently held data should be, as far as possible, ratified.
-Data shall continue to be gathered from the three sites identified in the June 2003 USA to enable conclusions to be drawn on the current and future air quality at these locations. The results will be presented in a Detailed Assessment of Air Quality at these locations by 31st December 2005.
-The mobile PM10 and NOx monitoring station should be added to the Welsh Air Quality Forum Network of sites and receive appropriate Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) to validate any data gathered.
In March 2006 a Detailed Assessment for Nitrogen Dioxide and Particles (PM10) was produced in March 2006 and concluded that the current air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide and particles
PM10 are being met and that the 2010 Air Quality Daughter Directive limit value for nitrogen dioxide will also be achieved at the three road junctions assessed. However, it also recommended that monitoring data from the three road junction sites identified in the June 2003 USA should continue to be gathered to enable assessment of future air quality at these locations.
Third Round of Review and Assessment Bridgend County Council published its second USA in May 2006. The assessment concluded that there was no requirement to proceed to a detailed assessment for any pollutant in Bridgend County Borough.
The Council published Progress Reports in 2007 and 2008. Both reports coincided with one another, issuing similar conclusions and recommendations. They indicated that no air quality objectives prescribed in the Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000 and the Air Quality (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2002 will be breached at any relevant locations.
In terms of monitoring locations, the reports highlighted the following;
-Data on NO2 concentrations will continue to be gathered at relevant locations adjacent to A48 Ewenny Cross, the western end of Cowbridge Road and at Tondu Road on the western end of the Bridgend Cross Valley Link Road.
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-Monitoring of PM10 and NO2 will continue at Kenfig Hill adjacent to the opencast coal site operated by Celtic Energy Ltd.
-Monitoring of NO2 and sulphur dioxide (SO2) will take place at relevant locations adjacent to Rockwool Ltd, Wern Tarw, Pencoed when the new factory extension becomes operational.
Fourth Round of Review and Assessment The Bridgend County Council published its third USA in June 2009. There was no evidence of any significant breaches of the air quality objectives prescribed in the Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000 and the Air Quality (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2002, at any relevant locations. The report did however draw attention upon an ongoing trend for NO2 concentrations at Ewenny Cross, Bridgend, and Tondu Road, Bridgend, at the façade of the nearest houses, to be at or close to the air quality objective for NO2 for 2007.’’ It was decided that monitoring would continue at the two highlighted sites as part of an ongoing Detailed Assessment to be produced later that year.
The 2010 Progress Report stated the following;
The conclusions for the new monitoring data in relation to Ewenny Cross and Tondu Rd show that Ewenny Cross has exceeded the annual mean National Air Quality Objective for nitrogen dioxide
(NO2) and this will be reported in depth in the Detailed Assessment to be produced later this year.
The results for nitrogen dioxide at Tondu Rd show that the annual mean National Air Quality
Objective for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has not been exceeded. However, in view of the results which are very close to the objective, monitoring will continue at this location for at least another year.
There are no new local developments likely to give rise to a significant impact on air quality within the County Borough.
There are no other issues that give rise to concern in terms of impact on air quality within the County Borough.
The Detailed Assessment for Ewenny Cross is near completion and will be produced in May 2010. A further progress report will be produced early in 2011.
The 2010 Detailed Assessment for Ewenny Cross was subsequently submitted and stated:
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This Detailed Assessment of Air Quality has shown that the current air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are not being met at the south western sector of Ewenny Cross, Bridgend but are being met at the Bridgend Cross Valley Link, Tondu Road, Bridgend.
In view of the above, the following recommendations have been made:
-Monitoring should continue at its present level at the Bridgend Cross Valley Link, Tondu Road and at Ewenny Cross, Bridgend.
-A continuous monitor, together with a meteorological station, should be installed at or as near to the south western sector of Ewenny roundabout as is practical.
Following discussions with Welsh Assembly Government and UWE it was decided that the Detailed Assessment should remain ongoing and that any decision to declare an AQMA for Ewenny Cross should be delayed until continuous monitoring data for 2010 has been collated and analysed.
The 2011 Progress report stated the following:
Following the Detailed Assessment submitted in June 2010 and the response from WAG, the Authority decided, in consultation with WAG and UWE to defer a decision to declare an AQMA for Ewenny Cross until a full calendar year of continuous monitoring data had been collated and analysed.
Due to equipment failure and contractual issues, continuous monitoring at Ewenny Cross has been significantly delayed. Continuous sampling commenced in March 2011 as did a diffusion tube co- location study.
The conclusions from annualised monitoring data obtained since the last report show that one sampling point at Ewenny Cross has exceeded the annual mean National Air Quality Objective for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The other nine around the Cross remain within the annual mean National Air Quality Objective.
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The results for nitrogen dioxide diffusion tube monitoring at Tondu Rd show that the National Air
Quality Objective’s annual mean for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has not been exceeded. However, results are very close to the objective and monitoring will continue at this location for another year.
No continuous PM10 data could be retrieved for South Cornelly or Kenfig Hill due to equipment failure.
The nitrogen dioxide diffusion tube sampling locations in Maesteg town centre which were set up in July 2010 following local concerns have shown to date, an exceedance at one sampling point. As a result, more monitoring location points have been put in place and will be reported upon in the next USA report.
Fifth Round of Review and Assessment Bridgend County Council published its fourth USA May 2012. In addition a Detailed Assessment was submitted for Ewenny Cross. The reports identified;
-There were no indications of any significant breaches of the air quality objectives prescribed in the Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000 and the Air Quality (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2002.
-There was an exceedence of the objective for Nitrogen Dioxide at one location in Maesteg. However, this was marginal and the other sample points in the immediate vicinity were below the National Objectives for Nitrogen Dioxide. Monitoring continued at this site and extra sample sites, in addition to those already in place were set up where practicable. The data so far for this location, in view of the above, does not suggest that a Detailed Assessment is necessary at this time, although this will be subject to review as more data is collected and analysed.
-The positioning of an Automated Continuous NOx Analyser and co-location study at Ewenny Cross has provided robust information as to the air quality situation and indicates that Nitrogen Dioxide levels do not exceed the National Air Quality Objectives. This Automated Continuous NOx Analyser will be retained at this site to gather more data over the coming year.
-The Detailed Assessment 2012 completed in tandem with this Report concluded that it is not necessary at this point in time to proceed with declaring an Air Quality Management Area at
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Ewenny Cross. The situation will continue to be monitored by way of the co-location study utilising the Automated Continuous NOx Analyser and the numerous Nitrogen Dioxide Diffusion Tube sites situated at the Cross
The 2013 Progress report provided the following findings and recommendations;
The Report has not identified a need to proceed to a Detailed Assessment for any pollutant.
The Report has identified a need to continue monitoring for Nitrogen Dioxide in Maesteg Town Centre.
Monitoring of Nitrogen Dioxide and PM10 will continue at the same sites as at the end of 2012.
The Automated Continuous NOx Analyser and co-location study will continue at Ewenny Cross Roundabout for this year to acquire more robust data. In the light of the acquired data, the positioning and possible relocation of the Automatic Monitoring Station will be decided at the end of 2013.
Bridgend County Borough Council will submit a Progress Report in May 2014.
The 2014 Progress report stated the following:
With the exception of Ewenny Cross Roundabout as highlighted above, the Progress Report has not identified a need to consider proceeding to a Detailed Assessment for any other pollutant.
Monitoring of Nitrogen Dioxide and PM10 will continue at the same sites as at the end of 2013.
Bridgend County Borough Council will submit a progress report in May 2015.
Sixth Round of Review and Assessment Bridgend County Council published its fourth USA September 2015. The assessment identified no need to proceed to a Detailed Assessment for any pollutant.
2016 Annual Progress Report highlighted no concerns and no objectives were exceeded.
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2017 Annual Progress Report BCBC’s 2017 Annual Progress Report highlighted that air quality within Bridgend County Borough continued to meet the relevant air quality objectives as prescribed in the Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000 and the Air Quality (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2002.
Reporting described the amendments to the non-automatic NO2 network with 10 new locations commissioned for 2017.
Quality and technical issues were outlined regarding the automatic monitoring at Ewenny Cross
Roundabout, for both NO2 and PM10. The inability to conform to the frequency of calibration checks and technical issues faced with the PM10 Met One E Sampler were noted. Data capture was also an issue at the Rockwool Ltd site for SO2 monitoring, recorded at 47.1%.
1.2 Air Quality Management Areas
Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) are declared when air quality is close to or above an acceptable level of pollution (known as the air quality objective (Please see Appendix A)). After declaring an AQMA the authority must prepare a DRAFT Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) within 18 months setting out measures it intends to put in place to improve air quality to at least the air quality objectives, if not even better. The AQAP must be formally adopted prior to 24 months has elapsed. AQMA(s) are seen by local authorities as the focal points to channel resources into the most pressing areas of pollution as a priority.
BCBC does not currently have any AQMAs implemented, however following a revision of the annual average NO2 datasets an AQMA will need to be implemented. In line with Welsh Governments Policy Guidance following submission and approval of the 2018 Annual Progress Report, BCBC will need to legally declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) for the Park Street Area, and this will be accompanied by an appropriate technical report setting out the reasons for the declaration.
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1.3 Implementation of Action Plans
BCBC will adhere to the timeframes outlined within WG Policy Guidance, July 2017 ensuring that a DRAFT AQAP will be in place within 18 months of the formal declaration of the AQMA, and also a formalised AQAP with appropriate measures assessed is implemented within 24 months.
At this stage the nature of these measures is not certain but may entail some or all of the following:
Junction/ traffic signal improvements with Tondu Road; Consideration of vehicle flow/ access restrictions; Wider transportation improvements across Bridgend to encourage more sustainable and active travel; and Improved monitoring, including real time capabilities, to enable more robust understanding of trends and levels of pollution;
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2. Air Quality Monitoring Data and Comparison with Air Quality Objectives 2.1 Summary of Monitoring Undertaken in 2017
2.1.1 Automatic Monitoring Sites
Within the County Borough, there are two automatic monitoring location sites; Rhiwceilog and Ewenny Cross Roundabout.
The Rhiwceilog monitoring site is managed and maintained by Rockwool Ltd. Within the monitoring unit is an API AMX monitor capable of giving continuous fifteen minute averages of sulphur dioxide
(SO2) concentrations. Rockwool Environmental Officers have operated the continuous ambient SO2 monitor since 2008/9. . The equipment is calibrated by an Environment Officer at Rockwool on a fortnightly basis and serviced and maintained by Enviro Technology on a six monthly basis. Data obtained is checked for validation and ratified by Rockwool’s Environment Officer. In addition to this, the Rockwool environmental team manage 10 SO2 diffusion tubes placed at 10 locations in the vicinity of the Rockwool Ltd site.
The location of the SO2 automated monitor is shown in Figure 2.2 and details of the site are contained in Table 2.1. Due to continued compliance with the SO2 air quality objectives appointed officers from Rockwool Ltd, BCBC and NRW decided upon a new preferred location for the SO2 automated monitoring station. On the 3rd October 2017 the monitoring was assigned to its new location in the vestry of Soar Chapel, Rhiwceilog. Please refer to Figure 2.3 and Table 2.1 for further details. Rockwool Ltd continues to operate the SO2 diffusion tube locations, which satisfies the improvement programme requirement IP5V.
The Ewenny Cross Roundabout unit has been located at this site since 2011 following elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide recorded via diffusion tubes located within the area. The location of the site is shown in Figure 2.1 and details of the site are contained in Table 2.1. Within the mobile station is an
API NOx analyser capable of providing continuous fifteen minute averages of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations and a Met One E-Sampler PM10 monitor.
The mobile station is also equipped with a meteorological station so that local weather data can be gathered for use in conjunction with the air quality data. The Ewenny Cross Roundabout air quality monitoring station is calibrated by a Local Authority Officer on a fortnightly basis and serviced and
LAQMPage Annual 170 Progress Report 2018 20 Bridgend County Borough Council maintained by an approved authorised contractor on a six monthly basis. Data obtained is checked for validation and ratified by a Local Authority Officer.
The Ewenny Cross Roundabout Automatic Monitoring Station (AMS) was unfortunately subjected to some quality and technical issues in 2017. The chemiluminescent NOx Analyser had a total data capture of 27% and did not adhere to the calibration requirements outlined in LAQM (TG16), 7.170. It is specified that calibrations for roadside/ kerbside located monitors should be undertaken every two weeks by LAs. Unfortunately due to staffing requirements this was not adhered to. As a best practise approach, due to the inconsistency of LA calibrations an nitrogen dioxide (NO2) co-location study was not undertaken and alternatively a national bias adjustment factor was obtained from the
DEFRA website and applied to the NO2 datasets. The bias adjustment figure was based on an average of 29 co-location studies, undertaken by various Local Authorities around the UK who had appointed the same analytical laboratory and analysis method as BCBC for the NO2 diffusion tubes. In accordance with LAQM (TG16) the data from the NOx Analyser has been annualised in accordance with box 7.9 and the 90.8th Percentile value has been given to examine the 1 hour objective.
Due to mechanical issues and technical data issues, the Met One E PM10 Sampler captured only 12% valid data in 2017. Therefore a NO RESULT (NR) value was given for PM10.
In addition to the above, it is also important to note that whilst the monitoring equipment obtained automatic data, it was not connected to the Automatic Urban & Rural Network (AURN) or Welsh Air Quality Network and no external QA/QC monitoring is currently being carried out at any of the sites.
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Figure 2.1- Map of Ewenny Cross Roundabout Automatic Monitoring Site
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Figure 2.2- Map of Rockwool Automatic Monitoring Site (Original Location Cadairfarch Farm)
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Figure 2.3- Map of Rockwool Automatic Monitoring Site (New Location- Vestry of Soar Chapel, Rhiwceiliog est October 2017)
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Page 175 Page Table 2.1 Details of Automatic Monitoring Sites
Relevant Exposure? Distance Does this (Y/N with to Kerb of Location Inlet distance Site X OS Grid Y OS Grid Pollutants In Monitoring Nearest Represent Site ID Site Name Height (m) from Type Reference Reference Monitored AQMA? Technique Road (m) Worst- (m) monitoring (N/A if not Case site to applicable) Exposure? relevant exposure) Automated continuous NO 2 NOx Analyser
Ewenny Cross 290565 Roadside 178567 N Y (8.8m) 2.22m Y CM1 2.0 Met One E- Roundabout PM10 Sampler PM10 monitor
Automated CM2 Rockwool Industrial 297512 184539 4.0 SO N continuous 1700m N/A Y (Original) 2 SO2 Analyser
Automated CM2 Rockwool Industrial 297232 184331 4.0 SO N continuous 1200m 7.5m Y (Revised) 2 SO2 Analyser
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2.1.2 Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites
SRS on behalf of BCBC carries out monitoring of ambient air quality for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). In 2017, 30 specifically allocated non-automatic monitoring sites in Bridgend monitored levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The non-automatic sites do not provide live data; instead they consist of diffusion tubes which are placed at each of the sites, collected and replaced on a rolling monthly basis. The results derived from the tube sampling are then averaged over the year to enable a comparison of the results against the annual average (40µg/m3) and 1-hour (200µg/m3 not to be exceeded > 18 times per year) air quality objectives for NO2.
With regards to prioritising ambient air quality sampling locations, the Council adopts a risk based approach to any allocation of monitoring sites, considering the requirements of Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance 16, February 2018 (previously April 2016). The designated monitoring locations have been assigned based on relevant exposure and where the certain Air Quality Objective levels for a particular pollutant applies. The document states that annual mean objectives should apply at “All locations where members of the public might be regularly exposed. Building facades of residential properties, schools, hospitals, car homes etc.”
National background concentrations provided by Defra are now utilised for the purpose of bias correcting and annualising data can be obtained via the website link: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/data/laqm-background-maps?year=2015
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NO2 Diffusion Tube Locations
The location of the 7 areas where NO2 monitoring took place in 2017;
a. Tondu Road Roundabout at the Western End of the Bridgend Cross Valley Link Road (Figure 2.4a Area A). b. Ewenny Cross Roundabout, Bridgend (Figure 2.4b Area B). c. Nolton Street/ Ewenny Cross Link/ A473 Cowbridge Road (Figure 2.4c Area C). d. Bridgend town Centre (Figure 2.4d Area D). e. Park Street (Figure 2.4e Area E). f. Coity Road (Figure 2.4f Area F). g. Maesteg Town Centre (Figure 2.4g Area G).
The location, site description and data gathered since January 2017 are given in Table 2.2. The data has been gathered over a period of 12 months between January and December 2017, adhering to specific monitoring dates controlled by Defra.
Laboratory Methods and Analysis of Diffusion Tubes
Analysis of the exposed tubes is carried out by Environmental Scientifics Group Didcot (now formally known as Socotec) operating procedure HS/GW1/1015, issue 10. The tubes are prepared by spiking acetone:triethanolomine (50:50) on the grids prior to the tubes being assembled. The tubes are desorbed with distilled water and the extract analysed using a segmented flow auto analyser with ultraviolet detection. As set out in the practical guidance the results were initially calculated assuming an ambient temperature of 11oC and then adjusted to 20oC to allow direct comparison with EU limits. The national bias correction factor for this laboratory was utilised as opposed to our own local co-location data. The reason for this was due to an inconsistent calibration record, whereby calibrations of the NOx analyser were not undertaken every two weeks, as outlined in LAQM (TG16). Adopting best practice, no local co-location was carried out and a bias correction factor of 0.77 was obtained and applied using the DEFRA website, available using the following link; https://laqm.defra.gov.uk/bias-adjustment-factors/national-bias.html
Where valid data capture for the year is less than 75% (9 months), the NO2 diffusion tube monitoring data have been ‘’annualised’’ following the methods as described in Box 7.10 of LAQM (TG16).
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Where an exceedance is measured at a monitoring site not representative of public exposure, NO2 concentration at the nearest relevant exposure has been estimated based on the “NO2 fall-off with distance” calculator (http://laqm.defra.gov.uk/tools-monitoring-data/no2-falloff.html). The procedure is described in LAQM. TG16 Section 7.77-7.79.
Figure 2.4a – AREA A – Tondu Roundabout NO2 Diffusion Tube Locations
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Figure 2.4b – AREA B – Ewenny Cross Roundabout, A48 By-Pass NO2 Diffusion Tube Locations
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Figure 2.4c – AREA C – Nolton Street/ Ewenny Cross Link/ A473 Cowbridge
Road NO2 Diffusion Tube Locations
Figure 2.4d – Area D – Bridgend town Centre NO2 Diffusion Tube Location
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Figure 2.4e – Area E – Park Street NO2 Diffusion Tube Locations
Figure 2.4f – Area F – Coity Road NO2 Diffusion Tube Locations
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Figure 2.4g – AREA G – Maesteg Town Centre NO2 Diffusion Tube Locations
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Table 2.2 Details of Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites 2017 Page 183 Page
Relevant Distance to Co-located Exposure?1 kerb of X OS Site with a (Y/N with nearest road Grid Y OS Height Pollutants Continuous (m) to relevant in metres Worst-case Site Id Area Site Name Site Type Ref. Grid Ref. (m) Monitored In AQMA Analyser (Y/N) exposure) Location? TONDU ROAD ROUNDABOUT
OBC-001A A Tondu Road, Bridgend Kerbside 290378 179940 2.0 NO2 N N (N) 6.74 0.46 N Tondu Road Roundabout, OBC-048 A Roadside 290337 179997 2.0 NO N N (N) 9.60 2.23 N Bridgend 2
OBC-068 A Bridgend United Club Roadside 290356 179924 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 3.83 Y
OBC-069 A Tondu Rd Steps Roadside 290326 180005 2.0 NO2 N N (N)10.44 2.89 N EWENNY CROSS ROUNDABOUT
OBC-041 B Priory Avenue, Bridgend Roadside 290733 178535 2.0 NO2 N N (N) 7.38 1.29 N
OBC-043 B A48 Bypass, Bridgend Roadside 290609 178567 2.0 NO2 N N (N) 9.79 2.04 N
OBC-044 B Ewenny Road, Bridgend Roadside 290680 178582 2.0 NO2 N N (N) 10.38 13.66 N
OBC-055 B Ewenny Road Roadside 290583 178371 2.0 NO2 N N (N) 6.48 3.18 N
OBC-056 B Ewenny Road Kerbside 290596 178361 2.0 NO2 N N (N)11.83 0.47 N Corner of Ewenny OBC-078 B Roadside 290662 178533 2.0 NO N N (N) 4.40 1.85 N Roundabout 2
OBC-085 B A48 Bypass, Bridgend Roadside 290524 178541 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 10.28 Y
OBC-087 B A48 Bypass, Bridgend Roadside 290606 178572 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 9.40 Y A48 Bypass, Bridgend- OBC-088 B Roadside 290566 178566 2.0 NO N Y (Y) 0.00 2.20 Y Co-Location Study 1 2 A48 Bypass, Bridgend- OBC-089 B Roadside 290566 178566 2.0 NO N Y (Y) 0.00 2.20 Y Co-Location Study 2 2 A48 Bypass, Bridgend- OBC-090 B Roadside 290566 178566 2.0 NO N Y (Y) 0.00 2.20 Y Co-Location Study 3 2
OBC-091 B A48 Bypass, Bridgend Roadside 290610 178533 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 13.39 Y NOLTON STREET/ EWENNY CROSS LINK/ A473 COWBRIDGE ROAD
OBC-049 C Nolton Street, Bridgend Roadside 290700 179305 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 4.25 Y
OBC-050 C Ewenny Road, Bridgend Roadside 290665 179293 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 7.33 Y
OBC-105 C Cowbridge Road Roadside 290899 179185 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 4.10 Y
OBC-106 C Cowbridge Road Kerbside 290826 179210 2.0 NO2 N N (N) 3.30 0.90 N BRIDGEND TOWN CENTRE
OBC-101 D Bridgend town Centre Urban Centre 290469 179837 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 1.0 Y PARK STREET
OBC-102 E Sunnyside Street Roadside 290354 179807 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 2.95 Y
OBC-103 E Park Street Roadside 290250 179782 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 1.20 Y
LAQM Annual Progress Report 2018 33 Bridgend County Borough Council
OBC-104 E Park Street Roadside 290286 179800 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 1.05 Y Page 184 Page
COITY ROAD
F 290687 180185 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 5.30 Y OBC-097 Coity Road, Bridgend Roadside
F 290681 180198 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 4.20 Y OBC-098 Coity Road, Bridgend Roadside
F 290663 180251 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 5.60 Y OBC-099 Coity Road, Bridgend Roadside
F 290623 180374 2.0 NO2 N N (Y) 0.00 4.10 Y OBC-100 Coity Road, Bridgend Roadside
MAESTEG TOWN CENTRE
Urban Commercial Street, OBC-080 G Centre/ 285131 191284 2.0 NO N N (Y) 0.00 0.58 Y Maesteg 2 Kerbside Urban Centre OBC-081 G Talbot Street, Maesteg 285229 191331 2.0 NO N N (Y) 0.00 1.26 Y / Roadside 2
Urban Centre OBC-082 G Castle Street, Maesteg 285296 191398 2.0 NO N N (Y) 0.00 2.72 Y / Roadside 2
Urban Centre OBC-083 G Castle Street, Maesteg 285370 191382 2.0 NO N N (Y) 0.00 2.04 Y / Roadside 2
Notes:
1. 0m if the monitoring site is at a location of exposure (e.g. installed on the façade of a residential property)
LAQM Annual Progress Report 2018 34 Bridgend County Borough Council
Page 185 Page 2.2 2017 Air Quality Monitoring Results
Table 2.1 – Non-automatic Annual Mean NO2 Monitoring Results (2013- 2017) Valid Data Annual Mean Concentration (µg/m3) (2) Site Monitoring Capture Within Site ID 2013 (Bias 2014 (Bias 2015 (Bias 2016 (Bias 2017 (Bias Type Type 2017 (%) AQMA? Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment (1) Factor = 0.80) Factor = 0.81) Factor = 0.81) Factor = 0.78) Factor = 0.77) TONDU ROAD ROUNDABOUT Diffusion (3) OBC-001A Kerbside 83 N 33 40 27 38 34.2/ 24.2 Tube Diffusion (3) OBC-048 Roadside 83 N 41 36 34 42 38.1/ 28.2 Tube Diffusion OBC-068 Roadside 83 N 32 28 26 27 25.9 Tube Diffusion OBC-069 Roadside 58 N 40 29 27 34 29.9/ 23.4(2 & 3) Tube NOLTON STREET/ EWENNY CROSS LINK/ A473 COWBRIDGE ROAD Diffusion (2 & 3) OBC-049 Roadside 58 N 18 28 27 27 27.9/ 27.3 Tube Diffusion (2 & 3) OBC-050 Roadside 50 N 24 19 16 22 19.0/ 17.8 Tube Diffusion OBC-105 Roadside 83 N N/A N/A N/A N/A 24.6 Tube Diffusion (2 & 3) OBC-106 Kerbside 42 N N/A N/A N/A N/A 30.4/ 25.2 Tube EWENNY CROSS ROUNDABOUT Diffusion (3) OBC-041 Roadside 83 N 27 24 24 26 23.0/ 17.7 Tube Diffusion (3) OBC-043 Roadside 83 N 43 38 35 39 37.5/ 26.1 Tube Diffusion (3) OBC-044 Roadside 83 N 28 27 26 27 25.9/ 22.0 Tube Diffusion (3) OBC-055 Roadside 83 N 22 18 16 20 23.0/ 19.2 Tube
LAQM Annual Progress Report 2018 35 Bridgend County Borough Council
Page 186 Page Valid Data Annual Mean Concentration (µg/m3) (2) Site Monitoring Within Site ID Capture 2013 (Bias 2014 (Bias 2015 (Bias 2016 (Bias 2017 (Bias Type Type 2017 (%) AQMA? Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment (1) Factor = 0.80) Factor = 0.81) Factor = 0.81) Factor = 0.78) Factor = 0.77) Diffusion (3) OBC-056 Kerbside 83 N 30 31 29 32 26.6/ 17.1 Tube Diffusion (3) OBC-078 Roadside 83 N 33 31 29 31 30.5/ 24.7 Tube Diffusion OBC-085 Roadside 83 N 27 21 23 21 19.9 Tube Diffusion (2) OBC-087 Roadside 67 N 19 21 22 20 20.0 Tube Diffusion OBC-088 Roadside 83 N 24 22 21 21 20.3 Tube Diffusion OBC-089 Roadside 83 N 24 22 21 23 21.8 Tube Diffusion OBC-090 Roadside 75 N 24 23 23 21 19.5 Tube Diffusion OBC-091 Roadside 83 N 28 25 23 24 22.0 Tube BRIDGEND TOWN CENTRE Urban Diffusion OBC-101 58 N N/A N/A N/A N/A 18.1(2) Centre Tube PARK STREET Diffusion OBC-102 Roadside 75 N N/A N/A N/A N/A 23.7 Tube Diffusion OBC-103 Roadside 83 N N/A N/A N/A N/A 37.6 Tube Diffusion OBC-104 Roadside 83 N N/A N/A N/A N/A 41.5 Tube COITY ROAD Diffusion OBC-097 Roadside 83 N N/A N/A N/A N/A 26.3 Tube Diffusion OBC-098 Roadside 83 N N/A N/A N/A N/A 24.0 Tube Diffusion OBC-099 Roadside 83 N N/A N/A N/A N/A 23.8 Tube
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Page 187 Page Valid Data Annual Mean Concentration (µg/m3) (2) Site Monitoring Within Site ID Capture 2013 (Bias 2014 (Bias 2015 (Bias 2016 (Bias 2017 (Bias Type Type 2017 (%) AQMA? Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment (1) Factor = 0.80) Factor = 0.81) Factor = 0.81) Factor = 0.78) Factor = 0.77) Diffusion OBC-100 Roadside 75 N N/A N/A N/A N/A 24.1 Tube MAESTEG TOWN CENTRE Urban / Diffusion (2) OBC-080 50 N 36 34 24 23 23.9 Kerbside Tube Urban / Diffusion (2) OBC-081 58 N 38 26 25 24 21.4 Roadside Tube Urban / Diffusion (2) OBC-082 42 N 37 48 26 28 23.4 Roadside Tube Urban / Diffusion (2) OBC-083 42 N 33 26 26 29 25.1 Roadside Tube
Notes: 3 Exceedances of the NO2 annual mean objective of 40µg/m are shown in bold. 3 NO2 annual means exceeding 60µg/m , indicating a potential exceedance of the NO2 1-hour mean objective are shown in bold and underlined. (1) Data capture for the full calendar year (e.g. if monitoring was carried out for 6 months, the maximum data capture for the full calendar year is 50%). (2) Diffusion tube data has been “bias adjusted” in accordance with Box 7.11 in LAQM.TG16 and “annualised” as per Boxes 7.9 and 7.10 in LAQM.TG16 if valid data capture for the full calendar year is less than 75%. See Appendix C for details. (3) Diffusion tube data has been corrected for distance to represent relevant exposure in accordance with Sections 7.77- 7.79 in LAQM.TG16 “Fall-off in NO2 concentrations with Distance from the Road”
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Page 188 Page
Figure 2.5 – Trends in Annual Mean NO2 Concentrations
The graph represents annual average bias corrected NO2 data since 2012. The locations examined represent worst case exposure due to the fact monitoring
was undertaken at residential façade locations. The displayed average datasets indicate compliant NO2 results for Bridgend in general since 2012. The results are somewhat stable. Datasets utilised for 2017 include newly added monitoring locations at residential properties.
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Page 189 Page
Table 2.4 – Automatic Annual Mean NO2 Monitoring Results (2013- 2017) Valid Data Annual Mean Concentration (µg/m3) Valid Data Within Capture for Site ID Site Type Capture 2017 AQMA? Monitoring 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 % (2) Period % (1) CM1 Roadside N 100 27 42 NR(4) 30.49(3) 32.37 25.7(3)
Notes: Exceedances of the Annual Average NO2 objective (40µg/m3) are shown in bold. (1) Data capture for the monitoring period, in cases where monitoring was only carried out for part of the year. (2) Data capture for the full calendar year (e.g. if monitoring was carried out for 6 months, the maximum data capture for the full calendar year is 50%). (3) Data has been “annualised” as per Boxes 7.9 in LAQM.TG16 where valid data capture for the full calendar year is less than 75%. See Appendix C for details. (4) NO RESULT “NR”. No data recorded for 2014 due to technical faults incurred with Automatic Monitoring Station
Table 2.5 –Automatic 1-hour Mean NO2 Monitoring Results (2013- 2017) Valid Data Number of Hourly Means (> 200µg/m3)(3) Valid Data Within Capture for Site ID Site Type Capture 2017 AQMA? Monitoring 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 % (2) Period % (1) CM1 Roadside N 100 27 0 NR(4) 0 (30.44) 0 0 (131.3)
Notes: 3 Exceedances of the NO2 1-hour mean objective (200µg/m not to be exceeded more than 18 times/year) are shown in bold. (1) Data capture for the monitoring period, in cases where monitoring was only carried out for part of the year. (2) Data capture for the full calendar year (e.g. if monitoring was carried out for 6 months, the maximum data capture for the full calendar year is 50%). (3) If the period of valid data is less than 85%, the 99.8th percentile of 1-hour means is provided in brackets. (4) NO RESULT “NR”. No data recorded for 2014 due to technical faults incurred with Automatic Monitoring Station.
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Page 190 Page Table 2.6 – Automatic Annual Mean PM10 Monitoring Results (2013- 2017) 3 (3) Valid Data Confirm PM10 Annual Mean Concentration (µg/m ) Valid Data Within Capture for Gravimetric Site ID Site Type Capture 2017 AQMA? Monitoring (2) Equivalent 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (1) (%) Period (%) (Y or N/A) CM1 Roadside N 100 12 N/A 14.30 NR(4) NR(4) 15.18(3) NR(4)
Notes: 3 Exceedances of the PM10 annual mean objective of 40µg/m are shown in bold. (1) Data capture for the monitoring period, in cases where monitoring was only carried out for part of the year. (2) Data capture for the full calendar year (e.g. if monitoring was carried out for 6 months, the maximum data capture for the full calendar year is 50%). (3) Data has been “annualised” as per Boxes 7.9 and 7.10 in LAQM.TG16 where valid data capture for the full calendar year is less than 75%. See Appendix C for details. (4) NO RESULT “NR”. No data recorded for 2014, 2015 & 2017 due to technical faults incurred with Automatic Monitoring Station.
Table 2.7 – Automatic 24-Hour Mean PM10 Monitoring Results (2013- 2017) 3 (3) Valid Data Confirm Number of Daily Means > 50µg/m Valid Data Within Capture for Gravimetric Site ID Site Type Capture 2017 AQMA? Monitoring (2) Equivalent (1) (%) 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Period (%) (Y or N/A) CM1 Roadside N 100 12 N/A 0 NR(4) NR(4) 2 (24.66) NR(4)
Notes: 3 Exceedances of the PM10 24-hour mean objective (50µg/m not to be exceeded more than 35 times/year) are shown in bold. (1) Data capture for the monitoring period, in cases where monitoring was only carried out for part of the year. (2) Data capture for the full calendar year (e.g. if monitoring was carried out for 6 months, the maximum data capture for the full calendar year is 50%). (3) If the period of valid data is less than 85%, the 90.4th percentile of 24-hour means is provided in brackets. (4) NO RESULT “NR”. No data recorded for 2014, 2015 & 2017 due to technical faults incurred with Automatic Monitoring Station.
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Page 191 Page
Table 2.8 – Automatic SO2 Monitoring Results: Comparison with Objectives
Number of Exceedences Valid Data Valid 3 Capture for Data (percentile in bracket g/m ) Monitoring Capture 15-minute 1-hour 24-hour Site Within Period (%) 2017 (%) Objective Objective Objective (1) (2) ID Site Type AQMA? (266 g/m3) (350 g/m3) (125 g/m3) CM2 Industrial N 100 70.1 0 (39.82)(3) 0 (32.36)(4) 0 (30.27)(5)
Notes: Exceedances of the SO2 mean objectives are shown in bold. (1) Data capture for the monitoring period, in cases where monitoring was only carried out for part of the year. (2) Data capture for the full calendar year (e.g. if monitoring was carried out for 6 months, the maximum data capture for the full calendar year is 50%). th (3) In accordance with LAQM TG(16), due to the fact data capture is <85% it is a requirement to report the 99.9 percentile for 15 minute SO2, however in this th instance it is the 99.9 percentile for 10 minute SO2. th (4) In accordance with LAQM TG(16), due to the fact data capture is <85% it is a requirement to report the 99.7 percentile for 1 hour SO2 nd (5) In accordance with LAQM TG(16), due to the fact data capture is <85% it is a requirement to report the 99.2 percentile for 24 hour SO2
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2.3 Comparison of 2017 Monitoring Results with Previous Years and the Air Quality Objectives
During 2017 monitoring was carried out for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10) and
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2). There was no monitoring undertaken for benzene or 1-3-butadiene.
2.3.1 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
Nitrogen dioxide was measured during 2017 at one site equipped with an automatic NOx analyser and by a network of 30 passive diffusion tubes.
In order to ratify the 2017 diffusion tube dataset, a bias adjustment factor of 0.77 was applied to the annual average readings. The factor was derived from the Defra website which gave the average correction factor from 29 co-location studies across the UK, whereby the analytical laboratory and method used was the same as BCBC.
Automatic Monitoring Data
Monitoring of NO2 has continued to be carried out at the Ewenny Cross Roundabout Automatic Monitoring Site. As previously discussed, due to quality and technical issues in 2017, data capture for NO2 from the Ewenny automated site was limited to 27% and a site specific co-location study could not be performed. Annual average NO2 datasets have been annualised in accordance to the requirements of LAQM TG(16), Box 7.9. Tables 2.4 & 2.5 confirms compliance with the set long term and short term NO2 air quality objectives in 2017.
Non- automated Monitoring Data
Annual average datasets outline elevated and exceeding levels of NO2 at sensitive receptor locations situated on Park Street, Bridgend. There are two sites of particular concern; Sites OBC-103 & OBC- 104. These sites provided annual average levels of 37.6 & 41.5µg/m3.
In view of the given elevated and exceeding annual average figures examined at Park Street, Bridgend, it is proposed that the Ewenny Automated Monitoring site be located to a new location on Park Street. This will provide a greater level of certainty which regards to air quality levels. The Specialist Service Team has also acquired a new member of staff (Sampling Officer) and entered an annual contract with appointed contractors whom will manage the data collected by the automated NOx and PM10 analysers. These measures will hopefully eradicate any quality or technical concerns as previously experienced.
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2.3.2 Particulate Matter (PM10)
As described in previous sections, monitoring of PM10 has continued to be carried out at Ewenny Cross Roundabout. However, Due to mechanical issues and technical data issues, the Met One E PM10 Sampler captured only 12% valid data in 2017. Therefore a NO RESULT (NR) value was given for PM10.
2.3.3 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
Monitoring of Sulphur Dioxide SO2 has continued to be carried out by Rockwool Ltd in the Rhiwceilog area of Bridgend. Monitoring has been carried out using an API AMX monitor capable of giving continuous fifteen minute averages of Sulphur Dioxide SO2 concentrations. The equipment is calibrated by an Environment Officer at Rockwool and serviced and maintained by an approved contractor on a six monthly basis. Data obtained is checked for validation and ratified by Rockwool’s Environment Officer.
The total data capture for 2017 was 70.1%. There were no exceedences of the objectives during this time period. With regards to the 15 minute SO2 objective, Rockwool has provided 10 minute sampling periods, therefore please be aware that the result stipulated in Table 2.8 gives the 10 minute 99.9th Percentile result.
As previously mentioned, due to continued compliance with the SO2 air quality objectives, appointed officers from Rockwool Ltd, BCBC and NRW decided upon a new preferred location for the SO2 automated monitoring station. On the 3rd October 2017 the monitoring was assigned to its new location in the vestry of Soar Chapel, Rhiwceilog.
2.4 Summary of Compliance with AQS Objectives as of 2017
BCBC Intends to declare an AQMA (by way of the Fast Track declaration process) for Park Street, Bridgend due to the proven exceedance of the annual average NO2 objective (40µg/m3).
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3. New Local Developments 3.1 Road Traffic Sources (& other transport)
SRS on behalf of BCBC can confirm that there are no new significant developments since the Progress Report in 2017. The 2017 highlighted the potential for increased vehicular access to parts of Bridgend Town Centre. Due to financial funding difficulties this proposal has since become stagnant and therefore no further progress made.
3.1.1 Airports
SRS on behalf of BCBC confirms that there are no airports in the Local Authority area. However a small quantity of air traffic now traverses the south eastern part of the County Borough prior to its final approach to Cardiff International airport, Rhoose. It is unlikely that the emissions from the aircraft, in view of this small number, will have a significant effect on air quality in Bridgend.
3.1.2 Railways (Diesel and Steam Trains)
Stationary Trains SRS on behalf of BCBC confirms that there are no locations where diesel or steam trains are regularly stationary for periods of 15 minutes or more, with potential for relevant exposure within 15m.
Moving Trains SRS on behalf of BCBC confirms that there are no locations with a large number of movements of diesel locomotives, and potential long-term relevant exposure within 30m.
3.1.3 Ports (Shipping)
SRS on behalf of BCBC confirms that there are no ports or shipping that meets the specified criteria within the Local Authority area.
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3.2 Industrial / Fugitive or Uncontrolled Sources / Commercial Sources
3.2.1 New or Proposed Installations for which an Air Quality Assessment has been Carried Out
SRS on behalf of BCBC has assessed new/proposed industrial installations, and concluded that no further air quality analysis via a detailed air quality assessment is necessary.
3.2.2 Existing Installations where Emissions have Increased Substantially or New Relevant Exposure has been introduced
SRS on behalf of BCBC confirms that there are no industrial installations with substantially increased emissions or new relevant exposure in their vicinity within its area or nearby in a neighbouring authority.
3.2.3 New or Significantly Changed Installations with No Previous Air Quality Assessment
SRS on behalf of BCBC has assessed new/proposed industrial installations, and concluded that no further air quality analysis via a detailed air quality assessment is necessary.
3.2.4 Major Fuel (Petrol) Storage Depots
SRS on behalf of There are no major fuel (petrol) storage depots within the Local Authority area.
3.2.5 Petrol Stations
SRS on behalf of BCBC confirms that there are no petrol stations meeting the specified criteria.
3.2.6 Poultry Farms
SRS on behalf of BCBC confirms there are no poultry farms meeting the specified criteria.
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3.3 Commercial and Domestic Sources
3.3.1 Biomass Combustion – Individual Installations
As previously identified in the 2011 Progress Report, planning consent had been granted for the installation of a Bio Gas Plant with gas pipeline and in vessel composting facility. It has however been established that the proposed development will not have a significant impact on air quality.
The 2016 Progress Report highlighted that planning consent has been granted for the installation of a bio-mass plant within the Llynfi Valley. However the plant has not yet been installed.
In April 2017, subject to the fulfillment of conditions sanctioned by criteria detailed within the consent application and requirements highlighted within the Clean Air Act legislation, consent under the Clean Air Act, 1993 has been granted for the operation of a Novalux Energy Solutions Ltd 999kWt Wood Chip Biomass System and its emissions at Pentre Hwnt Farm, Llampha, Bridgend.
3.3.2 Biomass Combustion – Combined Impacts
SRS on behalf of BCBC has assessed the proposed biomass combustion plant, and concluded that no further air quality analysis via a detailed air quality assessment is necessary.
3.3.3 Other Sources
3.3.4 Domestic Solid-Fuel Burning
SRS on behalf of BCBC confirms that there are no areas of significant domestic fuel use in the Local Authority area.
3.4 New Developments with Fugitive or Uncontrolled Sources SRS on behalf of BCBC confirms that there are no new potential sources of fugitive particulate matter emissions in the Local Authority area since the last Progress Report produced in 2017.
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3.5 Planning Applications Bridgend Council continue to monitor the impact of proposed developments and recent developments already underway or in use.
Since the publication of the 2016 Progress Report, major planning application (P/16/549/OUT) had been recently approved subject to discharge of conditions for a development of up to 71,441sq.m of B1, B2 and B8 employment floor space, including access, car parking, diversion of public rights of way, site remediation, drainage, landscaping and associated engineering operations. The site is located on land east of the A48 (Crack Hill) Brocastle, Bridgend. In terms of air quality, following correspondence with SRS Specialist Officers, the following air quality conditions have been implemented;
-No development shall commence until a 'Construction Environmental Management Plan' (CEMP) to minimise dust emissions arising from construction activities on the site has been submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The scheme shall include details of dust suppression measures and the methods to monitor emissions of dust arising from the development and shall include the control measures as detailed in section 5.4.2 of Chapter 5 of the Air Quality Assessment contained in the Environmental Statement ‘Land at Brocastle, Bridgend. Environmental Statement Volume II. The construction phase shall be implemented in accordance with the agreed scheme with the approved dust suppression measures being maintained in a fully functional condition for the duration of the construction phases. Reason: In the interests of safeguarding the amenities of existing residents.
-No development shall commence until a revised Air Quality Assessment (AQA) has been submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The AQA should address the following additional scenario which would encapsulate a cumulative air quality impact: Year of 2026 (projected year of opening for Parc Ewenni), providing projected concentration levels for traffic derived N02 & PM10 (both from the natural increase in traffic and the increase that will be generated as a result of this development) at the already designated sensitive receptors. The 2026 scenario should look to examine a cumulative effect whereby both the Parc Ewenni and Brocastle developments will be in place. Where the Air Quality objectives are indicated to be exceeded, mitigation measures shall be included in the revised report. The mitigation measures and a program of implementation shall be
LAQMPage Annual 197 Progress Report 2018 47 Bridgend County Borough Council submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to any development commencing. Reason: In the interests of limiting air pollution resulting from the development.
At the time of writing this report, the supporting air quality assessment (AQA) in accordance with the referenced planning application has been submitted for review. The AQA considers the operational phase impacts of the proposed development. For operational purposes the modelling accounts for 2 scenarios, which focus around ‘Do-Minimum’ & ‘Do-Something’ scenarios for a proposed year of opening in 2026. The report summarises in Tables 6 & 7 that a “negligible” impact is anticipated for
NO2 & PM10 for a projected year of opening at all sensitive receptor locations modelled.
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4. Polices and Strategies Affecting Airborne Pollution 4.1 Air Quality Planning Policies
Local Development Plan (LDP) 2006- 2021. The document provides a framework for sustainable development within the County Borough of Bridgend, outlining strategies and policies for future land use and development.
One of the main strategic LDP objectives is highlighted in Strategic Policy 4 (SP4) which promotes the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment. SP4 illustrates that development proposals will not be permitted where they have an adverse impact upon the quality of natural resources, including water air and soil.
Also highlighted within the LDP document is Policy ENV 7 (Natural Resource Protection and Public Health);
“Development proposals will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that they would not cause a new, or exacerbate an existing, unacceptable risk of harm to health, biodiversity and/or local amenity due to: air pollution”
Where proposed developments indicate negative impacts, measures and mitigation methods must be detailed to enable impacts to be minimised to an acceptable level. For example, in terms of air quality, measures can include the production of an Air Quality Assessment and the implementation of conditions.
The LDP documentation for Bridgend County Council is available at http://www1.bridgend.gov.uk/media/174812/ldp_text.pdf
4.2 Local Transport Plans and Strategies
The Local Transport Plan (LTP) 2015- 2030. The Welsh Government now requires local authorities in Wales to prepare and adopt Local Transport Plan (LTPs) as the framework for identifying local transport schemes for improvements. LTPs therefore replace Regional Transport Plans.
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Under guidance from the Welsh Government, local authorities have the choice to develop and adopt either joint LTPs with neighbouring local authorities or a stand-alone LTP for their own geographical area.
Bridgend County Borough Council has opted for the latter approach in view of the uncertainty of the future of local authority boundaries and structures amid discussions of reorganisation of local government.
The LTP looks to tackle growing traffic levels (and hence air quality impacts) by providing strategies which focus upon providing efficient and effective transport networks.
“The Council is mindful of the broader negative impact of transport related emissions on health and the natural environment”
“To reduce the environmental impact of transport, the LTP includes measures and interventions that will increase opportunities for active travel, encourage the use of public transport and promote modal integration.”
The LTP policy recognises the Council’s objective to achieving sustainable travel (alternatives to using cars) and reducing negative impacts on the environment. The policy suggests that through improved transport infrastructure and transport services this can be achieved.
The LTP policy is available at http://www1.bridgend.gov.uk/media/352797/bridgend-ltp-wg- approved-version-may-2015.pdf
4.3 Active Travel Plans and Strategies
In September 2014, the Welsh Government introduced the Active Travel (Wales) Act. This measure legally requires Welsh local authorities to map and plan suitable routes for Active Travel within certain areas, as designated by the Welsh Government.
Following formal public consultation and review by Welsh Government, BCBC has produced Integrated Network Maps (INM) that show highlighted routes dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists. The maps are available to download from; https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/residents/roads-transport-and-parking/active-travel-routes/
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4.4 Local Authorities Well-being Objectives
In 2015 Welsh Government made a new law called the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act. The new law has the sustainable development principle at its heart. This means that we need to work in a way that improves wellbeing for people today without doing anything that could make things worse for future generations.
As highlighted in the earlier Figure 1.2, there are seven national well-being goals that form the basis of the Act and five ways of working which support the goals.
Figure 1.2- The Well- being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 Matrix
Public, third and business sectors have come together in Bridgend to form a Public Services Board (PSB). Bridgend PSB is committed to working together to improve wellbeing in Bridgend County Borough now and in the future. Bridgend PSB has used the sustainable development principle and the new five ways of working to develop a Well-Being Plan (2018-2023).
The plan outlines the things that Bridgend PSB will work together on, over the next five years, well- being objectives and steps, and provide a vision for how Bridgend will look in 10 years’ time. The plan is seen as a mechanism that provides the best possible means of working to help understand the underlying causes of problems and prevent those problems getting worse or happening in the future.
Contributing to the seven national well-being goals and long term vision for Bridgend, Bridgend PSB has developed four main objectives.
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Figure 2.6- Bridgend PSB Four Well-being Objectives
In accordance with air quality, as part of the objective for “Healthy Choices in a Healthy Environment” Bridgend PSB outlines that resources are best utilised and collaborative working ensures that the built, cultural and natural environment remains resilient in future. The priority areas to endorse and encourage the success of the objective will include working together to maximise benefit from cultural, built and natural assets. It will also look at promoting a more resource and energy efficient way of living and working. In order to measure the success of promoting a more resource and energy way of living air quality, particularly NO2 levels will be examined.
Bridgend PSB Well-being Plan is available at; https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/media/3657/bridgend-wellbeing-bps-plan-e-0518.pdf
4.5 Green Infrastructure Plans and Strategies Outlined in Bridgend’s Local Development Plan (LDP) 2006- 2021, Policy ENV5 focuses upon Green infrastructure.
Policy ENV5 Green Infrastructure Green infrastructure will be provided through the protection and enhancement of existing natural assets and the creation of new multi-functional areas of green space. Green infrastructure corridors will connect locations of natural heritage, green space, biodiversity or other environmental interest. They will be safeguarded through:
1) Not permitting development that compromises their integrity and therefore that of the overall green infrastructure framework; 2) Using developer contributions to facilitate improvements to their quality and robustness; 3) Investing in appropriate management, enhancement and restoration, and the creation of new resources.
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A Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) concerning Green Infrastructure was produced in 2014 by BCBC to provide a detailed understanding to the elements raised in the LDP.
-The document highlights how the Council expect habitats to be considered as part of development proposals within the County Borough of Bridgend. It also introduces the concept of adopting a Green Infrastructure Approach to development.
In addition to the above, outlined within the Bridgend PSB Well-being Plan, as part of the objective “Healthy Choices in a Healthy Environment” and priority area to include working together to maximise benefit from cultural, built and natural assets, the steps involved will;
identify opportunities to improve the green asset base by implementing the Bridgend Nature Recovery Plan. improve the public estate and green spaces in urban areas by encouraging award of green flag status.
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4.6 Climate Change Strategies The Authority’s Climate Change Strategy was approved in April 2010. Policy PLA4 Climate Change and Peak Oil
All development proposals will be required to make a positive contribution towards tackling the causes of, and adapting to the impacts of Climate Change and Peak Oil issues. Means of achieving this may include:
Having lower carbon energy requirements by reducing energy demand, and promoting energy efficiency; Utilising local materials and supplies wherever feasible; Encouraging the development of renewable energy generation; Having a location and layout which reflects sustainable transport and access principles, thereby reducing the overall need to travel; Having a design, layout and landscaping which: (i) helps wildlife and habitats to adapt to the changing climate; (ii) assists cooling of the urban environment, including the use of passive building techniques where appropriate; Using resources more efficiently and minimising waste water use and pollution; Avoiding or minimising the risk from flooding and/ or adapting to the increased risk of flooding, coastal erosion and warmer annual mean temperatures; and Promoting sustainable building methods and drainage systems where appropriate.
LAQMPage Annual 204 Progress Report 2018 54 Bridgend County Borough Council
5. Conclusions and Proposed Actions 5.1 Conclusions from New Monitoring Data
Since the commissioning of ten non-automatic NO2 monitoring locations in 2017, a review of the yearly datasets indicate elevated and exceeding annual average levels of NO2 at sensitive receptor locations along Park Street, Bridgend.
The two NO2 monitoring locations situated on Park Street highlight elevated and exceeding annual 3 average levels of NO2 when compared to the annual average NO2 objective set at 40µg/m ;
OBC-103- 39 Park Street (37.6µg/m3) OBC-104- 51 Park Street (41.5µg/m3)
Despite the highlighted area of concern, compliance with the air quality objectives was achieved at all other monitoring locations.
5.2 Conclusions relating to New Local Developments/ Sources The assessment of likely impacts from new local development, transport industrial, commercial/domestic and fugitive/uncontrolled sites concludes that there are no new/newly identified sources are likely to give rise to a significant impact on air quality within the County Borough
5.3 Other Conclusions
Technical and quality issues still persisted in 2017 with the Ewenny Cross Roundabout automatic monitoring station.
5.4 Proposed Actions
Based on the 2017 figures, under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 & Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland 2007, according to the statutory requirements of LAQM a DRAFT Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) must be implemented within 18 months of declaring an AQMA. In accordance with WG’s Policy Guidance for LAQM;
4.12 A draft action plan must be produced for review by the Welsh Government within 18 months of the coming-into-force date of the AQMA order, and the action plan must be formally adopted before two years
LAQMPage Annual 205 Progress Report 2018 55 Bridgend County Borough Council have elapsed. A Local Authority failing to produce a draft action plan for review by the Welsh Government within two years of declaring or extending an AQMA will, in the absence of a compelling explanation, be issued with a direction from the Welsh Ministers under section 85(3) of the 1995 Act.
During 2018, monitoring for NO2 has been increased further along Park Street, with an additional two NO2 monitoring sites implemented. It is evident that data is also elevated at these locations and therefore will be reviewed in the 2019 APR.
In line with Welsh Governments Policy Guidance following submission and approval of the 2018 Annual Progress Report, BCBC will need to legally declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) for the Park Street Area, and this will be accompanied by an appropriate technical report setting out the reasons for the declaration.
Given that a number of residential properties will be included in the boundary of AQMA, BCBC will need to engage with these residents in a formal and effective communications exercise in order that the reasons and the implications of an AQMA can be adequately explained to them and the wider community as necessary.
As part of the action plan a thorough understanding for air quality levels and trends will need to be gathered to inform any mitigation measures implemented. Therefore it is envisaged that the Ewenny Cross Roundabout automatic monitoring station will be installed in an appropriate location along
Park Street which will measure NO2 and PM10. Progress has already started with the allocation of a new sampling location with site visits undertaken and acquiring a contracted service to support data handling and ratification. At the time of writing this report consultants have successfully started the data handling of data collected at Ewenny Cross Roundabout.
Following the declaration of the AQMA, the Council will have up to 24 months to formalise an Action Plan in order to implement appropriate measures to try and improve/ reduce the NO2 levels within the AQMA. At this stage the nature of these measures is not certain but may entail some or all of the following:
LAQMPage Annual 206 Progress Report 2018 56 Bridgend County Borough Council
References Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2003. Part IV of the Environment Act 1995, Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 Part III Local Air Quality Management, Technical Guidance LAQM.TG(16). London: DEFRA (as updated February 2018).
Welsh Government, Local Air Quality Management in Wales, Policy Guidance, June 2017.
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL LAQM REPORTS
-First Stage Review and Assessment of Air Quality in Bridgend County Borough, September 1999 -Second Stage Review and Assessment of Air Quality in Bridgend County Borough, December 2000 -Updating and Screening Assessment of Air Quality in Bridgend County Borough, July 2003 -Local Air Quality Management Progress Report, July 2005
-Detailed Assessment of Nitrogen Dioxide and Particles (PM10), March 2006 -Updating and Screening Assessment of Air Quality in Bridgend County Borough, May 2006 -Local Air Quality Management Progress Report, August 2007 -Local Air Quality Management Progress Report, August 2008 -Updating and Screening Assessment of Air Quality in Bridgend County Borough, June 2009 -Local Air Quality Management Progress Report, June 2010
-Detailed Assessment of Nitrogen Dioxide and Particles (PM10), June 2010 -Local Air Quality Management Progress Report, April 2011 -Updating and Screening Assessment of Air Quality in Bridgend County Borough, May 2012 -Local Air Quality Management Progress Report, June 2013 -Local Air Quality Management Progress Report, June 2014 -Updating and Screening Assessment of Air Quality in Bridgend County Borough, May 2015 -Local Air Quality Management Progress Report, June 2016 -Local Air Quality Management Progress Report, August 2017
LAQMPage Annual 207 Progress Report 2018 57 Bridgend County Borough Council
Appendices Appendix A: Monthly Diffusion Tube Monitoring Results
Appendix B: A Summary of Local Air Quality Management
Appendix C: Air Quality Monitoring Data QA/QC
LAQMPage Annual 208 Progress Report 2018 58 Bridgend County Borough Council
Page 209 Page
Appendix A: Monthly Diffusion Tube Monitoring Results
Table A.2 – Full Monthly Diffusion Tube Results for 2017
as Corrected Corrected as
08/12/2017 08/12/2017
-
03/11/2017 04/01/2018
02/02/2017 03/03/2017 27/03/2017 25/04/2017 02/06/2017 29/06/2017 04/08/2017
- -
------
7
Site No Nitrogen Dioxide Sites, Bridgend CBC
03/01/2017 02/02/2017 03/03/2017 27/03/2017 25/04/201 02/06/2017 29/06/2017 EXPOSURE TO VOID DUE EXPOSURE TO VOID DUE 28/09/2017 03/11/202017 08/12/2017 17 JAN SINCE AVERAGE 0.77) Factor (Correction Corrected Bias Bi and Annualised Façade to corrected Disatance TONDU ROAD ROUNDABOUT OBC-001A 13 Tondu Road, Bridgend 55.6 50.1 47.8 48.7 44.7 30.1 27.3 33.5 56.0 49.9 44.4 34.2 34.2 24.2 OBC-048 Tondu Road Roundabout, Bridgend 71.2 56.7 50.2 48.4 48.3 40.9 34.5 38.6 55.1 51.1 49.5 38.1 38.1 28.2 OBC-068 Bridgend United Club 41.7 32.9 35.0 38.4 36.2 23.0 17.7 26.2 44.1 40.8 33.6 25.9 25.9 25.9 OBC-069 Tondu Rd Steps 48.8 37.9 40.4 40.7 30.8 29.1 46.3 39.1 30.1 29.9 23.4 PARK STREET OBC-102 4 Sunnyside 51.2 37.0 34.5 33.0 24.5 20.9 16.6 26.0 33.5 30.8 23.7 23.7 23.7 OBC-103 39 Park Street 56.7 62.5 58.6 45.5 53.8 43.6 28.3 42.0 53 43.8 48.8 37.6 37.6 37.6 OBC-104 51 Park Street 62.4 56.2 58.9 59.5 54.2 47.6 37.1 44.5 61 57.6 53.9 41.5 41.5 41.5 BRIDGEND TOWN CENTRE OBC-101 Bridgend town Centre 40.5 24.0 25.2 19.5 10.0 21.0 33 24.8 19.1 18.1 18.1 NOLTON STREET / EWENNY RD CROSS LINK/ A473 COWBRIDGE ROAD OBC-049 91 Nolton Street, Bridgend 61.9 41.5 36.4 37.7 36.9 21.9 11.1 35.3 27.2 27.9 27.3
LAQM Annual Progress Report 2018 59 Bridgend County Borough Council
Page 210 Page
OBC-050 2 Ewenny Road, Bridgend 41.4 24.1 25.7 13.4 19.3 21.7 24.3 18.7 19.0 17.8 OBC- 105 65 Cowbridge Road 52.1 36.8 33.3 31.9 26.3 17.9 16.4 26.5 43.4 35.0 32.0 24.6 24.6 24.6 OBC- 106 38/40 Cowbridge Road 48.6 48.2 22.4 34.8 53.1 41.4 31.9 30.4 25.2 EWENNY ROUNDABOUT OBC-041 55/57 Priory Avenue, Bridgend 39.5 40.2 30.3 31.1 28.5 18.4 16.2 21.2 41.6 31.9 29.9 23.0 23.0 17.7 OBC-043 Darbury, A48 Bypass, Bridgend 63.9 48.2 49.5 52.4 53.3 37.3 31.7 43.3 59.3 47.8 48.7 37.5 37.5 26.1 OBC-044 99 Ewenny Road, Bridgend 49.5 41.2 36.6 36.9 31.9 24.3 20.0 25.6 39.4 31.4 33.7 25.9 25.9 22.0 OBC-055 STL, Ewenny Road 43.0 29.0 21.8 22.0 22.1 11.5 11.0 33.1 51.9 53.8 29.9 23.0 23.0 19.2 OBC-056 Parkhof, Ewenny Road 46.6 43.4 38.1 37.5 42.0 29.5 27.9 15.1 27.1 37.8 34.5 26.6 26.6 17.1 OBC-078 Corner of Ewenny Roundabout 55.6 40.0 44.6 38.3 35.9 27.4 24.6 32.8 50.8 45.5 39.6 30.5 30.5 24.7 OBC-085 Property Façade of (Further down from Milstead) 35.1 30.8 24.7 23.5 26.7 18.1 15.6 22.5 32.1 29.5 25.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 OBC-087 Property Façade of Danbury 36.9 30.1 24.3 27.3 30.8 18.2 15.0 26.6 26.2 20.1 20.0 20.0 OBC-088 Co-location -Tube 1 42.5 35.8 28.3 26.7 32.8 17.6 15.4 12.3 29.5 23.2 26.4 20.3 20.3 20.3 OBC-089 Co-location -Tube 2 51.0 34.5 25.6 30.2 33.2 15.2 14.9 21.8 31.5 24.6 28.3 21.8 21.8 21.8 OBC-090 Co-location -Tube 3 48.8 31.4 24.3 25.2 20.3 14.9 12.2 29.5 21.3 25.3 19.5 19.5 19.5 OBC-091 Property Façade of Milstead 36.1 32.0 27.8 28.1 32.9 20.8 17.5 26.3 31.6 32.2 28.5 22.0 22.0 22.0 MAESTEG TOWN CENTRE OBC-080 Opposite Card Factory, Talbot Street, Maesteg 45.2 33.5 37.1 25.1 25.6 37.5 34.0 26.2 23.9 23.9 OBC-081 Opposite Maesteg Indoor Market Entrance, Talbot Street, Maesteg 45.6 35.8 38.8 26.3 23.3 42.4 41.0 36.2 27.9 21.4 21.4 OBC-082 Opposite Fluid Nightclub, Castle Street, Maesteg 51.0 32.0 37.0 36.4 41.1 39.5 30.4 23.4 23.4 OBC-083 Outside Maesteg Day Centre, Castle Street, Maesteg 50.4 40.2 43.0 36.4 41.4 42.3 32.6 25.1 25.1 COITY ROAD, BRIDGEND OBC-097 22 Coity Road, Bridgend 50.7 30.5 34.7 34.3 36.8 25.2 22.6 27.9 41 37.6 34.1 26.3 26.3 26.3 OBC-098 26 Coity Road, Bridgend 45.2 32.5 30.2 34.4 27.7 21.7 18.5 27.1 41 34.0 31.2 24.0 24.0 24.0 OBC-099 42 Coity Road, Bridgend 49.1 40.2 30.8 31.4 29.9 21.7 17.7 24.4 34 29.7 30.9 23.8 23.8 23.8 OBC-100 11 Coity Road, Bridgend 49.8 40.2 34.6 36.4 28.8 23.9 22.6 27.5 17.5 31.3 24.1 24.1 24.1
LAQM Annual Progress Report 2018 60 Bridgend County Borough Council
Page 211 Page
Notes: 3 Exceedances of the NO2 annual mean objective of 40µg/m are shown in bold. 3 NO2 annual means exceeding 60µg/m , indicating a potential exceedance of the NO2 1-hour mean objective are shown in bold and underlined. (1) See Appendix C for details on bias adjustment and annualisation. (2) Distance corrected to nearest relevant public exposure.
LAQM Annual Progress Report 2018 61 Bridgend County Borough Council
Appendix B: A Summary of Local Air Quality Management Purpose of an Annual Progress Report This report fulfils the requirements of the Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) process as set out in the Environment Act 1995 and associated government guidance. The LAQM process places an obligation on all local authorities to regularly review and assess air quality in their areas and to determine whether or not the air quality objectives are being achieved. Where exceedances occur, or are likely to occur, the local authority must then declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and prepare a DRAFT Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) within 18 months, setting out measures it intends to put in place to improve air quality in pursuit of the air quality objectives. The AQAP must be formally adopted prior to 24 months has elapsed. Action plans should then be reviewed and updated where necessary at least every 5 years.
For Local Authorities in Wales, an Annual Progress Report replaces all other formal reporting requirements and have a very clear purpose of updating the general public on air quality, including what ongoing actions are being taken locally to improve it if necessary.
Air Quality Objectives The air quality objectives applicable to LAQM in Wales are set out in the Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000, No. 1940 (Wales 138), Air Quality (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2002, No 3182 (Wales 298), and are shown in Table B.2.
The table shows the objectives in units of microgrammes per cubic metre µg/m3 (milligrammes per cubic metre, mg/m3 for carbon monoxide) with the number of exceedences in each year that are permitted (where applicable).
PageLAQM 212Annual Progress Report 2018 62 Bridgend County Borough Council
Table B.2 – Air Quality Objectives Included in Regulations for the Purpose of LAQM in Wales
Air Quality Objective Date to be Pollutant achieved by Concentration Measured as 200µg/m3 not to be exceeded 1-hour mean 31.12.2005 Nitrogen more than 18 times a year Dioxide (NO ) 2 40µg/m3 Annual mean 31.12.2005 50µg/m3, not to be exceeded 31.12.2010 24-hour mean Particulate more than 7 times a year Matter (PM ) 10 18µg/m3 Annual mean 31.12.2010
Particulate 10µg/m3 Annual mean 31.12.2020 Matter (PM2.5) 350µg/m3, not to be exceeded 31.12.2004 1-hour mean more than 24 times a year Sulphur 125µg/m3, not to be exceeded 24-hour mean 31.12.2004 dioxide (SO2) more than 3 times a year 3 266µg/m , not to be exceeded 15-minute mean 31.12.2005 more than 35 times a year Running annual 3 31.12.2010 Benzene 3.25µg/m mean Running annual 3 31.12.2003 1,3 Butadiene 2.25µg/m mean Running 8-Hour Carbon 10.0mg/m3 31.12.2003 Monoxide mean Lead 0.25µg/m3 Annual Mean 31.12.2008
PageLAQM 213Annual Progress Report 2018 63 Bridgend County Borough Council
Appendix C: Air Quality Monitoring Data QA/QC
Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors A database of bias adjustment factors determined from Local Authority co-location studies throughout the UK has been collated by the LAQM Helpdesk. The National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factor Spreadsheet (Version 06/18) was used to obtain an overall adjustment factor of 0.77 from the input data shown in the following screen shot. This overall factor is based on 29 co-location studies where the tube preparation method and analysis laboratory used were the same as those used by BCBC.
Figure C.1: National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factor Spreadsheet
Discussion of Choice of Factor to use
The bias adjustment factor applied to all 2017 data is 0.77. The applied bias adjustment factor has been calculated using the national diffusion tube bias adjustment factor spreadsheet version 06/18. The individual bias adjustment factor calculated using Ewenny Cross Roundabout automatic monitoring system and the co-located triplicate diffusion tubes has not been used due to technical & quality issues. As previously stated calibrations for roadside/ kerbside located monitors should be undertaken every two weeks by LAs. Unfortunately due to staffing requirements this was not adhered to. As a best practise approach, due to the inconsistency of LA Calibrations a nitrogen dioxide (NO2) co-location study was not undertaken and alternatively a national bias adjustment factor was obtained and applied from the Defra website, based on an average of 29 co-location studies.
LAQM Annual Progress Report 2018 64 Page 214 Bridgend County Borough Council
Short-Term to Long-Term Data Adjustment
AMS Adjustment
The Ewenny Cross Roundabout AMS had poor annual data capture for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) (27%).
As a result, the NO2 data presented in this report from this monitor has been annualised according to the methods presented in Box 7.9 of LAQM TG(16). Two long-term AURN urban background continuous monitoring sites, within a distance of approximately 50 miles from Bridgend were selected, Cwmbran and Bristol St Paul’s.
Table C.1 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of NO2 annualisation ratio for Ewenny Cross Roundabout AMS 3 3 Site Site Type Annual Mean (µg/m ) Period Mean (µg/m ) Ratio Cwmbran AURN Urban Background 12.04 17.19 0.70 Bristol St Paul’s AURN Urban Background 23.79 32.70 0.73 Average Ratio 0.71
Diffusion Tubes Adjustment
The Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) obtained via the use of passive diffusion tubes during January to December 2017 were annualised via the method described in Box 7.10 of LAQM TG(16). Due to
potential quality issues surrounding Ewenny Roundabout’s AMS NO2 data, three long-term AURN urban background continuous monitoring sites, within a distance of approximately 50 miles from Bridgend were selected, Cardiff, Cwmbran and Bristol St Paul’s.
Table C.2 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-069 3 3 Site Site Type Annual Mean (µg/m ) Period Mean (µg/m ) Ratio Cwmbran AURN Urban Background 12.02 12.5 0.96 Bristol St Paul’s AURN Urban Background 23.68 24.17 0.98 Cardiff City Centre Urban Background 20.60 19.80 1.04 AURN Average Ratio 0.99
Table C.3 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-101 3 3 Site Site Type Annual Mean (µg/m ) Period Mean (µg/m ) Ratio Cwmbran AURN Urban Background 12.02 12.70 0.95 Bristol St Paul’s AURN Urban Background 23.68 25.27 0.94 Cardiff City Centre Urban Background 20.60 22.23 0.93 AURN
LAQM Annual Progress Report 2018 65 Page 215 Bridgend County Borough Council
3 3 Site Site Type Annual Mean (µg/m ) Period Mean (µg/m ) Ratio Average Ratio 0.94
Table C.4 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-049 3 3 Site Site Type Annual Mean (µg/m ) Period Mean (µg/m ) Ratio Cwmbran AURN Urban Background 12.02 11.76 1.02 Bristol St Paul’s AURN Urban Background 23.68 23.16 1.02 Cardiff City Centre Urban Background 20.60 20.09 1.03 AURN Average Ratio 1.02
Table C.5 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-050 3 3 Site Site Type Annual Mean (µg/m ) Period Mean (µg/m ) Ratio Cwmbran AURN Urban Background 12.02 11.87 1.01 Bristol St Paul’s AURN Urban Background 23.68 23.27 1.02 Cardiff City Centre Urban Background 20.60 20.08 1.03 AURN Average Ratio 1.02
Table C.6 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-106 3 3 Site Site Type Annual Mean (µg/m ) Period Mean (µg/m ) Ratio Cwmbran AURN Urban Background 12.02 12.26 0.98 Bristol St Paul’s AURN Urban Background 23.68 24.88 0.95 Cardiff City Centre Urban Background 20.60 22.32 0.92 AURN Average Ratio 0.95
Table C.7 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-087 3 3 Site Site Type Annual Mean (µg/m ) Period Mean (µg/m ) Ratio Cwmbran AURN Urban Background 12.02 12.31 0.98 Bristol St Paul’s AURN Urban Background 23.68 23.63 1.00 Cardiff City Centre Urban Background 20.60 20.70 1.00 AURN Average Ratio 0.92
Table C.8 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-080 3 3 Site Site Type Annual Mean (µg/m ) Period Mean (µg/m ) Ratio Cwmbran AURN Urban Background 12.02 13.68 0.88 Bristol St Paul’s AURN Urban Background 23.68 25.77 0.92 Cardiff City Centre Urban Background 20.60 22.02 0.94 AURN Average Ratio 0.91
LAQM Annual Progress Report 2018 66 Page 216 Bridgend County Borough Council
Table C.9 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-081 3 3 Site Site Type Annual Mean (µg/m ) Period Mean (µg/m ) Ratio Cwmbran AURN Urban Background 12.02 14.06 0.85 Bristol St Paul’s AURN Urban Background 23.68 26.93 0.88 Cardiff City Centre Urban Background 20.60 23.03 0.89 AURN Average Ratio 0.88
Table C.10 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-082 3 3 Site Site Type Annual Mean (µg/m ) Period Mean (µg/m ) Ratio Cwmbran AURN Urban Background 12.02 16.88 0.71 Bristol St Paul’s AURN Urban Background 23.68 31.86 0.74 Cardiff City Centre Urban Background 20.60 25.96 0.79 AURN Average Ratio 0.75
Table C.11 – Long term AURN sites used for calculation of nitrogen dioxide annualisation ratio for Diffusion Tube OBC-083 3 3 Site Site Type Annual Mean (µg/m ) Period Mean (µg/m ) Ratio Cwmbran AURN Urban Background 12.02 15.18 0.79 Bristol St Paul’s AURN Urban Background 23.68 29.74 0.80 Cardiff City Centre Urban Background 20.60 24.70 0.83 AURN Average Ratio 0.81
QA/QC of Diffusion Tube Monitoring The diffusion tubes are supplied and analysed by Environmental Scientifics Group Didcot, using the 50% triethanolamine (TEA) in water method. Environmental Scientifics Group Didcot participates in the Annual Field Inter-Comparison Exercise and Workplace Analysis Scheme for Proficiency (WASP) inter-comparison scheme for nitrogen dioxide diffusion tube analysis. From April 2014 the WASP Scheme was combined with the STACKS scheme to form the new AIR scheme, which Environmental Scientifics Group participates in. The AIR scheme is an independent analytical proficiency testing scheme operated by LGC Standards and supported by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL).
The laboratory Environmental Scientifics Group Didcot is regarded ranked as the highest rank of satisfactory in relation to the WASP intercomparison scheme for spiked Nitrogen Dioxide diffusion tubes. Information regarding tube precision can be obtained via http://laqm.defra.gov.uk/diffusion- tubes/precision.html Information regarding WASP results can be obtained via http://laqm.defra.gov.uk/diffusion-tubes/qa-qc-framework.html
LAQM Annual Progress Report 2018 67 Page 217 Bridgend County Borough Council
Glossary of Terms
Abbreviation Description
AQAP Air Quality Action Plan - A detailed description of measures, outcomes, achievement dates and implementation methods, showing how the LA intends to achieve air quality limit values’
AQMA Air Quality Management Area – An area where air pollutant concentrations exceed / are likely to exceed the relevant air quality objectives. AQMAs are declared for specific pollutants and objectives
APR Air quality Annual Progress Report
AURN Automatic Urban and Rural Network (UK air quality monitoring network)
BCBC Bridgend County Borough Council
Defra Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
DMRB Design Manual for Roads and Bridges – Air quality screening tool produced by Highways England
FDMS Filter Dynamics Measurement System
LAQM Local Air Quality Management
NO2 Nitrogen Dioxide
NOx Nitrogen Oxides
PM10 Airborne particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10µm (micrometres or microns) or less
PM2.5 Airborne particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5µm or less
QA/QC Quality Assurance and Quality Control
SO2 Sulphur Dioxide
LAQM Annual Progress Report 2018 68 Page 218 Agenda Item 10
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
REPORT TO CABINET
18 SEPTEMBER 2018
REPORT OF THE HEAD OF LEGAL AND REGULATORY SERVICES
INFORMATION REPORTS FOR NOTING
1. Purpose of Report .
1.1 The purpose of this report is to inform Cabinet of the Information Reports for noting which have been published since its last scheduled meeting.
2. Connection to Corporate Improvement Objectives.
2.1 The report relates to the Corporate Priority Smarter Use of Resources by improving the way we communicate and engage with citizens.
3. Background.
3.1 At a previous meeting of Cabinet, it was resolved to approve a revised procedure for the presentation to Cabinet of Information Reports for noting.
4. Current situation / proposal.
4.1 Information Reports
The following information reports have been published since the last meeting of Cabinet:-
Title Date Published
Annual Treasury Management Outturn 2017-18 12 September 2018
Review of the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy 2018-19 12 September 2018
Youth Justice Plan 2018-19 12 September 2018
4.2 Availability of Documents
The documents have been circulated to Elected Members electronically via Email and placed on the BCBC website, and also are available from the date of publication.
5. Effect upon Policy Framework and Procedure Rules.
5.1 This procedure has been adopted within the procedure rules of the Constitution.
Page 219 6. Equality Impact Assessment
6.1 There are no negative equality implications arising from this report.
7. Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 Implications
7.1 The well-being goals identified in the Act were considered in the preparation of this report. It is considered that there will be no significant or unacceptable impacts upon the achievement of well-being goals/objectives as a result of this report.
8. Financial Implications.
8.1 There are no financial implications regarding this report.
9. Recommendation.
9.1 That Cabinet acknowledges the publication of the documents listed in this report.
K Watson Head of Legal and Regulatory Services 10 September 2018 2018
Contact Officer: Andrew Rees Senior Democratic Services Officer – Committees Telephone: (01656) 643147 Email: [email protected]
Postal address: Democratic Services Legal and Regulatory Services Civic Offices Angel Street Bridgend CF31 4WB
Background documents: Reports referred to in Paragraph 4.1 of this report.
Page 220
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
REPORT TO CABINET
18 SEPTEMBER 2018
REPORT OF THE INTERIM HEAD OF FINANCE & SECTION 151 OFFICER
ANNUAL TREASURY MANAGEMENT OUTTURN REPORT 2017-18
1. Purpose of the Report
1.1 The purpose of the report is to:-
Comply with the requirement of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy ‘Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice’ (the Code) to report an overview of treasury activities for the preceding financial year;
Report on the actual Treasury Management and Prudential indicators for 2017-18.
2. Connection to Corporate Improvement Objectives/Other Corporate Priorities
2.1 This report assists in the achievement of the following corporate priority:
Smarter use of resources – ensuring that all its resources (financial, physical, human and technological) are used as effectively and efficiently as possible and support the development of resources throughout the community that can help deliver the Council’s priorities. 2.2 The Annual Treasury Management Outturn Report is integral to the delivery of the Corporate Improvement Objectives as the allocation of resources determines the extent to which the Corporate Objectives can be delivered.
3. Background
3.1 The Council’s Treasury Management activities are regulated by the Local Government Act 2003 which provides the powers to borrow and invest as well as providing controls and limits on this activity. The Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (Wales) Regulations 2003 as amended, develops the controls and powers within the Act. This requires the Council to undertake any borrowing activity with regard to the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities and to operate the overall treasury function with regard to the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services. In March 2018 the
Page 221
Welsh Government published an amendment to the Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (Wales) Regulations which enables the Council to invest in certain instruments from 2017-18, which were previously treated as capital expenditure, without the potential revenue cost of Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) and without the proceeds from sale being considered a capital receipt.
3.2 The Council is required to operate the overall treasury function with regard to the Code and this was formally adopted by the Council in February 2012. This includes a requirement for the Council to approve a Treasury Management Strategy (TMS) before the start of each financial year which sets out the Council’s and Chief Financial Officer’s responsibilities, delegation and reporting arrangements. Council approved the TMS 2017-18 on 1 March 2017. CIPFA published new editions of Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice and the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities in late December 2017 however the TMS 2017-18 and this report has been produced using the 2011 Codes. The Code also requires that Council receives an Annual Report after the close of the financial year.
3.3 The Welsh Government (WG) issued revised Guidance on Local Authority Investments in April 2010, which requires the Council to approve an Investment Strategy prior to the start of each financial year and this is included in the TMS.
3.4 This Annual Report covers the following areas for 2017-18:
The Council’s external debt and investment position Treasury Risk Management External Context Borrowing Strategy & Outturn Investment Strategy & Outturn Performance Measurement Review of the Treasury Management Strategy Reporting Arrangements Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators
4. Current Situation / Proposal
4.1 External Debt and Investment Position 2017-18
4.1.1 The Council’s external debt and investment position for 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 is shown below in table 1; more detail is provided in section 4.4 the Borrowing Strategy and Outturn and section 4.5 the Investment Strategy and Outturn.
Page 222
Table 1: Council’s external debt and investment position 1 April to 31 March 2018
Principal Average Principal Average as at Rate as at Rate
01-04-17 01-04-17 31-03-18 31-03-18 £m % £m % External long term borrowing: Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) 77.62 4.70 77.62 4.70 Lender’s Option Borrower’s Option (LOBO) 19.25 4.65 19.25 4.65
Total external borrowing 96.87 4.69 96.87 4.69 Other long term liabilities (LTL) Private Finance Initiative (PFI)* 18.24 17.64 Llynfi Loan** 2.40 2.40 Other LTL 1.13 0.98 Total other long term liabilities 21.77 21.02 Total gross external debt 118.64 117.89 Treasury investments: Banks 8.25 0.55 7.40 0.58 Building Societies 6.00 0.38 2.00 0.54 Government (including Local Authorities) 19.50 0.60 21.00 0.64 Total treasury investments 33.75 0.55 30.40 0.62 Net Debt 84.89 87.49 * (PFI) arrangement for the provision of a Secondary School in Maesteg 16 years remaining term ** loan from the WG Central Capital Retained Fund for regeneration works within the Llynfi Valley which has not yet commenced
4.1.2 It should be noted that the accounting practice to be followed by the Council requires financial instruments in the accounts (debt and investments) to be measured in a method compliant with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The figures shown in the table above and throughout the report are based on the actual amounts borrowed and invested and so may differ from those in the Statement of Accounts which include accrued interest or are stated at fair value in different instances.
4.1.3 The £19.25 million in the above table relates to Lender’s Option Borrower’s Option (LOBO) loans due to mature in 2054, which may be re-scheduled in advance of this maturity date. The LOBO rate and term may vary in the future depending upon the prevailing market rates, the lender exercising their option to increase rates at one of the bi-annual trigger points (the trigger dates being July and January) and therefore, the Council being given the option to accept the increase or to repay the loan without incurring a penalty. Following advice from Arlingclose, the Council approached the LOBO’s lender for potential repayment options in 2017-18, however the premium was deemed too
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excessive to action. The first trigger point in 2018-19 was July 2018 and the lender did not exercise this option in the current low interest rate environment, however an element of refinancing risk remains and the Council would take the option to repay these loans at no cost if it has the opportunity to do so in the future. The current average interest rate for these LOBO’s is 4.65% compared to the PWLB Loans average interest rate of 4.70%.
4.1.4 The long term liabilities figure of £21.02 million at 31 March 2018 includes £17.64 million for the Council’s Private Finance Initiative (PFI) arrangement (for the provision of a Secondary School in Maesteg - sixteen years remaining term) which includes the short term PFI liability of £0.64 million which is included as current liabilities in the Council’s balance sheet in the Statement of Accounts. Also included is £2.40 million relating to a loan from the WG Central Capital Retained Fund for regeneration works within the Llynfi Valley which has not yet commenced.
4.1.5 Favourable cash flows have provided surplus funds for investment and the balance on investments at 31 March 2018 was £30.40 million (average interest rate 0.62%). This was a decrease from the start of the financial year where investments were £33.75 million (average interest rate 0.55%). Table 2 in section 4.5 details the movement of the investments during 2017-18 by counterparty types and shows the average balances, interest received, duration and rates for the year.
4.1.6 The treasury management function has been reviewed by the Council’s External Auditors, the Wales Audit Office during the 2017-18 annual audit and there were no adjustments relating to treasury management. In addition to the External Audit work, Internal Audit undertook an audit of the treasury management function during 2017-18 and the audit identified that “based on an assessment of the strengths and weakness of the areas examined, and through testing it has been concluded that the effectiveness of the internal control environment is considered to be sound and therefore substantial assurance can be placed upon the management of risks”.
4.1.7 The Council’s treasury management advisors are Arlingclose. Their contract runs from 1 September 2016 for four years following a tender process and the contract will be reviewed annually and either party may at any time terminate this agreement on 3 months prior written notice. The current services provided to the Council include:-
advice and guidance on relevant policies, strategies and reports advice on investment decisions notification of credit ratings and changes other information on credit quality advice on debt management decisions
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accounting advice reports on treasury performance forecasts of interest rates training courses.
4.2 Treasury Risk Management 2017-18
4.2.1 The TMS sets out the parameters for the management of risks associated with Financial Instruments. The Council also produces Treasury Management Practices specifying the practical arrangements to be followed to manage these risks. The Council’s overall treasury risk management procedures focus on the unpredictability of financial markets and implementing restrictions to minimise these risks.
4.2.2 The Council’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks, the key risks are:- Credit risk (i.e. security) – the possibility that other parties might fail to pay amounts due to the Council; Liquidity risk – the possibility that the Council might not have funds available to meet its commitments to make payments; Market risk - the possibility that financial loss might arise for the Council as a result of changes in such measures as interest rates movements.
4.2.3 The Council’s primary objective for the management of its investments is to give priority to the security and liquidity of its funds before seeking the best rate of return so not all the options available to the Council were utilised during 2017- 18. The majority of the Council’s surplus funds during 2017-18 were therefore kept in the form of short-term investments and were all placed with counterparties satisfying the appropriate credit criteria and spread over a number of counterparties. This was deemed a much safer option even though it may be at the expense of extra basis points in interest and more detail is provided below in section 4.5.
4.2.4 The counterparty limits were constantly reviewed and where market conditions dictated, the limit was dropped below the limits detailed in the Investment Strategy. No breaches of the Council’s counterparty criteria occurred during 2017-18 and the Council does not expect any losses from non-performance by any of its counterparties in relation to deposits. A risk of irrecoverability applies to all of the Council’s deposits, but there was no evidence at the 31 March 2018 that this was likely to crystallise. Table 3 below in section 4.5 summarises the credit risk exposures of the Council’s investment portfolio by credit rating, based on the lowest long term rating.
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4.3 External Context 2017-18
4.3.1 The interest rate views, incorporated in the Council’s TMS 2017-18, were based upon officers’ views supported by a selection of City forecasts provided by Arlingclose. When the TMS 2017-18 was prepared in January 2017 it was forecast that the Bank Rate would remain at 0.25% during 2017-18 with a low possibility of a drop close to zero and with a very small chance of a reduction below zero.
4.3.2 The Bank Rate started the financial year at 0.25% and the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) increased this by 0.25% to 0.50% in November 2017. It was significant in that it was the first rate hike in ten years, although in essence the MPC reversed its August 2016 cut following the EU referendum result. The Bank Rate remained at 0.50% for the remainder of 2017-18.
4.4 Borrowing Strategy and Outturn 2017-18
4.4.1 Given the significant cuts to public expenditure and in particular to local government funding, the Council’s borrowing strategy continues to address the key issue of affordability without compromising the longer-term stability of the debt portfolio. The uncertainty over future interest rates increases the risks associated with treasury activity. As a result the Council took a cautious approach to its treasury strategy. With short-term interest rates currently lower than long term rates, it is likely to be more cost effective in the short term to either borrow short term or use internal resources. Short term and variable rate loans expose the Council to the risk of short term interest rate rises and are therefore subject to the limit on the net exposure to variable interest rates as shown in the treasury management indicators in section 4.9 and Appendix A. However, with long term rates forecast to rise in the coming years, any such short term savings will need to be balanced against the potential longer-term costs. Arlingclose will assist the Council with this ‘cost of carry’ and breakeven analysis.
4.4.2 The Council’s primary objective for the management of its debt is to ensure its long term affordability. The majority of its loans have therefore been borrowed from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) at long term fixed rates of interest and the last time the Council took long term borrowing was £5 million from the PWLB in March 2012. The premium charge for early repayment of PWLB debt remained relatively expensive for the loans in the Council’s portfolio and therefore unattractive for debt rescheduling activity so no rescheduling activity was undertaken in 2017-18 as a consequence, however, in conjunction with Arlingclose, the loan portfolio will continue to be reviewed for any potential savings as a result of any loan rescheduling. For cash-flow purposes on two occasions short term borrowing was taken in 2017-18 totalling £4 million and repaid within a month and there was none outstanding at 31 March 2018.
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4.4.3 The Council is currently maintaining an under-borrowed position. This means that the capital borrowing need (the Capital Financing Requirement), has not been fully funded with loan debt as cash supporting the Council’s reserves, balances and cash flow has been used as a temporary measure. This is known as Internal Borrowing. This strategy is prudent as investment returns are low and counterparty risk is relatively high. 4.5 Investment Strategy and Outturn 2017-18 4.5.1 Both the CIPFA Code and the WG Guidance require the Council to invest its funds prudently and to have regard to the security and liquidity of its investments before seeking the highest rate of return, or yield. The Council’s objective when investing money is to strike an appropriate balance between risk and return, balancing the risk of incurring losses from defaults against receiving unsuitably low investment income. The Annual Investment Strategy incorporated in the Council’s TMS 2017-18 includes the credit ratings defined for each category of investments, the prudential use of non-specified investments and the liquidity of investments.
4.5.2 Investment decisions are made by reference to the lowest published long-term credit rating from Fitch, Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s to ensure that this lies within the Council’s agreed minimum credit rating. Appendix B shows the equivalence table for these published credit ratings and explains the different investment grades. Where available, the credit rating relevant to the specific investment or class of investment is used, otherwise the counterparty credit rating is used. In the current climate, relying mainly on credit ratings is considered to be inappropriate and the Council understands that credit ratings are good, but not perfect, predictors of investment default. Full regard will therefore be given to other available information on the credit quality of the organisations in which it invests, including credit default swap prices, financial statements, information on potential government support and reports in the quality financial press. No investments will be made with an organisation if there are substantive doubts about its credit quality, even though it may meet the credit rating criteria.
4.5.3 The Council’s investments have historically been placed in bank and building society unsecured deposits and local and central government, however, investments may be made with any public or private sector organisations that meet the minimum credit criteria specified in the Investment Strategy. The Council is diversifying into more secure and/or higher yielding asset classes and any new instruments used will be in full consultation with Arlingclose. In order to be able to use the majority of these different types of instruments, the Council is required to use a nominee account(s) with a third party for safe custody of such investments (a custody account) as they cannot be dealt direct. On 5 September 2017, Cabinet approved the opening of a King & Shaxson custody
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account. It also delegated authority to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer, to open additional custody accounts to support delivery of treasury management responsibilities if required. The custody account was used in October 2017 to invest in a £1 million HM Treasury bill which matured in January 2018.
4.5.4 The Council opened a Money Market Fund in August 2017 with the Churches, Charities and Local Authorities (CCLA) Public Sector Deposit Fund which is a pooling of public sector deposits wholly aligned with the principles and values of the public sector. It is UK domiciled, regulated by the Financial Services Authority with an advisory board representing the public sector depositors which ensures strong governance arrangements of the Fund. This is an approved financial instrument in the TMS 2017-18 and provides instant access to the funds. There was no balance outstanding at 31 March 2018.
4.5.5 On a day to day basis the Council potentially has positive cash balances arising from the cash flow e.g. timing differences between grants being received and making various payments. These are invested on the market via brokers, direct with the institution or held in deposit accounts. The Council usually invests for a range of periods dependent on cash flow requirements and the interest rates on offer having regard to the Investment Strategy. There were two new long term investments (original duration of 12 months or more) made with local authorities in 2017-18 both for two years totalling £5 million but all other investments in 2017-18 were short term. The table below details the investments in 2017-18 by counterparty type:-
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Table 2: Investments Profile 2017-18
Investment Balance Investments Investments Balance Interest Average Weighted Weighted Counterparty 01 April Raised Repaid 31 March Received Original Average Average Category 2017 2018 2017-18 Duration Investment Interest of the Balance Rate (A) (B) (C) (A+B-C) Investment 2017-18 2017-18
£m £m £m £m £’000 Days £m %
Government - - 134.40 134.40 - 3.76 6 2.04 0.18 DMO Government Treasury Bill - 1.00 1.00 - 0.67 91 0.25 0.27 Local Authorities 19.50 143.60 142.10 21.00 155.53 130 30.52 0.51 Building Societies 6.00 10.00 14.00 2.00 19.12 128 3.87 0.39 Banks (Fixed 3.00 11.00 9.00 5.00 25.45 213 6.49 0.62 Maturity) Banks Instant Access/Notice Period Accounts* 5.25 97.16 100.01 2.40 21.85 n/a 5.44 0.40 Money Market Fund (Instant Access)* - 11.30 11.30 - 2.65 n/a 1.02 0.29
Total/Average 33.75 408.46 411.81 30.40 229.03 113 49.63 0.49 * An average duration is not shown as there is no original duration as instant access or notice period and money is added and withdrawn to/from these accounts as required by cash-flow
4.5.6 Occasionally, investments are placed with the UK Debt Management Office (DMO - Executive Agency of UK Government) but only for very short term deposits (as shown in table 2 above) and only as a last resort as the interest rates offered by this facility are lower than some other counterparties but this is commensurate with the high level of security and reduced risk offered. It provides another option when examining potential investments and ensures compliance with the Council’s investment objective that security takes priority over yield. There were no deposits outstanding with the DMO at 31 March 2018. 4.5.7 Favourable cash flows have provided positive cash balances for investment and as shown above the balance on investments at 31 March 2018 was £30.40 million made up of £9 million long term investments, £20 million short term investments and £1.40 million Cash and Cash Equivalents. Table 3 below summarises the credit risk exposure of the Council’s £30.40 million investments
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at 31 March 2018 by credit rating, (based on the lowest long term rating) maturity profile (remaining duration from 31 March 2018) and counterparty type:-
Table 3: Investments Outstanding Maturity Profile 31 March 2018
Counterparty Credit Instant Notice Deposits Deposits Deposits Deposits Total Category Rating Access Period Maturing Maturing Maturing Maturing 31-3-18 Deposit Deposit within Within Within Within Account Account 1 Month 2 to 6 7 Months 1 to 3 Months up to 1 Yr. Yrs.
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m Bank AA- 2.00 2.00 Bank A 1.40 1.00 2.00 1.00 5.40 Building A Societies 2.00 2.00 Local AA- Authorities 3.00 3.00 Local Authorities unrated 2.00 9.00 1.00 6.00 18.00 Total 1.40 1.00 4.00 14.00 1.00 9.00 30.40
4.5.8 The Council defines high credit quality as organisations and securities having a credit rating of A- or higher. The pie chart below summarises the above table by credit ratings and shows the £30.40 million investments at 31 March 2018 by percentage outstanding. Most Local Authorities do not have credit ratings and the remainder of the Council’s investments all had a credit rating of A or above.
AA- 17%
LOCAL A AUTHORITY 24% UNRATED 59%
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4.6 Performance Measurement 2017-18
4.6.1 The Code of Practice on Treasury Management requires the Council to set performance indicators to assess the adequacy of the treasury function over the year and the ones set in the TMS 2017-18 are shown below. These are distinct historic indicators as opposed to the Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators (shown below in section 4.9 and Appendix A) which are predominantly forward looking. One debt performance indicator is where the average portfolio rate of interest is compared to an appropriate average available such as the average PWLB Debt for Welsh and UK Local Authorities.
4.6.2 The average long term borrowing rate for 2017-18 and at 31 March 2018 was 4.69% (the same rate as at 31 March 2017) and 80% of this was made up of Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) loans with an average rate of 4.70% (the same rate as at 31 March 2017). Comparable performance indicators are shown below:-
Bridgend CBC All Welsh Local Authorities* All UK Local Authorities* Average Average Rate of Average Rate for outstanding Rate for outstanding PWLB Debt PWLB Debt PWLB Debt 31-03-18 31-03-18 31-03-18 % % % 4.70 4.75 4.07 -0.05 +0.63 *excluding Parish, Town and Community Councils
4.6.3 The average rate on investments for 2017-18 was 0.49% and at 31 March 2018 was 0.62% (compared to 0.49% for 2016-17 and 0.55% at 31 March 2017). Comparable performance indicators for benchmarking purposes set in the TMS 2017-18 were the average 1 month London Inter Bank Bid (LIBID) rate and the average Bank Rate. The tables below show the investments average interest rate for 2017-18 and the actual rate as at 31 March 2018 compared favourably against these two benchmarking rates:
Bridgend CBC Average 1 month LIBID Average Bank Average Rate of (London Inter-Bank Rate Return on Investments Bid rate) 2017-18 2017-18 2017-18 % % % 0.49 0.23 0.35% +0.26 +0.14
Bridgend CBC 1 month LIBID Bank Rate Average Rate of (London Inter-Bank Return on Investments Bid rate) 31-03-18 31-03-18 31-03-18 % % % 0.62 0.39 0.50 +0.23 +0.12
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4.6.4 The Council participates in a benchmarking exercise with Arlingclose. As shown below, the Council’s average rate of return on investments at the end of each quarter in 2017-18 was more favourable compared to the average of Arlingclose Welsh Local Authorities Unitary clients:
2017-18 Principal Bridgend CBC Principal Arlingclose Clients £m Average Rate of £m Welsh Unitaries Return on Average Rate of Investments Return on % Investments % 30-06-17 47.10 0.45 31.60 0.40 30-09-17 44.00 0.48 25.90 0.29 31-12-17 43.30 0.58 30.00 0.44 31-03-18 30.40 0.62 31.00 0.47
4.7 Review of the Treasury Management Strategy 2017-18 4.7.1 CIPFA’s Code of Practice for Treasury Management requires all local authorities to conduct a mid-year review of its treasury management policies, practices and activities. As a result of this review it was not deemed necessary to make any major changes to the TMS 2017-18.
4.8 Reporting Arrangements 2017-18 4.8.1 CIPFA’s Code of Practice for Treasury Management requires that the Council reports on its treasury management as an annual strategy and plan in advance of the year, a mid-year review and an annual outturn report after its close to Council. The Council also produces quarterly monitoring reports that go to Cabinet as Information Reports. The Council delegates responsibility for the implementation and regular monitoring of its treasury management policies and practices to Cabinet, and for the execution and administration of treasury management decisions to the Section 151 Officer, who will act in accordance with the Council’s TMS and CIPFA’s Standard of Professional Practice on Treasury Management.
4.8.2 The Council has complied with its legislative and regulatory requirements during 2017-18. The TMS 2017-18 and the Half Yearly Outturn were reported to Council on 1 March 2017 and 1 November 2017 respectively and this Annual Treasury Management Outturn Report is being reported to Cabinet and Council in September 2018. In addition, quarterly monitoring reports were presented to Cabinet during 2017-18.
4.8.3 To ensure effective scrutiny of treasury management in accordance with the TMS, Audit Committee has been nominated to be responsible for ensuring effective scrutiny of the TMS and policies. Audit Committee received training in June 2017 to assist them in their function of scrutinising treasury management,
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with particular emphasis on investment options available to the Council and Elected Members were also invited to attend.
4.8.4 During the 2017-18 financial year, in addition to the regular treasury management reports to Cabinet and Council, Audit Committee received the Annual Treasury Management Report 2016-17 in June 2017, the Half Year Treasury Management Report 2017-18 in November 2017, the TMS 2018-19 in January 2018 and an Annual Outturn Report 2017-18 in June 2018.
4.9 Treasury Management & Prudential Indicators 2017-18 4.9.1 The Treasury Management Code and Prudential Code require the Council to set and report on a number of Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators. Details are shown in Appendix A of the estimated indicators for 2017-18 as detailed in the TMS 2017-18 approved by Council 1 March 2017, the revised projection (where applicable) as set out in the TMS 2018-19 approved by Council 28 February 2018, and the actual indicators for 2017-18.
4.9.2 In 2017-18, the Council operated within the limits and indicators as set out in the agreed TMS 2017-18 and complied with its treasury management practices.
5. Effect upon Policy Framework & Procedure Rules
5.1 As required by Financial Procedure Rule 20.3 within the Council’s Constitution, all investments and borrowing transactions have been undertaken in accordance with the TMS 2017-18 as approved by Council with due regard to the requirements of the CIPFA’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management in the Public Services.
6. Equality Impact Assessment
6.1 There are no equality implications.
7. Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 Implications
7.1 The well-being goals identified in the Act were considered in the preparation of this report. As the report is for information only it is considered that there will be no significant or unacceptable impacts upon the achievement of well-being goals/objectives as a result of this report.
8. Financial Implications
8.1 The financial implications are reflected within the report.
9. Recommendation
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9.1 It is recommended that Cabinet:
Note the treasury management activities for 2017-18; Note the actual Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators for 2017-18.
Gill Lewis Interim Head of Finance & Section 151 Officer 9 August 2018
Contact Officer: Karin Thomas Loans & Investment Officer Telephone: 01656 643198 E-mail: [email protected] Postal Address: Raven’s Court, Brewery Lane, Bridgend, CF31 4AP
Background documents:
Treasury Management Strategy 2017-18 Treasury Management Strategy 2018-19
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1 Treasury Management Indicators 2017-18
1.1 The following indicators (which are forward looking parameters) form part of the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management. They enable the Council to measure and manage its exposure to Treasury Management risks.
The Council needs to set the upper limits to its Interest Rate Exposure for the effects of changes in interest rates. There are two treasury management indicators relating to both fixed interest rates and variable interest rates. These limits have been calculated with reference to the net outstanding principal sums and are set to control the Council’s exposure to interest rate risk and are shown in the table below. Fixed rate investments and borrowings are those where the rate of interest is fixed for at least 12 months, measured from the start of the financial year or transaction date if later and all other instruments are classed as variable. The majority of the Council’s investments are less than 12 months and even though interest rates may be fixed for the investment duration these would be classed as variable. LOBO loans are variable interest rate loans, therefore, as the investments were in excess of total variable rate loans, the variable interest rate exposure (net principal) is shown as negative in the table below.
The Section 151 Officer managed interest rate exposure between these limits during the year and as shown below the net borrowing position for fixed and variable rates was within the limits set.
No. Interest Rate Exposure TMS Revised Actual 2017-18 Projection Outstanding 2017-18 TMS 2018-19 31-03-18 £m £m £m Total Projected Principal Outstanding on Borrowing 31 March 96.87 96.87 96.87 2018 Total Projected Principal Outstanding on Investments 31 24.00 30.00 30.40 March 2018 Net Principal Outstanding 72.87 66.87 66.47 1. Upper Limit on fixed interest rates (net principal) exposure 130.00 n/a n/a 2. Upper Limit on variable interest rates 50.00 n/a n/a Exposure (net principal) exposure Fixed interest rate exposure (net principal) 31 March 2018 68.62 68.62 Variable interest rate exposure (net principal) 31 March 2018 1.25 -2.15
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1.2 A further indicator for Treasury Management measures the Maturity Structure of Borrowing and is the amount of projected borrowing that is fixed rate, maturing in each period as a percentage of total projected fixed rate borrowing. This indicator is set to control the Council’s exposure to refinancing risk and has been set to allow for the possible restructuring of long term debt where this is expected to lead to an overall saving or reduction in risk.
No Maturity structure of fixed rate Upper limit Lower limit Actual 31-03-18 borrowing during 2017-18 % % % 3. Under 12 months 50 0 19.87 12 months and within 24 months 25 0 - 24 months and within 5 years 25 0 - 5 years and within 10 years 50 0 13.91 10 years and within 20 years 60 0 23.49 20 years and above 100 40 42.73
The 19.87% in the table above relates to £19.25 million Lender’s Option Borrower’s Option (LOBO) loans which may be re-scheduled in advance of their maturity date of 2054, as detailed in section 1 above. The Code requires the maturity of LOBO loans to be shown (even though the rate is variable) as the earliest date on which the lender can require payment, i.e. the next call date after 31 March 2018 which is July 2018, however, the lender did not exercise this option due to current low interest rates and the Council is not anticipating that this will occur during 2018-19 so the maturity date is actually uncertain but is shown in the “Under 12 months” category as per the Code.
1.3 The Upper Limit for Total Principal Sums invested over 364 days indicator controls the amount of longer term investments which mature beyond the period end. This is set to control the Council’s exposure to the risk of incurring losses by seeking early repayment of its investments.
No. TMS Actual Principal 2017-18 Outstanding Over 364 days 31-03-18 £m £m 4. Upper Limit for Total Principal Sums Invested for more than 364 days 15 9
The actual for all three treasury management indicators above are within the accepted range.
2. Prudential Indicators 2017-18
The Prudential Indicators are required to be set and approved by Council in accordance with CIPFA’s Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities.
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Council is required to formally adopt CIPFA’s Treasury Management Code and the revised edition of the 2011 code was adopted by Council on 22 February 2012.
2.1 Prudential Indicators for Prudence
2.1.1 The following Prudential Indicators are based on the Council’s capital programme which is subject to change. The Council’s capital expenditure plans are summarised below and this forms the first prudential indicator for Prudence. The total capital expenditure was funded from capital grants and contributions, capital receipts and revenue with the remainder being the Net Financing Need for the Financial Year to be met from borrowing.
No. Prudential indicators Estimate Revised Projection Actual For Prudence TMS 2017-18 2017-18 2017-18 TMS 2018-19 2017-18 £m £m £m 1. Estimates of Capital Expenditure (Non-HRA) 63.85 45.41 36.58 Total Capital Expenditure 63.85 45.41 36.58 Financed by :- Capital Grants and Contributions 24.37 15.14 16.63 Capital Receipts 20.04 10.90 0.18 Revenue contribution to Capital 9.92 9.61 9.92 Net Financing Need for Year 9.52 9.76 9.85
The capital expenditure figures have changed from the TMS 2017-18 as the capital programme approved by Council on 1 March 2017 has been amended to include new approved schemes and to incorporate slippage of schemes identified as part of the capital monitoring which has resulted in a very small increase in the Net Financing Need for 2017-18.
The process for charging the financing of capital expenditure to revenue is a statutory requirement and is called the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP). The actual MRP charge needs to be prudent and the methodology is detailed in the Council’s MRP policy in the TMS 2017-18. Directorates who receive Council approval for capital schemes via Unsupported Borrowing make annual contributions to the capital costs of their schemes known as Voluntary Revenue Provisions (VRP) or additional MRP. This type of borrowing is only approved when Directorates have the necessary revenue resources to make VRP to fund the capital costs though this will be deferred in some cases until the asset becomes operational in accordance with the Council’s MRP Policy.
2.1.2 The second Prudential Indicator is the Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) for the Council and is shown in the table below. This shows the total outstanding
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capital expenditure that has not been funded from either revenue or other capital resources. It is derived from the actual Balance Sheet of the Council. It is essentially a measure of the underlying need to finance capital expenditure and forms the basis of the charge to the General Fund in line with the Prudential Code.
The MRP requirement for the Maesteg School PFI Scheme and the Innovation Centre will be equivalent to the write down of the liability for the year and is met from existing budgets.
No. Prudential indicators For Prudence Estimate Revised Actual TMS Projection 2017-18 2017-18 2017-18 TMS 2018-19 £m £m £m 2. Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) Opening CFR (1 April 2017) adjusted excluding 150.65 149.20 149.20 PFI & other liabilities Opening PFI CFR 18.24 18.24 18.24 Opening Innovation Centre 0.66 0.66 0.66 Opening Coychurch Crematorium 0.08 0.08 0.08 Total Opening CFR 169.63 168.18 168.18 Movement in CFR excluding PFI & other 2.90 3.36 3.44 liabilities Movement in PFI CFR (0.60) (0.60) (0.60) Movement in Innovation Centre CFR (0.06) (0.06) (0.06) Movement in CREM CFR (0.08) (0.08) (0.08) Total Movement in CFR 2.16 2.62 2.70 Closing CFR (31 March 2018) 171.79 170.80 170.88 Movement in CFR represented by :- Net Financing Need for Year (above) 9.52 9.76 9.85 Minimum and Voluntary Revenue Provisions* (7.36) (7.14) (7.15) Total Movement 2.16 2.62 2.70 *Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) and Voluntary Revenue Provision (VRP) represent the revenue charge for the repayment of debt and include MRP for the Public Finance Initiative (PFI) and the Innovation Centre
2.2 Limits to Borrowing Activity
2.2.1 The Council’s long term borrowing at the 31 March 2018 was £96.87 million as detailed in section 1 of the main report. External Borrowing can arise as a result of both capital and revenue expenditure and timing of cash flows. As the Council has an integrated TMS there is no association between individual loans and particular types of expenditure. Therefore, the Capital Financing Requirement and actual external borrowing can be very different especially when a Council is using Internal Borrowing as highlighted in paragraph 4.4.3 in the main report
The Gross Debt position (Borrowing and Long Term Liabilities) is shown below.
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No. Prudential indicators Estimate Revised Projection Actual For Prudence TMS 2017-18 Outstanding Gross Debt 2017-18 TMS 2018-19 31-03-18 2017-18 £m £m £m 3. External Borrowing 96.87 96.87 96.87 Long Term Liabilities (including PFI) 21.07 20.99 21.02 Total Gross Debt 117.94 117.86 117.89
2.2.2 Within the Prudential Indicators, there are a number of key indicators to ensure the Council operates its activities within well-defined limits. One key control is to ensure that over the medium term, debt will only be for a capital purpose. The Council needs to ensure that the external debt does not, except in the short term, exceed the Capital Financing Requirement for 2017-18. The table below shows that the Council has complied with this requirement.
No. Prudential indicators Estimate Revised Projection Actual For Prudence TMS 2017-18 Outstanding 2017-18 2017-18 TMS 2018-19 31-03-18 £m £m £m 4. Gross Debt & the CFR Total Gross Debt 117.94 117.86 117.89 Closing CFR (31 March) 171.79 170.80 170.88
2.2.3 A further two Prudential Indicators detailed below control the Council’s overall level of debt to support Capital Expenditure and were well within the limit set:
The Authorised Limit for External Debt – this represents the limit beyond which borrowing is prohibited. It reflects a level of borrowing that could not be sustained even though it would be affordable in the short term. It needs to be set and approved by Members.
The Operational Boundary for External Debt – this is not an actual limit and actual borrowing can vary around this boundary during the year. It is based on the probable external debt during the course of the year.
Page 239 APPENDIX A
No. Prudential indicators For Prudence TMS Limit Actual 2017-18 31-03-18 £m £m
5. Authorised limit for external debt - Borrowing 140 Other long term liabilities 30 Total 170 6. Operational Boundary Borrowing 105 Other long term liabilities 25 Total 130
Borrowing 96.87 Other long term liabilities 21.02 Total 117.89
2.3 Prudential Indicators for Affordability
2.3.1 The Ratio of Financing Costs to Net Revenue Stream indicator demonstrates the trend in the cost of capital against the Total Revenue amount to be met from local taxpayers and the amount provided by the Welsh Government in the form of Revenue Support Grant. The estimates of capital financing costs include interest payable and receivable on treasury management activities and the MRP charged to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. The revenue stream is the amount to be met from government grants and local taxpayers.
No. Prudential Indicators Estimate Revised Projection Actual for Affordability TMS 2017-18 2017-18 2017-18 TMS 2018-19 2017-18 % % % 7. Ratio of Financing Costs to Net Revenue Stream 4.84 4.79 4.72
Page 240 APPENDIX B
Page 241 This page is intentionally left blank BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
INFORMATION REPORT TO CABINET
18 SEPTEMBER 2018
REPORT OF THE INTERIM HEAD OF FINANCE AND SECTION 151 OFFICER
REVIEW OF THE MINIMUM REVENUE PROVISION (MRP) POLICY 2018-19
1. Purpose of the Report
1.1 The purpose of the report is to present to Cabinet alternative methods of calculating a prudent annual charge to revenue to repay capital financing costs. This is known as the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP). It asks Cabinet to note:-
The revision of the MRP Policy 2018-19 for calculating MRP on capital expenditure funded from supported borrowing from a 4% reducing balance method to a straight-line over 45 years method; The resultant surplus on the capital financing budget for 2018-19 is used to increase the Capital programme earmarked reserve; and Further consideration is given to the treatment of the base budget for MRP 2019-20 within the Medium Term Financial Strategy.
2. Connection to Corporate Improvement Objectives/Other Corporate Priorities
2.1 This report supports the Corporate Priority:
Smarter use of resources – ensuring that all its resources (financial, physical, human and technological) are used as effectively and efficiently as possible and support the development of resources throughout the community that can help deliver the Council’s priorities.
3. Background
3.1 Under regulation 21 of the Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (Wales) Regulations 2003, local authorities are required to charge Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) to their revenue account for each financial year to account for the principal cost of their debt in that financial year.
3.2 Since 2007-08, local authorities calculate an amount of MRP which they consider to be prudent. The legislation does not define what constitutes a “prudent provision”. However previous guidance issued by the Welsh Government (April 2010) provides an interpretation of prudent provision and examples of options of acceptable methods for calculating a prudent level of MRP.
Page 243 3.3 The guidance states that there are four options :- Options 1 & 2 are based on the principle that for supported borrowing through the RSG, the level of provision is reasonably commensurate with the period implicit in the determination of the grant. Option 3 & 4 are recommended for borrowing where there is no support being given and therefore is self-financed. Option 3 is the Asset Life Method and makes the provision over the estimated life of the asset for which the borrowing is undertaken. Option 4 is the depreciation method and makes the MRP in accordance with standard rules for depreciation.
Local authorities are legally obliged to “have regard” to such guidance, but having done so may consider a more individually designed MRP approach is justified. The aim of the guidance is to ensure that the debt is repaid over a period that is reasonably commensurate with that over which the capital expenditure provides benefits.
3.4 The responsibility for determining what is prudent is entirely a matter for the authority. It is not the role of the Welsh Government or the external auditor to determine in cases whether any proposed arrangement is prudent. The external auditor does have a responsibility however to consider whether or not an authority has complied with its statutory duty in their approach to setting MRP. Authorities are required to prepare an annual statement of their policy on making MRP. Within Bridgend CBC, this Policy is included within the Treasury Management Strategy and is formally approved by Full Council.
4. Current Situation / Proposal
4.1 Council approved the Annual MRP Policy 18-19 as part of the Treasury Management Strategy in February 2018 and is contained as Appendix A. This report examines changing the charging mechanism for capital expenditure identified as paragraph 1 in the Policy that is:-
i. Capital expenditure incurred before 1 April 2008 and any capital expenditure after 1 April 2008 that is government supported expenditure and does not result in a significant asset will be based on the Capital Financing Requirement after accounting adjustments at 4% of the opening balance. This charge was supplemented by voluntary MRP (based on the useful asset life) in respect of those assets which were financed by unsupported borrowing before 1 April 2008.
4.2 The MRP charge for supported borrowing for 2018-19 on the current methodology (4% reducing balance) is £4.884 million. This charge is met from the capital financing budget that sits within the non-Directorate service area of the revenue account.
4.3 As the mechanism for charging is discretionary and as Councils explore ways to generate revenue budget savings, there has been a growing number of authorities that have reviewed their existing MRP Policy and amended the
Page 244 method of charging. There are now only a small number that still base their MRP charge for Supported Borrowing on a 4% reducing balance basis.
4.4 The current reducing balance approach allocates a higher charge to earlier years and a lower charge to latter years. The rationale being in the years when expenditure is first incurred is when most of the benefits are used and when maintenance costs are minimal. Only in latter years maintenance costs would be higher, coinciding with a lower revenue provision for debt. The method implies that borrowing will be repaid over a 25 year period (in that 100% / 4% = 25), however as the calculation applies the 4% to the reducing balance it takes much more than 25 years to fully repay the borrowing. Therefore, there is an argument that it does not support the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 as there would still be a revenue charge in two hundred years’ time. In forty-five years’ time, which is akin to the average residual life of the Council’s assets, the current methodology would still leave £18.673 million of remaining debt to be paid off and an annual revenue charge still at £0.778 million.
4.5 Appendix B provides examples of the actual revenue provision that would be calculated on different approaches based on a Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) for supported borrowing of £122 million at 1 April 2018. For the purpose of modelling, it ignores the impact of subsequent annual approvals of supported borrowing from Welsh Government.
4.6 One alternative method could still be to make MRP based on a reducing balance but at 3%. This would generate savings for twenty-seven years when it would then become more expensive than at 4%. There would still remain the issue that the debt is never really extinguished and therefore it is felt that a reducing balance approach does not meet the requirements of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act.
4.7 A straight line approach assumes all users benefit equally from use of the assets over the period. It provides certainty of the annual revenue charge for supported borrowing and ensures that the debt is fully paid off over the life of the asset. The graph below shows a comparison of the MRP annual charge based on the existing 4% reducing balance and straight line using an average asset life of forty-five years equivalent to 2.22% :-
Page 245 Graph 1: Comparison of MRP Charge on Existing Basis & Straight-line over 45 Years
Annual MRP Charge (Non-cumulative)
6.000 5.000 4.000
£m 3.000 2.000 1.000 - 2018/19 2022/23 2026/27 2030/31 2034/35 2038/39 2042/43 2046/47 2050/51 2054/55 2058/59 2062/63 2066/67 2070/71 2074/75 2078/79 2082/83 2086/87 2090/91 2094/95 2098/99 2102/03 2106/07 2110/11 2114/15 2118/19 Financial Year
4% 2.22% (45 yrs)
4.8 As can be seen from the above, changing the methodology from reducing balance to straight-line does produce savings in the first fifteen years. However, in 2033-34, the charge using the existing methodology would become cheaper until the time when the debt is fully extinguished on the straight-line method.
4.9 Appendix B includes an analysis based on the time value of money. It uses a discount factor of 3.5% which is assumed to indicate the discounted cash flow of the monetary differences after a number of years. This demonstrates the significant revenue savings which can be made in the early years for each approach but after a period of time MRP will be greater than that charged at 4% reducing balance currently charged.
4.10 The table below summarises the Appendix and indicates the impact of each approach compared to 4% reducing balance method together with the discounted cash flow of the savings:-
Table 1: Comparison of MRP Charges on Various Bases over 200 years
Current MRP 4% Reducing Years Balance Straight Line 40 Years Straight Line 45 Years Straight Line 50 Years £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m (Savings) (Savings) (Savings) Charges Charges /Cost DCF Charges /Cost DCF Charges /Cost DCF 0-5 26.527 18.316 (8.211) (7.647) 16.281 (10.246) (9.518) 14.653 (11.874) (11.014) 6-27 56.646 67.159 10.513 4.266 59.697 3.051 (0.066) 53.727 (2.919) (3.531) 28-50 23.709 36.632 12.923 4.904 46.129 22.420 6.812 53.727 30.018 7.883 51-100 13.248 0.000 (13.248) (1.420) 0.000 (13.248) (1.420) 0.000 (13.248) (1.420) 101-200 1.944 0.000 (1.944) (0.034) 0.000 (1.944) (0.034) 0.000 (1.944) (0.034) TOTAL 122.074 122.107 0.033 0.069 122.107 0.033 (4.225) 122.107 0.033 (8.116)
Page 246 4.11 By amending the MRP Policy and re-phasing the repayment of debt, then there are potential savings to be achieved. The table demonstrates the greatest savings can be realised in years 0-5 under the 50 years straight line method £11.874 million (£11.014 million discounted), but for years 28-50, the Council will incur £30.018 million (£7.883 million discounted) more than that charged at 4% reducing balance, before further savings are realised. In all three straight-line scenarios, the overall cost of the charges is £33,000 more than the existing methodology but this is because the full amount of the debt outstanding, that is the £122.074 million, is extinguished. The discounted cash flow shows for straight-line charges for both 45 and 50 years that there are still positive savings over fifty years even where the charges increase in later years. The below table shows the net present value of savings for the charges based on straight-line 45 years of £2.772 million and £6.662 million on straight-line 50 years in:-
Table 2: Comparison of Current MRP Charge on Various Bases over 50 years
Current MRP 4% Reducing Years Balance Straight Line 40 Years Straight Line 45 Years Straight Line 50 Years £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m (Savings) (Savings) (Savings) Charges Charges /Cost DCF Charges /Cost DCF Charges /Cost DCF 0-5 26.527 18.316 (8.211) (7.647) 16.281 (10.246) (9.518) 14.653 (11.874) (11.014) 6-27 56.646 67.159 10.513 4.266 59.697 3.051 (0.066) 53.727 (2.919) (3.531) 28-50 23.709 36.632 12.923 4.904 46.129 22.420 6.812 53.727 30.018 7.883 TOTAL 106.881 122.107 15.226 1.523 122.107 15.226 (2.772) 122.107 15.226 (6.662)
4.12 As at the 31 March 2018, the net book value (NBV) of the Council’s fixed assets was £491.898 million. A number of these assets would have been funded from supported borrowing but actual borrowing is not assigned to individual assets. As stated previously, the supporting borrowing Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) at the 1 April 2018 was £122.107 million which represents 24.8% of the net book value. The assets have a range of estimated asset lives and it is difficult to establish which would be included within the supported borrowing CFR. However, examining the range of asset lives within the Asset Register (vary from 1 to 99 years for land) and the fact that the majority of the CFR relates to historic debt, it would seem that a prudent MRP charge could be based on asset lives of 45 years and a move to a straight-line basis which would result in a total saving of £2.171 million in the current year. The under-spend that would result in 2018-19 would be used to increase the earmarked reserve that supports the Capital Programme. It would also provide an opportunity to permanently reduce the budget for the 2019-20 financial year.
4.13 Welsh Government has just released a consultation document on proposed changes to the existing MRP Guidance. The three proposed changes which would be applicable from 1 April 2019 are:- 1. Definition of Prudent Provision – Welsh Government proposes to change the definition of prudent provision to one that requires local authorities to set MRP in a way that covers the gap between the Capital Financing Requirement and the amount of that requirement that is funded by income,
Page 247 grants and receipts. The revised methodology is based on an assessment of asset lives and therefore the MRP charge will be commensurate with the period of benefit. 2. Meaning of a Charge to the Revenue Account – Welsh Government proposes that there should not be any credit back to revenue for previously overpaid MRP. This revised policy is not looking to backdate the change in methodology so there would not be any credit back to the revenue account in 2018-19 as a result. 3. Impact of changing Methods of Calculating MRP – Welsh Government continues to recognise that local authorities should have flexibility to change the methods for charging MRP but again clarifies that an overpayment cannot be calculated retrospectively. Again the proposed policy does not suggest any retrospective adjustment.
The proposal is therefore in line with any proposed changes that might come into effect for the next financial year.
5. Effect upon Policy Framework & Procedure Rules
5.1 None
6. Equalities Impact Assessment
6.1 None
7. Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 Implications
7.1 This report links to the Council’s long-term well-being objectives. It ensures that the purchase of assets to support front line service delivery is prudent, affordable and sustainable and there is sufficient investment in infrastructure to enable the Council to provide services well in to the future.
7.2 The recommendation to change the MRP policy for supported capital expenditure from reducing balance to straight line ensures that the costs are spread more evenly amongst the taxpayers benefiting from the capital expenditure. It also means that there is certainty with a consistent revenue charge for the provision of debt and that the debt is full extinguished within forty-five years instead of leaving a residual debt balance for citizens for up to two hundred years. 7.3 The change therefore is not considered as compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs merely that future generations pay for assets from which they benefit. It seeks to charge MRP to the revenue account over a period which is commensurate with the estimated residual lives of the Council’s assets. 8. Financial Implications
8.1 The budget for MRP for supported borrowing for 2018-19 is £5.113 million. This includes a small budget of £132,000 to finance an on-going charge based on asset life leaving a balance of £4.981 million for the charges based on 4%
Page 248 reducing balance. If the methodology is changed to straight-line over 45 years as in the graph above, there would be a surplus in the current year as below:
Financial Year Annual Proposed Surplus Budget Charge (2.22%) £m £m £m 2018-19 4.981 2.713 2.268
8.2 It is recommended that this surplus is used to increase the earmarked reserve that supports the Capital programme given the pressures on capital funding for Band B schools and other essential capital expenditure. 8.3 Members will need to be aware that the proposed charge above is based on the CFR at 1 April 2018. Every subsequent year the charge will be increased on the basis of the allocation of supported borrowing from Welsh Government. For example, if the allocation is £3.935 million as per the assumptions within the MTFS Capital Programme, an additional annual charge of £87,000 would be generated. Therefore any adjustment to the base budget in 2019-20 would need to be mindful of this. For this reason, the MRP Policy will continue to be kept under review annually.
9. Recommendation
9.1 It is recommended that Cabinet note the proposed changing to the methodology for charging MRP for supported borrowing and ask Council to approve:-
The revision of the MRP Policy 2018-19 for calculating MRP on capital expenditure funded from supported borrowing from a 4% reducing balance method to a straight-line over 45 years method and a revised Minimum Revenue Provision Statement is approved (Appendix C); The resultant surplus on the capital financing budget for 2018-19 is used to increase the Capital programme earmarked reserve; and Further consideration is given to the treatment of the base budget for MRP 2019-20 within the Medium Term Financial Strategy.
Gill Lewis Interim Head of Finance & Section 151 Officer 15 August 2018 Contact Officer: Mary Williams, Group Manager – Chief Accountant Telephone: 01656 643605 E-mail: [email protected] Postal Address: Raven’s Court, Brewery Lane, Bridgend, CF31 4AP
Page 249 Background documents: Treasury Management Strategy 2018-19
Page 250 APPENDIX A
ANNUAL MINIMUM REVENUE PROVISION STATEMENT 2018-19
The Annual Minimum Revenue Provision Statement needs to be approved by Council before the start of each financial year. The MRP charges for 2018-19 will be on the following bases:-
i. Capital expenditure incurred before 1 April 2008 and any capital expenditure after 1 April 2008 that is government supported expenditure and does not result in a significant asset will be based on the Capital Financing Requirement after accounting adjustments at 4% of the opening balance. This charge was supplemented by voluntary MRP (based on the useful asset life) in respect of those assets which were financed by unsupported borrowing before 1 April 2008 ii. Supported capital expenditure that results in a significant asset (based on an internal assessment) incurred on or after 1 April 2008 and all unsupported capital expenditure, exercised under the Prudential Code, the MRP charge will be based on the Asset Life Method. The minimum revenue provision will be at equal annual instalments over the life of the asset. The first charge can be delayed until the year after the asset is operational but this will be at the discretion of the Section 151 Officer iii. for assets reclassified as finance leases under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or resulting from a Private Finance Initiative, the MRP charge will be regarded as met by a charge equal to the element of the rent/charge that goes to write down the balance sheet liability for the year iv. Where loans are made to other bodies for their capital expenditure with an obligation for the bodies to repay, no MRP will be charged. The capital receipts generated by the annual repayments on those loans will be put aside to repay debt instead v. MRP may be waived on expenditure recoverable within a prudent period of time through capital receipts (e.g. land purchases) or deferred to when the benefits from investment are scheduled to begin or when confirmed external grant payments towards that expenditure are expected.
The MRP Charge 2018-19 based on the estimated capital financing requirement is detailed below:-
Page 251 Options Estimated 2018-19 Capital Financing Estimated Requirement MRP 31-03-18
£m
£m
Capital expenditure before 01-04-2008 (i) and any after 01-04-2008 that does not result in a significant asset
(Supported) 122.19 4.88
Capital Expenditure before 01-04- 2008 (Unsupported) - -
Supported capital expenditure that (ii) results in a significant asset, incurred on or after 1 April 2008
(Supported) 3.42 0.13
Unsupported capital expenditure, exercised under the Prudential Code
(Unsupported)
26.95 1.55
PFI, Finance Leases and other (iii) arrangements
PFI School 17.64 0.64 Innovation Centre 0.60 0.06
TOTAL 170.80 7.26
Page 252 Prudent Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) for the Repayment of Debt - Review of Supported Borrowing APPENDIX B
£m Capital Financing Requirement at 01.04.2018 122.107 122,106,979.55
Discount 253 Page Rate (For Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)) 3.50%
Reducing Balance % Straight Line
Current Method 4% 3% 40 Years 45 Years 50 Years
Financial Year Year Discount 4.0% y/e balance 3.0% y/e (Saving) / DCF 2.5% y/e (Saving) / DCF 2.22% y/e (Saving) / DCF 2.0% y/e balance (Saving) DCF Factor balance Increase p/a balance Increase balance Increase / p/a p/a Increase p/a £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m 2018/19 0 1.000 4.884 117.223 3.663 118.444 (1.221) (1.221) 3.053 119.054 (1.832) (1.832) 2.713 119.393 (2.171) (2.171) 2.442 119.665 (2.442) (2.442) 2019/20 1 0.966 4.689 112.534 3.553 114.890 (1.136) (1.097) 3.053 116.002 (1.636) (1.581) 2.713 116.680 (1.975) (1.909) 2.442 117.223 (2.247) (2.171) 2020/21 2 0.934 4.501 108.032 3.447 111.444 (1.055) (0.985) 3.053 112.949 (1.449) (1.352) 2.713 113.967 (1.788) (1.669) 2.442 114.781 (2.059) (1.922) 2021/22 3 0.902 4.321 103.711 3.343 108.100 (0.978) (0.882) 3.053 109.896 (1.269) (1.144) 2.713 111.253 (1.608) (1.450) 2.442 112.338 (1.879) (1.695) 2022/23 4 0.871 4.148 99.563 3.243 104.857 (0.905) (0.789) 3.053 106.844 (1.096) (0.955) 2.713 108.540 (1.435) (1.250) 2.442 109.896 (1.706) (1.487) 2023/24 5 0.842 3.983 95.580 3.146 101.712 (0.837) (0.705) 3.053 103.791 (0.930) (0.783) 2.713 105.826 (1.269) (1.068) 2.442 107.454 (1.540) (1.297) 2024/25 6 0.814 3.823 91.757 3.051 98.660 (0.772) (0.628) 3.053 100.738 (0.771) (0.627) 2.713 103.113 (1.110) (0.903) 2.442 105.012 (1.381) (1.123) 2025/26 7 0.786 3.670 88.087 2.960 95.701 (0.710) (0.558) 3.053 97.686 (0.618) (0.485) 2.713 100.399 (0.957) (0.752) 2.442 102.570 (1.228) (0.965) 2026/27 8 0.759 3.523 84.563 2.871 92.830 (0.652) (0.495) 3.053 94.633 (0.471) (0.358) 2.713 97.686 (0.810) (0.615) 2.442 100.128 (1.081) (0.821) 2027/28 9 0.734 3.383 81.181 2.785 90.045 (0.598) (0.439) 3.053 91.580 (0.330) (0.242) 2.713 94.972 (0.669) (0.491) 2.442 97.686 (0.940) (0.690) 2028/29 10 0.709 3.247 77.933 2.701 87.343 (0.546) (0.387) 3.053 88.528 (0.195) (0.138) 2.713 92.259 (0.534) (0.378) 2.442 95.243 (0.805) (0.571) 2029/30 11 0.685 3.117 74.816 2.620 84.723 (0.497) (0.340) 3.053 85.475 (0.065) (0.044) 2.713 89.545 (0.404) (0.277) 2.442 92.801 (0.675) (0.462) 2030/31 12 0.662 2.993 71.823 2.542 82.181 (0.451) (0.298) 3.053 82.422 0.060 0.040 2.713 86.832 (0.279) (0.185) 2.442 90.359 (0.551) (0.364) 2031/32 13 0.639 2.873 68.951 2.465 79.716 (0.408) (0.261) 3.053 79.370 0.180 0.115 2.713 84.118 (0.159) (0.102) 2.442 87.917 (0.431) (0.275) 2032/33 14 0.618 2.758 66.193 2.391 77.324 (0.367) (0.226) 3.053 76.317 0.295 0.182 2.713 81.405 (0.045) (0.028) 2.442 85.475 (0.316) (0.195) 2033/34 15 0.597 2.648 63.545 2.320 75.005 (0.328) (0.196) 3.053 73.264 0.405 0.242 2.713 78.691 0.066 0.039 2.442 83.033 (0.206) (0.123) 2034/35 16 0.577 2.542 61.003 2.250 72.755 (0.292) (0.168) 3.053 70.212 0.511 0.295 2.713 75.978 0.172 0.099 2.442 80.591 (0.100) (0.057) 2035/36 17 0.557 2.440 58.563 2.183 70.572 (0.257) (0.143) 3.053 67.159 0.613 0.341 2.713 73.264 0.273 0.152 2.442 78.148 0.002 0.001 2036/37 18 0.538 2.343 56.220 2.117 68.455 (0.225) (0.121) 3.053 64.106 0.710 0.382 2.713 70.551 0.371 0.200 2.442 75.706 0.100 0.054 2037/38 19 0.520 2.249 53.972 2.054 66.401 (0.195) (0.102) 3.053 61.053 0.804 0.418 2.713 67.837 0.465 0.242 2.442 73.264 0.193 0.101 2038/39 20 0.503 2.159 51.813 1.992 64.409 (0.167) (0.084) 3.053 58.001 0.894 0.449 2.713 65.124 0.555 0.279 2.442 70.822 0.283 0.142 2039/40 21 0.486 2.073 49.740 1.932 62.477 (0.140) (0.068) 3.053 54.948 0.980 0.476 2.713 62.410 0.641 0.311 2.442 68.380 0.370 0.179 2040/41 22 0.469 1.990 47.751 1.874 60.602 (0.115) (0.054) 3.053 51.895 1.063 0.499 2.713 59.697 0.724 0.340 2.442 65.938 0.453 0.212 2041/42 23 0.453 1.910 45.841 1.818 58.784 (0.092) (0.042) 3.053 48.843 1.143 0.518 2.713 56.983 0.803 0.364 2.442 63.496 0.532 0.241 2042/43 24 0.438 1.834 44.007 1.764 57.021 (0.070) (0.031) 3.053 45.790 1.219 0.534 2.713 54.270 0.880 0.385 2.442 61.053 0.609 0.267 2043/44 25 0.423 1.760 42.247 1.711 55.310 (0.050) (0.021) 3.053 42.737 1.292 0.547 2.713 51.556 0.953 0.403 2.442 58.611 0.682 0.289 2044/45 26 0.409 1.690 40.557 1.659 53.651 (0.031) (0.012) 3.053 39.685 1.363 0.557 2.713 48.843 1.024 0.418 2.442 56.169 0.752 0.308 2045/46 27 0.395 1.622 38.935 1.610 52.041 (0.013) (0.005) 3.053 36.632 1.430 0.565 2.713 46.129 1.091 0.431 2.442 53.727 0.820 0.324 2046/47 28 0.382 1.557 37.377 1.561 50.480 0.004 0.001 3.053 33.579 1.495 0.571 2.713 43.416 1.156 0.441 2.442 51.285 0.885 0.338 2047/48 29 0.369 1.495 35.882 1.514 48.966 0.019 0.007 3.053 30.527 1.558 0.574 2.713 40.702 1.218 0.449 2.442 48.843 0.947 0.349 2048/49 30 0.356 1.435 34.447 1.469 47.497 0.034 0.012 3.053 27.474 1.617 0.576 2.713 37.989 1.278 0.455 2.442 46.401 1.007 0.359 2049/50 31 0.344 1.378 33.069 1.425 46.072 0.047 0.016 3.053 24.421 1.675 0.577 2.713 35.275 1.336 0.460 2.442 43.959 1.064 0.366 2050/51 32 0.333 1.323 31.746 1.382 44.690 0.059 0.020 3.053 21.369 1.730 0.575 2.713 32.562 1.391 0.463 2.442 41.516 1.119 0.372 2051/52 33 0.321 1.270 30.476 1.341 43.349 0.071 0.023 3.053 18.316 1.783 0.573 2.713 29.848 1.444 0.464 2.442 39.074 1.172 0.377 2052/53 34 0.310 1.219 29.257 1.300 42.049 0.081 0.025 3.053 15.263 1.834 0.569 2.713 27.135 1.494 0.464 2.442 36.632 1.223 0.380 2053/54 35 0.300 1.170 28.087 1.261 40.787 0.091 0.027 3.053 12.211 1.882 0.565 2.713 24.421 1.543 0.463 2.442 34.190 1.272 0.382 2054/55 36 0.290 1.123 26.963 1.224 39.563 0.100 0.029 3.053 9.158 1.929 0.559 2.713 21.708 1.590 0.461 2.442 31.748 1.319 0.382 2055/56 37 0.280 1.079 25.885 1.187 38.377 0.108 0.030 3.053 6.105 1.974 0.553 2.713 18.994 1.635 0.458 2.442 29.306 1.364 0.382 2056/57 38 0.271 1.035 24.850 1.151 37.225 0.116 0.031 3.053 3.053 2.017 0.546 2.713 16.281 1.678 0.454 2.442 26.864 1.407 0.381 2057/58 39 0.261 0.994 23.856 1.117 36.109 0.123 0.032 3.053 (0.000) 2.059 0.538 2.713 13.567 1.720 0.450 2.442 24.421 1.448 0.379 2058/59 40 0.253 0.954 22.901 1.083 35.025 0.129 0.033 0.000 (0.954) (0.241) 2.713 10.854 1.759 0.444 2.442 21.979 1.488 0.376 2059/60 41 0.244 0.916 21.985 1.051 33.975 0.135 0.033 0.000 (0.916) (0.224) 2.713 8.140 1.797 0.439 2.442 19.537 1.526 0.372 2060/61 42 0.236 0.879 21.106 1.019 32.955 0.140 0.033 0.000 (0.879) (0.207) 2.713 5.427 1.834 0.432 2.442 17.095 1.563 0.368 2061/62 43 0.228 0.844 20.262 0.989 31.967 0.144 0.033 0.000 (0.844) (0.192) 2.713 2.713 1.869 0.426 2.442 14.653 1.598 0.364 2062/63 44 0.220 0.810 19.451 0.959 31.008 0.149 0.033 0.000 (0.810) (0.178) 2.713 0.000 1.903 0.419 2.442 12.211 1.632 0.359 2063/64 45 0.213 0.778 18.673 0.930 30.077 0.152 0.032 0.000 (0.778) (0.165) 0.000 0.000 (0.778) (0.165) 2.442 9.769 1.664 0.354 2064/65 46 0.205 0.747 17.926 0.902 29.175 0.155 0.032 0.000 (0.747) (0.153) 0.000 0.000 (0.747) (0.153) 2.442 7.326 1.695 0.348 2065/66 47 0.199 0.717 17.209 0.875 28.300 0.158 0.031 0.000 (0.717) (0.142) 0.000 0.000 (0.717) (0.142) 2.442 4.884 1.725 0.342 2066/67 48 0.192 0.688 16.521 0.849 27.451 0.161 0.031 0.000 (0.688) (0.132) 0.000 0.000 (0.688) (0.132) 2.442 2.442 1.754 0.336 2067/68 49 0.185 0.661 15.860 0.824 26.627 0.163 0.030 0.000 (0.661) (0.122) 0.000 0.000 (0.661) (0.122) 2.442 (0.000) 1.781 0.330 2068/69 50 0.179 0.634 15.226 0.799 25.828 0.164 0.029 0.000 (0.634) (0.114) 0.000 0.000 (0.634) (0.114) 0.000 (0.634) (0.114) 2069/70 51 0.173 0.609 14.617 0.775 25.054 0.166 0.029 0.000 (0.609) (0.105) 0.000 0.000 (0.609) (0.105) 0.000 (0.609) (0.105) Prudent Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) for the Repayment of Debt - Review of Supported Borrowing APPENDIX B
£m Capital Financing Requirement at 01.04.2018 122.107 122,106,979.55
Discount 254 Page Rate (For Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)) 3.50%
Reducing Balance % Straight Line
Current Method 4% 3% 40 Years 45 Years 50 Years
Financial Year Year Discount 4.0% y/e balance 3.0% y/e (Saving) / DCF 2.5% y/e (Saving) / DCF 2.22% y/e (Saving) / DCF 2.0% y/e balance (Saving) DCF Factor balance Increase p/a balance Increase balance Increase / p/a p/a Increase p/a £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m 2070/71 52 0.167 0.585 14.032 0.752 24.302 0.167 0.028 0.000 (0.585) (0.098) 0.000 0.000 (0.585) (0.098) 0.000 (0.585) (0.098) 2071/72 53 0.161 0.561 13.471 0.729 23.573 0.168 0.027 0.000 (0.561) (0.091) 0.000 0.000 (0.561) (0.091) 0.000 (0.561) (0.091) 2072/73 54 0.156 0.539 12.932 0.707 22.866 0.168 0.026 0.000 (0.539) (0.084) 0.000 0.000 (0.539) (0.084) 0.000 (0.539) (0.084) 2073/74 55 0.151 0.517 12.415 0.686 22.180 0.169 0.025 0.000 (0.517) (0.078) 0.000 0.000 (0.517) (0.078) 0.000 (0.517) (0.078) 2074/75 56 0.146 0.497 11.918 0.665 21.514 0.169 0.025 0.000 (0.497) (0.072) 0.000 0.000 (0.497) (0.072) 0.000 (0.497) (0.072) 2075/76 57 0.141 0.477 11.441 0.645 20.869 0.169 0.024 0.000 (0.477) (0.067) 0.000 0.000 (0.477) (0.067) 0.000 (0.477) (0.067) 2076/77 58 0.136 0.458 10.984 0.626 20.243 0.168 0.023 0.000 (0.458) (0.062) 0.000 0.000 (0.458) (0.062) 0.000 (0.458) (0.062) 2077/78 59 0.131 0.439 10.544 0.607 19.636 0.168 0.022 0.000 (0.439) (0.058) 0.000 0.000 (0.439) (0.058) 0.000 (0.439) (0.058) 2078/79 60 0.127 0.422 10.122 0.589 19.047 0.167 0.021 0.000 (0.422) (0.054) 0.000 0.000 (0.422) (0.054) 0.000 (0.422) (0.054) 2079/80 61 0.123 0.405 9.718 0.571 18.475 0.166 0.020 0.000 (0.405) (0.050) 0.000 0.000 (0.405) (0.050) 0.000 (0.405) (0.050) 2080/81 62 0.118 0.389 9.329 0.554 17.921 0.166 0.020 0.000 (0.389) (0.046) 0.000 0.000 (0.389) (0.046) 0.000 (0.389) (0.046) 2081/82 63 0.114 0.373 8.956 0.538 17.383 0.164 0.019 0.000 (0.373) (0.043) 0.000 0.000 (0.373) (0.043) 0.000 (0.373) (0.043) 2082/83 64 0.111 0.358 8.597 0.521 16.862 0.163 0.018 0.000 (0.358) (0.040) 0.000 0.000 (0.358) (0.040) 0.000 (0.358) (0.040) 2083/84 65 0.107 0.344 8.254 0.506 16.356 0.162 0.017 0.000 (0.344) (0.037) 0.000 0.000 (0.344) (0.037) 0.000 (0.344) (0.037) 2084/85 66 0.103 0.330 7.923 0.491 15.865 0.161 0.017 0.000 (0.330) (0.034) 0.000 0.000 (0.330) (0.034) 0.000 (0.330) (0.034) 2085/86 67 0.100 0.317 7.606 0.476 15.389 0.159 0.016 0.000 (0.317) (0.032) 0.000 0.000 (0.317) (0.032) 0.000 (0.317) (0.032) 2086/87 68 0.096 0.304 7.302 0.462 14.928 0.157 0.015 0.000 (0.304) (0.029) 0.000 0.000 (0.304) (0.029) 0.000 (0.304) (0.029) 2087/88 69 0.093 0.292 7.010 0.448 14.480 0.156 0.015 0.000 (0.292) (0.027) 0.000 0.000 (0.292) (0.027) 0.000 (0.292) (0.027) 2088/89 70 0.090 0.280 6.730 0.434 14.045 0.154 0.014 0.000 (0.280) (0.025) 0.000 0.000 (0.280) (0.025) 0.000 (0.280) (0.025) 2089/90 71 0.087 0.269 6.461 0.421 13.624 0.152 0.013 0.000 (0.269) (0.023) 0.000 0.000 (0.269) (0.023) 0.000 (0.269) (0.023) 2090/91 72 0.084 0.258 6.202 0.409 13.215 0.150 0.013 0.000 (0.258) (0.022) 0.000 0.000 (0.258) (0.022) 0.000 (0.258) (0.022) 2091/92 73 0.081 0.248 5.954 0.396 12.819 0.148 0.012 0.000 (0.248) (0.020) 0.000 0.000 (0.248) (0.020) 0.000 (0.248) (0.020) 2092/93 74 0.078 0.238 5.716 0.385 12.434 0.146 0.011 0.000 (0.238) (0.019) 0.000 0.000 (0.238) (0.019) 0.000 (0.238) (0.019) 2093/94 75 0.076 0.229 5.487 0.373 12.061 0.144 0.011 0.000 (0.229) (0.017) 0.000 0.000 (0.229) (0.017) 0.000 (0.229) (0.017) 2094/95 76 0.073 0.219 5.268 0.362 11.699 0.142 0.010 0.000 (0.219) (0.016) 0.000 0.000 (0.219) (0.016) 0.000 (0.219) (0.016) 2095/96 77 0.071 0.211 5.057 0.351 11.348 0.140 0.010 0.000 (0.211) (0.015) 0.000 0.000 (0.211) (0.015) 0.000 (0.211) (0.015) 2096/97 78 0.068 0.202 4.855 0.340 11.008 0.138 0.009 0.000 (0.202) (0.014) 0.000 0.000 (0.202) (0.014) 0.000 (0.202) (0.014) 2097/98 79 0.066 0.194 4.661 0.330 10.678 0.136 0.009 0.000 (0.194) (0.013) 0.000 0.000 (0.194) (0.013) 0.000 (0.194) (0.013) 2098/99 80 0.064 0.186 4.474 0.320 10.357 0.134 0.009 0.000 (0.186) (0.012) 0.000 0.000 (0.186) (0.012) 0.000 (0.186) (0.012) 2099/00 81 0.062 0.179 4.295 0.311 10.047 0.132 0.008 0.000 (0.179) (0.011) 0.000 0.000 (0.179) (0.011) 0.000 (0.179) (0.011) 2100/01 82 0.060 0.172 4.123 0.301 9.745 0.130 0.008 0.000 (0.172) (0.010) 0.000 0.000 (0.172) (0.010) 0.000 (0.172) (0.010) 2101/02 83 0.058 0.165 3.958 0.292 9.453 0.127 0.007 0.000 (0.165) (0.009) 0.000 0.000 (0.165) (0.009) 0.000 (0.165) (0.009) 2102/03 84 0.056 0.158 3.800 0.284 9.169 0.125 0.007 0.000 (0.158) (0.009) 0.000 0.000 (0.158) (0.009) 0.000 (0.158) (0.009) 2103/04 85 0.054 0.152 3.648 0.275 8.894 0.123 0.007 0.000 (0.152) (0.008) 0.000 0.000 (0.152) (0.008) 0.000 (0.152) (0.008) 2104/05 86 0.052 0.146 3.502 0.267 8.627 0.121 0.006 0.000 (0.146) (0.008) 0.000 0.000 (0.146) (0.008) 0.000 (0.146) (0.008) 2105/06 87 0.050 0.140 3.362 0.259 8.369 0.119 0.006 0.000 (0.140) (0.007) 0.000 0.000 (0.140) (0.007) 0.000 (0.140) (0.007) 2106/07 88 0.048 0.134 3.228 0.251 8.118 0.117 0.006 0.000 (0.134) (0.007) 0.000 0.000 (0.134) (0.007) 0.000 (0.134) (0.007) 2107/08 89 0.047 0.129 3.098 0.244 7.874 0.114 0.005 0.000 (0.129) (0.006) 0.000 0.000 (0.129) (0.006) 0.000 (0.129) (0.006) 2108/09 90 0.045 0.124 2.975 0.236 7.638 0.112 0.005 0.000 (0.124) (0.006) 0.000 0.000 (0.124) (0.006) 0.000 (0.124) (0.006) 2109/10 91 0.044 0.119 2.856 0.229 7.409 0.110 0.005 0.000 (0.119) (0.005) 0.000 0.000 (0.119) (0.005) 0.000 (0.119) (0.005) 2110/11 92 0.042 0.114 2.741 0.222 7.186 0.108 0.005 0.000 (0.114) (0.005) 0.000 0.000 (0.114) (0.005) 0.000 (0.114) (0.005) 2111/12 93 0.041 0.110 2.632 0.216 6.971 0.106 0.004 0.000 (0.110) (0.004) 0.000 0.000 (0.110) (0.004) 0.000 (0.110) (0.004) 2112/13 94 0.039 0.105 2.526 0.209 6.762 0.104 0.004 0.000 (0.105) (0.004) 0.000 0.000 (0.105) (0.004) 0.000 (0.105) (0.004) 2113/14 95 0.038 0.101 2.425 0.203 6.559 0.102 0.004 0.000 (0.101) (0.004) 0.000 0.000 (0.101) (0.004) 0.000 (0.101) (0.004) 2114/15 96 0.037 0.097 2.328 0.197 6.362 0.100 0.004 0.000 (0.097) (0.004) 0.000 0.000 (0.097) (0.004) 0.000 (0.097) (0.004) 2115/16 97 0.036 0.093 2.235 0.191 6.171 0.098 0.003 0.000 (0.093) (0.003) 0.000 0.000 (0.093) (0.003) 0.000 (0.093) (0.003) 2116/17 98 0.034 0.089 2.146 0.185 5.986 0.096 0.003 0.000 (0.089) (0.003) 0.000 0.000 (0.089) (0.003) 0.000 (0.089) (0.003) 2117/18 99 0.033 0.086 2.060 0.180 5.806 0.094 0.003 0.000 (0.086) (0.003) 0.000 0.000 (0.086) (0.003) 0.000 (0.086) (0.003) 2118/19 100 0.032 0.082 1.978 0.174 5.632 0.092 0.003 0.000 (0.082) (0.003) 0.000 0.000 (0.082) (0.003) 0.000 (0.082) (0.003) 2119/20 101 0.031 0.079 1.898 0.169 5.463 0.090 0.003 0.000 (0.079) (0.002) 0.000 0.000 (0.079) (0.002) 0.000 (0.079) (0.002) 2120/21 102 0.030 0.076 1.823 0.164 5.299 0.088 0.003 0.000 (0.076) (0.002) 0.000 0.000 (0.076) (0.002) 0.000 (0.076) (0.002) 2121/22 103 0.029 0.073 1.750 0.159 5.140 0.086 0.002 0.000 (0.073) (0.002) 0.000 0.000 (0.073) (0.002) 0.000 (0.073) (0.002) Prudent Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) for the Repayment of Debt - Review of Supported Borrowing APPENDIX B
£m Capital Financing Requirement at 01.04.2018 122.107 122,106,979.55
Discount 255 Page Rate (For Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)) 3.50%
Reducing Balance % Straight Line
Current Method 4% 3% 40 Years 45 Years 50 Years
Financial Year Year Discount 4.0% y/e balance 3.0% y/e (Saving) / DCF 2.5% y/e (Saving) / DCF 2.22% y/e (Saving) / DCF 2.0% y/e balance (Saving) DCF Factor balance Increase p/a balance Increase balance Increase / p/a p/a Increase p/a £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m 2122/23 104 0.028 0.070 1.680 0.154 4.986 0.084 0.002 0.000 (0.070) (0.002) 0.000 0.000 (0.070) (0.002) 0.000 (0.070) (0.002) 2123/24 105 0.027 0.067 1.612 0.150 4.837 0.082 0.002 0.000 (0.067) (0.002) 0.000 0.000 (0.067) (0.002) 0.000 (0.067) (0.002) 2124/25 106 0.026 0.064 1.548 0.145 4.692 0.081 0.002 0.000 (0.064) (0.002) 0.000 0.000 (0.064) (0.002) 0.000 (0.064) (0.002) 2125/26 107 0.025 0.062 1.486 0.141 4.551 0.079 0.002 0.000 (0.062) (0.002) 0.000 0.000 (0.062) (0.002) 0.000 (0.062) (0.002) 2126/27 108 0.024 0.059 1.427 0.137 4.414 0.077 0.002 0.000 (0.059) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.059) (0.001) 0.000 (0.059) (0.001) 2127/28 109 0.024 0.057 1.370 0.132 4.282 0.075 0.002 0.000 (0.057) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.057) (0.001) 0.000 (0.057) (0.001) 2128/29 110 0.023 0.055 1.315 0.128 4.153 0.074 0.002 0.000 (0.055) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.055) (0.001) 0.000 (0.055) (0.001) 2129/30 111 0.022 0.053 1.262 0.125 4.029 0.072 0.002 0.000 (0.053) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.053) (0.001) 0.000 (0.053) (0.001) 2130/31 112 0.021 0.050 1.212 0.121 3.908 0.070 0.001 0.000 (0.050) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.050) (0.001) 0.000 (0.050) (0.001) 2131/32 113 0.020 0.048 1.163 0.117 3.791 0.069 0.001 0.000 (0.048) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.048) (0.001) 0.000 (0.048) (0.001) 2132/33 114 0.020 0.047 1.117 0.114 3.677 0.067 0.001 0.000 (0.047) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.047) (0.001) 0.000 (0.047) (0.001) 2133/34 115 0.019 0.045 1.072 0.110 3.567 0.066 0.001 0.000 (0.045) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.045) (0.001) 0.000 (0.045) (0.001) 2134/35 116 0.018 0.043 1.029 0.107 3.460 0.064 0.001 0.000 (0.043) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.043) (0.001) 0.000 (0.043) (0.001) 2135/36 117 0.018 0.041 0.988 0.104 3.356 0.063 0.001 0.000 (0.041) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.041) (0.001) 0.000 (0.041) (0.001) 2136/37 118 0.017 0.040 0.948 0.101 3.255 0.061 0.001 0.000 (0.040) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.040) (0.001) 0.000 (0.040) (0.001) 2137/38 119 0.017 0.038 0.911 0.098 3.158 0.060 0.001 0.000 (0.038) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.038) (0.001) 0.000 (0.038) (0.001) 2138/39 120 0.016 0.036 0.874 0.095 3.063 0.058 0.001 0.000 (0.036) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.036) (0.001) 0.000 (0.036) (0.001) 2139/40 121 0.016 0.035 0.839 0.092 2.971 0.057 0.001 0.000 (0.035) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.035) (0.001) 0.000 (0.035) (0.001) 2140/41 122 0.015 0.034 0.806 0.089 2.882 0.056 0.001 0.000 (0.034) (0.001) 0.000 0.000 (0.034) (0.001) 0.000 (0.034) (0.001) 2141/42 123 0.015 0.032 0.773 0.086 2.795 0.054 0.001 0.000 (0.032) (0.000) 0.000 0.000 (0.032) (0.000) 0.000 (0.032) (0.000) 2142/43 124 0.014 0.031 0.742 0.084 2.711 0.053 0.001 0.000 (0.031) (0.000) 0.000 0.000 (0.031) (0.000) 0.000 (0.031) (0.000) 2143/44 125 0.014 0.030 0.713 0.081 2.630 0.052 0.001 0.000 (0.030) (0.000) 0.000 0.000 (0.030) (0.000) 0.000 (0.030) (0.000) 2144/45 126 0.013 0.029 0.684 0.079 2.551 0.050 0.001 0.000 (0.029) (0.000) 0.000 0.000 (0.029) (0.000) 0.000 (0.029) (0.000) 2145/46 127 0.013 0.027 0.657 0.077 2.475 0.049 0.001 0.000 (0.027) (0.000) 0.000 0.000 (0.027) (0.000) 0.000 (0.027) (0.000) 2146/47 128 0.012 0.026 0.631 0.074 2.400 0.048 0.001 0.000 (0.026) (0.000) 0.000 0.000 (0.026) (0.000) 0.000 (0.026) (0.000) 2147/48 129 0.012 0.025 0.605 0.072 2.328 0.047 0.001 0.000 (0.025) (0.000) 0.000 0.000 (0.025) (0.000) 0.000 (0.025) (0.000) 2148/49 130 0.011 0.024 0.581 0.070 2.259 0.046 0.001 0.000 (0.024) (0.000) 0.000 (0.024) (0.000) 0.000 (0.024) (0.000) 2149/50 131 0.011 0.023 0.558 0.068 2.191 0.045 0.000 0.000 (0.023) (0.000) 0.000 (0.023) (0.000) 0.000 (0.023) (0.000) 2150/51 132 0.011 0.022 0.536 0.066 2.125 0.043 0.000 0.000 (0.022) (0.000) 0.000 (0.022) (0.000) 0.000 (0.022) (0.000) 2151/52 133 0.010 0.021 0.514 0.064 2.061 0.042 0.000 0.000 (0.021) (0.000) 0.000 (0.021) (0.000) 0.000 (0.021) (0.000) 2152/53 134 0.010 0.021 0.494 0.062 2.000 0.041 0.000 0.000 (0.021) (0.000) 0.000 (0.021) (0.000) 0.000 (0.021) (0.000) 2153/54 135 0.010 0.020 0.474 0.060 1.940 0.040 0.000 0.000 (0.020) (0.000) 0.000 (0.020) (0.000) 0.000 (0.020) (0.000) 2154/55 136 0.009 0.019 0.455 0.058 1.881 0.039 0.000 0.000 (0.019) (0.000) 0.000 (0.019) (0.000) 0.000 (0.019) (0.000) 2155/56 137 0.009 0.018 0.437 0.056 1.825 0.038 0.000 0.000 (0.018) (0.000) 0.000 (0.018) (0.000) 0.000 (0.018) (0.000) 2156/57 138 0.009 0.017 0.419 0.055 1.770 0.037 0.000 0.000 (0.017) (0.000) 0.000 (0.017) (0.000) 0.000 (0.017) (0.000) 2157/58 139 0.008 0.017 0.402 0.053 1.717 0.036 0.000 0.000 (0.017) (0.000) 0.000 (0.017) (0.000) 0.000 (0.017) (0.000) 2158/59 140 0.008 0.016 0.386 0.052 1.666 0.035 0.000 0.000 (0.016) (0.000) 0.000 (0.016) (0.000) 0.000 (0.016) (0.000) 2159/60 141 0.008 0.015 0.371 0.050 1.616 0.035 0.000 0.000 (0.015) (0.000) 0.000 (0.015) (0.000) 0.000 (0.015) (0.000) 2160/61 142 0.008 0.015 0.356 0.048 1.567 0.034 0.000 0.000 (0.015) (0.000) 0.000 (0.015) (0.000) 0.000 (0.015) (0.000) 2161/62 143 0.007 0.014 0.342 0.047 1.520 0.033 0.000 0.000 (0.014) (0.000) 0.000 (0.014) (0.000) 0.000 (0.014) (0.000) 2162/63 144 0.007 0.014 0.328 0.046 1.474 0.032 0.000 0.000 (0.014) (0.000) 0.000 (0.014) (0.000) 0.000 (0.014) (0.000) 2163/64 145 0.007 0.013 0.315 0.044 1.430 0.031 0.000 0.000 (0.013) (0.000) 0.000 (0.013) (0.000) 0.000 (0.013) (0.000) 2164/65 146 0.007 0.013 0.302 0.043 1.387 0.030 0.000 0.000 (0.013) (0.000) 0.000 (0.013) (0.000) 0.000 (0.013) (0.000) 2165/66 147 0.006 0.012 0.290 0.042 1.346 0.030 0.000 0.000 (0.012) (0.000) 0.000 (0.012) (0.000) 0.000 (0.012) (0.000) 2166/67 148 0.006 0.012 0.279 0.040 1.305 0.029 0.000 0.000 (0.012) (0.000) 0.000 (0.012) (0.000) 0.000 (0.012) (0.000) 2167/68 149 0.006 0.011 0.268 0.039 1.266 0.028 0.000 0.000 (0.011) (0.000) 0.000 (0.011) (0.000) 0.000 (0.011) (0.000) 2168/69 150 0.006 0.011 0.257 0.038 1.228 0.027 0.000 0.000 (0.011) (0.000) 0.000 (0.011) (0.000) 0.000 (0.011) (0.000) 2169/70 151 0.006 0.010 0.247 0.037 1.191 0.027 0.000 0.000 (0.010) (0.000) 0.000 (0.010) (0.000) 0.000 (0.010) (0.000) 2170/71 152 0.005 0.010 0.237 0.036 1.156 0.026 0.000 0.000 (0.010) (0.000) 0.000 (0.010) (0.000) 0.000 (0.010) (0.000) 2171/72 153 0.005 0.009 0.227 0.035 1.121 0.025 0.000 0.000 (0.009) (0.000) 0.000 (0.009) (0.000) 0.000 (0.009) (0.000) 2172/73 154 0.005 0.009 0.218 0.034 1.087 0.025 0.000 0.000 (0.009) (0.000) 0.000 (0.009) (0.000) 0.000 (0.009) (0.000) 2173/74 155 0.005 0.009 0.209 0.033 1.055 0.024 0.000 0.000 (0.009) (0.000) 0.000 (0.009) (0.000) 0.000 (0.009) (0.000) Prudent Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) for the Repayment of Debt - Review of Supported Borrowing APPENDIX B
£m Capital Financing Requirement at 01.04.2018 122.107 122,106,979.55
Discount 256 Page Rate (For Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)) 3.50%
Reducing Balance % Straight Line
Current Method 4% 3% 40 Years 45 Years 50 Years
Financial Year Year Discount 4.0% y/e balance 3.0% y/e (Saving) / DCF 2.5% y/e (Saving) / DCF 2.22% y/e (Saving) / DCF 2.0% y/e balance (Saving) DCF Factor balance Increase p/a balance Increase balance Increase / p/a p/a Increase p/a £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m 2174/75 156 0.005 0.008 0.201 0.032 1.023 0.023 0.000 0.000 (0.008) (0.000) 0.000 (0.008) (0.000) 0.000 (0.008) (0.000) 2175/76 157 0.005 0.008 0.193 0.031 0.992 0.023 0.000 0.000 (0.008) (0.000) 0.000 (0.008) (0.000) 0.000 (0.008) (0.000) 2176/77 158 0.004 0.008 0.185 0.030 0.963 0.022 0.000 0.000 (0.008) (0.000) 0.000 (0.008) (0.000) 0.000 (0.008) (0.000) 2177/78 159 0.004 0.007 0.178 0.029 0.934 0.021 0.000 0.000 (0.007) (0.000) 0.000 (0.007) (0.000) 0.000 (0.007) (0.000) 2178/79 160 0.004 0.007 0.171 0.028 0.906 0.021 0.000 0.000 (0.007) (0.000) 0.000 (0.007) (0.000) 0.000 (0.007) (0.000) 2179/80 161 0.004 0.007 0.164 0.027 0.879 0.020 0.000 0.000 (0.007) (0.000) 0.000 (0.007) (0.000) 0.000 (0.007) (0.000) 2180/81 162 0.004 0.007 0.157 0.026 0.852 0.020 0.000 0.000 (0.007) (0.000) 0.000 (0.007) (0.000) 0.000 (0.007) (0.000) 2181/82 163 0.004 0.006 0.151 0.026 0.827 0.019 0.000 0.000 (0.006) (0.000) 0.000 (0.006) (0.000) 0.000 (0.006) (0.000) 2182/83 164 0.004 0.006 0.145 0.025 0.802 0.019 0.000 0.000 (0.006) (0.000) 0.000 (0.006) (0.000) 0.000 (0.006) (0.000) 2183/84 165 0.003 0.006 0.139 0.024 0.778 0.018 0.000 0.000 (0.006) (0.000) 0.000 (0.006) (0.000) 0.000 (0.006) (0.000) 2184/85 166 0.003 0.006 0.134 0.023 0.754 0.018 0.000 0.000 (0.006) (0.000) 0.000 (0.006) (0.000) 0.000 (0.006) (0.000) 2185/86 167 0.003 0.005 0.128 0.023 0.732 0.017 0.000 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 2186/87 168 0.003 0.005 0.123 0.022 0.710 0.017 0.000 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 2187/88 169 0.003 0.005 0.118 0.021 0.689 0.016 0.000 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 2188/89 170 0.003 0.005 0.114 0.021 0.668 0.016 0.000 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 2189/90 171 0.003 0.005 0.109 0.020 0.648 0.015 0.000 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 0.000 (0.005) (0.000) 2190/91 172 0.003 0.004 0.105 0.019 0.628 0.015 0.000 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 2191/92 173 0.003 0.004 0.100 0.019 0.610 0.015 0.000 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 2192/93 174 0.003 0.004 0.096 0.018 0.591 0.014 0.000 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 2193/94 175 0.002 0.004 0.093 0.018 0.574 0.014 0.000 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 2194/95 176 0.002 0.004 0.089 0.017 0.556 0.014 0.000 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 2195/96 177 0.002 0.004 0.085 0.017 0.540 0.013 0.000 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 0.000 (0.004) (0.000) 2196/97 178 0.002 0.003 0.082 0.016 0.523 0.013 0.000 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 2197/98 179 0.002 0.003 0.079 0.016 0.508 0.012 0.000 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 2198/99 180 0.002 0.003 0.075 0.015 0.493 0.012 0.000 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 2199/00 181 0.002 0.003 0.072 0.015 0.478 0.012 0.000 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 2200/01 182 0.002 0.003 0.070 0.014 0.463 0.011 0.000 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 2201/02 183 0.002 0.003 0.067 0.014 0.450 0.011 0.000 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 2202/03 184 0.002 0.003 0.064 0.013 0.436 0.011 0.000 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 2203/04 185 0.002 0.003 0.062 0.013 0.423 0.011 0.000 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 0.000 (0.003) (0.000) 2204/05 186 0.002 0.002 0.059 0.013 0.410 0.010 0.000 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 2205/06 187 0.002 0.002 0.057 0.012 0.398 0.010 0.000 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 2206/07 188 0.002 0.002 0.054 0.012 0.386 0.010 0.000 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 2207/08 189 0.002 0.002 0.052 0.012 0.374 0.009 0.000 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 2208/09 190 0.001 0.002 0.050 0.011 0.363 0.009 0.000 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 2209/10 191 0.001 0.002 0.048 0.011 0.352 0.009 0.000 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 2210/11 192 0.001 0.002 0.046 0.011 0.342 0.009 0.000 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 2211/12 193 0.001 0.002 0.044 0.010 0.331 0.008 0.000 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 2212/13 194 0.001 0.002 0.043 0.010 0.322 0.008 0.000 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 2213/14 195 0.001 0.002 0.041 0.010 0.312 0.008 0.000 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 2214/15 196 0.001 0.002 0.039 0.009 0.303 0.008 0.000 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 2215/16 197 0.001 0.002 0.038 0.009 0.293 0.008 0.000 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 2216/17 198 0.001 0.002 0.036 0.009 0.285 0.007 0.000 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 0.000 (0.002) (0.000) 2217/18 199 0.001 0.001 0.035 0.009 0.276 0.007 0.000 0.000 (0.001) (0.000) 0.000 (0.001) (0.000) 0.000 (0.001) (0.000) 2218/19 200 0.001 0.001 0.033 0.008 0.268 0.007 0.000 0.000 (0.001) (0.000) 0.000 (0.001) (0.000) 0.000 (0.001) (0.000) Total 122.074 121.839 (0.234) (9.074) 122.107 0.033 0.069 122.107 0.033 (4.225) 122.107 0.033 (8.116) APPENDIX C
ANNUAL MINIMUM REVENUE PROVISION STATEMENT 2018-19
The Annual Minimum Revenue Provision Statement needs to be approved by Council before the start of each financial year. The MRP charges for 2018-19 will be on the following bases:-
i. Capital expenditure incurred before 1 April 2008 and any capital expenditure after 1 April 2008 that is government supported expenditure the charge to revenue will be based on a straight line basis over 45 years of the opening Capital Financing Requirement after accounting adjustments. This charge was supplemented by voluntary MRP (based on the useful asset life) in respect of those assets which were financed by unsupported borrowing before 1 April 2008. ii. Supported capital expenditure that results in a significant asset (based on an internal assessment) incurred on or after 1 April 2008 and all unsupported capital expenditure, exercised under the Prudential Code, the MRP charge will be based on the Asset Life Method. The minimum revenue provision will be at equal annual instalments over the life of the asset. The first charge can be delayed until the year after the asset is operational but this will be at the discretion of the Section 151 Officer iii. for assets reclassified as finance leases under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or resulting from a Private Finance Initiative, the MRP charge will be regarded as met by a charge equal to the element of the rent/charge that goes to write down the balance sheet liability for the year iv. Where loans are made to other bodies for their capital expenditure with an obligation for the bodies to repay, no MRP will be charged. The capital receipts generated by the annual repayments on those loans will be put aside to repay debt instead v. MRP may be waived on expenditure recoverable within a prudent period of time through capital receipts (e.g. land purchases) or deferred to when the benefits from investment are scheduled to begin or when confirmed external grant payments towards that expenditure are expected.
The MRP Charge 2018-19 based on the estimated capital financing requirement is detailed below:-
Page 257 Options Estimated Estimated Capital Financing MRP Requirement 2018-19 31-03-18 £m
Capital expenditure before 01-04-2008 (i) and any after 01-04-2008 that does not result in a significant asset
(Supported) 122.19 2.71
Capital Expenditure before 01-04-2008 - (Unsupported) -
Supported capital expenditure that (ii) results in a significant asset, incurred on or after 1 April 2008
(Supported) 3.42 0.13
Unsupported capital expenditure, exercised under the Prudential Code
(Unsupported)
26.95 1.55
PFI, Finance Leases and other (iii) arrangements
PFI School 17.64 0.64 Innovation Centre 0.60 0.06
TOTAL 170.80 5.09
Page 258 BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
REPORT TO CABINET
18 SEPTEMBER 2018
REPORT OF THE CORPORATE DIRECTOR – EDUCATION AND FAMILY SUPPORT
YOUTH JUSTICE PLAN 2018-2019
1. Purpose of report
1.1 The report presents the background and summary of the content of the Western Bay Youth Justice and Early Intervention Service (WBYJEIS) Annual Youth Justice Plan 2018-2019 (Appendix 1).
2. Connection to corporate improvement objectives/other corporate priorities
2.1 This report relates to all three Corporate Improvement Plan priorities:
1. Supporting a successful economy – taking steps to make the county a good place to do business, for people to live, work, study and visit, and to ensure that our schools are focused on raising the skills, qualifications and ambitions of all people in the county. 2. Helping people to become more self-reliant – taking early steps to reduce or prevent people from becoming vulnerable or dependent on the Council and its services. 3. Smarter use of resources – ensuring that all its resources (financial, physical, human and technological) are used as effectively and efficiently as possible and support the development of resources throughout the community that can help deliver the Council’s priorities.
3. Background
3.1 Youth offending services/teams (YOS) are statutory multi-agency partnerships that have a legal duty to co-operate to secure youth justice services appropriate to their area funded from a variety of sources including UK Government, Welsh Government (WG) and the statutory partners (ie the local authority, police, the probation service and health).
3.2 The production of a youth justice plan is a statutory duty of the local authority under Part 3, section 40 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The plan sets out:
how youth justice services are to be provided and funded; how the youth offending service established by the local authority is to be composed and funded; how it will operate; and what function it is to carry out.
3.3 The Crime and Disorder Act 1998, section 39(1) placed a duty on each local authority, acting with its statutory partners (ie police, probation and health) to
Page 259 establish youth offending teams in their local area to deliver youth justice services. Section 38(3) of the Act grants a power to the local authority and its statutory partners to make payment towards the expenditure incurred in providing youth justice services. The purpose of the WBYJEIS is to ensure that youth justice services are available across the Western Bay area (ie Bridgend, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot).
3.4 Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea Youth Offending Teams have been a merged service since 29 May 2014 when the first WBYJEIS Management Board was held and all local management boards ceased to exist. The Management Board is chaired by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council’s Director of Social Services, Health and Housing and has a membership in line with the requirements of the Crime and Disorder Act including Cabinet Members from all three local authorities.
3.5 The youth justice plan contains information relating to:
a summary of achievements; structure and governance; resources and value for money; partnership arrangements; and risks to future delivery against the youth justice outcome measures.
4. Current situation/proposal
Summary of achievements
4.1 Efforts have been concentrated on bringing consistent good practice across the region from early intervention prevention and diversion work through to resettlement and reintegration. This has not been without difficulty; it has taken staff time to move from one established way of working to another especially during a time of local and national uncertainty. However, Youth Justice Board (YJB) key performance indicators continue to show a reduction in first time entrants and a reduction in the use of custody. Re-offending rates whilst still high have started to reduce but the actual number of young people re-offending continues to be relatively low. The children and young people considered as repeat offenders are complex and they are more entrenched in offending behaviour, however, the number of offences committed by children and young people is reducing.
4.2 Focusing on the YJB three England and Wales key performance indicators (KPI) above during 2015-2016, 100 children and young people entered the youth justice system. During 2016-2017, the service saw 72 children and young people enter the youth justice system for the first time (recorded as first-time entrants by the YJB). In the Western Bay region there are 45,817 children aged 10-17 years. Of those, only 67 children and young people entered the youth justice system during the financial year 2017-2018 approximately 23 of the 67 first time entrants were resident in Bridgend (this number does not include those already within the system from previous years). In addition to this, over 400 children and young people were diverted away from having any criminal record through early intervention by the service and diversion through the bureau.
Page 260 4.3 The use of custody has reduced from 15 young people receiving custodial sentences in 2014-2015 to 13 custodial sentences in 2015-2016 and 12 custodial sentences being given in 2016-2017 and 9 in 2017-2018.
4.4 The re-offending cohort being reported for 2017-2018 is taken from 2015-2016 to allow the potential offending behaviour to be tracked. Western Bay has 245 children and young people in the cohort compared to 295 the year before. 119 children and young people (48.6%) re-offended during the tracked period compared to 153 (51.9%) the year before.
4.5 If the bureau (pre-court diversion scheme) young people are included in the calculation of reoffending, the figure is reduced to a rate of approximately 27%.
4.6 There have been a variety of developments over the past year which evidences the benefits of regional working such as an increasing number of staff working across the region. There are 19 shared posts in 2018-2019 compared to 11 in 2017-2018. This is allowing effective vacancy management as well as the sharing of skills. There has been no ‘big bang’ effect of the regional working; progress continues to be a pragmatic approach to adapting to change. This approach is fortunate as it allows for any disaggregation of the service to be more manageable than had the service been taken through a whole region wide restructure.
Structure and governance
4.7 The primary purpose of the WBYJEIS is to ensure that youth justice services are available across the Western Bay area. A YOS is the main vehicle through which youth justice services are coordinated and delivered, working to reduce anti-social behavior, offending and reoffending amongst children and young people.
4.8 The activity of the YOS across the Western Bay region is overseen and monitored by a management board. The management board has agreed the content of the youth justice plan which was signed by the chairperson on 28 July 2018. As indicated, this is chaired by a Director from Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and is made up of senior representatives from each of the statutory partners who closely monitor and challenge the operation of the service including the functions it undertakes and the funding arrangements. There is a Cabinet Member from each local authority on this governance board.
Resources and value for money
4.9 The development of regional working came at a time of significant financial challenge for all partners. As the service joined in 2014-2015, each local authority realised a 20% saving against core funding because of the amalgamated approach to the delivery of services. The Western Bay service is continuously undergoing redesign across the three local authority areas responding to opportunities and changes in demand. The following years have shown year on year reduction in staffing levels from 107 full-time equivalent in 2015-2016 to 84.5 in 2017-2018. The service income has reduced from £4,230,124 in 2015-2016 to £3,686,411 in 2017- 2018. There has been no negative impact on performance and no compulsory redundancies to date.
Risks to future delivery against the youth justice outcome measures
Page 261 4.10 The desired outcomes contained in the plan contribute directly to meeting local authority priorities held within corporate plans across the three local authorities. The priorities and outcomes mirror those of the YJB and WG joint strategy ‘Children and Young People First’ (July 2014). These are:
a reduction in first time entrants through early intervention, prevention and diversion; a reduction in youth reoffending through appropriate interventions of the right level at the right time; a reduction in the use of youth custody when confident that custody is a last resort and for crimes so serious no community sentence is an appropriate response; access to devolved services for children and young people at risk of entering or having entered the youth justice system; effective safeguarding through recognising vulnerability and improving the safety and wellbeing needs of children and young people; effective public protection through risk recognition, assessment and management; ensuring the voice of the victim is heard; successful reintegration and resettlement at the end of an intervention; a well-supported professional workforce; and true participation by all involved.
4.11 Improving the key performance indicator (KPI) regarding increasing access to education, training and employment for children and young people known to the service continues to be a challenge. The service has an intervention centre where the staff are able to deliver session such as trade tasters and additional tutoring for those young people who have missed significant periods of school. The future development of the intervention centre is central to improving this KPI. The hours offered by education providers increased last year but attendance did not improve at the same rate, this will be a focus for staff along with evidencing outcomes more effectively.
4.12 The approach is informed by the WBYJEIS service young persons’ group who felt strongly that more vocational training should be available through schools. There was a range of experiences within the group, but one-to-one learning support was viewed positively. This can be provided through the intervention centre working in partnership with schools and training providers.
4.13 While the plan outlines actions relating to all the KPIs, there is a focus for the board on three specific areas in particular. ETE remains a priority along with maintaining the low numbers currently entering the youth justice system and addressing offending reoffending with a focus on reducing violent crime.
4.14 While the plan contains realistic and achievable actions and targets for service delivery over the next twelve months, the risks that come with grant-funded posts are always present. The pre-court work relies heavily on WG grant funding which in Bridgend has been included in the flexible funding pathway pilot. It is unclear how this may impact on youth justice services in the years to come.
4.15 The decision for Bridgend to leave the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg (ABMU) health
Page 262 region to join the Cwm Taf health region brings with it challenges for WBYJEIS as there are shared posts within the service and a single Western Bay database which is currently hosted by Bridgend. At the time of writing this report there are no definitive plans agreed for this change.
5. Effect upon policy framework and procedure rules
5.1 A YOS is a statutory multi-agency partnership with a legal duty to co-operate to secure youth justice services appropriate to their area.
5.2 The Crime and Disorder Act 1998, section 39(1) placed a duty on each local authority, acting with its statutory partners to establish a YOS in their local area to deliver youth justice services. Section 38(3) of the Act grants a power to the local authority and its statutory partners to make payment towards the expenditure incurred in providing youth justice services
6. Equality Impact Assessment
6.1 The equality impact screening has been completed with the conclusion that a full assessment is not required. The youth justice plan should have a positive impact on wider services provided by the Council by bringing down the number of children and young people in trouble with the police. This will in turn reduce the need for other services involvement as a result of their behaviours escalating.
6.2 Acknowledging children and young people as a priority group, the service focuses on diverting children and young people away from the youth justice system as much as possible. In line with the YJB and WG Youth Offending Strategy, the children and young people we engage with are seen as children and young people first and offenders second. Service delivery prioritises helping children and young people avoid criminal records that can hinder them reaching their potential in future years.
6.3 In January 2018, a young persons’ sub-group of the management board was formed. It is only made up of four young people at present but between them they represent the whole area of delivery ie each local authority, pre-court, post court and exit planning. They meet two weeks before each management board and go through the intended agenda and raise any issues or observations they may have. They also receive the minutes and actions taken following on from any suggestions they make for change, so that developments are fed back. The group is new and still developing.
7. Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 Assessment
7.1 The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act assessment (Appendix 1) has been completed and contains a summary of the outcomes expected from the delivery of youth justice services as outlined in the youth justice plan
Long- The reduction in offending and reoffending by children and young term people.
Prevention The reduction in the number of children and young people entering the youth justice system for the first time.
Page 263 Integration Reducing the number of children and young people disengaged from their communities.
Collaboration Successful partnership working through the multi-agency approach established by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
Involvement The establishment of a children and young persons’ sub-group of the service’s management board and active participation.
8 Financial implications
8.1 The Western Bay Youth Justice and Early Intervention Service expected significant reductions in grant funding for the current year. However, grants were not reduced, and the table below outlines how the service is currently funded:
BCBC SCBC NPTCBC TOTAL £ £ £ £ Youth Justice Grant 193,357 383,200 217,000 793,557 WG PPE Grant 319,641 262,321 136,249 718,211 Other Income * 221,229 220,606 163,281 605,115 LA Core Budgets 384,060 697,555 431,250 1,512,866 TOTAL FUNDING 2018-19 1,118,287 1,563,682 947,780 3,629,749
* Other income includes smaller grants and income from partners re shared posts
8.2 There has been no indication for next year regarding the level of funding that can be expected therefore possible reductions to funding remain a risk to the service.
9. Recommendation
9.1 Members are requested to note the contents of the Youth Justice Plan 2018-2019.
Contact Officer: Nicola Echanis Head of Education and Family Support
Telephone: (01656) 642611 E-mail: [email protected]
Postal Address Bridgend County Borough Council, Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend, CF31 4WB
Background documents
Western Bay Youth Justice and Early Intervention Service Plan 2018-2019
Page 264 APPENDIX 1 Page 265 Page
WELL-BEING OF FUTURE GENERATIONS (WALES) ACT 2015 ASSESSMENT
Project Description (key aims): The production of a Youth Justice Plan is a statutory duty of the local authority under Part 3, section 40 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
The plan sets out:
how youth justice services are to be provided and funded; and how the Youth Offending Service established by the local authority is to be composed and funded; how it will operate; and what function it is to carry out.
Section 1 Complete the table below to assess how well you have applied the 5 ways of working. Long-term 1. How does your project / activity balance short-term need with the long-term and planning for the future? (The importance of balancing short term The purpose of the Western Bay Youth Justice and Early Intervention Service is to ensure that youth needs with the need justice services are available across the Western Bay area. It is the main vehicle through which to safeguard the youth justice services are coordinated and delivered working to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB), ability to also meet offending and reoffending amongst children and young people. It incorporates how funding will be long term needs) allocated to projects for the financial year and beyond as sustainability of projects is important by covering a summary of achievements; structure and governance; resources and value for money; partnership arrangements; and risks to future delivery against the youth justice outcome measures.
Prevention 2. How does your project / activity put resources into preventing problems occurring or getting worse? (How acting to
Version 1.0 dated 12 June 2017 prevent problems One of Youth Justice key performance indicators is to reducing first time entrants into the youth justice system. Page 266 Page occurring or getting By doing this we worse may help Increase opportunities for young people to reach their potential public bodies meet Reduce the number of victims of crime in the longer term their objectives) We achieve a safer community for all There will be reduced pressure on higher tier services The measurement of success will be: Fewer children and young people entering the youth justice system with increased diversion and increased prevention numbers. Reduced levels of youth crime. Early access to services based on early identification of need Increased parental responsibilities Increased restorative practises Increased community reassurance
Integration 3. How does your project / activity deliver economic, social, environmental & cultural outcomes together? (Considering how the public body’s Providing effective youth justice services has a positive impact on well-being objectives through direct delivery well-being objectives of interventions that improve a young person’s access to education training and employment giving them a may impact upon better chance to be economically independent, through diversion and resettlement work more able to be each of the integrated in their local community, through restorative interventions the physical environment can be wellbeing goals, on improved with young people taking ownership of the impact negative behaviour can have, make amends to their objectives, or victims making them feel safe and developing young people’s understanding of their own and other cultures on the objectives of other public bodies) Collaboration 4. How does your project / activity involve working together with partners (internal and external) to deliver well-being objectives? (Acting in collaboration with Youth Offending Services/Teams (YOTs) are statutory multi-agency partnerships who have a legal duty to co- any other person (or operate in order to secure youth justice services appropriate to their area funded from a variety of sources different parts of the including UK Government, Welsh Government and the statutory partners. (ie local authorities, Police, HM Prison body itself) that and Probation and Health). could help the body meet its well-being
Version 1.0 dated 12 June 2017 objectives) Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea Youth Offending Teams have been a merged service since 29 May Page 267 Page 2014 when the first Western Bay Youth Justice and Early Intervention Service (the Western Bay Service) Management Board was held and all local management boards ceased. The management board is chaired by the Neath Port Talbot Director of Social Services, Health and Housing and has a membership in line with the requirements of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 including Cabinet Members from all three local authorities and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The service is represented on all three Community Safety Partnership Boards, the Western Bay Safeguarding Children Board and the Western Bay Area Planning Board, and Supporting People Boards. The service manager has strategic links with the South Wales Criminal Justice and Integrated Offender Management Board, Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) , the Youth Justice Advisory Panel and having recently stepped down as chair of YOT Managers Cymru remains involved in areas of practice development across Wales. In each locality it has been important to ensure local relationships are retained which is achieved by linking key members of senior staff to local meetings, the strategic manager maintains links through the Family Support Continuum Steering Group in Swansea, Think Family Executive Group in Neath Port Talbot and the Senior Management Group of Education and Family Support in Bridgend. These meetings are prioritised and provide additional communication links with Public Service Boards.
Involvement 5. How does your project / activity involve stakeholders with an interest in achieving the well-being goals? How do those stakeholders reflect the diversity of the area? (The importance of involving people with an interest in Engaging young people in decision making and accepting responsibilities for their actions and future is critical achieving the well- to developing skills as constructive members of their community; Article 12 of the UNCRC establishes the right being goals, and of young people to participate where decisions are being made that affect their future. ensuring that those people reflect the diversity of the area In January 2018 a young persons sub group of the management board was formed. It is only made up of four which the body young people at present but between them they represent the whole area of delivery ie each local authority, serves) pre-court, post court and exit planning. They meet two weeks before each management board and go through the intended agenda and raise any issues or observations they may have. They receive the minutes and actions taken following on from any suggestions they make for change are fed back. The group is new and still developing.
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Version 1.0 dated 12 June 2017 Page 269 Page Section 2 Assess how well your project / activity will result in multiple benefits for our communities and contribute to the national well-being goals (use Appendix 1 to help you). Description of the Well-being goals How will your project / activity deliver Is there any way to maximise the benefits to our communities under the benefits or minimise any negative national well-being goals? impacts to our communities (and the contribution to the national well-being goals)? A prosperous Wales Through the efforts contained in the plan Increasing the offer provided to children An innovative, productive and low carbon targeting the need to improve educational and young people as well as supporting society which recognises the limits of the outcomes for children and young people at them to access the offer provided global environment and therefore uses risk of entering or already in the youth resources efficiently and proportionately justice system (including acting on climate change); and which develops a skilled and well- educated population in an economy which generates wealth and provides employment opportunities, allowing people to take advantage of the wealth generated through securing decent work. A resilient Wales Through reparation projects provided Ensuring the reparation projects are A nation which maintains and enhances through the service informed by the community a biodiverse natural environment with healthy functioning ecosystems that support social, economic and ecological resilience and the capacity to adapt to change (for example climate change). A healthier Wales The service has access to a speech and Ensure the plans to have a band 7 A society in which people’s physical and language therapist, well-being practitioner CAMHS worker is in place along with mental well-being is maximised and in and substance misuse worker. sexual and general health services which choices and behaviours that according to need. benefit future health are understood.
Version 1.0 dated 12 June 2017 A more equal Wales Young people are resilient. The services Engagement of partners to increase Page 270 Page A society that enables people to fulfil operates a strength based model aimed at opportunity and move on. their potential no matter what their supporting children and young people to background or circumstances (including reach their potential despite the barriers their socio economic background and that may be in front of them circumstances). A Wales of cohesive communities The aim of the service is to reduce Increase the take up of victim/offender Attractive, viable, safe and well- offending and reoffending which directly mediation and direct reparation to repair connected communities. impacts on feeling safe in our communities harm A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Constructive use of leisure time is an Increase the number of Welsh speakers in Welsh language intervention often supported as part of a the service A society that promotes and protects plan with a young person. This is delivered culture, heritage and the Welsh within our Welsh culture eg there is language, and which encourages people nothing better to bring home the benefits of to participate in the arts, and sports and being Welsh than completing a D of E recreation. award in the open in Gower A globally responsible Wales Reparation programmes and citizenship Expand the citizenship programme. A nation which, when doing anything to programmes address these issues with our improve the economic, social, young people environmental and cultural well-being of Wales, takes account of whether doing such a thing may make a positive contribution to global well-being.
Version 1.0 dated 12 June 2017 Page 271 Page Section 3 Will your project / activity affect people or groups of people with protected characteristics? Explain what will be done to maximise any positive impacts or minimise any negative impacts Protected characteristics Will your project / activity have Will your project / activity have Is there any way to maximise any positive impacts on those any negative impacts on those any positive impacts or with a protected characteristic? with a protected characteristic? minimise any negative impacts? Age: Yes No Ensuring that children and young people known to the WBYJ and EIS are treated as ‘children first and offenders second’ Gender reassignment: No No N/A Marriage or civil partnership: No No N/A Pregnancy or maternity: No No N/A Race: No No N/A Religion or Belief: No No N/A Race: No No N/A Sex: No No N/A Welsh Language: No No N/A
Version 1.0 dated 12 June 2017 Page 272 Page Section 4 Identify decision meeting for Project/activity e.g. Cabinet, Council or delegated decision taken by Executive Members and/or Chief Officers
Compiling Officers Name: Nicola Echanis
Compiling Officers Job Title: Head of Education and Family Support
Date completed: 21.09.18
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