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THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF THE CITY & COUNTY OF CARDIFF
The County Council of the City & County of Cardiff met at County Hall, Cardiff on Thursday 25 March 2010 to transact the business set out in the Council Summons dated 19 March 2010.
Present County Councillor Griffiths, Lord Mayor (in the Chair); County Councillor Hyde, Deputy Lord Mayor.
County Councillors Ali, Aubrey, Aylwin, Berman, Bowden, Bowen, Bridges, Burfoot, Burley, Burns, Carter, Chaundy, Clark, Ralph Cook, Richard Cook, Cowan, Cox, Kirsty Davies, T Davies, Dixon, Finn, Foley, Ford, Gasson, Goddard, Goodway, Grant, Greening, C Holland, M Holland, Hooper, Howells, Hudson, Ireland, Islam, Jerrett, Brian Jones, Margaret Jones, Jones-Pritchard, Joyce, Kelloway, Lloyd, Macdonald, McEvoy, McKerlich, Montemaggi, David Morgan, Derrick Morgan, Elgan Morgan, Linda Morgan, Page, Jacqueline Parry, Keith Parry, Patel, Pearcy, Pickard, Piper, David Rees, Dianne Rees, Robson, Rogers, Rowland-James, Salway, Singh, Smith, Stephens, Wakefield, Walker, Walsh, Williams and Woodman.
Apologies: County Councillors Furlong and Lansdown
(Prayers were offered by the Rev Keith Kimber)
(Council on 22 April 2010 amended these proceedings as shown in bold on pages 589 and 591/592.)
196 : MINUTES 25 FEBRUARY 2010
It was moved by Councillor Heather Joyce and seconded by Councillor Derrick Morgan that the minutes of 25 February 2010 be amended as follows:
AMENDMENT 1
Minute 183 Corporate Plan County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 583
Following the words “to which the Leader responded”, insert the following words:
“saying, amongst other comments, “I think what we are getting is just criticism for the sake of criticism from people who quite clearly haven’t actually read some of what’s in the Plan”.
AMENDMENT 2
Minute 183 Corporate Plan
Following the words “be referred back”, insert the following words:
“to the Executive for reconsideration in light of the difficulties faced by the Deposited Local Development Plan, perceived inconsistencies between the Corporate Plan and the proposed budget and a perception that some performance indicators against which progress would be measured were inappropriate.”
AMENDMENT 3
Minute 184 Budget Proposals 2010/11
After the words “by an alternative speaking order”, insert the following words:
“that gave Councillor Mark Stephens, as the proposer of the Coalition Budget, an extra five minutes to introduce the budget and reduced the four minute allowance given to all the Executive Members to bring them into line with all other Members. Speaking against the proposal to ensure equality for all Members, the Leader stated this year’s protocol “is no different from what we have used in recent years”. Responding, Councillor Ralph Cook reminded the Leader that the Council’s Business Committee had in fact introduced a very significant change by which only one Member per group would be accorded the right to speak for five minutes as a proposer. Previously the budget protocols allowed any Member proposing an amendment to speak to their amendment for five minutes.” County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 584
AMENDMENT 4
Minute 184 Budget Proposals 2010/11 (page 535)
Following the words “First Labour Alternative Proposal”, insert the following words:
“The Council impose, with immediate effect, a complete moratorium on all foreign travel for Members and Officers and on all first class travel for Members and Officers. Further, with immediate effect, the Council to mothball its civic fleet of “limousines” and make arrangements for the permanent disposal of the fleet at the end of the current lease period. These measure to remain in place until such time that the British economy has demonstrated continued growth over four successive quarters. Arrangements to be made for the redeployment of affected staff to suitable employment in other service departments.
All savings achieved from the moratorium and from the mothballing of the civic fleet to be diverted, firstly to offset the proposed increase in fees and charges for Bereavement Services and once matched, any surplus savings used to fund additional Basic Skills, ESOL and other courses to equip unemployed / economically inactive people and assist them into employment.”
AMENDMENT 5
Minute 184 Budget Proposals 2010/11 (page 536)
Following the words “Second Labour Alternative Proposal”, insert the following words:
“The Council impose, with immediate effect, a complete moratorium on all Civic & Council Hospitality (excepting Home Coming Parades and the annual Remembrance Ceremony) until the official announcement of the end of the current recession by the Bank of England. The Council to maximise the revenue raising potential of the Mansion House to raise a further £50,000 per annum. All savings achieved by the moratorium and additional income achieved from the Mansion House to be diverted, firstly to offset the proposed increase in fees and charges for Bereavement Services and once matched, any surplus savings used to fund additional County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 585
Basic Skills, ESOL and other courses to equip unemployed / economically inactive people and assist them into employment.”
AMENDMENT 6
Minute 184 Budget Proposals 2010/11 (page 536)
Following the words “Third Labour Alternative Proposal”, insert the following words:
Delete proposed contribution of £50,000 to Cardiff Business Partnership. All identified savings under this heading to be diverted firstly to offset the proposed increase in fees and charges for Bereavement Services and once matched, any surplus savings used to fund additional Basic Skills, ESOL and other courses to equip unemployed/ economically inactive people and assist them into employment.
AMENDMENT 7
Minute 189 Education and Lifelong Learning Questions page 557
In Councillor Salway’s reply to Councillor Page’s supplementary question, delete existing transcription following the words “sell or endeavour to sell” and replace with the correct text:
“Do you understand that? No, you can’t ask another question, I’m just asking if you understand, if not contact me. Well, I’m sorry you must be… something beginning with S and ending with D.”
Following a debate on the accuracy of the minutes a recorded vote was requested on Amendments 1 to 6.
For
Councillors Ralph Cook, Richard Cook, Cowan, Finn, Goddard, Goodway, C Holland, M Holland, B Jones, Joyce, Derrick Morgan, Page, J Parry, Patel, Robson and Walsh Total 16
County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 586
Against
Councillors Ali, Aubrey, Aylwin, Berman, Bowden, Bowen, Bridges, Burfoot, Burley, Carter, Chaundy, Clark, Cox, Kirsty Davies, Dixon, Ford, Gasson, Grant, Greening, Hooper, Howells, Hyde, Islam, Jerrett, Margaret Jones, Kelloway, McEvoy, Montemaggi, David Morgan, Elgan Morgan, Pearcy, Pickard, David Rees, Rowland-James, Salway, Singh, Stephens, Wakefield, and Woodman. Total 39
Abstentions
Councillors Burns, Tim Davies, Foley, Hudson, Ireland, Jones-Pritchard, Macdonald, McKerlich, Linda Morgan, Piper, Dianne Rees, Rogers, Smith, Walker and Williams
Total 15
The proposed amendments 1 to 6 were not carried.
Amendment 7 was accepted.
The minutes of the meeting held on 25 February 2010, as amended, were approved as a correct record and signed by the Lord Mayor.
197 : CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
(The Chairman reminded Members of their responsibility under Article 16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct to declare any interest, and to complete Personal Interest forms, at the commencement of the item of business.)
The Lord Mayor drew Members’ attention to item 7 (Independent Remuneration Panel) to advise that all Members had a personal interest to declare. The Monitoring Officer explained that recent guidance from the Ombudsman required separate and individual declarations to be made. She explained how the declarations would be made. County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 587
1. Awards
The Lord Mayor was pleased to advise Council of the following award:
Paul Thomas, Transport Network Management Operational Manager who has received an Outstanding Contribution to the Joint Authorities Group (JAG (UK)) Award.
The award was acknowledged by the Chair of JAG (UK) Roger Culpin and Authority Chair of HAUC (UK) Jerry McConkey as follows:
“Paul has demonstrated outstanding knowledge and commitment to JAG (UK) through his work on legislation, regulation and codes of practice for New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and Traffic Management Act 2004. He has played a key role in both National Street Works Highways Group and JAG (UK). He has represented Wales with honour and professionalism. His vision, work and personal commitment have greatly benefited colleagues throughout the UK.”
2. Councillor Singh
The Lord Mayor extended the Council’s sympathies to Councillor Singh whose sister recently passed away.
3.Webcasting and Recording of Proceedings
Members were reminded of a decision of the Constitution Committee on 10 July 2008 to webcast the Council meeting.
Members were also reminded that the Constitution Committee had previously agreed that Council proceedings be recorded for administrative purposes.
Formal approval to record the proceedings was granted.
198 : PETITIONS
The following petitions were submitted:
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1. Councillor David Rees – 50 residents of Hampton Crescent East and West request that access to the gully and stream between 19 and 21 Hampton Crescent West be closed off.
2. Councillor Aubrey – 66 residents of Fairwater Grove West call for gates to be in place by the railway embankment in Fairwater Grove West.
3. Councillor Singh – Petition from 562 members of the ethnic minority community objecting to a £1 levy for using outside caterers when holding functions in City Hall and County Hall.
199 : CARDIFF LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Council considered a report in the light of written concerns of Inspectors appointed by WAG to examine the Local Development Plan (LDP). Council was asked to consider whether or not the LDP should proceed to the examination of the plan at the scheduled public hearing.
The Executive Member for Environment introduced the report.
The Inspectors had identified serious concerns regarding the soundness of the plan and set these out in detail in a series of notes and at an Exploratory Meeting (EM) which took place on 25 February 2010.
Members were advised that at the EM, the Council had emphasised that it had submitted a Plan to the Assembly which was believed to meet all the tests of soundness set out in national policy and which was thought ready for examination. However, the evidence base for the LDP and its strategy were inevitably prepared before the credit crunch and subsequent recession.
Given the issues raised by the Inspector and their implications for the Council, there were considered to be overwhelming reasons for the Council to prefer withdrawal over a continuation of the examination. There was considered to be no real merit in proceeding with the examination as such a route would deflect resources away from the important task of securing a new and sound adopted plan as soon as was possible.
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In the event of a new Plan being prepared, many of the existing core objectives would remain. However, given the issues raised by WAG and the Inspectors, it would also be necessary to address the overall strategy for providing for future housing and employment in conjunction with transportation and flood risk issues. Consequently it would be necessary to include an element of greenfield release that would also provide greater range and choice, more opportunities for affordable housing, family housing, and greater flexibility.
The Lord Mayor invited debate on the report and there followed a lengthy discussion.
RESOLVED – That in view of significant reservations raised by the Inspectors, set out in the Inspectors’ Notes and formal record of the Exploratory Meeting, and changes that have occurred since deposit as outlined in the Appendix, the Council considers that the Local Development Plan submitted for examination on 30 November 2009 should be withdrawn from the examination process.
200 : LORD MAYORALTY 2010/2011
Council was asked to consider nominations for the positions of Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor for the 2010/11 Civic Year, to enable preparations to be made for the installation ceremony at the Annual meeting in May 2010.
Councillor Berman proposed the nomination of Councillor Keith Hyde as Lord Mayor elect. Councillor Bowen seconded the proposal.
Councillor Walker proposed the nomination of Councillor Dianne Rees as Deputy Lord Mayor elect. Councillor Joyce seconded the proposal.
A Member asked that in future years the practice of ‘usual channels’ be used when considering nominations.
RESOLVED – That the nominations of Councillor Keith Hyde and Councillor Dianne Rees for the positions of Lord Mayor elect and Deputy Lord Mayor elect respectively for the 2010/11 Civic Year, be approved.
(Councillors Cowan and Robson asked that their opposition be recorded)
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(Council on 22 April 2010 amended these proceedings by the substitution of Councillor Robson’s name for Councillor Hyde as shown in bold above)
201 : INDEPENDENT REMUNERATION PANEL FOR WALES – ANNUAL REPORT
Council received the Annual Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) which was published in February 2010 and considered the implications for the Council’s Scheme of Members’ Allowances. The Annual Report included a number of determinations and recommendations, including revised maximum levels of members’ allowances payable in 2010/2011 to take effect from 1 April 2010.
Before proceeding with the debate the Lord Mayor advised that all Members had a personal interest to declare but were exempted from a prejudicial interest. As a result, the Clerk to the Council invited Members to declare their interest and to submit declarations of interest forms. All members present accordingly made individual declarations of a personal interest in accordance with the code of conduct.
It was moved by Councillor Ralph Cook and seconded by Councillor Derrick Morgan that the recommendations contained in the Clerk to the Council report be amended by the addition of a further recommendation as follows:
“3. The Council
(a) Recognises the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales as the body responsible for setting the levels of councillors allowances and respects the recommendations set out in their report
(b) Notes that between 1995 and 2004
(i) Cardiff Council did not believe that Councillors should vote on their own allowances
(ii) Councillors allowances in Cardiff were only ever set at levels recommended by successive Independent Remuneration Panels
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(c) Regrets that since 2004 the Administration has sought to secure party political advantage by departing from the recognised best practice of setting allowances at levels recommended by Independent Remuneration Panels and has valued councillors worth in Cardiff at a level some 80% of that now being recommended by the IRP.
(d) Notes that public sector workers are currently being expected to accept a pay freeze or increases of 1.5% or less
(e) Believes that now is not the time to accept increases of some 22% in councillors’ allowances and resolves not to pay any increases in councillors’ allowances at the present time but accepts all the non- remunerative recommendations set out in the panel’s report.”
It was proposed that each recommendation be voted on separately and this gave rise to debate and no consensus emerged. The Lord Mayor adjourned the meeting to allow discussion of the way forward between Leaders and Whips.
(The Lord Mayor adjourned the meeting at 6.10pm and re-convened the meeting at 6.45pm)
Following a discussion by Leaders and Whips it was agreed that paragraph (c)the amendment would be withdrawn and the remaining terms of the amendment voted upon en bloc. This was moved and seconded by Councillor Ralph Cook and Councillor Derrick Morgan respectively and agreed by Council.
The Lord Mayor reminded and advised Members that the Council was subject to the terms of a written legal agreement governing public statements about some aspects of (historical) allowances and Members should have regard to that legal agreement.
The IRP had determined that the maximum amount payable for the Basic Allowance in 2010/11 would be £13,868pa. It was noted that under the Council’s Scheme the Basic Allowance was £11,342. The IRP was recommending that the Basic Allowance should be referred to as a ‘Basic Salary’ to better describe a councillor remuneration as a recompense for the time, worth and responsibility dedicated to the local government role.
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The IRP report had determined the maximum amounts payable to those persons eligible to receive Special Responsibility Allowances (SRA’s) according to three revised population groupings. Details of the revised SRA’s were submitted.
The report also referred to civic allowances. It was noted that the civic allowances payable to the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor fell outside of the Council’s Scheme of Members’ Allowances.
The IRP had determined in its annual report that the Care Allowance should only be payable for actual and receipted costs up to a maximum amount which would remain at £403 per month for 2010/11.
The IRP further determined in its Annual Report on travelling and subsistence allowances. The IRP had determined that mileage allowances would maintain their link with the current HMRC rates.
There followed a full debate on the proposals and Members agreed that this was not the time to accept any increases in the Allowances.
(A typographical error was corrected in the paragraph commencing “The Lord Mayor reminded…..” above)
RESOLVED – That
1. the determinations and recommendations set out by the Independent Remuneration Panel in its Annual Report be noted;
2. the Council recognises the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales as the body responsible for setting the levels of councillors’ allowances and respects the recommendations set out in their report;
3. the Council notes that between 1995 and 2004
(i) Cardiff Council did not believe that Councillors should vote on their own allowances.
(ii) Councillors allowances in Cardiff were only ever set at levels recommended by successive Independent Remuneration Panels
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4 the Council notes that public sector workers are currently being expected to accept a pay freeze or increases of 1.5% or less;
5. the Council believes that now is not the time to accept increases of some 22% in councillors’ allowances and resolves not to pay any increases in councillors’ allowances at the present time but accepts all the non-remunerative recommendations set out in the Panel’s report
202 : GREEN PAPER – OPTIONS FOR AREA BASED WORKING IN CARDIFF
The Lord Mayor advised that this item had been deferred to the next Council meeting.
203 : REVISED PROCESS AND DECISION MAKING IN RELATION TO SURPLUS LAND
The Constitution Committee on 27 July 2009 had resolved to amend the Land Procedure Rules to reflect a revised process in relation to declaring land and property surplus to operational requirements.
Details of the revised process were submitted together with a definition of ‘operational land/property’ (paras 4 and 5).
In accordance with the revised procedure, the Committee had also resolved that the existing Delegation CE13 would be deleted and a new FS52 would be added to the Constitution.
It was moved by Councillor Robson and seconded by Councillor Cowan that Recommendations 1 and 2 of the report be deleted and be substituted with the following:
“1) Notes that the Land Procedure Rules definitions article has been amended as set out in paragraph 5 of this report.
2) Agrees that in deciding whether to dispose of any Council land and property declared surplus to operational requirements, all proposals should be brought before a meeting of the Full Council.”
County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 594
Councillor Robson then advised Council that following receipt of further advice he wished to withdraw his amendment but to move a reference back of this item to the Constitution Committee with a view to the disposal of surplus land being considered as a matter for Council. This was seconded by Councillor Cowan.
Councillor Berman, Chair of the Constitution Committee, explained the reason for the report and added that he was content for Councillor Robson’s comments to be considered by the Constitution Committee.
In view of the Chair’s assurances, Councillor Robson withdrew his reference back.
RESOLVED – That
1. the amendment of the Land Procedure Rules (and definitions article) to reflect the revised process for declaring Council land and property surplus to operational requirements, as set out in paragraphs 4 and 5 of the submitted report, be noted;
2. the consequential amendment to the Scheme of Delegations as set out in paragraph 6 of the submitted report, be approved.
204 : NOMINATION OF MEMBERS TO OUTSIDE BODIES AND PANELS
Nominations were invited to fill vacancies which had arisen on the South Wales Valuation Tribunal (Joint Appointment Panel) (1 place) and the Community Health Council (3 places)
RESOLVED – That one nomination to the Community Health Council be filled by Councillor Hudson.
205 : APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF LEA SCHOOL GOVERNORS
(Councillors Cowan and Robson declared a personal interest in Moorland Primary School because they were acquainted with the nominee.)
County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 595
The Council was recommended to approve the appointment of LEA School Governors as listed in the appendix to the report.
RESOLVED - That the following appointment of School Governors be approved: County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 596
(a) LEA Governor Vacancies
School Ward Start of Applications Vacancy Adamsdown Primary Adamsdown 12/11/09 Councillor Howells Ely and Caerau Ely 15/12/09 Ms A Wei Children’s Centre Hawthorn Primary Llandaff North 12/10/09 Mr D Coggin Radyr Comprehensive Radyr 23/02/10 Cllr C Williams
(b) Future LEA Governor Vacancies
School Ward Start of Applications Vacancy Moorland Primary Splott 12/04/10 Mrs M Hedley- Clarke Pentyrch Primary Pentyrch 19/05/10 Mrs J Evans Rhiwbeina Primary Rhiwbina 23/06/10 Mr C Taylor
206 : WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON SCRUTINY AND POLITICAL STRUCTURES
The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 received Royal Assent in November 2009 and provided the National Assembly for Wales with legislative competence in respect of scrutiny and governance matters, including political structures within local government. As a result, WAG had consulted on a number of policy proposals that would be included in a future Assembly Measure to be introduced by WAG later this year.
The consultation paper contained a number of policy proposals which were considered by the Constitution Committee on 12 March 2010 and the Committee’s agreed draft response was detailed in the Appendix to the report.
As the consultation period closed on 17 March 2010 the draft response agreed by the Constitution Committee and referred to above was County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 597 submitted to WAG in advance of the closing date, subject to further consideration and approval by Council.
The Lord Mayor invited debate on the report. References were made to the increasing workload of scrutiny and the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel to reduce the remuneration of Scrutiny Chairs.
RESOLVED – That the draft Council response to the Welsh Assembly Government consultation on scrutiny and political structures as set out in the Appendix to the report be approved.
207 : NOTICE OF MOTION
It was moved by Councillor Adrian Robson and seconded by Councillor Brian Jones as follows:
This Council notes that on 6th June 2009 there was flooding in parts of Cardiff – particularly in the Whitchurch, Rhiwbina and Roath/Penylan areas - which caused devastation to a number of properties and other buildings and major upset to those affected.
This Council also notes that there are other parts of Cardiff which are at risk of flooding.
This Council notes that the Council's position on sandbags is that residents can collect up to 6 sandbags from the Brindley Road depot and that the Council can deliver them should residents be unable to collect them, especially during a flood event.
This Council also notes the completion of a hydraulic analysis on Whitchurch Brook and its tributaries and that the conclusions of the analysis are currently under consideration.
This Council welcomes the introduction of “Flooding: Members Guidance” to offer advice to Councillors in preparation for a flood.
1) This Council requests the Executive to liaise with the Environment Agency and other bodies who have responsibilities during a flood so that flood preventative measures can be progressed as a matter of urgency.
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2) This Council calls on the Executive to introduce a protocol whereby, during a flood event, an assessment is made of the situation and an appropriate number of sandbags are automatically delivered to the affected location(s) - and to make resources available to implement such a protocol. The protocol should also allow for any Council vehicle from any service area (which is suitable for delivering sandbags) to be made available during the emergency.
3) This Council also calls upon the Executive to ensure that during a flood event, a number of appropriately flood-event trained Council staff can be called out to provide re-assurance to affected members of the public during what can be a distressing time and to make resources available to implement this.
Councillors Robson and Jones spoke to their motion.
The Lord Mayor invited debate on the motion.
The Executive Member, Traffic and Transportation, responded to the motion and explained that a report was to be submitted to the Executive Business Meeting on 19 April 2010 which would cover the issues raised in the motion.
In view of this Council agreed to suspend standing orders for this item and the motion was withdrawn.
(The following report and appendix were confidential and not for publication by Direction from the Ombudsman under Section 17(9) of the Public Service Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005.
As a result of the exemption, members of the public and press were excluded from the meeting during its consideration and the webcam was temporarily turned off.)
208 : PUBLIC SERVICES OMBUDSMAN’S REPORT
This was a confidential report that was not for publication by direction of the Ombudsman. The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (Ombudsman) had investigated complaints made by Mr and Mrs M. The Ombudsman had upheld Mr and Mrs M’s complaints in so far as they were not fully informed about confidentiality procedures; that the time County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 599 taken to reach a decision was excessive; and that their complaint was not responded to by the Council.
RESOLVED – That
1. the recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report be accepted;
2. the actions taken by the Children’s Services Officer be noted.
209 : CORPORATE STATEMENT (County Councillor Berman)
Meeting with Gerald Holtham
Together with the Executive Member for Finance & Service Delivery, I met with Gerald Holtham, the Chair of the Independent Commission on Funding & Finance for Wales, on 26 February 2010. As part of his preparation for his final report which is due to be published later this year, he canvassed our views on various issues in relation to local taxation and funding for Welsh local authorities.
St David’s Day
I was delighted to represent Council along with Councillor Neil McEvoy at the 7 National St David’s Day Parade in the Capital City on St David’s Day. The Parade, which was participated in and viewed by over 2,000 people, provided a special opportunity for everyone who lives in Wales, regardless of age, ethnic or social background, to join a dignified and imaginative celebration of all things Welsh. We were pleased to work again with National Assembly for Wales in ensuring this event, along with an array of Welsh-themed entertainment, celebrated our national day and provided a very special opportunity for the people of Wales to express their pride in their nation’s heritage. A great weekend of celebration took place here in Cardiff.
Artes Mundi 4 (2010)
Together with the Executive Member for Sport Leisure and Culture, I attended the Artes Mundi 4 Preview at the National Museum and Galleries of Wales on 9 March 2010.
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Artes Mundi is funded by the Council in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government, together with an impressive range of partners including Bank of America, Merill Linch, Admiral, Legal and General, UWIC and the Gardfield Western Foundation.
As Wales’ international visual arts exhibition, Artes Mundi offers the UK’s largest art prize to the winner. The theme for the competition in 2010 is ‘One World, All Humanity’ and the exhibition of the finalists runs until 5 June. The competition continues to attract global interest and the eight short-listed artists come from Peru, Bulgaria, Taiwan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Israel and Albania.
The accompanying educational programme for 2010 is the largest since the event began in 2004; with free school workshops for primary and secondary school and colleges, devised by a team of Live Guides to target specific key stages within the national curriculum. The Guides also undergo Special Educational Needs (SEN) training and so can provide specific SEN workshops. An extensive programme of training for teachers has been undertaken, which has been supported by Careers Wales.
There has been excellent media coverage to date, including a comprehensive Western Mail supplement on 8 March 2010, which Members may have seen. Artes Mundi’s website provides further information.
The winner will be announced at a gala dinner at the National Museum on 19 May 2010.
Commonwealth Local Government Conference, Cardiff 15-18 March 2011
Members will recall that Cardiff Council was successful in its bid to host the Commonwealth Local Government Conference in 2011. The Conference will bring together 500 senior local government policy makers from over 40 countries, including invited prime ministers, senior mayors, council leaders, national ministers, heads of international development agencies and representatives from the private sector. I am especially proud to be chairing the Steering Group that will deliver the conference in Cardiff and am most grateful for the support of steering group colleagues from CLGF, WLGA, LGA and WAG. I am sure that County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 601
Members will be interested to learn that at the steering group meeting held on 16 March 2010, the conference theme was confirmed as ‘Energising local economies: Partnerships for prosperous communities’; with the outcomes of the event to be presented to Commonwealth Heads of Government at their meeting in Perth, Australia, later in 2011. From the diary marker book marks circulated today, you will see that the promotional countdown to the event has begun. In addition to the ongoing print activity, I was also invited to play a pivotal role in the filming of the marketing video that will be used to attract delegates to the conference and was delighted to be presented with the opportunity to promote the city and the council’s achievements to such an influential audience. For further information about the conference Members may wish to reference www.clgc2011.org
Opening of L’Alliance suplture
I was delighted to help unveil the sculpture entitled L’Alliance outside the Central Library on Friday 18 March 2010, on the first anniversary of the award-winning library’s opening. Created by Jean Bernard Metais, L’Alliance is composed of two elements that balance in the air: a circular form of vast dimension, a ring, and planted in the ground next to it, a column, a five-storey spike that rises into the city skies like a victorious spear. The hoop is filled with an opaque liquid that rises and falls with the Cardiff tides and this organic clock links the new city with its economic and industrial past. Welsh poet Peter Finch has created a bi-lingual acrostic poem worked from the various variations of the name Cardiff and this is set in a grid on which the ring and spike now sit. L’Alliance highlights the vibrancy of the public realm and quality of life in Cardiff and I hope it will become an iconic landmark within the city centre.
Wyndham International 5 Star Hotel
After many months of long negotiation I was pleased to be present on Monday 22 March at the formal contract signing of Bayscape, a 5 star Hotel and Apartments Partnership.
This partnership between the Council and Cardiff Marina now has Wyndham International on board as the hotel operator for only their second hotel in the UK, and Vinci at the construction partner. The hotel will be the tallest building in Wales and is another landmark for Cardiff that will be a striking addition to the Cardiff International Sports Village. County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 602
Wyndham’s choice of Cardiff International Sports Village as the destination for their next prestigious 5 star hotel after Chelsea Harbour once again shows that, even in these financially-difficult times, Cardiff is a desirable place for world renowned companies to invest.
Forthcoming Executive Business
The following items are currently scheduled to be considered on 8 April 2010:
Corporate: Councillor Rodney Berman
• Voluntary Sector Compact Developments & Proposals for Improved Working Relations • Governance Framework
Education & Lifelong Learning: Councillor Freda Salway
• School Organisation Planning: Secondary Provision In Ely And Caerau • The Bishop of Llandaff “Marion Centre”- Invitation To Tender • Performance of Cardiff Schools in 2009 • Executive Response to the Report Of The Children And Young People Scrutiny Committee On Children Missing From Education • School Organisation Planning: Primary and secondary provision in the Whitchurch area
Environment: Councillor Margaret Jones
• Carbon Lite Cardiff • Organic Waste Treatment Facility
Finance & Service Delivery: Councillor Mark Stephens
• Land At Barmouth Road, Rumney (Former Castlefields Centre for Adults with Learning Difficulties) • Review of HR Policies: Discipline & Grievance Policies and Procedures
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210 : CORPORATE QUESTIONS
Question: County Councillor Walker
The disposal of the Council’s collection of rare books appears to have been mishandled from start to finish. Boasts of millions to be earned from sales to the highest bidder have now been replaced by serious concerns about a potential auction house liability of up to £1/2m. Will you update Council on the latest financial risks and will you urgently undertake an in depth and open post mortem into the errors which led the administration into this avoidable and costly mess?
Reply: County Councillor Berman
I cannot agree that this matter has been mishandled. The Council’s position has been set out in detail in the recent report to the Executive on 4 March 2010, which saw a clear resolution to the issue to the satisfaction of all parties. The Council is currently in discussions with the auction house who, at all times, have acted fairly and I am hopeful of a satisfactory outcome. There are no other financial risks and I see no reason to conduct any form of post mortem as suggested.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Walker
This is one about the rare books and the potential liability that we have to an auction house. In your answer Leader you have acknowledged that there is a problem and there is a potential financial risk. When are we likely to hear exactly how large that potential liability might be and what are your estimates in terms of whether we may have to pay it or not?
Reply: County Councillor Berman
The answer is very soon, and when we do have that outcome then we will know whether we have to pay it or not.
Question: County Councillor Cowan
Since the Council Elections in 2004, how many times have you met or corresponded with The Cardiff Civic Society? County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 604
Reply: County Councillor Berman
Records held by my office show that I have sent one letter in response to correspondence received from the Cardiff Civic Society in August 2009. I also responded to an e-mail sent on behalf of the Cardiff Civic Society on 19 March 2010.
Using Twitter, I have also communicated personally with the Cardiff Civic Society and its interim chair over recent months. From a quick check today, I note that replied to a tweet from the Cardiff Civic Society itself on 3 February 2010 and to tweets from its interim chair on 10 February 2010, 10 March 2010, 13 March 2010 and 14 March 2010.
I have not met formally with representatives from the Cardiff Civic Society on any occasion but I have had informal discussions with members and former members of the society’s executive on numerous occasions, including at the LDP Exploratory Meeting on 25 February 2010.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Cowan
I am relieved Councillor Berman to see that you now know who the Civic Society are despite your comments on ‘Week In, Week Out’ on Tuesday because I see from your response to me that you actually responded to an e-mail on 19 March, which was literally a few days before you made the comments. So do you think it is highly rude to dismiss them in the way you did on the programme?
Reply: County Councillor Berman
The programme was rather selectively edited, I have to say. I was doing an interview on what had been sold to me as the regeneration of Cardiff. I had never been told once that we were going to have any questions in relation to the LDP. Then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, came this question about ‘did I agree that only 123 responses from the public to the LDP wasn’t particularly good’. Now I have to say that actually it wasn’t a factually accurate question because we had many more responses than that. And when you actually saw the programme go out, my response to that was intercut with what I really should have been asked which was – ‘did I think it wasn’t good that only 123 out of the 1500 people on our County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 605
Citizens Panel, who had been specifically contacted to ask for their views on the LDP, had responded’.
So the fact was that the interviewer was asking me questions on the basis of incorrect information, presumably in an attempt to throw me. This happened probably about half an hour into a very intensive and very aggressive interview I have to say and I admit to being a little bit flustered, which is why it seemed as if I might have been saying – ‘who are the Civic Society’. I think the point I was really trying to make was - who are they in the context of all the people we have to listen to and we have to consult on, because another point the interviewer then went on to make, which wasn’t actually shown in the programme, was he described them as a statutory consultee and I can assure you that they are not a statutory consultee. So the interviewer was asking a lot of questions from a rather misinformed view point and that’s why I responded the way I did.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Richard Cook
Does the Leader agree that he would benefit from a training course on how to deal with the media in light of his previous statement?
Reply: County Councillor Berman
I would welcome you facing a half-hour or so very intensive aggressive interview in the way that I faced, and I would welcome seeing how you would respond to questions on topics that you have had no prior warning would be coming up. I have never been afraid to admit that I am not perfect, that I have human failings like the rest of us, and I think that question really was uncalled for.
211 : TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION QUESTIONS
Question: County Councillor Bridges
What is the latest position on Cardiff Bus introducing a version of the London Oyster card? County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 606
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
Cardiff Bus is planning to introduce a smartcard scheme from the Summer. The scheme will be piloted in July/August with a view to comprehensive implementation of the scheme from September/October.
Initially, smartcards will be available for all ‘Cardiff to Go’ tickets. The smartcards will also function as a pre-paid electronic purse which could be used to purchase the full range of Cardiff Bus tickets as the scheme progresses.
This will be the first commercial smartcard scheme in Wales. The scheme will contribute to Cardiff’s status as a Sustainable Travel City by reducing possible delays caused by the current cash payment mechanism and through encouraging greater use of sustainable transport through the provision of a more flexible payment mechanism.
Further development of smartcards is planned, as set out in the National Transport Plan for Wales, through the proposed introduction of a Welsh Transport Entitlement card by 2014 for both bus and rail services. This would include integrated ticketing, to allow ‘seamless’ transfer between services and operators.
Question: County Councillor Foley
Please outline the Council’s policy regarding deceased animals found on the highway.
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
The Council’s policy regarding on High Speed routes is that large deceased animals are cleared from highway and taken to the Brindley Road depot for disposal. The policy is the same for some small animals.
Other smaller animals may be removed depending on whether or not they constitute a hazard.
On Non-High Speed routes, Cleaner Cardiff collects and disposes of small deceased animals at the Lamby Way landfill.
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Residents who have lost or missing pets can contact the Council using the contact details that are located on the Council’s website. Ward supervisors can then investigate if an animal has been picked up but the report would need to be made within 7 days. Animals found on the highway are not routinely scanned for pet chips and there are currently no plans to introduce this.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Foley
I have been contacted by a resident who is absolutely distraught to find out that basically her dead cat was shovelled up and thrown in the landfill, which is how she saw it. I was dismayed to find out that we don’t scan these animals for chips. We don’t even look at their collars to see whether there is an address on there to contact the owners. To find out that one of your pets has been hit by a car or is deceased, for whatever reason, is an extremely distressful thing for people to go through. Some people consider them to be children. I just think it’s such a simple thing for us to rectify and to have some kind of register to look at their collars or to buy, what must be, a very cheap machine to scan for these chips and just contact these people and tell them that something has happened to a member of their family, as such. I think it is something that I would like you to look into if you could please?
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
I am sympathetic to the points you raise and I will investigate the matter and see what can be done. As you can see in the answer, if an animal has been picked up a report would need to be made within seven days then they will get a response but if we can get a simple routine scanner it would be better so I will investigate the matter and report back to you.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Ralph Cook
Would you agree that since most Authorities and the Government are now trying to encourage people to get their dogs and cats micro chipped that advertising that we would check dead pets at the side of the road for micro chips might be a way of encouraging more people to take this procedure because probably all of us at some time or another have had residents phoning us about missing cats? Often they have got locked in somebody’s shed or something and I have often driven around and found several people’s cats dead by the side of the road but it is not a very good County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 608 use of my time. The people who are picking them up for the Council could easily scan and that would be a selling point for encouraging people to get their dogs and cats micro chipped?
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
We won’t rush into this but we will investigate what can be done.
Question: County Councillor Richard Cook
On 16th February 2010, a press release titled “Free student bus service proves a success” praises the success of a free bus service that takes students for a weekly shop to “a supermarket on Western Avenue”. Can you confirm that this is the Tesco Extra at Gabalfa?
How much does this bus service cost and who funds it?
Do Tesco contribute anything to the costs?
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
The free student bus service is provided by UWIC and is one of a number of measures funded through the ‘Keeping Cardiff Moving Grants’, which were provided through the WAG funded Sustainable Travel City programme. The grants were offered to organisations in Cardiff to support travel planning activities and promote sustainable travel. UWIC made an application for and was awarded a grant of £10,000. £5400 for the bus service and £4600 for a cycle lane at the Llandaff campus
Extensive Student Travel Surveys, undertaken as part of UWIC’s ongoing travel planning work, identified that one of the main reasons most commonly cited by students for bringing their cars to university is so that they can go to a supermarket to do a weekly shop. This service is an attempt to directly address this.
The service runs between halls of residence, from campuses in Cyncoed, the Heath and North Road, to Tesco Extra at Gabalfa and is available to students from all universities in Cardiff on production of a valid student card. The service complements a range of measures introduced by UWIC to discourage students from bringing their cars to university, for example, joining Cardiff Council’s car share scheme, restricting parking for County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 609 students at their Llandaff campus to car share only and improving facilities on-site for cyclists.
The STC grant funding was provided for two buses on one evening a week at the cost of £300 per week for 18 weeks. The service has proved to be very successful, with over 1000 students making use of it so far. Following the monitoring of its impacts on the numbers of cars students bring to university, UWIC may continue to support the service on an ongoing basis.
Tesco have not contributed to the costs of the service.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Richard Cook
Do you think that Tesco should contribute to the cost of the bus service? They are a very large company and public money is being used to ship students to the door of their shop especially since we are giving Cardiff Business Partnership £50,000 a year, which assists large business to communicate with the Council?
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
You make an interesting point but I can’t comment for Tesco.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Pickard
I think it sounds like a very good scheme but Tesco don’t have a great reputation as an ethical company. Sainsbury’s aren’t perfect either but they have a greater commitment to use Fair Trade produce and packaging and a commitment to sustainability. Should we suggest to UWIC that perhaps Sainsbury’s would be a better alternative to Tesco?
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
I couldn’t possibly comment but Tesco’s happens to be next door to UWIC and a Cardiff University student resident area so I think it’s a matter of location more than anything. County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 610
Question: County Councillor Brian Jones
“The bike riding scheme has almost 100 registered users, and has seen more than 300 journeys made. We are pleased with the success of the scheme”. Can you confirm the figures quoted and, if they are correct, can you tell Council what you would regard as a measure of failure, if “success” is 300 journeys in 6 months?
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
The Cardiff Bike Scheme is a Sustainable Travel City (STC) sponsored initiative operated as a commercial venture by its operator OY Bike Ltd. STC funding is received directly from WAG. The Cardiff Bike Scheme is sponsored for one year through this funding. This is a demonstration of the Council’s commitment to facilitate and support the increased uptake of more sustainable transport options by residents, visitors and commuters, and contributing to a reduction in congestion and pollution across the authority.
As of 22 March 2010, the scheme had 71 annual memberships. The number of daily and weekly registrations is variable. To date the scheme has over 370 journeys and the operators advise that this is consistent with what would be expected for a similarly sized scheme at this point of its operation. The level of vandalism experienced in Cardiff has been significantly lower than experienced by the operators in other places where they operate the system. Over the winter months the number of journeys made has naturally been lower due to the time of year. It is anticipated that the number of journeys and registrants will continue to rise as spring and summer provides more pleasant cycling conditions for users.
Cardiff Council is working closely with OY Bike Ltd to both to promote the scheme and to investigate the next stages for expansion, which is likely to include extending the system into districts of Cardiff outside the city centre and Bay areas.
Question: County Councillor Bridges
When will the review of residents-only parking arrangements be complete? County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 611
When will the public have an opportunity to have an input?
When will the public consultation close?
How will it be advertised?
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
Following the Member consultation which took place in January this year, drafting of a review report is now underway. This report will be considered by the Executive in June, with the aim of producing a revised policy which will go out for public consultation later this summer
Public engagement in that consultation will be essential in getting the scheme right. A campaign, involving The Capital Times, Council website, local press coverage, face-to-face activity and internal opportunities, will maximise awareness and encourage members of the public to participate over a two month period. The timings of the consultation will be confirmed via a members briefing in due course once the report has been finalised and signed off by the Executive. We will also be asking Members to help spread the message across their wards.
The consultation will take place in the summer following approval of the review report by the Executive, and the public feedback will be reported to the executive in the autumn.
More information on planned activity will be circulated to all members over the coming months.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Bridges
This review has taken a long time already. I’m pleased obviously that the public are going to have an input. That is right and proper but in my ward what people really want is for this review to be completed and for the extra residents parking that they desperately need to be rolled out. Can you assure my residents that this matter is a priority for you? County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 612
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
Yes happily I can assure you because the two main things that are going to happen this summer is the rolling out of the civil enforcement of parking and then that will give confidence to the public that we have assets, traffic managers, traffic wardens even who will be able to protect their particular patch if and when they decide to go down the residents parking route. So I see this going hand in hand with civil enforcement of parking and would like to see the civil enforcement of parking established and programmed and running. The broad consultation, which is described here, will be followed up with officers on the ground consulting house by house and street by street to see what is appropriate in terms of resident parking on a street by street basis, as we have learnt lessons from the zonal approach in that respect. I am sorry that there has been some delay but it will happen this summer yes.
Question: County Councillor Williams
A specific budget was available in 2009/2010 for the erection of Speed Alert Signs. How many units were installed across Cardiff and at what cost?
Also, will there be funding for additional Speed Alert Signs in the next financial year?
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
We are in the process of installing 9 units this financial year, in addition to the two already installed in Radyr. This is costing approximately £45,000 of which £24,000 is from the specific budget and the rest funded by the Safety Camera Partnership.
There is no specific budget allocation for speed alerts in 2010/11.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Berman
Councillor Bowen, the question was about speed alert signs which we allocated a specific budget in the financial year that’s just coming to an end. The idea for looking at these as a cheaper alternative was actually put forward by a resident of Mackintosh Place in my ward, who is keen to County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 613 see some of these signs installed. We were initially told they would be in by end of the last calendar year and we were more recently told they would be in by the end of this financial year so can you assure me that they are on their way?
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
I know all the allocations have been made and I can’t myself understand why there is a delay but I understand it’s to do with traffic safety issues. There is an intention to roll them out this year.
Question: County Councillor Walker
Some time ago you responded positively to a question I asked at Council. I proposed an initiative to plant daffodil bulbs along the new M4 embankments, following the recent widening in North Cardiff, including areas within my own ward. Did you follow up on that promised initiative with WAG and, if so, what was the outcome?
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
Following your proposal at Council in March last year, I raised this issue with the Welsh Assembly Government who are responsible for motorways and trunk roads in Wales. We are currently still waiting for a response on this and I hope to be able to advise you of the outcome in due course.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Walker
Can you let me know when you get a response?
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
I am slightly disappointed with the speed with which the Welsh Assembly Government seems to respond to applications from us. They seem to be quite slow in responding. I will advise you when we receive a response. County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 614
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Ralph Cook
I tend to find Councillor Bowen that if I haven’t had a response by March of one year to a letter I sent in March the previous year, it’s probably at the very bottom of bin and it might have been a good idea to write again in September pointing out that I haven’t had a reply to my letter in March. Would you confirm that you will actually write tomorrow a letter and ask where your response is?
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
We are in constant touch with WAG and daffodils probably come down in their priority but I shall follow it up as promised to the Member who asked.
Question: County Councillor Hudson
How much does the free bus service around the City Centre so called ‘Bus Box’ cost per week and how much has it cost so far?
Can I have the cost per passenger please?
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
The Free B Bus was introduced as a pilot service to support the introduction of the ‘bus box’ in the city centre and the opening of St David’s 2. The service provides free transfers between Cardiff Bay, Cardiff Central, St David’s 2, Churchill Way, Cardiff Castle and is a particularly attractive service for visitors to the city.
The service initially operated three buses, this has since been reduced to two following improvements to the efficiency of bus journey times around the ‘bus box’ due to the implementation of bus priority measures and the operation of a greater number of services around the bus box by Cardiff Bus than was originally anticipated.
This service is paid for by the Welsh Assembly Government via the Sustainable Travel City Grant. The cost of providing the service is £4,445 per week. The total cost since commencement of the service is £121,110 (to March 16th) and the current cost per passenger is £5.07. County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 615
Changes to this pilot service and potential improvements are being discussed with WAG. A review of the scheme will be undertaken and a way forward is being considered including the use of smaller buses which could penetrate the pedestrian friendly areas and provide improved access to key areas such as Cardiff market. The review will also consider the use of alternative fuels and the exploration of European funding to continue the pilot.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Carter
I was quite bemused to read the second paragraph making reference to Cardiff Bus and the turnout on the Free B but I take it that wasn’t meant in the spirit that it actually appeared. My question is though in the medium term, because we obviously got the new designs of buses and we’ve got new bus shelters what is the next step in trying to boost the marketing of the Free B? If you are not able at this time to spell that out if you could write that answer to me as well I would be grateful.
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
I will certainly give you more detail but the Free B is a pilot study and the Funding for it in total is a two year scope and because it’s a pilot we are learning from it. Officers have already learnt that we need less buses mainly because Cardiff Bus is still working the Bus Box in numbers and they are going round the Box virtually completely. We will explore the possibility of getting iconic smaller buses that can penetrate the pedestrianised areas and areas which the current buses don’t reach, that will affect you I’m sure. Officers are exploring, as I speak, possible electric buses and we will look wider than that. We will certainly be looking for sustainable vehicles.
(The Lord Mayor indicated that there was no further time for Traffic and Transportation questions)
Question: County Councillor Dianne Rees
How much has it cost the Council to date to put in place the Park and Ride Scheme at Eastern Avenue and what is the average daily occupancy since its start date?
County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 616
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
The Capital expenditure to date against Cardiff East (Pentwyn) Park & Ride is £5,976,927. There has also been an additional expenditure on the site of £550k which has been provided via the Sustainable Travel City grant.
The expenditure covers the implementation of Phase 1 of the site, including construction of a 330 space car park, bus priority works on the A48, and signage.
The site has been strongly marketed through a number of communication campaigns including newsletters to households in Pentwyn/Llanrumney and advisement of the week of free usage (Monday 19th to Friday 23rd October) to all Council staff and 60 Council sponsors comprising of over 5000 employees in the city region. Large screens have also been used to promote the park and ride service in city venues and events.
Since its opening in October 2009, over 30,000 vehicles have used the site, with an average daily occupancy of 250 cars from October to December.
Numbers dropped significantly in the New Year, however, this post Christmas fall was anticipated and reflected peaks and troughs in retail patterns, as well as the adverse weather conditions that were experienced earlier this year.
Usage of the facilities is now starting to rise again, with March daily average occupancy figures increasing from a January baseline of 129 to 162 in March. Weekend figures for 2010 have remained consistent, with Saturday remaining the busiest day of the week, with an average occupancy of 314. Feedback about the site has been very positive to date.
Further expansion of the site is planned and bids have been submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government via the Regional Transport Plan bidding process for a further two phases. Subject to funding of £900k being awarded, phase 2 of the scheme will be implemented in 2010/11 providing an additional 400 park and ride spaces. Phase 3 would include a further 400 spaces and additional user facilities including waiting areas and spaces for overnight HGV parking.
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Further development of the site will enable the Council to progress with plans to commercially expand services and the Council is discussing these opportunities with major organisations including UWIC, Cardiff Gate Business Park and Welsh Water. Through these discussions the Council will be seeking to establish contract parking opportunities and the feasibility of block booking parking at the site.
Question: County Councillor Foley
The pavements in Greenfield Avenue, Birchgrove are in a dangerous condition. As a result of this, my daughter's pushchair recently toppled over, causing her to fall into the road. Please can you tell me when these pavements, some of which are at a 40 degree angle, will be made level and safe?
Reply: County Councillor Bowen
Greenfield Avenue in Birchgrove has been inspected and, as a result, a length of footway (approx. 50m) will be excavated and eight kerb stones will be adjusted outside No.1 in order to reduce existing ‘crossfalls’ in the footway. The work is programmed to be carried out in the next 28 days.
Safety inspections to the footway and carriageway are carried out in Greenfield Avenue on a six-monthly cycle. An inspection was undertaken this month and the next will be due in September 2010.
212 : COMMUNITIES, HOUSING & SOCIAL JUSTICE QUESTIONS
Question: County Councillor Cowan
Would the Executive Member advise what consultation was undertaken with staff from the Welfare Rights Unit (WRU) before the decision was taken to close?
Reply: County Councillor Woodman
I understand that consultation took place with trade union representatives at three meetings held on the following dates:
County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 618
• 26 August 2009 – discussion on all of the Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal Service budget proposals, including the proposed Welfare Rights Unit savings.
• 1 October 2009 – more detailed information on the proposals was provided and discussed at length.
• 4 February 2010 – further detailed information was provided, including possible redeployment opportunities.
The Welfare Rights Unit Supervisor was present at all three of these meetings.
The Advice & Support Manager held a meeting with the team in October 2009 to advise them of the savings proposals. The Housing Advice Unit Manager has also kept the team informed on an ongoing basis.
Since the Council’s budget was approved on 25 February 2010, the Advice & Support Manager has met with the staff to discuss their concerns and options for redeployment. Meetings have been also arranged with relevant managers to provide further information about the available redeployment opportunities.
Question: County Councillor Robson
Do you think it would be beneficial for a Neighbourhood Officer to attend each PACT meeting once to explain the new Neighbourhood Management Team system?
Reply: County Councillor Woodman
It would not do any harm for the Council’s six Neighbourhood Management Officers (NMOs) to attend their respective PACT meetings as a ‘one-off’ in order to explain the Transforming Neighbourhoods neighbourhood management team arrangements.
It should be noted, however, that each officer would have to attend several meetings, mostly during evenings or weekends, to ensure that all PACT areas receive the same briefing – and this time would then have to be claimed back in lieu and the NMOs would not be available to fulfil their core duties within communities. There is also a concern that this County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 619 would raise expectations among both the police and the public that NMO attendance will become a regular feature at PACT meetings.
It should be remembered that PACT meetings are local neighbourhood police liaison meetings, which are organised, co-ordinated and governed by the police and should be focused on crime and anti social behaviour issues. When they were first introduced by South Wales Police, you will recall there was significant concern across all council service areas about the likely demand for council officers to be regularly attending PACT meetings, and the adverse impact this would have on core council service delivery. It was therefore agreed by this Council that officers would only attend PACT meetings, with the prior agreement of the Chief Executive or Corporate Director, to address specific concerns or issues about council service delivery. This safeguard would limit the numbers of officers attending and the numbers of meetings attended to manageable proportions and minimise any potential service disruptions arising from officers taking their time back in lieu.
Furthermore, NMOs have a much wider remit than crime and anti social behaviour and are therefore equally involved in a number of other community engagement methods and meetings.
There is also the issue that the neighbourhood police teams themselves – who are required to attend PACT meetings routinely – are equally capable of explaining the Transforming Neighbourhoods arrangements at PACT meetings, particularly as the neighbourhood management teams are jointly chaired by the neighbourhood police inspectors. The attendance of NMOs at PACT meetings to do the same thing would therefore be a duplication of resources.
Nevertheless, it may be beneficial ultimately for all PACTs to receive a standard briefing to ensure consistency of message, so I will ask officers to ensure that this is carried out over the coming months in order to minimise the impact on core service delivery.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Robson
Does the Executive Member agree that this should be implemented as quickly as possible? County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 620
Reply: County Councillor Woodman
I agree because the first priority obviously is to get the Councillors involved in the Neighbourhood Management meetings I’ve actually attended one as a ward Councillor but in my area but now yes it is important to get it out into the communities and I said in my response I will be speaking with Officers I am conscious of the workload as well and the service that they have to deliver so we’ll be as quick as we can but we are going to have to go as slow as we must as well.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Gasson
Executive Member there is a problem across some sectors because there are so many wards with each having their own PACT meetings. It means there could be an unfair burden on some. In Cardiff South West there are just four wards with two Neighbourhood Panels.
Reply: County Councillor Woodman
I agree with you entirely Councillor Gasson that some areas will have more wards than others. Cardiff North for example, the one I’m involved with, has the highest number of Councillors and wards and equally in my ward we have two PACT meetings, one for Llanedeyrn and one for Pentwyn. But as I say in my answer as well, there is a responsibility on the Police. So following the meeting and discussion with Officers may be we can balance it up with Police Officers doing it as well as our Neighbourhood Management Officers. But clearly, whatever happens, the information needs to go out to PACT meetings loud and clear and at least if we are using our Neighbourhood Officers from the Council I’ll know there is a consistent message. I can’t necessarily guarantee that with Police Officers, with the best intention in the world with the Police whether it is a PCSO or PC delivering or the local Sergeant so I will work on that but I will aim to do it as fast as possible.
Question: County Councillor Cowan
A number of figures have been quoted recently regarding the cost saving to the Council by closing the Welfare Rights Unit (WRU). Please can you put on record today the actual cost saving per annum?
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Reply: County Councillor Woodman
The restructure of the Housing Advice Unit will save council tax payers £141,000. As was made clear in the report presented to Council, part of this saving relates to changes to bond administration. The amount of the saving relating to the Welfare Rights Unit is £108,000.
The figures that have been provided by the GMB appear to offset against the savings money that has been committed elsewhere and could not be used to fund the continuation of the welfare rights service.
For example, they have offset money that is due to fund the Prison Link service. This service is not related to the welfare rights savings in any way, other than as a redeployment opportunity for members of the team. Short term funding has been provided for this service in order to help fulfil a statutory duty relating to homelessness. It is anticipated that by providing this funding in the short term, long term funding from the Welsh Assembly Government can be achieved for this essential service. Other local authorities have also demonstrated their commitment to funding this service, which will be based in Cardiff. This is short term funding and could not have helped to fund the continuation of the Welfare Rights Unit.
The ‘take up’ team within the Benefits and Finance section will take on some of the functions of the Welfare Rights Unit. This team has several funding streams including Welsh Assembly Government grant funding and funding from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). It was previously agreed that some additional funding from the HRA could be made available to the team to promote benefit take up more widely among council tenants – this funding source could not have been used to fund the existing work of the Welfare Rights Unit.
The GMB has also pointed out that funding has not been set aside for the salaries of the team after 1 April 2010 and, if officers are not redeployed by that date, there will be a cost to the service for which there is no budget.
I can confirm that three of the four officers have expressed an interest in the new jobs offered to them, with two of these officers joining the ‘take- up’ team. The salary of the one remaining member of the team will need to be funded; however, that will be for a relatively short period. County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 622
Most of the savings will be realised by the end of the year and then the full saving will be made for each subsequent year.
213 : EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING QUESTIONS
Question: County Councillor Foley
On the 9th February, the Governing Body of Christ the King RC Primary school contacted the Chief Schools and Lifelong Learning Officer, regarding their grave concerns over the decision for the school not to be considered for the provision of a nursery on their site. The decision will now find the school in the situation of being the only school in North Cardiff without a nursery. Can you please give an outline to the reasoning behind this decision, and ask the Chief Schools officer to meet with me and those involved to discuss this matter further?
Reply: County Councillor Salway
I am pleased to advise you that a response has been sent to the Chair of Governors of Christ the King RC Primary School acknowledging the school’s concerns regarding nursery provision. Officers have offered to meet with the school to discuss these matters in the summer term.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Hooper
Councillor Salway can you just confirm that Christ the King is not the only school in Cardiff that has not got a nursery provision in Cardiff North as there is Birchgrove and there is also St Joseph’s, which you are a school governor on Councillor Foley? Will you just confirm that Councillor Salway?
Reply: County Councillor Salway
I can confirm and there are certain schools in other parts of the City as well as Cardiff North and we, as an Authority, are doing our level best to make provision. County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 623
Question: County Councillor Patel
(1) On how many occasions and on what dates has the Minister of Education for Wales or his/her department requested information from the Council in relation to school reorganisation of Lansdowne Primary School and Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna over the past 12 months?
(2) When was the requested information supplied?
(3) Is there any information still outstanding?
Reply: County Councillor Salway
Further to the submission of the Council’s response to objections received regarding proposals for the Canton area on 20 August 2009, officers have subsequently received requests for information as detailed below:
Date of request Date submitted 16.11.09 15.01.10 16.12.09 15.01.10 06.01.10 15.01.10 and 27.01.10 10.02.10 10.02.10 16.02.10 03.03.10 and 04.03.10 04.03.10 05.03.10 16.03.10 18.03.10
No information is outstanding
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Patel
Would you agree with me that the information of the Leader of the Council, Councillor Berman, had put out was misleading and incorrect in the Echo on 12 March. Councillor Berman said that Council was still awaiting two decisions relating to the reorganisation of schools in the Canton and Llanrumney areas of the City. He said this is frustrating and prolongs the uncertainty that is hanging over the schools affected by these proposals.
County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 624
It is very clear that the delay is from the Council not WAG. For example WAG requested further information on 16 November 2009 - it took the Council two months to reply to WAG; the request on the 16 December 2009 took a further one month to reply; the request on 16 February 2010 took a further two weeks - a total delay of approximately 4½ months (130 days). Once again the Administration is playing politics.
Do you agree there have been delays from this Council, from your Administration of 4½ months?
Reply: County Councillor Salway
Without having seen the contents of the letters and the reasons for the delays I am unable to agree with you.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor McEvoy
Would my colleague agree that perhaps the Labour Minister should just get on with it and make a decision?
Reply: County Councillor Salway
Yes, I certainly would.
Question: County Councillor Cowan
What is the level of financial support from the Council for gifted pupils?
Reply: County Councillor Salway
The Council fully complies with WAG guidance regarding learners identified as more able and talented (MAT).
Schools are expected to identify the needs of all learners, including those who are more able and talented, and plan to meet these needs.
Unlike England, there is no identified additional funding stream for this group of learners although training and in school support is provided to individuals schools when requested. County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 625
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Cowan
I thank you for your response Councillor Salway. There are a number of gifted children which you will be aware of in several of our schools across the City so will you agree to write to the headteachers offering a meeting to listen to their concerns about the lack of specific funding because there are great concerns out there?
Reply: County Councillor Salway
We don’t interfere with the day to day management of schools. The Council makes policy and schools implement it. There is a problem where you may have one or two children who are more able. I will certainly discuss it with the Chief Schools and Lifelong Learning Officer.
Question: County Councillor McKerlich
How will schools cope if a significant number of staff opts to have a holiday on St David’s Day in future?
Will it be necessary to extend the term for any school which is unable to open on that day as a consequence?
Reply: County Councillor Salway
As you are aware, St David’s Day is not currently a public holiday. However, if there were proposals to make St David’s Day a public holiday, then school term time, which is determined by the Council and agreed with schools, would have to be adjusted accordingly to ensure that the statutory 195 school days is achieved.
You will be aware that schools attended the St David’s Day Parade this year and took part. Over the next twelve months we will encourage all schools in Cardiff to organise an Eisteddfod in the morning of St David’s Day and take part in the Parade in the afternoon. You may be aware that there used to be this tradition in Cardiff: we would like to bring it back. County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 626
Supplementary Question: County Councillor McKerlich
Yes Councillor Salway I am aware that St David’s Day is not currently a public holiday but I don’t know if your are aware that at the St David’s Day Parade, a Deputy Leader, who subsequently said, with the support of the Leader, that any Council employee who wanted it could have a day off on St David’s Day and, of course, Council employees are employed in schools and I imagine that he must have discussed this with you before making this promise because I am reluctant to believe he made this policy on the hoof.
Are you aware that this commitment was made and did he discuss it with you?
Reply: County Councillor Salway
It is in the Capital Vision and it is our aim. I cannot say that Councillor McEvoy actually discussed it with me.
Question: County Councillor Robson
How many schools in Cardiff have been issued with a deficit budget, before using any savings or reserves?
Reply: County Councillor Salway
The Council’s revenue settlement for the Schools & Lifelong Learning Service of £6m represented an increase of 2.9%.
Individual schools received their delegated budgets, distributed on the basis of the delegated formula in the first week of March and have until the 15 May 2010 to send the Council their budget as agreed by their governing body.
Under the Scheme for Financing Schools in Cardiff, schools are not allowed to set a deficit budget without the prior agreement of the Council.
Officers have been working with a number of schools who are faced with a potential deficit budget position for the 2010/11 financial year but it will not be until early May when they will be able to report back to County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 627
Members on the actual number of schools that will make a request to set a deficit budget.
214 : HEALTH, SOCIAL CARE AND WELLBEING STATEMENT (County Councillor Dixon)
Scrutiny Matters
Since the Council meeting on 25 February 2010 the following issues relating to the portfolio have been discussed at Scrutiny • Children’s Services Performance Management Information – Children and Young Person Scrutiny Committee (2 March 2010) • Adult Services Performance Management Information 2009/10, Quarter 3 – Community and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee (13 March 2010) • Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Strategy – Community and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee (13 March 2010)
Executive Business Matters
The following proposals relating to the portfolio discussed at the Executive Business Meeting on 4 March 2010 • Cardiff Carers Strategy • County Hall Workplace Nursery
Corporate Parenting Panel
The Corporate Parenting Panel meeting on scheduled for 17 March 2010 was postponed due to the illness of the chair and vice-chair.
Meetings and Visits
I have met with, visited or attended the following external events: • 2 March 2010 – attended the Ty Gwyn Topping Out Ceremony • 3 March 2010 – attended the Residential Care Forum • 16 March 2010 - • 19 March – met with Valleys Kids • 24 March 2010 – attended a Care Council Wales meeting County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 628
215 : ENVIRONMENT QUESTIONS
Question: County Councillor Foley
Is there any way of dealing with the problem of nesting gulls on private land, due to the disturbance and danger they cause residents, other than relying on the good will of the landowner?
Reply: County Councillor Margaret Jones
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes provision for the protection of wildlife, including birds. However, local authorities are legally authorised by a general Licence issued by the Welsh Assembly Government to take action against certain species of gull where it is necessary to ‘preserve public health or public safety’. Disturbance from noise nuisance alone is not a valid reason for acting under this licence.
Whilst action may be taken to take and destroy eggs (and in some circumstances even cull the birds), there is no statutory duty for the local authority to deal with problems caused by gulls and therefore no enforcement powers available to make landowners proof or net buildings.
As I outlined in a response to a similar question in July 2009, there is, unfortunately, no simple solution to the problem of gulls. Culling gulls is not a realistic option as it would have to be done repeatedly on a large scale and is unlikely to be effective. It would also require specific approval from the Welsh Assembly Government, which is unlikely to be given.
The Council’s Pest Control Team does undertake gull control work on commercial buildings in the city which have easily accessible roofs and with the permission of the property owner. The team removes gull eggs found in nests on the buildings and replaces them with plastic replicas. This has the effect of reducing both the overall numbers of chicks hatching and the aggression exhibited by adult birds as they have no young to protect. There is a charge for this service which seeks to cover costs incurred.
In residential situations where gulls are nesting between chimney pots, the team also offers free advice and guidance to householders on proofing County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 629 methods, which can be undertaken relatively simply outside of the nesting season. However, this will usually be undertaken by specialist contractors in the light of the specific health and safety requirements, for example, the laying of strips of spikes and working at height.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Foley
I see the reply that you have given is similar to that given in July 2009. The situation is still the same as in July 2009 as there is still a large number of gulls on an industrial building in my ward, and at 4.00pm in the morning it is like a brass band has started playing, and there is nothing we seem to be able to do about it. I was hoping that there would be some kind of rethinking of Council policy that has somehow emerged, and hopefully we can persuade landowners that they should be responsible neighbours. Is there anything we can do about this other than suggesting that they should be the responsible neighbours?
Reply: County Councillor Margaret Jones
There is no change in policy, but if you would like to contact me about the particular problem, I will see what can be done.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Cox
Councillor Jones do you agree with me that gulls are attracted to an area primarily for feeding and nesting purposes and that it is partially due to how some of us choose, or not, to dispose of food stuffs that kind of attracts vermin and seagulls, and so forth? Perhaps the introduction of wheeled bins by this Administration has helped in containing this nuisance. However, would it be sensible to perhaps embark on a public information campaign warning of the dangers of inconsiderate disposal of food stuffs, especially in the City Centre and areas of high concentration of late night eateries and takeaways?
By this I am not requesting hundreds of thousands of pounds. I am asking the Executive Member to embark on a public information campaign warning of the dangers of inappropriate disposal of food stuffs. Now I’m not talking about a public information campaign costing hundreds of thousands of pounds, it’s a simple case of getting Regulatory Services to stick up some posters on annual basis that people can put in their shop window? County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 630
Reply: County Councillor Margaret Jones
Yes I agree.
Question: County Councillor Cowan
When did you realise the gravity of the Inspectors concerns relating to Cardiff's LDP document?
Reply: County Councillor Margaret Jones
Following submission of the LDP to the Welsh Assembly Government, the Inspectors started their examination in December 2009.
The Inspectors issued their first note relating to housing on 29 January 2010. This was followed by other notes relating to employment, flood risk, waste (issued on 19 February 2010) and transport (issued on 23 February 2010). The concerns set out in these notes were discussed at the Exploratory Meeting that was held by the Inspectors on 25 February 2010.
These notes and the Exploratory Meeting set out the gravity of the Inspectors concerns. The report to Council today sets out a prompt response to these concerns that were issued between 29 January and 23 February 2010.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Cowan
Do you agree with me Councillor Jones that we should have acceded to my request to have a special one item meeting to discuss this very important issue earlier in the month, to fulfil the timetable initially requested by the Inspectors to feed back on the Plan which was the 5 March, I believe?
Reply: County Councillor Margaret Jones
I don’t agree with you. We heard from the Inspectors on the 29 January, and updated Members the same day. You had a long note from James Clemence (The Officer) telling you exactly what had happened and on the 22 February we did the same. I think you cannot accuse us, as far as the County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 631
LDP is concerned, of being other than totally transparent in everything that we have done.
Question: County Councillor Walker
I understand that the system for waste collection teams to respond to household requests for replacement green bags using red labels is in disarray. That certainly is the case in my ward where green bag requests are regularly ignored and an advance team member places bags in large bundles so making house identification impractical. Will you confirm that you are considering allowing teams to avoid this duty as currently specified and, if that is true, how will replacement green bags be delivered and at what cost?
Reply: County Councillor Margaret Jones
A package of methods has been established to facilitate the distribution of green bags and other bags across Cardiff. Additional bags can be obtained from over 100 shops, libraries and other stockists across the city. Citizens can also ring C2C for a home delivery or make a request to a waste collection crew by placing a green bag with an orange sticker out on their waste collection day. The orange sticker method remains the primary distribution method and 3000-3500 rolls of bags are distributed to residents each week.
However, it is recognised that some issues do exist with the orange sticker notification system, particularly as the orange stickers can sometimes become detached from the bags, resulting in the waste crews not realising a request has been made. In addition, the current waste collection vehicles have limited capacity to carry the rolls of bags, so do not always have sufficient supply on the vehicles to meet demand.
When a vehicle runs out of the rolls of bags, the vehicle crews will make a note of those properties which have placed an orange sticker so that subsequent direct deliveries can be organised. In addition, the driver should contact the Waste Supervisor requesting that additional rolls of bags be delivered to the vehicle.
Whilst Cardiff remains a leader amongst local authorities in Wales in terms of the multiple distribution methods provided, I can confirm that, as a result of feedback received, officers within Waste Management are County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 632 undertaking a review of the current distribution system with a view to identifying and implementing cost effective improvements to the service provided to Cardiff citizens. I will ask officers to advise you of the results of this review in due course.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Walker
This question is about the distribution of green bags, and evidence in my ward that Waste Collection Teams are not noting the properties who by using the orange sticker request green bags, and revisiting them with green bags. It is a regular occurrence that green bags are collected by an advance team member and bags are married up resulting in no green bags being delivered. If it is your proposal that the delivery of green bags is stopped how will they be delivered and what will be the additional costs?
Reply: County Councillor Margaret Jones
I agree with you Councillor Walker; I think it needs to be looked at, and we are doing something about it, and as soon as I have a report back I will contact you and let you know.
Currently per week we deliver between 3000 and 3500 bags every week and also I can tell you that rolls of green bags are delivered weekly on a Monday to Lisvane stores in Church Road and approximately 30/40 rolls are delivered in your area every week. But I will let you know the outcome of the report.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Kelloway
Councillor Jones could you please ask the Waste Management personnel, if they could perhaps remind their clients that they should write the house number in the circle which is provided on the orange sticker; and if they do that, that will assist the personnel in identifying the house number from which the bag came?
Reply: County Councillor Margaret Jones
I will. County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 633
Question: County Councillor Cowan
Since January 2009, how many times have we used agency staff in connection with waste management collections?
How much does it cost to employ an agency driver and agency refuse collector?
Reply: County Councillor Margaret Jones
Currently, the amount of properties from which waste is collected varies from day-to-day. For this reason and to minimise operational costs, Waste Management has filled a sufficient number of full-time posts according to the requirements of the least busy working day. Agency workers are then used to provide the additional resources required on the busier days and also to cover sickness, leave and training absences, as well as vacant posts.
The amount of agency staff used per day across both the morning and afternoon shifts varies between 30 and 80 operatives. This difference is mainly due to the variation in the amount of properties serviced on a daily basis.
The average cost of an agency driver is approximately £9.60 per hour.
The average cost of an agency loader is approximately £7.90 per hour.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Cowan
The first part of your response is very unclear, and you mention that the morning and afternoon shift varies, between 30 and 80 operatives so can you tell me what that is as a percentage of the total workforce?
Reply: County Councillor Margaret Jones
I haven’t got those figures to hand, but I will certainly get them to you. County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 634
Question: County Councillor Cowan
Since January 2009, how many vehicles have we hired in connection with waste management collections and what is the cost to the taxpayer?
Reply: County Councillor Margaret Jones
At the current time, the Council leases or hires all vehicles used for waste collection purposes.
A mixture of lease and hire vehicles is used in order to provide flexibility and this is more cost-effective for the Council than purchasing and maintaining our own vehicles. The hire vehicle contracts can be cancelled at short notice and at no charge, which assists in improving efficiencies and in attaining target cost savings. Lease vehicles, although cheaper, require longer contractual commitments.
A total of 44 vehicles are used for two shifts a day to maximise resource usage and minimise costs. Of these 44 vehicles, 25 are ‘leased’ and 19 are ‘hired’.
The projected waste collection vehicle lease and hire cost for the 2009/10 financial period is approximately £1.8m, which excludes repair, maintenance and fuel.
Question: County Councillor Cowan
A number of constituents have complained that they have not received a new roll of green bags after putting out an orange sticker. What measures are you putting in place for refuse collectors to note the houses requesting a replacement roll of bags when they have run out on the vehicle?
Reply: County Councillor Margaret Jones
I would refer you to the answer provided to Councillor Walker.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Cowan
My ward colleagues and I are more than happy to drive around Rhiwbina and Pantmawr delivering green and white bags to residents, particularly County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 635 those who are disabled and don’t have access to going out to the shops alone. I know Councillor Walker has asked a similar question but you mention in your substantive answer to Councillor Walker, that the crews should be passing information on if they have run out of rolls. But it’s happening on several occasions in Rhiwbina, and they are not fulfilling that part of the responsibility. So would you agree with me that this needs to be looked at to ensure that particularly our most vulnerable residents, many who are old and disabled, are getting the facilities? We are happy to continue to deliver them, but it may be advantageous for the Council to do it as well.
Reply: County Councillor Margaret Jones
As I said to Councillor Walker, we are actually looking into the problem, and we will be reporting back.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Pearcy
Councillor Jones, would you please ask the operatives that when they are delivering rolls of green bags not to lob them into residents’ gardens, as there have been a number of near misses?
Reply: County Councillor Margaret Jones
I will do that tomorrow.
216 : FINANCE AND SERVICE DELIVERY QUESTIONS
Question: County Councillor McKerlich
What are the financial costs and organisational consequences of the commitment to give any Council employee, who wants it, a holiday on St David’s Day in future? This commitment was made by a Deputy Leader, with the support of the Leader, at the St David’s Day Parade which took place 4 days after the Budget Debate.
Reply: County Councillor Stephens
You will be aware that the administration outlined its aspiration to “create a national St David’s Day celebration for Cardiff and Wales – and seek to introduce a day off for Council staff on St David’s Day by County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 636 reassigning one of the existing statutory days” in the “A Capital Vision” partnership agreement. We are working to take this forward.
We plan to take St David’s Day in 2011 to the next level. The cultural and economic benefits from growing this event are undeniable.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor McKerlich
Councillor Stephens can I tell you that I see no problem whatsoever with people celebrating St David’s Day appropriately, but the budget debate had taken place four days previously, and I was very mindful of the restrictions that you were imposing upon people who were making promises for which they had not succeeded in finding a budget. Now apparently this promise was made by the Deputy Leader, and he told the press afterwards that he had consulted with the Leader before making that commitment so I wonder if you have any plans to share with the Leader and the Deputy Leader your stricture of the need to budget and plan the costings in advance and work out the operational consequences before making commitments in the heat of the moment?
Reply: County Councillor Stephens
I have a habit of costing things in advance, but the fact is that we haven’t reached a conclusion yet on negotiations with the relevant stakeholders. When we do we will obviously share that with Council Members, but it is something that is really important to this Administration and we do want to take St David’s Day up to the next level. It’s moved on a lot in the last few years, and we want to see that flourish. The Irish and Scottish make very good use of their Patron Saint’s Day; I think we should so in Wales as well.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor McEvoy
I just wondered if you agree that some people want to know the price of everything, and yet appreciate the value of nothing?
Reply: County Councillor Stephens
That may be the case of some individuals, but obviously, I think getting costs into place is important to me as well.
County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 637
Question: County Councillor J Parry
Have there been any concerns regarding breaches of security at County Hall in the recent past?
Reply: County Councillor Stephens
I am unaware of any recent breaches of security at County Hall. If you have any information regarding such instances I will be happy to investigate them promptly.
I would also refer you to the answer I provided to your similar question back in April last year.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor J Parry
I do have concerns as I felt that the County Hall could be an easy target because it is County Hall, and that it could be an easy target in the future for some unscrupulous people. Does the Council believe that security measures regarding the safety of all staff and the fabric of the County Hall itself is relevant?
Reply: County Councillor Stephens
My response will be very similar to the response I gave in April last year. We believe that the measures that we have in place are proportionate. We cannot guarantee 100% safety for all individuals. That’s simply impossible. This is a public building; we want people to feel it’s accessible; we want people to come in here and pay their bills and do whatever they have to do; see Councillors if they want and attend scrutiny. It’s very important, but we have to have a degree of civic trust as well in our institutions and buildings and I think that could be lost if we go over the top on some security measures.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Cowan
I listened to your response Councillor Stephens with interest, and obviously you’ll know that the National Assembly for Wales is a public building and to try to get in there is like Fort Knox. Do you think their security is too robust?
County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 638
Reply: County Councillor Stephens
No.
Question: County Councillor Cowan
How many staff are leaving the employ of the Council at the end of March 2010 or thereabouts?
What is this as a percentage of the people who applied for VER?
How much will this save the Council on salaries, pensions and on costs and has this been factored in to future budgets?
Reply: County Councillor Stephens
Over the last 12 months, 276 individuals have left or will leave the employ of the Council by 31 March 2010 through voluntary severance. This total figure includes those leaving from all service areas including Schools (as part of the School Organisation Plan) and Hafod staff within Adult Services.
It is important to note that staff were asked to express an interest in voluntary severance and that this does not constitute a firm commitment from either the individual or the Council as the applications are considered only as part of a proven business case. There are 159 staff leaving under the Voluntary Severance Scheme as at 31 March 2010 and this represents 13% of those who expressed an interest as part of the Council wide exercise last summer.
Service areas will continue to consider whether staff can be released in the future by way of voluntary severance without it having an adverse affect on service delivery. Consequently, the Voluntary Severance Scheme is available to staff on an ongoing basis.
Appendix 9 of the Budget report included details of those known posts that were to be deleted as a result of the Voluntary Severance Scheme. However, in the period since the Budget was reported, there have been the following movements within the organisation:
County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 639
• Improved clarity and formalisation of which posts are to be deleted in order for budget proposals to be achieved.
• The ability to allow further individuals to leave on VS but where restructuring proposals are still being finalised.
The situation remains fluid and will continue to be so for the next few days up to the end of the current financial year and it would be premature to quote any figures at this time. The business case is based on costs being capitalised over five years so it is the case that, at the end of this duration, there will be further savings released for future budgets.
Question: County Councillor Foley
Can you please explain why faith schools have to fund the Job Evaluation process themselves with no support from the Council, even though County schools will be given the funds to cover this extra burden?
Reply: County Councillor Stephens
The Job Evaluation process has been consistently applied across all relevant Council posts and support staff posts in schools. Schools have not been asked to contribute to the cost of the evaluation administrative process.
With regard to implementation, the Council has set aside a provisional sum of £5 million for the introduction of the new Pay & Grading Structure across the Council, which includes schools (including Voluntary Aided (faith) schools), and as agreed through the Schools' Budget Forum this includes a contribution of £350,000 from the overall schools' delegated budget.
The Council has not differentiated between Maintained schools and Voluntary Aided schools, and there is a very clear expectation that schools fully implement any changes that may arise to Pay & Grading.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Foley
Could you write to the Heads of the Voluntary Aided Schools because I have spoken to two headteachers, who have grave concerns that their budgets are going to be affected by this, because they haven’t been told County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 640 that they don’t have to allocate funds for the job evaluation? So could you please write to them to alleviate their fears?
Reply: County Councillor Stephens
I’ll take advice from Officers in Schools, POD and Legal Services. It’s a very, very complicated area as I am sure you are aware. If we haven’t quite got the message across to all headteachers and particularly in the Faith sector, we will obviously address that. If need be I will write to them or ask Councillor Salway to write to them on my behalf.
Question: County Councillor Cowan
How many teachers, teaching assistants and other school employed staff are facing redundancies as a result of the budget settlements for 2010/11?
Reply: County Councillor Stephens
As part of the Council’s budget settlement for 2010/11, it should be noted that the Education Indicator Based Assessment (IBA) was higher than the local target for education spend. Paragraph 26 of the budget report stated that:
“This indicates an excess of £1.969 million (0.91%) over the WAG local target in 2010/11 as a result of Council priorities within the overall budget”
Falling pupil numbers have placed a significant financial strain on a number of schools across the city and in the long-term this pressure is best alleviated through a structured and sustainable Schools Organisational Plan.
However, in the short-term, it is not possible at this stage to state how many school staff are facing redundancy as governing bodies have until the end of April before they take any final decisions on their budget and commence the redundancy selection process.
At this stage, it seems that most schools with budget difficulties are hoping to achieve staff reductions through voluntary severance or other means, without selecting staff for compulsory redundancy.
County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 641
At this stage, I understand that one school has nominated two teachers for compulsory redundancy, but this is subject to the representation and appeal stages of the process.
Where school based staff are eventually selected for redundancy, the Council will work with those staff to identify any suitable redeployment opportunities in other Cardiff schools. The redeployment process has been very successful in recent years owing to the valuable co-operation of schools across the city.
Question: County Councillor Cowan
Staff Evaluation is being undertaken in schools and it is anticipated that a third of salaries could be reduced, a third could be increased and a third could remain the same. What financial support will the Council be providing to the affected schools as at present I understand all monies would need to be taken from the schools budgets?
Reply: County Councillor Stephens
It is inevitable that as a result of Job Evaluation and the new Pay and Grading structure, some salaries will change. However, it is impossible to say at this stage which posts will experience a change, how much such a change would be, or whether it would be up or down or stay the same.
It is also difficult at this stage to know how many posts will see a change as the experience of other local authorities shows that this will vary from one Council to another.
217 : SPORT, LEISURE AND CULTURE STATEMENT (County Councillor Howells)
Splott & Llanrumney NEET Courses
The Active Communities Team has been awarded Community Cohesion Funding to run two further courses for young people in Splott & Llanrumney who are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET). Staff from various agencies work in partnership to provide a range of alternative learning activities. The hope is that potential volunteers are identified from amongst the young people so that they can attend “taster” County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 642 volunteer sessions at facilities and out in the community during the Easter Holidays via the Street Games Youth Volunteer Scheme.
St David’s Day
March 1st saw Cardiff host a day long programme of celebrations which included the National St David’s Day Parade, Civic Church Service and the National St David’s Day Dinner hosted in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government. The day’s activities enjoyed good media coverage and was well supported by city stakeholders and key representatives from around Wales. We now look to build on this success to continue to raise the profile of our National Saints Day.
RHS Cardiff Show
Cardiff will once again play host to the RHS Cardiff Show from the 16- 18 April 2010 and in preparation for this popular annual event we have erected giant daffodil structures on the lampposts in Castle Street and Bute Street to help promote the show. The daffodils have been produced by Specialist Models who also make the Doctor Who props and I have no doubt will prove a popular temporary addition to the city landscape.
British Universities Sports Championships (BUCS)
I recently attend an “Observer” programme at the Sheffield Games with colleagues from the Council and UWIC following a presentation made by BUCS President, John Inverdale, to encourage Cardiff to bid for the 2013/2014 and 2015 Games.
There are over 5,000 students taking part in the Games showcasing the very best talent and future International sports performers in the UK. A collaborative approach is being discussed between the Council, UWIC and the Welsh Assembly Government to see if this is an event that Wales should bid for.
2012 Torch Relay
LOCOG, the organising committee of the Olympic Games in London, presented the Power of the Flame torch relay to key partners and stakeholders in Wales at the SWALEC Stadium. The Torch Relay will be an 80 day event and will finish its journey in Wales in Cardiff with a 2 County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 643 hour night time event. There will also be many opportunities to engage key celebrities and communities as it travels through the City. Officers in Sport.Cardiff and the Events team will liaise closely with LOCOG in planning the Cardiff leg of the relay.
Commonwealth Games 2022
I recently met with the Commonwealth Games Council for Wales (CGCW) to discuss the potential of hosting the Games in Cardiff in 2022. The CGCW were very supportive of the vision and will support Cardiff Council in a meeting with the Heritage Minister in WAG to seek support to carry out a feasibility study.
Sport.Cardiff Coach and Volunteer Awards 2010
I am delighted to confirm that the Village Hotel has agreed to host the first Cardiff Coach and Volunteer Awards by way of an in kind sponsorship providing the venue and catering for 200 guests, nominees and winners. The event will take place on June 9th with the nominations going live through Media Wales in the next week or so.
The Mavron Quartet – Ensemble in Residence
It was with great pleasure that I attended St. David’s Hall on the 9th March for the launch of The Mavron Quartet as St David’s Hall’s Ensemble-in-Residence. The launch was followed by a free Lunchtime concert in the auditorium attended by over 450 people. The Quartet will regularly present recitals, as well as continuing to work with Arts Active as part of their programme of introducing young people to classical music; they will also perform at this year’s Welsh Proms Cardiff.
Tourist Information Centre
The Tourist Information Centre has re-opened in the Old Library after a 6-week refit, during which time the team worked out of St David’s Hall. The new layout offers more welcoming, informal and contemporary surroundings. It has also given us more retail space, and allows staff to get out from behind desks and engage more effectively with our many visitors. The changes have been very warmly welcomed by visitors, tourism businesses and staff alike.
County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 644
Cruise ships
Two cruise ships are currently confirmed for 2010, and Tourism Development officers are working with the agencies and ground handlers to finalise arrangements on shore and, in the case of ResidenSea’s luxury ship The World, arrange exclusive “money can’t buy” experiences.
The visit to the Capital of the Silverseas line’s ship Silver Spirit will form part of its inaugural transatlantic cruise from New York to Southampton in early May, when Cardiff will be its first UK port of call. The World will be docking for 3 days in August.
218 : SPORT, LEISURE AND CULTURE QUESTIONS
Question: County Councillor Bowden
Could the Executive Member comment on the status of the Cathays High School playing fields within Heath Park and confirm that there are no proposed changes to the use of this area?
Reply: County Councillor Howells
The playing fields used by Cathays High School in Heath Park are currently within the responsibility of the Council’s Schools & Lifelong Learning Service.
Representatives from the School, the Schools & Lifelong Learning Service and the Council’s Parks Service have been discussing the possibility of transferring the responsibility for the playing fields to the Parks Service. These discussions do not, however, propose any changes to the use of the area.
Question: County Councillor Hudson
As outlined in last month’s Council meeting, what is the outcome of the bidding to Big Lottery Outcomes Fund to support the development of community sport and physical activity in target areas of the city?
Which part of the city are target areas please?
Do they correspond with Community First areas? County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 645
Reply: County Councillor Howells
We have cleared stage one (expression of interest) and have been invited by the Welsh Assembly Government to progress to stage two of the application process (full application). Letters of support from all the Communities First Partnerships in Cardiff are currently being collated in order to meet the requirements for the stage two process.
We are seeking support for Area Sport and Physical Activity Coordinators to work in the east, west and central areas of the city. The co-ordinators will work specifically within the designated Communities First and neighbourhood management areas.
In terms of our submission, it is not clear what the deadline for decision making is, but we anticipate that we will receive confirmation within the next three to four weeks.
Question: County Councillor J Parry
Please supply costs to Council (and number) of all functions and meetings at the Mansion House during 2009.
Reply: County Councillor Howells
During 2009, there were 164 functions held at the Mansion House at an approximate cost of £11,412. This figure does not include the number of meetings held at the Mansion House as numerous meetings took place throughout the year in order to support the administrative and operational arrangements for functions and events arranged on behalf of the Council.
The Mansion House currently facilitates a range of corporate, civic and marketed events and generated income of approximately £24,290 during 2009. This income was generated from internal and external bookings for functions such as citizenship ceremonies, wedding/civil ceremonies and external corporate bookings.
Question: County Councillor Robson
When it became evident before March 2008 that the “temporary” visitor reception pavilion in front of Cardiff Castle would soon be considered an County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 646 unlawful development, what action did you take at the time to comprehensively reassess the visitor management arrangements and operational needs of Cardiff Castle?
Reply: County Councillor Howells
The Cardiff Castle Project Team discussed this matter with planning officers in early 2008 and progressed a range of visitor facilities and access options with both the Regulatory function and Cadw that could be provided at the Castle.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Robson
Do you think that the illegal retention of this visitor reception pavilion for almost two years sends a clear message to developers and householders in this City that they can get away with any development unlawfully?
Reply: County Councillor Howells
No I don’t. We are currently reviewing the access arrangements at the Castle with, as you know, a view to opening up the Castle to free access to the Castle Green, and then on into the marvellous Bute Park. We’ve had planning consent now for a further two years. We are continuing to improve the Castle as a visitor attraction. We’ve got the new Interpretation Centre, with its fantastic audio tours. We have the new Military Museum, which was opened to the public a month ago. We have the fantastic restoration work to the Burges castle interiors, and last week we had the new trebuchet delivered to the Castle. All of this will mean more and more people coming to the Castle. It’s important that we have proper access and ticketing arrangements, so that’s why it’s taken a bit longer than anticipated but we now have two years and it will be completed in two years.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Foley
With regard to the Castle I use my visitor pass quite often during the year, taking the baby for a walk on the Castle Green. It’s a really good location. Is there anyway we can finish the walkway around the top of the Castle so that you can get much further? So far you can get to the Northgate and can go no further, but it’s frustrating because you can see that there is that extra bit of walkway, and you can get some lovely views County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 647 out over Bute Park, but it’s just closed off. Is there any plan to open this up in future?
Reply: County Councillor Howells
I think cost would be a major limiting factor in that.
Question: County Councillor Hudson
How often are the play areas and recently installed fitness equipment inspected?
Reply: County Councillor Howells
I can advise that play areas and items of fitness equipment sited on Council owned land are inspected on a fortnightly basis by a qualified inspector employed by the Council. An independent inspection, which is undertaken by an external organisation holding the appropriate registration for such inspections, takes place on an annual basis.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Hudson
Do these Inspectors have the remit to repair, replace or maintain these? As you can see from my form I have used these, not very often, but when I did a couple of them had seized up.
Reply: County Councillor Howells
I don’t have that information to hand and I will respond to you in writing.
219 : QUESTION TO THE CHAIR OF PLANNING COMMITTEE
Question: County Councillor Robson
Following the expiry in March 2008 of approval of Condition 21 of the planning permission for the permanent visitor centre at Cardiff Castle, what enforcement action or otherwise did the Council take to regularise the unlawful development of the “temporary” visitor reception pavilion in front of the Castle?
What were the timescales for doing this? County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 648
Reply: County Councillor Burfoot
Enforcement action is discretionary and a tool of last resort and, whilst negotiations are proceeding positively to resolve a matter, we would generally hold off formal action.
The Planning Service sought to address the issue with the applicant (the Cardiff Castle Project Team) in early 2008 and entered into meaningful dialogue on a range of visitor facilities and access matters, this included dialogue with Cadw. This resulted subsequently in the submission of a planning application in October 2009.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Robson
As you are aware Councillor Burfoot, it took almost two years before the Visitor Pavilion was regularised at the last Committee meeting. Do you believe that the Planning Department moved too slowly in this case?
Reply: County Councillor Burfoot
Councillor Robson the consent was subject to a condition, which allows the applicant to carry out a comprehensive visitor and management assessment of the Castle prior to September 2011. The condition was also imposed for the structure to be removed by 9 March 2007. I believe that the Officers have worked within the timescale, to allow a relative consultation to take place.
Supplementary Question: County Councillor Walker
Are you aware Councillor Burfoot that the Green in front of the Castle is viewed by many people as a precious and important site, and there is a line of sight which gives a vision and view of the Castle which is very important, which this temporary building doesn’t do anything to enhance? What are your views on the future of that building? I understand that the Planning Committee has decided to remove it at some point in the future. When might we see some change in that and when might the Green be returned to its original state? County Council of the City & County of Cardiff 25 March 2010 649
Reply: County Councillor Burfoot
It’s all depends on the consultation period which is due to end in September 2011. Hopefully, whatever the result of the research is, we will possibly see some action in that area. I can’t comment on what will happen until the end of the consultation period.
220 : QUESTION TO THE CHAIR OF STANDARDS AND ETHICS COMMITTEE
Question: County Councillor Robson
How many complaints have been made against Councillors since the 2008 election: i) By Members? ii) By Staff? iii) By Members of the public, including the number of individual members of the public making complaints?
Please can you also include a breakdown according to Council Group. iv) How many complaints, broken down by Council group, have been referred to the Council’s Standards and Ethics Committee? v) How many complaints, broken down by Council group, have been referred to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales?
Reply:
Part of the information you have requested is provided in the Standards and Ethics Committee’s Annual Report for 2008/09, which was presented to Council in July 2009.
In terms of the more recent information, it has not been possible to collate this in the time available and I will therefore arrange for officers to provide you with this information in writing as soon as practicable.
(The meeting was concluded at 8.30pm)