Brecon Beacons National Park Authority

Enclosure 1

BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

Telephone: (01874) 624437 Plas y Ffynnon Cambrian Way Brecon Powys LD3 7HP

Dear Member

A meeting of the BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY will be held in the Main Conference Room, Plas Y Ffynnon, Cambrian Way, Brecon on MONDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2013 at 10.00am when your attendance is requested.

Yours sincerely John Cook Chief Executive

Fire Evacuation Advice

In the event of a fire, please exit the building via the main staircase, and assemble in the car park at Assembly Point 3

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY FILMS AND WEBCASTS ALL ITS PUBLIC MEETINGS LIVE – YOU CAN VIEW THESE HERE: - http://www.breconbeacons.public-i.tv/core/

AGENDA

1.0 Correspondence

To receive the attached Schedule of Correspondence and make any recommendations thereon. (Below).

Brecon Beacons National Park Authority – 30 September 2013 1 Reports for Decision

2.0 Declarations of Interest

To receive any declarations of interest from members relating to items on the agenda. Members’ attention is drawn to the sheet attached to the attendance sheet and the need to record their declarations verbally and in writing, specifying the nature of the interest.

If Members have declared an interest in an item please ensure that you inform the Chair when you are leaving the room, so that this can be recorded in the minutes.

3.0 Minutes

To receive the minutes of the following meetings and to authorise the Chairman to sign them as a correct record:

 National Park Authority – 12 July 2013 (Enclosure 2a)  National Park Authority (AGM) – 28 June 2013 (Enclosure 2b)  Audit and Scrutiny Committee – 2 August 2013 (Enclosure 2c)  Audit and Scrutiny Committee – 28 June 2013 (Enclosure 2d)  Planning, Access & Rights of Way Committee – 28 June 2013 (Enclosure 2e)

4.0 Public Speaking To give opportunity for members of the public to address the Committee in accordance with the Authority’s Public Speaking Scheme.

5.0 Chairman's Announcements To receive a verbal report on meetings and events attended by the Chairman since the last meeting of the Authority.

6.0 Chief Executive’s Announcements To receive a report from the Chief Executive on meetings attended and progress made on Authority business since the last meeting of the Authority.

7.0 Equality Impact Assessments To note the Equality Impact Assessments completed for decision reports (Enclosure 3).

SECTION 1: REPORTS FOR DECISION

A. CHIEF EXECUTIVE/CORPORATE

Report to: National Park Authority

Date of meeting: 30th September 2013 Report Title: Statement of Accounts 2012/13 and ISA 260 Report Report Author: Emlyn Watkin / Elaine Standen S151 Officer / Finance Manager 01874 620467 Purpose of Authority approval of the 2012/13 Statement of Accounts and Report: presentation of the Wales Audit Office ISA 260 Report. Enclosures Enclosure 4 - Statement of Accounts 20121/2013

Enclosure 5 - Wales Audit Office ISA 260 Report (Final Version currently awaited from Wales Audit Office and will be forwarded to Members and put on the website as soon as received)

Background None Papers Public Interest Test Recommendatio That the Authority approves the Statement of Accounts for st n the year ended 31 March 2013 and notes the ISA 260 Report

8.0 Annual Statement of Accounts 2012/13 and Wales Audit Office ISA 260 report Elaine Standen

8.1 Introduction The purpose of this report is to submit the Statement of Accounts 2012/2013 for approval by the Authority and to report the findings of the Wales Audit Office’s annual accounts audit to Members (the ISA260 Report in Enclosure

5). The Statement of Accounts is included in Enclosure 4 and is presented in the required format to comply with the appropriate Accounting Regulations, Accounting Codes of Practice and with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The Statement includes the approved Annual Governance Statement and the schedule of Members Allowances paid during the year.

The draft Statement of Accounts was authorised by the Section 151 Officer as at 30th June 2013 and presented to the Audit & Scrutiny Committee for information on 2nd August. They have been subjected to detailed audit by the Wales Audit Office. From 2nd August to 2nd September 2013, the accounts were open for public inspection with opportunity for questions to be put by the public to the external auditors.

Once the Authority has approved the Statement, it will be re-signed by the S151 Officer and by the Chairman, then published on the Authority’s website.

The findings included in the Wales Audit Office’s ISA 260 report will be presented to the Authority by members of the audit team.

Corporate Implications

a) Financial, Staffing and The Statement of Accounts is a public document Improvement which records the financial performance of the authority in a way which can be compared with other similar bodies across the public sector and complies with Accounting Standards. b) The Public Services (Social N/A Value) Act 2012: Procurement of services over £173

c) Equality An Equality Act screening form has not been completed for this report as it does not require policy or resource allocation decisions to be made by the Authority. d) Human Rights Efficient and effective financial management will facilitate implementation of the Authority’s priority actions to promote human rights. Members of the public have the right to query any component of the accounts with the Appointed Auditor. e) Sustainability Appraisal Efficient and effective financial management will facilitate implementation of the Authority’s priority actions to promote sustainability. f) Biodiversity Impact Efficient and effective financial management will facilitate implementation of the Authority’s priority actions to promote biodiversity. g) Contribution towards mitigating Efficient and effective financial management will

and adapting to the effects of facilitate implementation of the Authority’s priority climate change actions to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. h) National Park Management Efficient and effective financial management will Plan Actions facilitate implementation of the Authority’s priority actions set out in the National Park Management Plan. i) Background Papers None j) Which Corporate Goal(s) does Improved trust and confidence in the Authority the recommendation support?

RECOMMENDATION: That the Authority approves the Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2013 and notes the contents of the ISA260 Report.

9.0 Improvement Assessment Letter: Wales Audit Office John Roberts WAO

Please note that this report is currently being finalised and that the Wales Audit Office hope to be in a position (although cannot guarantee) to forward this to the Authority before the meeting. This will be sent to members and placed on the website with the rest of the agenda papers.

10.0 Business Improvement Plan 2 (BIP2) Matt Scanlon

Date of meeting: 30th September 2013 Report Title: Draft Business Improvement Report 2 Report Author: Matthew Scanlon Management Plan Officer 01874 620465 [email protected]

Purpose of To approve the Business Improvement Plan 2 (BIP2) for

Report: the financial year 2012/2013

Enclosures Enclosure 6 - Draft BIP2 Report

Background Business Improvement Plan 1 (BIP1) Papers Public Interest N/A Test Recommendati Members are asked to approve the draft BIP2 Report on

10.1 Introduction

The Business Improvement Plan (BIP) is written in two parts with Part 1 - which looks forward and outlines the Authority’s priority objectives for the new financial year - being published as soon as practicable after the 1st April each year. This can be found as a background paper.

BIP2 considers the National Park Authority’s progress against the improvement objectives identified in BIP1. It considers progress for the previous financial year – in this case April 2012 to March 2013. The report also sets out the Authority’s approach to discharging its general duty under the Welsh Government’s Local Government Measure and its commitment to continuous improvement.

The Audit and Scrutiny Committee resolved to approve the draft BIP2 report at its meeting of the 2nd August 2013. It should be noted that since this time there has been one minor correction (28 Ambassadors were trained not 24) and one addition where information has been received (89% of members and community groups finding the webcast useful - 16/18). These are the only changes to the document approved at Audit and Scrutiny Committee on the 2nd August 2013.

10.2 Proposals

The Authority is required to publish its Annual Report and Improvement Plan Part 2 (BIP2) by no later than 31 October each year. If Members approve the recommendation we will submit the BIP2 report to the Wales Audit Office by 31 October 2013.

10.3 Implications

If we go ahead in the way described above, we will meet our requirement of submission of the BIP2 report to the Wales Audit Office. The Wales Audit Office will be able to audit our performance against agreed measures which were set out in BIP1 and assess if we have discharged our improvement planning duties under the Measure and acted in accordance with Welsh Government guidance.

10.4 Risk

If we do not go ahead in the way described above it is unlikely we will be able to meet our requirement from the Welsh Government by providing a BIP2 report by the end of October 2013. It is therefore unlikely that our performance in 2012/2013 will be able to be audited by the Welsh Audit Office in accordance with Welsh Government guidance.

10.5 Conclusion

Approval of this report will allow submission to the Welsh Audit Office prior to the deadline of October 31st 2013. There is sufficient time to incorporate any changes suggested by the National Park Authority Committee Members in to the document prior to the submission deadline.

Corporate Implications a) Financial, Staffing and There will be limited costs associated Improvement with the approval of the report. One hard copy will be submitted to the Wales Audit Office and it will be required to be translated to Welsh, which will have to be outsourced. Any costs will be covered by existing budgets from the Corporate Services directorate. A number of staff hours have already been used to prepare the report through meetings and report preparation. Approval of the report by the Wales Audit Office will mean that we have discharged our improvement planning duties under the Measure and acted in accordance with Welsh Government guidance.

b) The Public Services (Social Value) N/A Act 2012: Procurement of services over £173,934 c) Equality See attached Equality Impact

Screening report. d) Human Rights Approval of the report will mean that we, as an authority, are meetings our Statutory Purposes and Duty. e) Sustainability Appraisal Approval of the report will mean that the agreed sustainability measures in BIP1 have been met and we, as an authority, are meetings our Statutory Purposes and Duty. f) Biodiversity Impact Approval of the report will mean that the agreed biodiversity measures in BIP1 have been met and we, as an authority, are meetings our Statutory Purposes and Duty. g) Contribution towards mitigating Approval of the report will mean that and adapting to the effects of the agreed climate change vision in climate change the National Park Management Plan are being met and we, as an authority, are meetings our Statutory Purposes and Duty. h) National Park Management Plan Approval of the report will mean that Actions the agreed National Park Management Plan Actions are being met and we, as an authority, are meetings our Statutory Purposes and Duty. i) Background Papers BIP1 2012/2013

j) Which National Park Management Theme 1: Managing Park Landscapes theme does the recommendation to maximise conservation and public support? benefits Theme 2: Conserving and enhancing biodiversity Theme 3: Providing everyone with opportunities for outdoor access and recreation Theme 4: Raising awareness and understanding of the Park Theme 5: Building and maintaining sustainable communities, towns and villages Theme 6: Sustainable Economic Development

RECOMMENDATION: Members are asked to approve the draft BIP2 Report

11.0 Recommendations from the Corporate Governance Working Group: Webcasting Paul Funnell

Date of meeting: 30 September 2013 Report Title: Webcasting Update Report Author: Paul Funnell IT Manager 01874 620459 [email protected]

Purpose of To recommend continuation of webcasting following the Report: completion of the trial Enclosures Enclosure 7 - Webcasting Survey Report

Enclosure 8a - Webcasting viewing figures report

Enclosure 8b – Public Interest Test

Background None Papers Public Interest n/a Test Recommendati a) That the Authority approve a 5 year contract for continuation of webcasting subject to negotiation on with the provider; b) That the Authority agrees to webcast the following meetings: National Park Authority (including Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings), Urgent Business Committee, Planning, Access and Rights of Way Committee and Audit and Scrutiny Committee; c) That the Authority tasks the Corporate Governance working group with considering and reporting back on options for use of social media with webcasts

11.1 Overview

The webcasting pilot started on 27 April 2012 and will finish at the end of October 2013. £20,000 funding was received from the Office of the CIO (OCIO) at the Welsh Govt. The webcasting solution was bought in on an entirely leased basis at a cost of £21,500 for the 18 months. In addition the Authority overhauled the audio visual systems in the conference room at a total cost of around £30,000.

From the OCIO’s perspective the webcast pilot has been very successful in achieving its objectives of being a proof of concept for the Welsh public sector. This has been assisted by the close engagement of the WLGA and the local government Democratic Services peer group; engagement which was given significant momentum by the announcement of £1.5m in funding for local authorities to pursue webcasting, remote attendance and town and community council websites.

The Authority has received widespread recognition in the media, from other Authorities and from key stakeholders for spearheading this new way of doing business. Further evidence of the success of the project is presented below in terms of the viewing figures and feedback from a recent survey.

11.2 Viewing figures

Below is a summary table of viewing figures as at 29 Aug 2013. This shows that a total of 35 meetings have been webcast with an average of 25 live viewings and 409 archive viewings per meeting. The most popular live meeting was the NPA on 12 July with 105 live viewings and the most popular overall was the NPA on 29 June 2012 with 854 viewings. It is notable that meetings continue to have archive hits for as long as they remain available (12 months). After this they are available as a DVD.

LIV AV ARC AV TOTA TYPE # AVG E G H G L 1 ASC 0 342 34 3321 332 3663 366 NPA 9 176 20 4365 485 4541 505 PARO 1 253 23 4941 449 5194 472 W 1 Other 5 114 23 1679 336 1793 359 TOTA 3 L 5 885 25.3 14306 409 15191 434

The full report is included at Enclosure 8a.

11.3 Survey Results

The survey ran from 10 July and results were collated on 19 Aug. The survey has been left online in order to gather further evidence.

There were a total for 51 responses which were categorised as anonymous (3), external (11), member (7) and officer (30) for analysis purposes.

82% of respondents felt that the service was useful or very useful and an even higher proportion said that the Authority should continue to webcast its meetings. This shows that even those who do not find it personally useful recognise its value.

The full report is included at Enclosure 7 Webcasting Survey report.

11.4 Proposal for continuation

Members of the Corporate Governance working group, which met on 10 September 2013, were unanimous in the view that the webcast should continue subject to provision of budget. Their recommendations to the Authority are as follows:

 that the Authority agree a contract for a further 5 years of the leased service on the basis that this would provide the largest discount and that it would be unlikely that a change in circumstances would remove the usefulness and value offered by the service

 that these arrangements cover all meetings of the full Authority i.e. National Park Authority, Extraordinary General Meetings, Annual General Meetings and Urgent Business Committees, as well as Planning Access and Rights of Way and Audit and Scrutiny Committees

 that the Authority task the working group with considering and reporting back on the options for extending the use of webcasting such as via social media in light of the recent trial

11.5 Financial and staff implications

The details of the costs for the contract will need to be discussed in the confidential part of the meeting due to the need to maintain commercial confidentiality for the supplier and to allow maximum time for negotiations. If members wish to discuss these figures at this point in the meeting the Chairman will ask for a recommendation to exclude the public and a Public Interest Test is attached at Enclosure 8b should this be needed.

The budget will sit within the Democratic Services budget and income generated from room hire, including sub-lease of webcasting facilities, will be offset against the costs. There are initial indications that this will meet a considerable proportion of the cost of webcasting.

Corporate Implications a) Financial, Staffing and See above. In addition there should Improvement be continuing improvement to understanding of the Authority’s business and decision making process as well as its reputation and standing through continuing webcasting b) Equality Webcasting has a positive aspect for those with mobility issues and visual impairment c) Human Rights No direct implications d) Sustainability Appraisal Webcasting makes public meetings more accessible which can reduce travel costs and associated emissions e) Biodiversity Impact No direct implications f) Contribution towards mitigating Reduced carbon emissions (hard to and adapting to the effects of measure accurately) climate change g) National Park Management Plan Improved transparency and Actions accountability on delivering all actions h) Background Papers None

i) Which Corporate Goal(s) does the All recommendation support?

RECOMMENDATIONS:

a) That the Authority approve a 5 year contract for continuation of webcasting subject to negotiation with the provider;

b) That the Authority agrees to webcast the following meetings: National Park Authority (including Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings), Urgent Business Committee, Planning, Access and Rights of Way Committee and Audit and Scrutiny Committee;

c) That the Authority tasks the Corporate Governance working group with considering and reporting back on options for use of social media with webcasts

12.0 Recommendation from Corporate Governance Working Group on Re mote Attendance Julia Gruffydd

Report to: National Park Authority Date of meeting: 30 September 2013 Report Title: Recommendation from Corporate Governance Working Group on Remote Attendance Report Author: Julia Gruffydd (Democratic Services Manager) [email protected] Tel: 01874 620400 Purpose of To see approval to run a trial period of allowing remote Report: attendance by members of Standards Committee Enclosures None

Background None Papers Public Interest Not applicable Test

Recommendati That a trial be approved for remote on attendance at Standards Committee via video conference, subject to regular review and that this trial be terminated by the Authority or Standards Committee if any problems are encountered.

12.1 Introduction At the meeting of the Corporate Governance Working Group held on 19 July 2013 officers were asked to explore the potential for holding a trial of remote attendance at Standards Committee. Officers consulted with the Deputy Monitoring Officer, John Parsons, Frank Cuthbert (Head of Local Democracy and Scrutiny with the Welsh Government) and Sarah Titcombe (Performance and Improvement, Welsh Local Government Association). All three were supportive of such a trial feeling that the Authority was well placed to trial this outside of webcasting, not least because the committee sometimes needed to be convened at short notice to consider members’ requests for dispensation to speak in committee on certain issues on which they might be deemed to have an interest. At present Standards Committee meetings are not webcast but are open to the public to attend if they wish, subject to the usual guidelines on exempt items.

12.2Proposals At their meeting on 10 September 2013 members of the working group considered proposals to trial this for a year, with the caveat that the committee was only required to meet once a year, with further meetings depending on applications for dispensation or other issues which needed to be brought to the committee’s attention. For this reason the trial might need to be extended beyond a year. Members recognized that the main concern was confidentiality but that standing orders and the code of conduct would apply in all circumstances with no anticipated need for additional protocols. They were broadly supportive of the proposed trial. Since the meeting the Chairman of the Standards Committee has also given his support to the recommendation, recognizing the benefits of facilitating access for members who lived at some distance from Brecon, particularly for urgent, but short meetings. He pointed out that it would be useful to assess how easy it would be for each member of the committee to access suitable video conferencing facilities and agreed to explore this further with officers.

12.3 Implications In order to reduce the possibility of technical problems it was felt that the trial should be limited to video conferencing via the ANPA office in Cardiff, or any other office on the JANET system, and that the process should be kept under review and halted at any time should there be problems. Any public present in the meeting would need to be able to see the members attending.

12.4 Risk

The benefits of sustainability, convenience and expediency will need to be weighed up against any perception of reduced transparency. The public attending the meeting will, however, be able to view members attending remotely.

Corporate Implications a) Financial, Staffing and There are no costs associated with the Improvement trial and it may save mileage costs of members. b) The Public Services (Social Value) Not applicable Act 2012: Procurement of services over £173,934 c) Equality A screening report has been completed d) Human Rights No adverse implications e) Sustainability Appraisal There will be a number of saved journeys (potentially up to 100 miles round trip per meeting), and a great saving on members’ time f) Biodiversity Impact No direct effect g) Contribution towards mitigating Reduced journeys will have a positive and adapting to the effects of effect on carbon reduction climate change h) National Park Management Plan See below Actions i) Background Papers None

j) Which National Park Management No direct support but could facilitate theme does the recommendation member involvement in decisions on support? dispensations to speak on any issues supporting the six themes.

RECOMMENDATION: That a trial be approved for remote attendance at Standards Committee via video conference, subject to regular review and that this trial be terminated by

the Authority or Standards Committee if any problems are encountered.

13.0 Data Protection Policy Paul Funnell

Date of meeting: 30 Sept 2013 Report Title: Data Protection Policy revision Report Author: Paul Funnell IT Manager 01874 620459 [email protected]

Purpose of To approve revised policy Report: Enclosures Enclosure 9 - Data Protection Policy Sept 2013

Background None Papers Public Interest n/a Test Recommendati That members approve the policy for addition to section 6 of Signpost on

13.1 Overview

The Data Protection Policy was revised with the following changes agreed by Corporate Management Team and the Staff Management Forum:

 Internal Review Committee replaced with Audit and Scrutiny Committee  Members included in the scope of the policy on suggestion of the Solicitor to the Authority due to the serious nature of data protection issues  Addition to the list of those responsible for compliance  Addition to the responsibilities of the Data Protection Officer

 Update of job titles  Addition of reference to Privacy Impact Assessments  Rephrasing of policy on disclosure in the event of a breach

a) Financial, Staffing and The policy should provide clarity on Improvement the Authority’s position on data protection, supporting training for staff b) The Public Services (Social Value) N/A Act 2012: Procurement of services over £173,934 c) Equality No direct implications, see screening form d) Human Rights Article 8 - Right to respect for private and family life e) Sustainability Appraisal Non-compliance with the Data Protection Act could profoundly affect the sustainability of the Authority’s functions through heavy financial penalties f) Biodiversity Impact No direct implications g) Contribution towards mitigating No direct implications and adapting to the effects of climate change h) National Park Management Plan Deliver of many of the national park Actions management plan actions will require the handling of personal data in compliance with the data protection act i) Background Papers None

j) Which Corporate Goal(s) does the All recommendation support?

RECOMMENDATION: That members approve the revised Data Protection Policy.

14.0 Welsh Language Monitoring Report Jo Maurice

Date of meeting: 30 Sept 2013 Report Title: Response to the Authority’s Welsh Language Monitoring Report from the office of the Welsh Language Commissioner Report Author: Jo Maurice, Communications Manager and Welsh Language Monitoring Officer, Tel 01874620406

[email protected] Purpose of To put the response from the Welsh Language Report: Commissioner’s office to the Authority’s Welsh Language Report before the Authority

Enclosures Enclosure 10 - the Response from the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Office

Enclosure 11 - Officer reply

Background The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Welsh Papers Language Monitoring Report 2012-13 Public Interest Not applicable Test Recommendatio Members are invited to review the comments received from n the Office of the Welsh Language Commissioner and the initial response sending them the information they requested.

14.1Introduction The National Park Authority produce a report each year on their performance against targets laid out in the Welsh Language Scheme. On receipt of the report the Welsh Language Commissioner’s office provides feedback. This report shows the feedback. The Welsh Language Commissioner’s office asked for further clarification on some areas and for evidence to be sent of some changes which were being made. These were provided by the deadline given and that information is also provided to members for information.

14.2Proposals Members are invited to review the report and give any comments they would like taken forward.

Corporate Implications a) Financial, Staffing and None Improvement b) The Public Services (Social Value) ‘Not applicable’. Act 2012: Procurement of services over £173,934 c) Equality Attached d) Human Rights Some indirect on Welsh Language speaking e) Sustainability Appraisal Sustainability checklist f) Biodiversity Impact N/a g) Contribution towards mitigating N/a and adapting to the effects of

climate change h) National Park Management Plan See j) below Actions i) Background Papers The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Welsh Language Monitoring Report 2012-13 j) Which Corporate Goals does the The effective implementation of the recommendation support? Authority’s Welsh Language Scheme ensures all Corporate Goals are addressed equally in both Welsh and English

RECOMMENDATION: To take delivery of the response from the Office of the Welsh Language Commissioner to the Authority’s Monitoring Report for 2012-13

15.0 Destination Brecon Beacons Branding Project Jo Maurice

Date of meeting: 30 September 2013 Report Title: Destination Brecon Beacons branding project Report Author: Jo Maurice, Communications Manager, 01874 620406, [email protected] Purpose of Report on the outcomes of the destination Brecon Beacons Report: branding project and Authority approval for strategy. Enclosures Enclosure 12 - Project report from consultants.

Background none Papers Public Interest Not applicable Test Recommendatio Members are asked to approve the proposals on how the n Authority brand will work with the new brand for the destination as a whole.

15.1Introduction In 2010 Visit Wales recognized Brecon Beacons National Park as a destination in its own right. Hitherto it had been marketed by the Local

Authorities which happened to have some of land within their geographic boundaries. The decision to recognize the area (long lobbied for by the Sustainable Tourism team within the Authority and by the private sector) has had wider implications for marketing the area. One of these is the branding project which is before you today. The project has been funded by the Collabor8 project using European money from the Interreg IVB North West Europe programme.

The project has been designed to address the needs of the wider community to market themselves as belonging to or being situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park. This is not a new brand for the Authority as an organization. The new brand is intended for use in marketing by:

 any businesses within and near the Brecon Beacons National Park geographic area, or who bring people into the park,  organisations and local authorities which have responsibility for marketing materials which include the area.

The brand is bilingual in Welsh and English.

As Enclosure 12 shows, the contractors have drawn on existing research and undertaken new research in order to reach their conclusions about

 who the target audiences are for encouraging visitors to the Brecon Beacons  what key messages best reflect the area  the requirements of businesses who could use the brand

The steering group who have overseen the project includes National Park Authority members Mrs Melanie Doel and Ms Carys Howells and there have been a number of staff/member working groups giving other members the opportunity to be involved.

15.2Proposals The attached enclosure describes the brand project and shows the graphic designs produced in both Welsh and English. The proposals include suggestions on how the destination brand which will be available for all to use will be used alongside the existing National Park Authority brand and logo. The development of the new brand has taken cues from the National Park Authority’s values and applied them to the brand model so the two can co- exist philosophically as well as visually. The new brand values focus on enjoyment, protection and living in harmony with the natural environment of the National Park.

Members are asked to endorse the approach presented by our consultants. The final phase of the project is a delivery plan. The project will be rolled out initially through a series of pilots to ensure that it is useable and accessible to those who wish to incorporate it in their marketing.

15.3Implications If the National Park Authority agree to use the brand when appropriate then it will work alongside the existing Authority brand and logos when the Authority is producing materials to promote the destination – thus the destination website, brochures, signs and interpretation materials will include the new brand beside the Authority’s own logo. When the Authority is not promoting the destination there is no intention to use the new branding. The purpose of using both brands is to promote the destination branding to visitors (and businesses) while retaining the Authority’s own separate identity as a supporter, funder and/or producer of materials in its own right.

15.4Risk If the project goes ahead but the Authority chooses not to endorse the brand by using aspects of it in its own marketing the project is less likely to succeed. The Authority is a key partner in the project and our involvement will help to disseminate the brand as a visual identity and make it more appealing to others to us. Without the brand there will be no concerted message or identity for those promoting the destination which will fragment the message potential visitors receive. The new brand is about managing promotion and protecting the destination as well as giving it an identity. It is in the Authority’s interest for there to be a strong, separate brand available for businesses and organisations to use. It allows the Authority to encourage promotion of the area without having to lose its own corporate identity.

15.5Conclusion The development of a new brand for businesses and partners to use is an opportunity for the Authority to promote its own values within the new brand and to encourage enjoyment of the Park and the opportunity for others to take pride in living in and working in the area by offering a modern, attractive visual identity which all can use. It allows the Authority to retain a separate brand while endorsing wider promotion of the area through using aspects of the new brand itself.

Corporate Implications a) Financial, Staffing and The project will require some further Improvement resourcing for the roll out phase – resourcing for this is under discussion with partners b) The Public Services (Social Value) Not applicable Act 2012: Procurement of services over £173,934 c) Equality Form attached.

d) Human Rights The project will offer the opportunity for widespread access to a resource and as such should have a positive impact. e) Sustainability Appraisal Sustainability checklist f) Biodiversity Impact Since the project is likely to electronically delivered there should not be any impact on biodiversity. g) Contribution towards mitigating The branding project will use imagery and adapting to the effects of and messaging which promote climate change sustainable tourism h) National Park Management Plan The project promotes partnership Actions working, pride in the area and i) Background Papers j) Which Corporate Goals does the 2: Conserving and enhancing recommendation support? biodiversity 3: Providing everyone with opportunities for outdoor access and recreation 4: Raising awareness and understanding of the Park 6: Sustainable Economic Development

RECOMMENDATION: Members are asked to endorse the approach for how the Authority uses the brand described in Enclosure 12 (which shows the graphic designs in both Welsh and English).

16.0 Auto-enrolment to the Pension Scheme Richard Mears

30th September 2013 Report Title: Auto-enrolment

Report Author: Richard Mears, HR Manager, 01874 620425,

[email protected]

Purpose of The Authority is being asked to consider its Report: approach to meetings its legal duty in respect of enrolling all employees into a pension scheme for April 2014. Enclosures None

Background 1. Auto-enrolment Guidelines, Eversheds Papers July 2012

2. Detailed Guidance Note 3b - Transitional period for DB and hybrid schemes. Delaying automatic enrolment for eligible jobholders who meet certain conditions.

Public Interest Not applicable Test Recommendati a)That the Authority defers Auto-enrolment on until 30th September 2017 as there will be no detrimental impact on current or future employees.

b)That individual discussions take place with those staff currently not on the pensions scheme to allow them to make informed decisions.

16.1 Introduction

(See Auto-enrolment Guidelines, Eversheds July 2012)

Automatic enrolment is a new legal duty that will ultimately apply to all UK employers, requiring them to automatically enroll eligible workers into a qualifying pension scheme and pay minimum employer contributions or provide a minimum level of benefits, unless they are already an active member of such a scheme. In order to comply with this duty an employer could use its existing scheme (if it meets the qualifying conditions), set up a new scheme, use one of the new master trusts such as the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST – a pension scheme established by the Government to help employers meet their obligations), or use a combination of these.

16.2 Proposal Because the National Park Authority is classified as an employer with between 50 and 249 people in its PAYE payroll scheme we have been allocated a staging date of 1st April 2014.

The National Park Authority is a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) which is defined as a qualifying scheme and the Authority currently contributes 19.3% of salary as the employer’s contribution.

At the current time all new employees are automatically enrolled in the LGPS and should they choose to opt out they have to do it themselves via Powys Pension Department. Auto-enrolment relates to all those employees who have previously chosen not to be part of the LGPS.

16.3 Eligibility of employees There are three classifications of worker for auto-enrolment purposes:

1. Eligible 2. Non-eligible 3. Entitled

1. Eligible

From its staging date, an employer will be required to automatically enroll all ‘eligible jobholders’ into a qualifying pension scheme, unless they are already an active member of such a scheme.

An eligible jobholder is a worker:

(i) who is working, or ordinarily working, in the UK (ii) at least 22 years of age and below state pension age, and (iii) to whom earnings of more than £8,105 per annum (for the tax year 2012/13) are payable by the employer.

Earnings per Age 16 – 21 Age 22 – SPA* SPA* – Age 74 annum (working/ordinari (working/ordinar (working/ordinar ly ily ily working in working in UK) working in UK) UK)

Above £8,105 Non-eligible Eligible Non-eligible

(income tax jobholder jobholder jobholder personal must be only eligible to be allowance) only eligible to be automatically automatically automatically enrolled enrolled into a enrolled into a into a qualifying qualifying scheme qualifying scheme if scheme (may opt-out) they opt in if they opt in

Between £5,564 Non-eligible jobholder and £8,105 only eligible to be automatically enrolled into a qualifying scheme if they opt in

Entitled worker Less than can request to be enrolled into a pension scheme (this does not have to be a qualifying £5,564 scheme and they are not entitled to employer contributions) Note: SPA – State Pension Age.

2. Non-eligible

Non-eligible jobholders are not entitled to be enrolled automatically into a qualifying pension scheme, but they must be given the opportunity to opt-in to a qualifying pension scheme. Where they do so, they will be entitled to receive the minimum level of employer contributions or benefits and the employer should treat them in the same way as eligible jobholders.

3. Entitled

Workers earning less than £5,564 per annum (for tax year 2012/13) are classed as ‘entitled workers’ and must be given the opportunity to join a workplace pension scheme, but this does not have to be a qualifying pension scheme and they are not entitled to receive employer contributions or a minimum level of benefits, although an employer may choose to provide this if it wishes.

16.4 The Next steps Identifying the workforce

The first step in this process is to assess the workforce. This exercise was completed in May 2013 and highlighted the following:

Total Number of staff employed or on maternity leave with the Authority= 138

No of staff in Local Government Pension Scheme = 108

No of staff eligible for auto-enrolment = 15

No of staff Non-eligible for auto-enrolment = 9

No of entitled workers = 4

No of staff ineligible (i.e. outside all of the guidelines) = 2

All of the staff identified as eligible for auto-enrolment who are currently not in the LGPS have previously opted out of the scheme using an opt-out form. All employees are eligible to join the LGPS at any time.

2. Decide whether to defer the staging date through the transitional arrangements.

See Detailed Guidance Note 3b - Transitional period for DB and hybrid schemes. Delaying automatic enrolment for eligible jobholders who meet certain conditions.

The Authority has the option to delay the Staging Period until 30th September 2017 for Eligible employees and at that date all eligible employees who are not enrolled in the LGPS will be automatically enrolled. All Authority employees do have the option to opt in to the LGPS at any time before that date.

The Authority may exercise this option in order to defer additional costs to the Authority in the light of current budgetary pressures whilst being mindful that this decision is only a deferment.

16.5 Implications

On the staging date of 1st April 2014 - 15 employees would be automatically enrolled into the LGPS with an additional cost to the Authority (based on 2012-13 salary scale) of £50,680 per annum. This is based on all those staff who are to be auto-enrolled remaining within the scheme and not choosing to opt out after auto-enrollment and includes employees who may have left the Authority as their fixed term, contracts will have expired (4 staff £11,373). In the scenario that those employees leave the Authority’s employment before the April 2014 Staging Date the anticipated additional cost to the Authority is reduced to £39,306 per annum (based on 2012-13 salary scale).

16.6 Risk

There is a financial risk to the Authority of not completing the requirements of the auto-enrollment process whether the Authority decides to opt for the 2014 or 2017 Staging Date as the Pensions Regulator has the powers to issue compliance notices, issue fixed penalty fines of £400 and/or issue escalating penalties ranging from £50 to £10,000 per day depending on the size of the Authority’s PAYE scheme for serious or persistent breaches.

16.7 Conclusion

This report to NPA highlights the two options available:

1 Auto-enrol on the Staging Date – 1st April 2014

2 Defer auto-enrolment until 30th September 2017

This report was considered at the July CMT and CMT’s recommendation is that the auto-enrolment date is deferred because of the following reasons - 1) cost, 2) no staff would be disadvantaged and 3) to allow time to discuss the benefits of enrolment into the pension scheme with those not currently enrolled to allow them to make an informed decision.

Corporate Implications a) Financial, Staffing and The Authority will need to fund an additional Improvement £39.3K - £50.6K in additional pension costs annually from existing budgets.

b) Equality – (Equality Impact There are no Equality Issues as all Screening form attached.) employees are eligible to join the scheme at any time. c) Human Rights None d) Sustainability Appraisal The Authority meets the legal duties required of auto-enrollment to provide for the long

term financial planning of its employees. e) Biodiversity Impact The Authority will be in a better position to retain employees through generous pension provision whilst balancing this positive factor with the need to find additional funds from within the Authority’s budget. f) Contribution towards None mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change g) National Park Management Retention of key staff through the provision Plan Actions of the Local Government Pension Scheme. h) Background Papers None i) Which Corporate Goal(s) Retention of key staff through the provision does the recommendation of the Local Government Pension Scheme. support?

RECOMMENDATIONS:

a) That the Authority defers Auto-enrolment until 30th September 2017 as there will be no detrimental impact on current or future employees.

b) That individual discussions take place with those staff currently not on the pensions scheme to allow them to make informed decisions.

17.0 Remit of Scrutiny Working Group Julia Gruffydd

Report to: National Park Authority Date of meeting: 30 September 2013 Report Title: Remit of Scrutiny Working Group Report Author: Julia Gruffydd (Democratic Services Manager) [email protected] Tel: 01874 620400 Purpose of To seek approval to update the remit of the Scrutiny Report: Working Group and to add this to the Scheme of Delegation and Terms of Reference

Enclosures None

Background None Papers Public Interest Not applicable Test Recommendati a) To approve the remit for the Scrutiny on Working Group

b) That this be included in the Authority’s Scheme of Delegation and Terms of Reference

c) That the membership determined at the Annual Meeting on 28 June 2013 be confirmed until the next Annual Meeting (Cllr M Hickman, Cllr Mrs A Webb and Mrs M Underwood.

17.1 Introduction

At the Annual Meeting on 29 June 2013 officers were asked to review the role of this group and make recommendations. At the lmeeting of Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 2nd August 2013 officers advised that while the Scrutiny Working Group was still in existence and members appointed to it at the Annual Meeting, the remit had not been updated since the period of the scrutiny project and was now obsolete. Officers had also advised that in their opinion there was a definite role for the group as distinct from the more strategic role of the Authority or Audit and Scrutiny Committee. Members of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee asked officers to propose terms of reference to be taken to the full Authority on 30 September 2013. They reviewed these in draft at their meeting on 13 September 2013 and made no changes.

17.2 Proposals

The proposed remit is given below. It is suggested that membership should not be limited to Audit and Scrutiny Committee members, in order to give further objectivity to reviewing the scrutiny process. The working group would be required to make recommendations to the full Authority. Current members, as agreed at the Annual Meeting are Cllrs M Hickman and Mrs A Webb, and

Mrs M Underwood. It is recommended that this membership remains until the next Annual Meeting.

SCRUTINY WORKING GROUP

a) Six Members of the National Park Authority (to include an equal balance of local authority and Welsh Government Members where possible but in any event a minimum of one local authority Member and one Welsh Government Member) b) Chair to be elected annually at the first meeting following the Annual General Meeting of the Authority c) Chief Executive d) Democratic Services Manager e) Other officers to attend where appropriate

Terms of Reference

The Working Group will review all issues relating to the Authority’s scrutiny process.

To include:

1) Reviewing progress on scrutiny reviews and identifying any obstacles to progress

2) Reviewing the scrutiny process on an annual basis to ensure it is fit for purpose and sustainable in terms of financial and staffing capacity

3) Evaluate the scrutiny reviews at the end of each financial year to ensure that they:

a) Have provided improvements to service delivery

b) Have represented value for money to the Authority

c) Have sufficiently involved the public to maintain objectivity

d) That the recommendations are achieveable in terms of the Authority’s financial and human resources

Delegated Powers

To make recommendations to the National Park Authority on issues within their remit.

17.3 Risk

The scrutiny process is still a relatively new one for the Authority and it is important that the process and the benefit to service users is kept under review on an annual basis, to ensure best practice and an effective use of public money.

Corporate Implications a) Financial, Staffing and The working group will provide a Improvement valuable steer on the scrutiny process which will include reviewing resources, value for money and secured improvements b) The Public Services (Social Value) Not applicable Act 2012: Procurement of services over £173,934 c) Equality A screening report has been completed d) Human Rights No adverse implications e) Sustainability Appraisal The working group will ideally meet on days when members are in for other meetings, and will maximize electronic communication f) Biodiversity Impact No direct effect but scrutiny reviews may be linked to biodiversity work g) Contribution towards mitigating No direct effect but scrutiny reviews and adapting to the effects of may consider climate change climate change depending on the topic h) National Park Management Plan See below Actions i) Background Papers None

j) Which National Park Management Depending on the topic scrutiny theme does the recommendation reviews can support improvements in support? any one of the theme areas:

Theme 1: Managing Park Landscapes to maximise conservation and public benefits Theme 2: Conserving and enhancing

biodiversity Theme 3: Providing everyone with opportunities for outdoor access and recreation Theme 4: Raising awareness and understanding of the Park Theme 5: Building and maintaining sustainable communities, towns and villages Theme 6: Sustainable Economic Development

RECOMMENDATIONS:

a) To approve the remit for the Scrutiny Working Group

b) That this be included in the Authority’s Scheme of Delegation and Terms of Reference

c) That the membership determined at the Annual Meeting on 28 June 2013 be confirmed until the next Annual Meeting (Cllr M Hickman, Cllr Mrs A Webb and Mrs M Underwood.

B. PLANNING, ACCESS AND RIGHTS OF WAY

18.0 Validation Requirements for Major Development Tamsin Law

Date of meeting: 30th September 2013 Report Title: Local guidance issued by the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority – Validation Requirements

Report Author: Tamsin Law (Planning Officer (DC)) Rhodri Davies (Principal Planning Officer (DC)) email – [email protected] phone – 01874 620431

Purpose of To approve the BBNPA Local Validation Requirements for Report: major developments following the statutory 6 week consultation period..

Enclosures Enclosure 13 – List of comments (and Officer response) received on consultation

Enclosure 14 – Amended Validation Requirements Document

Background None Papers Public Interest N/A Test Recommendatio Members are asked to approve the Local Guidance on n Validation Requirements

18.1Introduction

Members may be aware that in 2008, the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority substantially reviewed its planning structure, process and internal procedure. As part of this review the Authority was one of the first Authorities in Wales to introduce a system of formal ‘validation best practice’ guidance for applicants. Following approval by Members, the Validation Guidance Note and guidance matrix set important ‘local validation criteria’ to address UDP Policy (e.g. marketing of redundant rural buildings prior to residential conversion, requirement for a Planning Obligations Statement etc.) was published on the Authority website and was used as the basis for assessing the viability of planning applications submitted to this Authority.

Validation Guidance is considered by Officers to have played an important part in significantly improving the quality of submissions and supporting information necessary for the expedient and positive determination of planning applications during the time it was in place. This in turn produced improved determination and approval rates where applicants/agents were encouraged

to address all material policies and issues before the submission of an application.

On the 30th April 2012, the Welsh Government’s new procedural regulations governing the planning process in Wales came into effect. These Regulations, The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Wales) Order 2012, enforced the mandatory use of the ‘One App’ form across Wales and introduced Wales wide regulations relating to the validation of applications.

18.2Proposals

Since the end of April 2012, the new Regulations have prevented the Authority from exercising its own local validation criteria, though the old BBNPA Validation Best Practice Guidance has remained on our website for guidance only as it is still of use to applicants and agents. Whilst the Regulations prevent the use of local requirements to make decisions over the validity of minor applications (by far the majority of applications received in a predominantly rural area such as the National Park) the ability to set Local requirements for Major applications still exists under Article 8, Paragraph (1) (f) and (2) of the Regulations. In order to introduce such local requirements for major applications, the provision requires an Authority to publish a list of its requirements and carry out a formal consultation process (with statutory consultees and the local community, including planning agents) for a period of not less than 6 weeks before its formal introduction and practical use. A consultation exercise was undertaken and the 6 week period expired on the 2nd September.

The attached document at Enclosure 13 provides a summary of responses received and the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s response to those comments. The attached document in Enclosure 14 provides a substantial revision of the Authority Guidance on Validation, in line with the Regulations and the requirements for all applications under the one-app system and taking into account of the comments received during the consultation process. Pages 26-35 sets local validation criteria for major applications (10 or more dwellings or over 1000sqm floor space, over 0.5Ha application site or a proposal for waste or mineral development) submitted within the Park with the aim of ensuring that such applications are submitted with all the relevant information and have considered and addressed such issues as Planning Obligations and mitigation which may be deemed necessary. Once approved by Members in its final form, the validation requirements will ensure that future applications will include sufficient information to allow them to be registered as valid and processed without having to request additional information during the application process.

18.3Implications

18.4Risk

The risk of not adopting the Validation Requirements document could see the increase in determination periods of major applications through requesting additional information during the application process and not at validation stage.

18.5Conclusion

Officers request authorisation from Members to note the comments of the report and adopt the amended Validation Requirements document.

Corporate Implications a) Financial, Staffing and Once adopted as requirements less Improvement staff time will be required in requesting information during the application process and would avoid unnecessary delay b) The Public Services (Social Not applicable. Value) Act 2012: Procurement of services over £173,934 c) Equality An equality screening assessment has been undertaken. The impact on equality is considered to be low d) Human Rights It is anticipated that there will be no detrimental effect on human rights from the adoption of the document. e) Sustainability Appraisal Completed f) Biodiversity Impact The validation requirements document includes advice and guidance on when a biodiversity/ecological survey is required and the type of information that is expected. g) Contribution towards mitigating Not applicable. and adapting to the effects of climate change h) National Park Management Plan Actions i) Background Papers Not applicable.

j) Which Corporate Goals does the Theme 1: Managing Park Landscapes recommendation support? to maximise conservation and public benefits Theme 2: Conserving and enhancing biodiversity Theme 5: Building and maintaining sustainable communities, towns and villages Theme 6: Sustainable Economic Development

RECOMMENDATION:

To adopt the Validation Requirements document for use by Officers.

19.0 Draft Hay on Wye Conservation Area Appraisal and Boundary Review Rosie Burton

Date of meeting: 30th September 2013 Report Title: Draft Hay on Wye Conservation Area Appraisal and Boundary Review Report Author: Rosie Burton Senior Heritage Officer (Building Conservation) 01874 624437 [email protected]

Purpose of To present report on the response to the public Report: consultation of the draft Hay on Wye Conservation Area Appraisal and boundary review. To seek approval of the draft appraisal document and designate the proposed boundary for Hay on Wye Conservation Area

Enclosures Enclosure 15 Copies of consultation responses

Enclosure 16 Draft Hay on Wye Conservation Area

Appraisal

Enclosure 17 proposed and existing boundary

Background None Papers Public Interest Not applicable Test Recommendati a) To approve the Draft Hay on Wye Conservation on Area Appraisal b) Designate the proposed boundary.

19.1 Introduction

Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 imposes a duty on Local Planning Authorities (LPA’s) to determine from time to time which parts of their area are ‘areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’ and to designate these areas as conservation areas.

LPA’s have a duty to protect these areas from development which would harm their special historic or architectural character and this is reflected in the policies contained in the National Park’s Local Plan, Unitary Development Plan and emerging LDP. The Act also places a responsibility on LPA’s to consider proposals for the enhancement and subsequent management of the Conservation Area.

There are four conservation areas in the National Park, Hay on Wye being one. Hay on Wye Conservation Area was designated in July 1969.

In 2009 the National Park Authority (NPA) resolved to carry out a rolling programme of Conservation Area Appraisals (CAAs) to meet it responsibilities under the above Act. Members determined that the first CAA should be carried out in Talgarth (completed), followed by Brecon (completed), Hay on Wye and Crickhowell-Llangattock.

In January 2013 officers appointed a consultant, Heritage & Regeneration Solutions Ltd, to carry out the CAA in Hay on Wye.

In May 2013 members approved the draft Conservation Area Appraisal and boundary review for public consultation. The full draft appraisal is contained

in Enclosure 16 and the proposed conservation area boundary is contained in Enclosure 17

19.2 Proposals In order for the Authority to formally use the appraisal as a material planning consideration it is essential that the draft is subject to a period of public consultation on its contents and implications. This should include consultation with interest groups, specialist organizations and local residents.

As part of the consultation an exhibition day was held in Hay on Wye on 6th July 2013. The day was attended by the Consultant, the Senior Heritage Officer and Head of Strategy, Policy and Heritage. Approximately 40 people attended the day.

A letter was sent to all within the proposed boundary area along with a number of other stakeholders including the Town Council and statutory bodies seeking comments on the proposed boundary changes and the appraisal document.

The document and proposed boundary map was also available on the website.

Four comments were received and are contained in full with Enclosure15

1. Requesting that the whole of the curtilage of George House was included. That the Craft Centre site should not be excluded. (The consultee believed that it was for commercial reasons that the Craft Centre was being excluded.) The boundary has been amended to include the George House but the reason for excluding the Craft Centre was that it does not contribute to the preservation or enhancement of the conservation area. Its removal would also allow for the top section of the car park to be removed from the Conservation Area. 2. That the signposts to Hay on Wye are not sufficient and that the traffic wardens are ‘too keen’ to serve parking fines. This comment has been forwarded to Powys County Council Highways Department. 3. That the area at the top of Chancery Lane behind the library should be recorded as an important open space. The consultants have been asked to include this site within the assessment of the character of that part of Hay on Wye. 4. Seeking an answer to why the field at the bottom of the car park called Cae Mawr is not included within the conservation area boundary. The reason for not including the field within the proposed boundary is that it is outside the original enclosed medieval town and therefore the historic built core. However, It is considered that this area is important in the wider setting of the conservation area. If any planning application were to be made on this site the impact on the setting of the conservation area is

likely to be a key material consideration in the determination of any proposals.

It is considered that the comments received have been addressed appropriately within the requested alterations to the draft appraisal and the proposed amendments to the boundary.

19.3 Implications

There will be ongoing staff time commitment in the Strategy, Policy and Heritage section from the Head of the Section and the Senior Heritage Officer.

19.4 Risk

The risk of not approving the document and boundary would be to the detriment of the first statutory purpose of National Parks and not delivering on the requirements of the 1990 Act.

19.5 Conclusion

The draft Conservation Area appraisal is an in depth document describing the special character of Hay on Wye Conservation Area and underlines the NPA’s commitment to protect and enhance the heritage of the National Park. That the amended proposed boundary reflects it character and is supported by the appraisal document.

Corporate Implications a) Financial, Staffing and Improvement There will be ongoing staff time commitment in the Strategy, Policy and Heritage section from the Head of the Section and the Building Conservation Officer. The recommendations if accepted will underline the Authorities commitment to meeting it Improvement objectives of sustainable rural communities and enhancing the built heritage.

b) The Public Services (Social Value) Not Applicable Act 2012: Procurement of services over £173,934 c) Equality An equality screening assessment has been undertaken. The impact on equality is considered to be low

d) Human Rights It is anticipated that there will be no detrimental effect on human rights from the appraisal process e) Sustainability Appraisal Completed f) Biodiversity Impact There are no anticipated adverse effects on biodiversity. There may be biodiversity gain as trees and open spaces benefit form additional protection within conservation areas. g) Contribution towards mitigating and It is considered that the work will not adapting to the effects of climate contribute to mitigating or adapting to the change effects of climate change h) National Park Management Plan Managing the historic environment Actions i) Background Papers None j) Which Corporate Goal(s) does the Theme 1: Managing Park recommendation support? Landscapes to maximise conservation and public benefits

RECOMMENDATION: To approve the Draft Hay on Wye Conservation Area Appraisal and designate the proposed boundary.

C. COUNTRYSIDE & LAND MANAGEMENT

20.0 2013 Residents Survey Sunita Welch

Date of meeting: 30th September 2013 Report Title: 2013 Residents Survey – consultants’ report. Report Author: Dr. Sunita Welch Education Manager [email protected]

Purpose of To share with Members the results of the 2013 Residents Report: Survey

Enclosures Enclosure 18 : Brief for consultants

Enclosure 19 : Final Survey English

Enclosure 20 : Final Survey Welsh

Enclosure 21: Report from the contractors

Background None Papers Public Interest N/A Test

Recommendatio Members are asked to approve the report from the n consultants.

20.1 Introduction

In 2012 it was proposed that the Authority conduct a survey into the characteristics, views, needs and aspirations of the residents of the National Park area. Numerous studies of visitors had previously been carried out.

The objectives were to:

 To conduct a survey into the characteristics, behaviours and attitudes of Brecon Beacons National Park Residents – the people who live within the boundary of the National Park  To collect a data set that can be used to benchmark future surveys  To collect data on the resident populations attitudes and feeling of community  To collect a data set that can be used to validate and establish greater reliability of other data sets (Census, Tourism Surveys, ANPA survey etc.)

20.2 Proposals

That the Authority notes the results of the 2013 Residents Survey. The key findings are listed below (taken from the executive summary).

Brecon Beacons National Park and its heritage

 The majority of residents cite a better environment, green space, fresh air, etc. (63%) and a better quality of life (52%) as the main reasons why they live within the Brecon Beacons National Park area.

 Looking after and promoting the historic environment and cultural heritage of the National Park is seen as important to 95% of all residents; it is seen as very important by 74% and fairly important by 21%.

 The most important aspects for residents in looking after and promoting the National Park’s historic and cultural heritage is more interpretation and better access to information and more advice on maintenance and conservation of the historic environment.

Leisure and Tourism in the Brecon Beacons National Park

 The most popular leisure activity undertaken by residents is enjoying nature and wildlife; 88% of residents indicate they participate in this activity. Almost eight in ten (79%) also enjoy walking for pleasure, while six in ten (60%) enjoy sightseeing and visiting places of special interest. Visiting food festivals and farmers markets is enjoyed by almost six in ten (57%), while attending festivals and special events appeals to just under one-half (46%) of residents.

 Around six in ten (59%) residents participate in walks in the lowland areas of the National Park at least once a fortnight. Just over one-quarter (27%) participate in hill walking at least fortnightly while just over one-fifth (22%) undertake an activity with children at least once a month in the National Park area.

 Participation in leisure cycling is a relatively popular activity with around one-fifth (22%) doing this at least once per month. Mountain biking and horse riding are also relatively popular activities, although they are undertaken far less frequently by most residents. Perhaps not surprisingly, it is younger residents and those with children within their households that participate most frequently.

 Looking at tourism in the National Park, 93% of residents would agree, either strongly or slightly, with the statement that ‘visitors help keep our shops and pubs open, bringing economic benefit to the National Park area’. A similar

proportion (92%) agree that ‘tourism should be actively encouraged and promoted’, while 90% agree that ‘we welcome visitors into our local community’.

 While proportionally more residents would disagree, either strongly or slightly (42%) that ‘tourism brings unnecessary traffic congestion and parking issues’, 39% agree with this statement. The vast majority of residents disagree (68%) with the statement that ‘tourists are ruining the Park area’, however 13% agree.

The local area

 Just over three-quarters (76%) of residents say they feel strongly that they belong to their local community; 35% feel very strongly and 41% feel fairly strongly about this. Feelings of belonging to the local community are highest for those that have lived in their area the longest and for those aged 65 and over.

 When asked about the extent to which they agree with five statements regarding their local community and how it has changed in the last 10 years , almost eight in ten residents (79%) agree (either strongly or slightly) that ‘local people still know and look out for each other. Just over one-half (52%) agree that ‘there are fewer public services, making it more difficult to live here’, while just under one-half (46%) of residents agree that there is ‘more going on now that is organized by local people’.

 37% agree that ‘new people moving into the area bring new ideas that make the community better’. A similar proportion (35%) indicated they neither agree nor disagree. Looking at the statement ‘new people moving into the area make changes that people don’t like’, then agreement is 34% compared to 26% that disagree.

 Some six in ten (63%) residents have indicated they have given unpaid help as an individual or to a group, club or organisation (excluding help given to family members) within the last 12 months. Almost one-quarter (23%) indicate they do this on a weekly basis. While 18% provide unpaid help at least once a month. Just over one-fifth (22%) indicate they have given unpaid help in looking after the Brecon Beacons National Park area or in helping other people to enjoy it.

 Just over one-quarter (26%) of residents indicate they regularly produce and grow their own food all year round. A further 34% indicate they occasionally do this. Around one-fifth suggest they would like to produce and grow their own food but either lack the time or the space to do so, while one in ten indicate they lack the know how; typically this is younger residents aged 34 and under.

 Some two-thirds (67%) of residents would be prompted to buy more local produce if there were a local food outlet nearby. Just over one-half (51%) would be prompted if they had access to a directory of local producers, while around one-fifth (22%) would utilise a home delivery service if it were available.

Information and communication

 Some six in ten residents (63%) indicate they find out about the work of the National Park Authority via their local newspaper. Just under one-half (49%) find out through word of mouth from family and friends, while 40% have found information on the National Park website and 39% from a National Park Visitor and Information Centre. Just over one-quarter (27%) have gained information from a Visitor Guide or leaflet.

 Asked about their interest in the work of the National Park Authority, three in ten residents (30%) indicate they are very interested and a further five in ten (50%) indicate they are fairly interested. Just under two-fifths (37%) of residents have had contact with a National Park Authority representative within the past three years.

 Overall, nine in ten (91%) residents indicated some interest in being consulted by the National Park Authority. Almost one-half (49%) of residents indicate that a direct mailing (through the post) would be their preferred consultation media, while just almost two-fifths (39%) of residents indicating email/internet surveys. Three in ten (30%) would prefer consultation via the local press.

 The majority of residents (96%) indicate some form of internet connection at their home; 78% identify their connection type as broadband via a telephone line, while 16% use mobile broadband and 4% have some other form of internet connection.

 Looking to residents’ views on their broadband, 55% rate the reliability as very or fairly good, although 22% rate it as fairly or very poor. Just under one-half (46%) indicate the range of broadband service providers as good, while 22% say it is poor. In terms of broadband speed, 42% indicate it is very or fairly good, while 36% indicate it is fairly or very poor.

The National Park Authority

 Overall, 51% of residents agree, either strongly or slightly, that the National Park Authority is often ‘out of touch’ with local people. Just 10% disagree with this statement. Just under one-half of residents (49%) agree that ‘If I wish to find out what the National Park Authority does, they provide a range of ways and information I can access’.

 One-third of residents agree that local news reports accurately reflect the work of the NPA; 5% agree strongly and 28% agree slightly. Just under one- fifth (19%) agree that ‘the National Park Authority listens to and responds to residents’ opinions’; 31% disagree, while 32% neither agree nor disagree.

 When asked the importance of a range of ten activities undertaken by the National Park Authority, all are seen to be very or fairly important to 82% or more residents. The most important activity is the conservation of the landscape and looking after the countryside; 85% of residents rate this as very important with a further 13% indicating it is fairly important.

 Overall, wildlife conservation is seen as important (either very or fairly) by 97% of residents. 97% indicate that looking after footpaths and access is important while 96% say the same for conservation of historic sites. Two-thirds (66%) feel it is very important to work closely with residents and communities, with a further 29% indicating this is fairly important.

 While 98% of residents indicate that they feel it is very or fairly important for the National Park Authority to focus on conservation of the landscape and looking after the countryside, 80% indicate they are satisfied with how the Authority is doing this. Three-quarters of residents are satisfied, either very or fairly, with how the Authority is looking after footpaths and access, while 74% are satisfied with conservation of historic sites, 73% are satisfied with wildlife

conservation and 71% are satisfied with the way the Authority helps people and visitors to enjoy the area.

 The area with lowest satisfaction is working closely with residents and communities; just 41% are satisfied, either very or fairly, with this aspect of the Authority’s work compared to 33% that suggest they are dissatisfied.

Planning and development control

 Some two-fifths of residents (42%) have previously applied for planning permission and/or commented on a planning application (40%). Proportionally more residents aged 45 and over and those that have lived in the area for 11 or more years have made or commented on a planning application, compared to others.

 Nine in ten residents (90%) agree that planning decisions can help protect the special qualities of the National Park area, while just four in ten (40%) agree that the National Park Authority takes into account community views when setting policy and when making planning decisions (40%).

 Asked to rate the importance of seven aspects of the National Park Authority’s planning and development control activities, between 83% and 96% of residents indicate each are ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ important. The most important are the provision of information on planning applications, protecting the Park from inappropriate development and making planning decisions in a timely manner, all at 96%.

 While they are high levels of importance for each of the activities, levels of satisfaction are relatively low. The highest level of satisfaction, with 60% of residents indicating they are very or fairly satisfied, is in protecting the park from inappropriate development. Satisfaction levels then fall to 47% for the provision of information on planning applications and for delivering local planning guidance, to 40% for providing education and learning opportunities, and to 38% for making planning decisions in a timely manner.

Heating, water and energy in the home

 The vast majority (99%) of homes have a central heating system of sorts; 49% have mains gas central heating, while 33% are oil based and 18% solid fuel. One in ten have electric central heating and 6% have LPG.

 Some nine in ten homes (89%) are on a mains water supply; 44% are metered while 45% are unmetered. Almost three-quarters (74%) are connected to the mains sewage system, while 25% have a sceptic tank.

 Looking at water conservation, 48% of homes are using rain water butts. 6% are using grey water to conserve and recycle water.

 The most common energy saving measures utilised by residents is the insulation of their property and the use of energy efficient lighting and bulbs; almost nine in ten (86%) indicate they do both of these. 50% have lowered heating and/or water temperatures, while 42% have installed an energy efficient boiler and 41% have installed energy efficient thermostats.

Future concerns

 Given a list of potential concerns, the greatest concern for residents in the coming three to five years is the cost of energy and fuel; almost four-fifths (79%) of residents indicate these two issues as their greatest issue. Around one-half of residents also indicate the connectivity of public transport, access to high speed broadband and services for older people as being concerns in the next three to five years.

 Looking further ahead than five years, it is access to services for older people that comes top of the list; 59% indicate this, rising to 68% for those aged 55 to 64.

20.2 Implications

The survey provides us with a good data set to evidence our work and the needs of the people who reside within the National Park. It provides pointers to us on a wide range of topics.

20.3 Risk

As with any survey data, the data maybe mis-used, mis-reported, manipulated for negative purposes.

However, officers believe that the data is generally supportive and the benefits outweigh the risks.

20.4 Conclusion

This has been an interesting and timely project and will provide the Authority with evidence as needed.

Corporate Implications a) Financial, Staffing and None Improvement b) The Public Services (Social Value) None Act 2012: Procurement of services over £173,934 c) Equality None.

d) Human Rights None e) Sustainability Appraisal Yes f) Biodiversity Impact Highlights the positive view residents have of conservation. g) Contribution towards mitigating Illustrates the views held by residents and adapting to the effects of on climate change. climate change h) National Park Management Plan Provides significant data to baseline Actions the State of the Park Report. Also provides contact details for those willing to be consulted by the NPA. i) Background Papers Survey Brief

j) Which National Park Management Theme 2: Conserving and theme does the recommendation support? enhancing biodiversity Theme 3: Providing everyone with opportunities for outdoor access and recreation Theme 4: Raising awareness and understanding of the Park Theme 6: Sustainable Economic

Development Also supports planning excellence project with data.

RECOMMENDATION: Members are asked to note the consultants’ report.

Brecon Beacons National Park Authority – 30 September 2013 50 Reports for Information

SECTION 2: REPORTS FOR INFORMATION

21.0 Member Reports

a) To receive reports from members who have represented the Authority at external meetings or events.

b) Publication of members attendance – Mrs Julie James (Chairman)

22.0 Sustainable Development Fund Annual Report 2012/13 Helen Roderick

To receive the Annual Report of the Sustainable Development Fund and make any comments before the report is forwarded to the Welsh Government after the meeting. (Enclosure22)

23.0 Gifts and Hospitality Julia Gruffydd

To receive a verbal update from the Democratic Services Manager.

Brecon Beacons National Park Authority – 30 September 2013 51 Exempt Reports

SECTION 3: EXEMPT REPORTS

24.0 Access to Information

24.1 To consider the Public Interest Test (Appointment of Members to

Standards Committee) at Enclosure 23

Recommendation: To consider whether to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business in accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 12 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act.

24.2 To consider the Public Interest Test (Recruitment of Staff) at Enclos

ure 24

Recommendation: To consider whether to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business in accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 12 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act.

24.3 To consider the Public Interest Test (Transfer of leasehold interest) a

t Enclosure 25

Recommendation: To consider whether to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business in accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act.

25.0 Appointment of members to Standards Committee

NOT FOR PUBLICATION - This report contains information relating to Part 4, paragraph 12 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

To consider the exempt report at Enclosure 26 and any recommendations therein.

26.0 PR and Communications Recruitment Richard Mears

NOT FOR PUBLICATION - This report contains information relating to Part 4, section 12 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

27.0 Transfer of lease and education agreement with the YHA re: YHA Danwenallt National Park Study Centre Sunita Welch

NOT FOR PUBLICATION - This report contains information relating to Part 4, section 14 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

28.0 Other Business Such other business, as is, in the opinion of the Chairman, of sufficient urgency to warrant consideration.

Schedule of Correspondence 1. To receive apologies for absence 2. Such other correspondence as, in the opinion of the Chairman, is of such urgency as to warrant consideration.

Brecon Beacons National Park Authority – 30 September 2013 54