CABINET – 12TH JUNE 2002 REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE REVIEW OF PART OF THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF CARMARTHENSHIRE, THE COUNTY BOROUGH OF NEATH PORT TALBOT AND THE COUNTY OF POWYS IN THE AREA OF CWMTWRCH: Purpose of Report: To advise Members of the intention of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales to undertake a Review of part of the Boundary between the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot and the Counties of Carmarthenshire and Powys in the area of Cwmtwrch. Background: The issue of the boundary in this area was first raised in 2000, along with the question of the boundary between Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot at Lower Brynamman, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen and Ystradowen. In September 2000, the then Strategic Resources Board resolved as follows:- “(a) that a review of the boundary between Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot at Lower Brynamman, Gwaun Cae Gurwen and Ystradowen be not supported; (b) that the question of a review of the boundary between Powys and Neath Port Talbot at Lower Cwmtwrch be regarded as a matter for determination by the Boundary Commission (NOTE: If there is a review here, then there should be effective public consultation, and that very careful consideration would need to be given to the position of the Gurnos Industrial Estate).” The Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales has now indicated that it has been decided to conduct a review of the boundaries between the County of Carmarthenshire, the County of Powys and the County Borough CAB-120602-REP-CE2 1 of Neath Port Talbot in the area of Cwmtwrch. The local Members for the area and other Directorates of the Authority have been consulted regarding the proposed review. There is no indication at the present time that the Boundary Commission will be taking any action with regard to the boundary in the Upper Amman Valley. The present situation: 1. Lower Cwmtwrch: General: It is widely acknowledged that the boundary in the area of Lower Cwmtwrch is complex, and particularly as it affects Bethel Road and Heol Twrch where the properties are split between Neath Port Talbot and Powys. The boundary currently follows the route of a water supply ‘feeder’ which crosses and runs alongside Bethel Road. In addressing the general issues surrounding the proposed review, the following matters require consideration:- The current boundary is familiar and long established. There is experience of cross-boundary service delivery arrangements which could be further enhanced through discussion and agreement as appropriate. Indeed, it is incumbent on all local authorities to fully consider how boundary areas can be served more effectively. Previous potential concerns over school catchment areas in the different counties are less relevant as cross-boundary preferred placements are now common. Although there is a difference in Council Tax levels between Neath Port Talbot and Powys, this should not necessarily be seen as a permanent feature and could serve to strengthen Neath Port Talbot representations to change the local government funding formula in order to move towards Council Tax equalisation. Any suggestion to make the river, Afon Twrch, the new boundary would still leave parts of the village within Neath Port Talbot and therefore would not resolve all the issues of concern. The Ystalyfera Division of Neath Port Talbot has recently been designated a Communities First area. This includes the part of Lower Cwmtwrch which is within Neath Port Talbot, but the remainder of CAB-120602-REP-CE2 2 Lower Cwmtwrch in Powys is not a Communities First area. The whole of Lower Cwmtwrch could in fact benefit from community-based Communities first projects, but that would not be possible unless a substantial part of the village remained in the Ystalyfera Division. Cwmtwrch is a valued community within Neath Port Talbot. It is largely Welsh speaking and makes a valuable contribution to the linguistic and cultural heritage of the County Borough. Should the boundary be adjusted to take any part of the area into the County of Powys, then Objective 1 support would be affected. Gurnos Industrial Estate: A vital factor to bear in mind in the Lower Cwmtwrch area is the Council’s Gurnos Industrial Estate which is located on Bethel Road. The first phase of this Industrial Estate was developed by the former Lliw Valley Borough Council in 1995/1996. The second phase was completed in 2000, and now comprises a total of six x 100 square metre units. The existing six units have proved to be popular and are currently occupied, providing income to the Authority. There is now full planning permission and the support of the Objective 1 Local Partnership for a third phase of development that will involve the construction of a block of four x 232 square metre energy-efficient units, and extension of the existing site access road and the provision of mains drainage to the site. Applications are about to be submitted to develop phase three with funding under Priority 1 Measure 5 of Objective 1 and the Authority’s allocation of LRF match funding. Any proposed change in the boundary could take the Industrial Estate into Powys and out of the Objective 1 area. 2. Upper Cwmtwrch: While there are some anomalies with regard to the boundary between Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot and Powys in the Upper Cwmtwrch area, there is minimal effect with regard to Neath Port Talbot. However, any significant realignment of the boundary in Lower Cwmtwrch could impact on the boundary in Upper Cwmtwrch. CAB-120602-REP-CE2 3 Consultation: The proposed review will be the subject of wide consultation by the Local Government Boundary Commission, which will include the residents and Community Councils in the area, and it is suggested that any change to the boundary in the area should particularly take into account local views. Appendix: Map indicating the existing boundary and the extent of the proposed boundary review. Recommendation: While it is recognised that anomalies exist with regard to the boundary in the area of Cwmtwrch, any review of the boundary which would affect the Gurnos Industrial Estate be opposed, and that the Local Government Boundary Commission be requested to ensure that the views of residents in the area are taken into account. Further, if the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales proposes to re-align the boundary in the area of Cwmtwrch, that consideration be given to the boundary following the main highway through the village. Reasons for Proposed Decision: The primary concern is for the further development of the Gurnos Industrial Estate and the future economic prosperity of the community which, being located in Neath Port Talbot, enjoys the benefits of Objective 1 status and provides much needed employment opportunities in the area. Should a re- alignment of the boundary occur which may cause the Industrial Estate to fall within Powys County Council, then Objective 1 status would be lost. In addition, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, and its predecessor authorities, have made substantial investments in the development of the Industrial Estate and applications for further Objective 1 and LRF match funding are currently being pursued. CAB-120602-REP-CE2 4 COMPLIANCE STATEMENT REVIEW OF PART OF THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF CARMARTHENSHIRE, THE COUNTY BOROUGH OF NEATH PORT TALBOT AND THE COUNTY OF POWYS IN THE AREA OF CWMTWRCH: (a) Implementation of Decision: The decision proposed is an Urgent one for immediate implementation given that a response is required by the Local Government Boundary Commission by the 10th June, 2002. (b) Sustainability Appraisal: Community Plan impacts Economic Prosperity - positive/negative - see text of report Education & Lifelong Learning - no impact Better Health & Well Being - no impact Environment &Transport - no impact Crime & Disorder - no impact Other Impacts Welsh Language - no impact Sustainable Development - no impact Equalities - no impact Social Inclusion - no impact (c) List of Background Papers: Letter from the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales dated 29th April, 2002. (d) Officer Contact: Peter Davies, Administration and Electoral Services Manager. Tel: 01639-763323. E-mail: [email protected] CAB-120602-REP-CE2 5 CABINET – 12TH JUNE 2002 REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT POLICY STATEMENT – FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT Purpose of Report: To advise Members of the Welsh Assembly Government consultation paper, ‘Freedom and Responsibility in Local Government’, and to note the response made on behalf of the Council. Background: This Consultation Paper published by the Welsh Assembly Government addresses the Assembly’s vision for Local Government in Wales in the context of:- Clear leadership for communities Delivery of high quality services for local communities Local government which is open, accessible and accountable. A summary of the consultation paper is attached as an appendix. In view of the limited time available for responding to the paper, a response in the Council’s name has already been sent to the National Assembly. This response is also attached as an appendix. Appendices: Appendix A – Summary of Welsh Assembly Government Policy Statement – Freedom and Responsibility in Local Government. Appendix B - The Council’s response to the National Assembly. CAB-120602-REP-CE2 1 Recommendation: That the Council’s response to the Welsh Assembly Government’s Policy Statement – Freedom and Responsibility in Local Government be noted. CAB-120602-REP-CE2