Agenda, decisions and minutes

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

 

1)        Councillor S J Rice declared a Personal Interest in Minute 23 “Review of the Statement of Policy for Licensing” and Minute 24 “Proposal to Publish Cumulative Impact Assessment – City Centre”.

 

2)        Councillors R D Lewis and F D O’Brien declared a Personal Interest in Minute 26 “Amendments to the Council Constitution - Scheme of    Delegation” and withdrew from the meeting prior to its consideration.

The Chief Legal Officer gave advice regarding the potential personal and prejudicial interests that Councillors and / Officers may have on the agenda.

 

The Head of Democratic Services reminded Councillors and Officers that the “Disclosures of Personal and Prejudicial Interests” sheet should only be completed if the Councillor / Officer actually had an interest to declare. Nil returns were not required. Councillors and Officers were also informed that any declarable interest must be made orally and in writing on the sheet.

 

In accordance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea the following interests were declared:

 

1)       Councillor S J Rice declared a Personal Interest in Minute 23 “Review of the Statement of Policy for Licensing” and Minute 24 “Proposal to Publish Cumulative Impact Assessment – City Centre”.

 

2)       Councillors R D Lewis and F D O’Brien declared a Personal Interest in Minute 26 “Amendments to the Council Constitution - Scheme of Delegation” and withdrew from the meeting prior to its consideration.

To approve & sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

 

 

 

Approved

Resolved that the following Minutes be approved and signed as a correct record:

 

1)              Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 4 May 2023.

2)              Annual Meeting of Council held on 18 May 2023.

3)              Ceremonial Meeting of Council of Council held on 19 May 2023.

For information

The Chief Legal Officer submitted an information report setting out the written responses to questions asked at the last Ordinary Meeting of Council.

For information

a)              Condolences

 

i)                Former Lady Mayoress Ann James - Wife of Former Honorary Alderman, Former Lord Mayor & Former Cllr Dennis H James

The Presiding Member referred with sadness to the recent death of Former Lady Mayoress Ann James. Ann was the wife of Former Honorary Alderman, Former Lord Mayor, & Former Councillor Dennis H James. Ann was Lady Mayoress in 2012-2013.

 

ii)              Bill Evans, Husband of Councillor Mandy Evans

The Presiding Member referred with sadness to the recent death of Bill Evans, husband of Councillor Mandy Evans.

 

iii)            Morgan Ridler – Morgan’s Army Charitable Foundation

The Presiding Member referred with sadness to the recent death of Morgan Ridler. Morgan had cancer and his parents Natalie & Matthew set up the Morgan's Army Charitable Foundation to raise awareness of the many types of childhood cancers and to share their journey hoping that it would help many others feel less alone. Morgan passed away in June 2023 and the charitable foundation is his legacy of love. Donations can be given via www.morgansarmy.co.uk

 

iv)            Naemat Lawa Esmael & Muhammad Esmael, West Cross

The Presiding Member referred with sadness to the recent death of Naemat Lawa Esmael & Muhammad Esmael. Naemat and his son both died following a house fire in West Cross.

 

All present stood as a mark of respect.

 

b)              King’s Birthday Honours 2023

The Presiding Member congratulated the Citizens of Swansea who received awards in the King’s Birthday Honours.

 

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

i)                 Professor Medwin Hughes DL. Vice-Chancellor, University of Wales and university of Wales Trinity St David Group. Services to Education and to the Welsh Language.

 

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

i)                 Elizabeth Anne Rix. Chief Nurse, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. Services to Nursing Leadership. (Swansea, West Glamorgan).

 

ii)               Non Rhiannydd Stanford. Services to Triathlon in Wales. (Leeds, West Yorkshire).

 

British Empire Medal (BEM)

i)                 John Leslie Stuart Griffiths. Coach, Swansea Harriers Athletics Club. For services to Athletics in Wales. (Swansea, West Glamorgan)

 

c)              Phil Sharman - Governance & Audit Committee

The Presiding Member stated that Phil Sharman has recently resigned as an Independent Statutory Co-opted Member of the Governance & Audit Committee. Phil commenced the role in May 2022. On behalf of the Authority, she thanked Phil for his time and commitment over the past 14 months.

 

d)              Martin Nicholls, Chief Executive

The Presiding Member stated that Council would be aware that Martin Nicholls, Chief Executive has been receiving treatment for a form of Leukaemia and that he is responding well. As a result, Martin had signed up to a charity 5k Pretty Muddy event in Singleton Park on 29 July 2023 to raise money for Cancer Research. Any sponsorship for this worthy cause would be very much appreciated.

 

e)              Gower College Swansea - Student Awards 2023

The Presiding Member stated that Swansea Council has a strong relationship with Gower College Swansea. The Council works closely with them to deliver training in a range of areas, including apprenticeships and the Management Development programme as part of our Workforce Strategy. She was delighted to state that Swansea Council won the Gower College Swansea Employer Partner of the Year award.

For information

 

a)              Wales Airshow 2023 - Swansea

The Joint Deputy Leader of the Council stated that over the last weekend, some of the best pilots and flying display in the World used the natural amphitheatre of Swansea Bay to show their stuff, pulling off incredible aerial acrobatics. From jets to helicopters to the incredible Red Arrows, it certainly was a weekend to remember. Over 180,000 visitors were welcomed to the Airshow and the boost to the local economy is expected to be may millions. He thanked Councillor Robert Francis-Davies and the Special Events Team and all involved in organising the Airshow.

 

He also congratulated Newport Council for recently hosting an amazing Wales National Armed Forces Day show. The National Armed Forces Day is an event that pays tribute to our past and present service people. Swansea Council will be hosting the day as part of next year’s Wales Airshow Swansea on 6 & 7 July 2024.

 

b)              Penderyn

The Joint Deputy Leader of the Council congratulated Penderyn on opening their Swansea facility on 13 July 2023. This will be the start of the river corridor redevelopment and will be a fantastic tourist attraction as well as being a major production facility making over 1 million bottles of Welsh whisky a year - much of which will be for world-wide export.

 

c)              Bishopston School

The Joint Deputy Leader of the Council stated that he was looking forward to opening the new Bishopston Comprehensive following several years of renovation and rebuilding. The multimillion-pound investment will provide fantastic modern facilities for pupils at the school. This is a further example of our commitment to deliver the best and most modern schools and facilities for our children.

 

d)              MJ Awards 2023

The Joint Deputy Leader of the Council stated that Swansea Council was honoured to be recognised as one of the top performing Council in the UK. This was the second time in two years. Whilst the Council didn’t win the “Local Authority of the Year” award, we were proud to have come a good runner up and it is through the amazing efforts of our staff that we were recognised. He was hopeful to bring home the silverware next year.

 

The Council were also finalists in the “Best Council Services Team” award for the More Homes Construction Team. This is an excellent achievement and he congratulate all involved.

Questions can be submitted in writing to Democratic Services democracy@swansea.gov.uk up until noon on the working day prior to the meeting. Written questions take precedence.  Public may attend and ask questions in person if time allows. Questions must relate to items on the open part of the agenda and will be dealt within a 10 minute period.

None

There were no questions from the public.

Approved

The Chair of the Governance & Audit Committee presented the Governance & Audit Committee Annual Report 2022-2023.

 

Resolved that the Governance & Audit Committee Annual Report 2022-2023 be approved.

Approved

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Performance submitted a report that sought consideration of the outcome of the consultation on the review of the Sex Establishment Policy and to agree the amended Sex Establishment Policy for adoption and publication.

 

Resolved that:

 

1)              The policy on the Licensing of Sex Establishments, attached as Appendix A of the report be approved and adopted, to take effect on the 26 July 2023.

 

2)              The existing “relevant localities” for the purpose of determining applications for sex establishments and the “appropriate number” of sex establishments for each locality be retained.

Approved

 

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Performance submitted a report that sought consideration of the response to the consultation on the review of the Council’s Statement of Policy for Licensing.

 

Resolved that:

 

1)              Result of consultation on the proposed amendments to the Policy be noted.

 

2)              The proposed amendments be approved.

 

3)              The revised policy attached at Appendix A of the report be adopted for 2023-2028.

Approved

 

 

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Performance submitted a report that sought agreement to publish the Cumulative Impact Assessment for the City Centre area.

 

Resolved that the Cumulative Impact Assessment for the City Centre area be published.

 

Note: The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Performance stated that a Councillors Seminar would be provided.

Approved

 

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Performance submitted a report that provided information of the outcome of the consultation exercise undertaken on the draft Swansea Replacement LDP Delivery Agreement and Review Report and sought approval to submit the final documents to the Welsh Government.

 

Resolved that:

 

1)              The schedule of consultation responses on the draft Swansea LDP Review Report attached at Appendix A of the report be noted, and the final Review Report attached at Appendix B of the report be approved for submission to the Welsh Government.

 

2)              The schedule of consultation responses on the draft Swansea Replacement LDP Delivery Agreement attached at Appendix C of the report be noted, and the final Delivery Agreement attached at Appendix D of the report be submitted to the Welsh Government for approval.

 

3)              The Head of Planning and City Regeneration, or appropriate delegated Officer, be authorised to make any outstanding typographical, grammatical, presentational or factual amendments to the LDP Review Report and Replacement LDP Delivery Agreement prior to submission to the Welsh Government.

 

4)              The Head of Planning and City Regeneration, or appropriate delegated Officer be authorised to undertake a Call for Candidate Sites exercise and prepare the necessary supporting background documents, including assessment methodologies, that relate to this stage.

 

5)              The Head of Planning and City Regeneration, or appropriate delegated Officer be authorised to undertake the required next steps in the preparation of the Replacement LDP, including engagement with relevant stakeholders on a Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening Opinion and draft Integrated Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report.

 

Note: Councillor E W Fitzgerald asked whether National data was considered as part of the Call for Candidate Sites, specifically the data relating to Housing numbers, as it appears that Swansea has already met them.

 

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Performance stated that a written response would be provided.

 

Note: The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Performance stated that a Councillors Seminar would be provided.

Approved

 

The Presiding Member, Monitoring Officer, Head of Democratic Services and Head of Property Services jointly submitted a report that informed Council of the amendments to simplify, improve and / or add to the Council Constitution.

 

Resolved that:

 

1)              The Scheme of Delegation be amended to include:

 

“b) Delegated Authority will also be given to Responsible Officers for disposals and leases transactions where the Land Transaction Rules do not apply”.

 

2)              Any consequential numbering because of this amendment be approved.

Approved

 

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Performance submitted a report that sought approval of the nominations / amendments to various Council Bodies.

 

Resolved that the membership of the Council Bodies listed below be amended:

 

1)              Social Care & Tackling Poverty Service Transformation Committee

Remove Councillor J P Curtice.

Add Councillor M Baker.

 

 

For information

1)       Part A ‘Supplementary Questions’

 

Eleven (11) Part A ‘Supplementary Questions’ were submitted.  The relevant Cabinet Member(s) responded by way of written answers contained in the Council Summons.

 

Those supplementary questions required a written response are listed below.

 

Question 11

i)                 Councillor E W Fitzgerald asked for clarity regarding the final sentence of the written response specifically “…and to enable the full reinstatement of the special landscape quality following the decommissioning of any wind energy generation development”.

 

She stated that the use of concrete in these peat areas potentially permanently damage the special landscape quality, therefore how would this be rectified?

 

ii)               Councillor B J Rowlands stated that the peat removed from Mynydd y Gwair was not protected. What will Planning do to protect the land in the future and what has been learnt from that failure?

 

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Performance stated that written responses would be provided.

 

2)       Part B ‘Questions not requiring Supplementary Questions’

 

Five (5) Part B ‘Questions not requiring Supplementary Questions’ were submitted.

 

Approved

 

Proposed by Councillor C A Holley and Seconded by Councillor J D McGettrick.

 

“This Council:

 

●        Is concerned about the number of cases reported to the RSPCA each year, regarding pets given as prizes via fairgrounds, social media and other channels in Wales.

 

●        Is concerned for the welfare of those animals that are being given as prizes.

 

●        Recognises that many cases of pets being given as prizes may go unreported each year in Wales.

 

●        Currently bans the giving of live animals as prizes, in any form, on Swansea Council land and calls on the Welsh Government to legislate to make this activity illegal.

 

The Council agrees to:

 

●        Reaffirm its ban on the giving of live animals as prizes, in any form, on Swansea Council land, resolves to inform the RSPCA of its policy, and to better publicise this ban prominently on its website with a clear reporting mechanism for the public; and

 

●        Write to the Welsh Government, urging an outright ban on the giving of live animals as prizes on both public and private land in Wales.”

 

Resolved that the Notice of Motion outlined above be adopted.

Approved

 

Proposed by Councillor D H Hopkins and Seconded by Councillor A S Lewis.

 

“This Council notes with deep concern and disgust, the recent release of a video showing conservative members of staff, employed and working at the heart of the Tory Government during December 2020, arrogantly breaking Covid rules by partying, not maintaining social distancing, holding a social gathering, consuming alcohol and disregarding controls and breaking laws in place at the time.

 

This Council utterly condemns the behaviour and actions seen in the video, which will be hugely offensive and hurtful to many people in Swansea who did the right thing and obeyed the Covid rules in place at the time.

 

Obeying the rules and doing the right thing, meant people locally and nationally could not see relatives who were seriously ill, could not visit relatives in hospital or care homes for months, and could not get together with friends or family for Birthday celebrations or at Christmas.

 

This Council further condemn the honours list presented by disgraced Ex PM Boris Johnson and approved by current PM Rushi Sunak, which bestowed honours on at least two individuals seen breaking the law in the video.

 

This Council calls on the police to investigate the video and where breaches are proved to prosecute the individuals concerned.

 

This Council also calls for anyone honoured by disgraced ex PM Boris Johnson, to be stripped of that honour if they have broken Covid rules.”

 

Resolved that the Notice of Motion outlined above be adopted.