Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J E Burtonshaw, M C Child, J P Curtice, N J Davies, A M Day, C R Doyle, J Newbury, B G Owen, P B Smith, R J Stanton, C Thomas and G D Walker.

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services 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)       Councillors C Anderson, V M Evans, C A Holley, J W Jones,           M H Jones, S M Jones, E T Kirchner, C E Lloyd, P M Meara, M Thomas and N Woollard declared a Personal Interest in Minute 86 “Chief Social Services Officer Annual Report 2014-2015”;

2)       Councillor G J Tanner declared a Personal Interest in Minute 88 ‘’Local Housing Strategy 2015-2020’’.

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Ordinary meeting of Council held on 24 September 2015.

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

1)       Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 24 September 2015 subject to the following amendment:

a)       Minute 61 “Disclosures of Personal and Prejudicial Interests”.  Add Councillor A S Lewis to the list of Personal Interests in relation to Minute 68 “Swansea Local Development Plan (LDP) Proposed Housing and Strategic Site Allocations”.

1)       Condolences

a)       Memorial Service Details for Rebekah Bartolozzi

The Presiding Members stated that a Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Danielle Rebekah Bartolozzi, daughter of Councillor Paulette Smith and former Councillor Roger Smith had been arranged for 1 November 2015 at St Benedict’s Catholic Church, Clydach at 2.00 p.m.

He stated that Sophia, Rebekah’s daughter requested that everyone wears a dash of pink as pink was her mummy’s favourite colour.

2)       Congratulations

a)       High 5 Awards

The Presiding Member stated that the High 5 Awards started in 2012 with the express aim of identifying, recognising and rewarding inspirational children and young people within the communities of Swansea.  The entire concept was based on views gathered from children and young people across Swansea through consultation.

The 2015 Awards were the fourth awards ceremony with a record number of nominations.  There were 141 Individual nominations and over 20 Groups nominated.  Everyone nominated received a certificate and a voucher.  There were 10 Individual winners and 2 Group winners.

He stated that all winners were presented with their award at a gala evening at the Liberty Stadium by High 5 Awards Ambassador, Leon Britton of Swansea City Football Club.

He congratulated all involved.

b)       UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) Learning City

The Presiding Member congratulated to the Authority on receiving the Inaugural UNESCO Learning City Award, the first of its kind in the World.  Along with representatives from Swansea University, the Authority was represented by Councillor C E Lloyd on behalf of the Leader of the Council at the 2^nd International Conference on Learning Cities held in Mexico City to receive the award.

The purpose of UNESCO is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, and culture to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law and human rights along with fundamental freedom proclaimed in the United Nations Charter.

The Conference was attended by over 500 delegates from 80 countries and as well as being a huge honour for the Authority, it was an excellent opportunity to showcase Swansea on the World stage as a leader in the areas of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Inclusion.

3)       Welcome Back

The Presiding Member welcomed Councillors H M Morris and C M R W D Thomas back to Council following periods of ill health.

1)       City Deal

The Leader of the Council stated that a major investment boost that would help make Swansea’s economy internationally competitive could soon be on the way.  He stated that the Authority was making progress on its plan to apply for a City Deal that would unlock investment worth billions of pounds and generate hundreds of new jobs.

A City Deal is an agreement between the UK government and a city that gives local areas specific powers and freedoms to help support economic growth, create jobs or invest in local projects.

Questions must relate to matters on the open part of the Agenda of the meeting and will be dealt within a 10 minute period.

Due to technical issues affecting the microphone and audio system, some questioners could not be heard.  In light of this, the Leader of the Council agreed that the questioner that could not be heard could submit her questions in writing for a written response.  He also invited members of the public into the Council Chamber to use a microphone in order to ask their questions if they wished.

A number of questions were asked by members of the public.  The relevant Cabinet Member responded.  Those questions not requiring a written response are listed below:

1)       David Davies asked a question in relation to Minute 90 “Amendments to the Council Constitution”.  He asked that consideration be given so as to allow members of the Public to ask questions of any Councillor”.

The Leader of the Council indicated that he would raise the matter with the Constitution Working Group.

Those questions requiring a written response are listed below:

1)       Lis Davies submitted the following questions in writing:

i)        Agenda Item11 “Local Housing Strategy”.  Page 64.

a)       A copy of any report identifying how successful the homeless strategy has been in previous years?

b)       Copies of risk assessments carried out identifying the probable mortality rates amongst the homeless community during a predicted cold winter?

c)       Since 2012 to date, how many homeless persons have been provided with permanent homes by the Council?

d)       Chapter 6 – Ageing Population.  How many older people’s complexes / units are currently provided by the Council in Swansea?”

ii)       Agenda Item 17 “Democratic Services Annual Report 8 May 2014 - 18 May 2015”.

“Page 238.  The report states that the WLGA is now intending to charge for services on top of the annual payment it receives from the City and County of Swansea.

a)       What is the annual contribution paid by the City and County of Swansea for membership of the WLGA?”

iii)       Agenda Item 17 “Democratic Services Annual Report 8 May 2014 - 18 May 2015”.

“Page 236.  The report identifies that 26 Councillor training events had been arranged.  However, although there were 582 available spaces on offer, only 171 Councillors attended.  This equates to about 30% attendance.  Therefore, a response to the following question would be appreciated.

a)       A detailed breakdown of the costs associated with running the Councillor training programme, to include – both in-house and external costs relating to the WLGA and consultants fees?”

Dr Nada Najar gave a presentation on the work of the ‘Syrian Refugee Committee in Swansea’ and the plight of the people of Syria.

Councillor R C Stewart, Leader of the Council gave thanks for the presentation.

Andrew Davies, Chair of the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board gave a presentation on the work of the ‘Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board - A Regional Collaboration for Health (ARCH) Programme.”

Councillor R C Stewart, Leader of the Council gave thanks for the presentation.

The Acting Chief Social Services Officer presented the Chief Social Services Annual Report 2014-2015 for information.

The Section 151 Officer submitted a report which outlined the current year financial performance together with an updated assessment of savings requirements over the period of the Medium Term Financial Plan.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Members gave their response to the Statement by way of a presentation to Council.

RESOLVED that:

1)       The comments made in the report be noted and the revised Resources forecast and forecast of spending pressures be adopted in terms of future budget planning;

2)       The financial forecast in relation to the current year be noted and whatever actions are required in order to move towards a balanced revenue outturn for 2015-2016 be endorsed;

3)       Comments in relation to the funding of the Capital Programme set out in the report be noted and the funding shortfall continues to be addressed by a policy encompassing all asset sales.

The Next Generation Services Cabinet Member submitted a report which sought approval of the Local Housing Strategy for the period 2015-2020.

RESOLVED that:

1)       The Local Housing Strategy be approved.

Note:

a)       Councillor P M Black asked the following questions of the Next Generation Services Cabinet Member.

1)       How we will use the registration and licensing system for the private rented sector to drive up the quality of privately rented homes in Swansea and improve their management?

2)       There are 2269 homes in Swansea that have been empty for more than 6 months. The use of recyclable empty home loans is very welcome but we have now effectively picked off the easy fruit.  Will the Council be considering Empty Dwelling Management Orders and CPOs to reduce the number of empty homes further?

3)       A recent BBC FOI found that over the last 5 years 750 children aged 16 and 17 have been put in B&Bs across Wales, 100 off those stayed longer than the 6 week limit. Does Swansea feature in those figures and are we able to sustain the objective of NOT placing independent 16 and 17 year olds in unsupported B&Bs in the future? If not then when do we envisage being able to do this?

4)       The Welsh Government have removed priority need status for ex-prisoners but have just developed a national pathway for homeless services for this group.  What engagement have the council had with this and how advanced are our arrangements to rehouse homeless ex-prisoners, particularly women and young people?

b)       Councillor E W Fitzgerald stated that she would write directly to the Next Generation Services Cabinet Member in order to ask her questions.

The Transformation and Performance Cabinet Member submitted a report which sought approval of the nominations / amendment to the membership of Committees.

He indicated that an additional change had been submitted.

RESOLVED that the membership of the Council Bodies listed below be amended as follows:

1)       Local Authority (LA) Governor Panel

Remove Councillor R A Clay.

Add Councillor J E Burtonshaw.

2)       Local Pension Board

Remove Councillor D W Cole.

Add Councillor J E C Harris.

3)       Scrutiny Programme Committee

Remove Councillor R A Clay.

Add Councillor U C Clay.

The Presiding Member, Monitoring Officer and Head of Democratic Services jointly submitted a report which sought to make amendments in order to simplify, improve and / or add to the Council Constitution in relation to the following area(s):

1)       Part 4 – Rules of Procedure - Council Procedure Rules.

RESOLVED that the changes to the Council Constitution as outlined in Paragraph 4 of the report together with any further consequential changes be adopted.

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.

No question(s) required a written response:

2)       Part B ‘Questions not requiring Supplementary Questions’

No Part B ‘Questions not requiring Supplementary Questions’ were submitted.

The Chair of the Scrutiny Programme Committee submitted an information report setting out the Scrutiny Dispatches - Quarterly Impact Report.

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services submitted an information report setting out the written responses to questions asked at the last Ordinary Meeting of Council.

The Chair of Democratic Services submitted an information report setting out the Democratic Services Annual Report for the period 8 May 2014 to 18 May 2015.

This Council calls on Welsh Government to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol, starting at 50p per unit, as this will have a significant impact on reducing alcohol-related harm. It will also be in line with what’s happened in Scotland where legislation has already been passed.

Minimum pricing would mean that there is a baseline price for alcohol, below which it couldn’t be sold. This would target high strength alcoholic drinks that is sold very cheaply – drinks that are often consumed by the heaviest drinkers, as well as by younger drinkers. Moderate drinkers will feel little effect from minimum pricing.

Alcohol-related harm remains one of the biggest health problems facing the UK, with over 10 million adults drinking more than recommended guidelines. Alcohol is a contributor to 60 different diseases and its excessive consumption is a significant cause of premature death in the UK. IT costs the NHS £3.5 billion, while alcohol-related crime costs an estimated £11 billion each year.

Approximately 2.6 million children in the UK are living with parents who are drinking dangerous amounts, while over 700,000 live with dependent drinkers. There is a clear link between the price of alcohol and the level of alcohol-related harm, so it goes without saying that the most effective way to reduce harm is to control price and availability.

The following motion was proposed by Councillor R Francis-Davies and seconded by Councillor E T Kirchner.

“This Council calls on Welsh Government to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol, starting at 50p per unit, as this will have a significant impact on reducing alcohol-related harm.  It will also be in line with what’s happened in Scotland where legislation has already been passed.  Minimum pricing would mean that there is a baseline price for alcohol, below which it couldn’t be sold.  This would target high strength alcoholic drinks that is sold very cheaply – drinks that are often consumed by the heaviest drinkers, as well as by younger drinkers.  Moderate drinkers will feel little effect from minimum pricing.  Alcohol-related harm remains one of the biggest health problems facing the UK, with over 10 million adults drinking more than recommended guidelines.  Alcohol is a contributor to 60 different diseases and its excessive consumption is a significant cause of premature death in the UK.  IT costs the NHS £3.5 billion, while alcohol-related crime costs an estimated £11 billion each year.  Approximately 2.6 million children in the UK are living with parents who are drinking dangerous amounts, while over 700,000 live with dependent drinkers.  There is a clear link between the price of alcohol and the level of alcohol-related harm, so it goes without saying that the most effective way to reduce harm is to control price and availability”.

RESOLVED that the motion as outlined above be approved.