In the last 7 days (since Saturday 08 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

1. Performance Scrutiny Committee - Place and Corporate on Monday 10 June 2024
2. Performance Scrutiny Committee - People on Tuesday 11 June 2024
3. Planning Committee on Wednesday 12 June 2024

The most impactful meeting this week was the Planning Committee on 12 June 2024, where significant decisions were made regarding the redevelopment of land at Oak Road.

Oak Road Redevelopment

The Planning Committee approved the redevelopment of land at Oak Road to provide 43 residential homes. This project involves demolishing existing buildings and constructing new homes, including five dwellings and nine flats on the northern parcel, and 29 flats on the southern parcel. Key points discussed included:

• Tree Preservation: Several mature trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) will be retained, and new tree planting will mitigate the loss of some trees.
• Environmental Impact: Concerns about construction noise, traffic, and overdevelopment were addressed. The project aligns with sustainable development goals.
• Affordable Housing: The development will provide 100% affordable housing, addressing significant demand in Newport.

The committee's decision reflects the council's commitment to sustainable development and community welfare. This redevelopment is expected to enhance the local housing stock while preserving environmental and community standards.

Audit Wales Reports

The committee also reviewed two Audit Wales reports:

Sustainable Development

The Audit Wales report on Sustainable Development highlighted the need for a more systematic approach to brownfield regeneration. The council's response included plans to develop a brownfield land register and ensure community involvement in regeneration projects. The council emphasized the importance of aligning with national policies and addressing funding challenges.

Planning Service Review

The Audit Wales Planning Service Review praised the planning service's flexibility and supportive culture but identified areas for improvement, such as data quality and staff training. The council's response included plans to enhance service planning, improve performance reporting, and provide additional training for staff and members.

Other Business

The committee acknowledged the retirement of Joanne Evans, a long-serving member of the planning team, and expressed gratitude for her contributions. The meeting concluded with a review of the appeals agenda and other routine matters.

For more details, you can refer to the public reports pack and the minutes of the previous meeting.

The decisions and discussions from this week's meetings, particularly the Planning Committee, are significant as they influence future council policies on development, environmental compliance, and community welfare.

This week, the Newport Council held multiple meetings. The most impactful was the Governance and Audit Committee meeting on Thursday 30 May 2024. Here are the key discussions and decisions:

1. Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair: Gareth Chapman was appointed as the Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee, and Don Reed was appointed as the Vice-Chair. This leadership is crucial as the committee navigates complex audit and governance issues.

2. Newport City Council Annual Audit Summary: The committee reviewed the annual audit summary, which encapsulates the audit work completed over the past year. Key points included:

   • The council's digital strategy was highlighted as not being fully costed, with further details expected in the July meeting.
   • Concerns were raised about the performance measures and counter-fraud arrangements, indicating areas needing improvement.
   • The audit summary pointed out that Newport has 24% of the highest 95 areas of deprivation in Wales, the highest among the 22 unitary councils, and is the fastest-growing. This demographic context underscores the challenges faced by the council.

Newport has 24% of the highest 95 areas, and it's the highest of the 22 unitary councils in Wales, and also that Newport is the fastest growing. - Don Reed

1. Audit Wales Quarter 4 Timetable: The committee noted the Audit Wales Quarter 4 timetable, which includes progress updates on various audit programs. Significant updates included:

   • The finalization of several reports, including those on performance information and digital strategy, which will be discussed in the July meeting.
   • Ongoing work on the financial sustainability thematic review, with reports expected in the coming weeks.

2. Audit Wales Annual Report on Grants Work: The committee reviewed the annual report on grants work, which highlighted issues with the housing benefit subsidy return. The report noted that the council's costs are consistently above average due to ongoing issues with the subsidy return. This has resulted in a net gain in subsidy receivable of nearly £300,000 but also pointed out the need for the council to address these issues to reduce audit costs.

The council's costs are consistently above the average when we look at the cost to other authorities. - Matthew from Audit Wales

1. Corporate Risk Register Update: The committee reviewed the corporate risk register, noting 15 risks, with nine classified as severe. Key points included:

   • The addition of a new risk related to the WCCIS replacement system, a critical system for social services.
   • The de-escalation of the risk related to the delivery of the internal audit plan, reflecting the successful completion of the audit plan for the year.

2. Treasury Management Outturn Report 2023-2024: The committee noted the Treasury Management Outturn Report, which confirmed that all treasury and prudential indicators had been adhered to. Key points included:

   • A reduction in borrowing from £138.6 million to £137.7 million.
   • A significant reduction in investment balances from £47.2 million to £13.9 million, indicating the crystallization of the council's borrowing need.

We are moving into a different phase now where that underlying need to borrow really is coming to the fore. - Robert

The other meetings held this week were multiple sessions of Formal Council Questions and Responses on Friday 31 May 2024, but the transcripts for these meetings are not yet available.

The discussions and decisions from the Governance and Audit Committee meeting are particularly significant, given the focus on audit summaries, risk management, and financial oversight. These decisions align with the council's ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective governance. The implications of these discussions will likely influence future council policies on audit practices, risk management, and financial planning.

This week, the Newport Council held two meetings. The most impactful was the Council meeting on Tuesday 21 May 2024. Here are the key discussions and decisions:

1. Appointment of Tanya Evans as Strategic Director of Social Services: Tanya Evans was appointed unanimously. The Leader praised her extensive experience and leadership skills, emphasizing her ability to drive forward the council's social services agenda.

2. Leader's Speech: The Leader of the Council reflected on their tenure since 2019, highlighting key achievements and partnerships. They mentioned initiatives like the dementia-friendly city project and the adoption of the Marmot principles for better quality of life across the Gwent region. They also addressed issues of misogyny, bullying, and racism, urging everyone to call out such behaviors.

We must continue to innovate and partner with our community to ensure a better quality of life for all. - Leader of the Council

1. Appointments to Key Positions:

   • Presiding Member: Councillor Paul Cochran (31 votes in favor, 8 against, 2 abstentions).
   • Deputy Presiding Member: Councillor Screen (35 votes in favor, 1 against, 7 abstentions).
   • Leader of the Council: Councillor Petruni (2 abstentions).
   • Cabinet Members: Councillor Petruni announced new cabinet members, including Councillor Deb Davis for Education and Early Years, and Councillor Laura Lacey for Social Services. Outgoing cabinet members were thanked for their service.

2. Committee Chairs:

   • Planning Committee: Councillor Mark Spencer.
   • Licensing Committee: Councillor Kate Thomas.
   • Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee: Councillor HURAIN.
   • Performance Scrutiny Partnerships: Councillor John Reynolds.
   • Performance Scrutiny Committee for People: Councillor David Fower.
   • Performance Scrutiny Committee for Place and Corporate: Councillor HOWARD.
   • Democratic Services Committee: Councillor Wilrothe.

3. Special Dispensation: The council granted special dispensation for Councillor Matthew Evans' continued absence due to ill health, extending beyond six months.

4. Mayoral Inauguration: Councillor Ray Markford was appointed as the Mayor of Newport for 2024-2025. He announced his chosen charities: the Seven Area Rescue Association (SARA) and Sparkle. Councillor Christopher Mark Reaks was appointed as the Deputy Mayor. The outgoing Mayor, Councillor Trevor Watkins, reflected on his year in office, highlighting over 150 events attended and over £16,000 raised for his chosen charities.

The other meeting held this week was the Delegated Decisions - Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Regulation and Housing on Thursday 23 May 2024. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

The appointment of Tanya Evans as Strategic Director of Social Services is particularly significant, given the council's focus on enhancing social services and community welfare. This decision aligns with the council's ongoing commitment to leadership and innovation in social services, themes we've discussed before. The implications of these appointments and speeches are far-reaching, potentially influencing future council policies on social services, community partnerships, and governance.

This week, the Newport Council held three meetings. The most impactful was the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 15 May 2024. Here are the key discussions and decisions:

1. Strategic Asset Management Plan: The revised plan aims to ensure that asset management principles are integrated into business decisions across the organization. It focuses on making buildings sustainable and meeting community needs while managing properties within budget constraints and aligning with climate change objectives. The Council holds over 1,500 assets valued at £750 million, with a current maintenance backlog of £100 million. The plan includes an asset rationalization program and community asset transfers to optimize building use for residents and the environment. The plan was approved by the Cabinet.

2. Safer Newport Strategic Needs Assessment Plan: This plan, required under the Crime and Disorder Act, aims to reduce crime and disorder through the Safer Newport partnership, which includes Gwent Police and other partners. The assessment identifies three priority areas: serious violence and organized crime, antisocial behavior, and support for vulnerable community members, such as children at risk of exploitation and those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. The plan was approved and recommended for adoption by the full Council.

3. Serious Violence Duty Strategic Needs Assessment and Strategy: This duty, which became law in January 2023, requires local authorities to work with other specified authorities to develop a plan to reduce and prevent serious violence. The strategy, developed in collaboration with partners across Gwent, identifies four strategic priorities: better use of data, addressing risk factors with evidence-based interventions, understanding and maximizing impact, and adopting a place-based approach. The strategy aims to create a Gwent without violence and has been embedded within the Safer Newport Community Safety Plan. The plan was approved and recommended for adoption by the full Council.

4. Report on External Pressures: The report highlighted the Council's efforts to support residents through collaboration and partnership working. Activities mentioned include Easter family activities, distribution of essential food, shopping vouchers, and household goods. The report also addressed pressures on housing and homelessness services and the Council's strategy to tackle these challenges, including working with the Royal Foundation Homewards programme. The report was noted by the Cabinet.

5. Reflections from the Outgoing Leader: The meeting concluded with reflections from the outgoing leader, who expressed gratitude to the officers, democratic services team, and Cabinet members for their dedication and commitment to the citizens of Newport.

The other meetings held this week were the Delegated Decisions - Deputy Leader / Cabinet Member for Education and Early Years on Monday 13 May 2024 and the Delegated Decisions - Cabinet Member for Community and Wellbeing on Thursday 16 May 2024. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find video broadcasts of these meetings.

The approval of the Strategic Asset Management Plan is particularly significant, given the Council's extensive asset portfolio and the need to address a substantial maintenance backlog. This decision aligns with the council's ongoing commitment to sustainability and community welfare, themes we've discussed before. The implications of these plans and strategies are far-reaching, potentially influencing future council policies on asset management, crime reduction, and community support.

This week, the Newport Council held two meetings, with the most impactful being the Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday 01 May 2024. Here are the key discussions and decisions:

1. Approval of Application 23 1-1-0-9: The council approved a major planning application for constructing an apartment block with 20 affordable homes. The approval came with stipulations concerning the environmental impact and community safety, particularly emphasizing the inclusion of electric vehicle (EV) charging points. This decision aligns with the council's ongoing commitment to sustainable development and affordable housing. However, concerns about noise and air pollution due to proximity to a railway line were noted, mandating further assessments and mitigation strategies.

2. Enforcement Action Against Bellway Homes (Application 23 0292): A significant decision was made to issue a breach of condition notice to Bellway Homes for starting construction on a contaminated site without meeting environmental safety conditions. The council's firm stance on regulatory compliance was evident as they emphasized the importance of adhering to environmental safety standards. The developer's previous attempts to argue that remediation was adequate were dismissed, highlighting the council's proactive approach to environmental protection.

The council remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding environmental safety standards, and this enforcement action serves as a clear message that non-compliance will not be tolerated. - Planning Committee Meeting Transcript

This meeting underscores a recurring theme we've discussed before: the council's rigorous enforcement of development regulations to ensure community welfare and environmental safety. The implications of these decisions are significant, as they not only affect the immediate community but also set a precedent for how development should align with environmental and community standards.

The other meeting held this week was the Delegated Decisions - Joint Cabinet Member meeting on Wednesday 01 May 2024, but details are not available as the notes have not yet been summarized.

The outcomes of this week's Planning Committee meeting will likely influence future council policies on development and environmental compliance, ensuring that growth in Newport is both sustainable and considerate of its residents' needs.

This week, the Newport Council held several meetings, but the most impactful was the Council meeting on Tuesday 23 April 2024. Here are the key discussions and decisions:

1. Amendment to the Constitution Scheme of Delegation for Assets: The council approved amendments to increase the threshold for delegated decisions on asset transactions to £100,000. This decision aims to streamline minor asset transactions, aligning Newport with practices in other councils. However, concerns were raised about reduced oversight and potential exclusion of ward members from decision-making processes. This could lead to issues with local governance transparency.

2. Strategic Equalities Plan: A new Strategic Equality Plan for 2024-2028 was adopted. This plan is comprehensive and aims to address inequalities, enhancing equality across various community sectors. It includes care-experienced individuals as a protected group, which is a significant addition, reflecting a broader approach to inclusivity.

3. Local Toilet Strategy: The discussion highlighted the need for an updated local toilet strategy, though no formal decision was made. Concerns about the adequacy of public toilet facilities were raised, especially given changes in the city center's dynamics. An updated strategy could improve public amenities, affecting comfort and accessibility in the city center.

The meeting's hybrid format led to some procedural challenges, particularly during voting. Issues in electronic voting prompted manual hand raises for remote participants, highlighting the challenges of managing hybrid meetings effectively.

Other meetings this week included several sessions of Formal Council Questions and Responses and a cancelled Performance Scrutiny Committee - Place and Corporate meeting. Unfortunately, the notes from these meetings have not yet been summarised, limiting the details available for discussion.

This week's council activities, particularly the decisions made during the Council meeting, could have significant implications for asset management, equality initiatives, and public amenities in Newport. As these developments unfold, their real-world impacts will become clearer, shaping the city's governance and community services.