This week, Powys Council held several meetings, with the most significant being the Licensing Sub-Committee on Wednesday, 05 June 2024. This meeting focused on the application for a variation of premises license at St Mary's Church Hall in Hay-on-Wye.

Licensing Sub-Committee Decisions

The committee made several key decisions regarding the premises license, primarily aimed at balancing community concerns with the operational needs of the hall.

Live music to be restricted to the inside of the premises only after 8pm. No alcohol to be sold in the outside area after 8pm. No alcohol to be consumed outside after 8pm. - Meeting Transcript

These restrictions are intended to mitigate noise and disturbance to nearby residents, addressing concerns raised during the meeting. Additionally, specific conditions were set for New Year's Eve events:

The sale of alcohol to cease at 12 midnight, music to cease at 12.30am and the premises to be closed by 1am. - Meeting Transcript

The committee acknowledged the concerns about noise but noted that soundproofing the hall was beyond their remit and would require separate funding considerations.

Community Impact and Future Considerations

The decisions made by the Licensing Sub-Committee reflect a careful consideration of both community impact and the operational needs of St Mary's Church Hall. The restrictions on outdoor activities and alcohol sales are particularly significant for maintaining peace in the residential area surrounding the hall.

The committee also highlighted the importance of future funding for soundproofing to further mitigate noise concerns, indicating a potential area for future council focus.

Other Meetings

Other meetings held this week include:

• Employment and Appeals Committee on Wednesday, 05 June 2024.
• Planning, Taxi Licensing & Rights of Way Committee on Thursday, 06 June 2024.

Implications and Themes

The Licensing Sub-Committee's decisions underscore the council's ongoing efforts to balance community well-being with the needs of local facilities. The restrictions placed on St Mary's Church Hall aim to reduce potential disturbances while allowing the hall to continue serving as a community venue.

This week's meetings reflect the council's commitment to responsive governance, addressing community concerns, and ensuring that local facilities operate in a manner that respects the surrounding residential areas. The emphasis on future considerations for soundproofing also highlights the council's proactive approach to long-term community planning.

This week, Powys Council held several meetings, with the most significant being the Planning, Taxi Licensing & Rights of Way Committee on Thursday, 30 May 2024. This meeting was primarily focused on the election of new leadership within the committee, which has implications for future planning and licensing decisions in the region.

Election of Chair and Vice Chair

The committee elected Councillor Gareth D Jones as the new Chair, narrowly defeating Councillor Karl Lewis by a vote of 9 to 8. Councillor Gareth D Jones will now lead the committee, which plays a crucial role in overseeing planning applications, taxi licensing, and public rights of way.

Councillor Gareth D Jones has been appointed as chairman. - Meeting Transcript

Following this, Councillor Adrian Jones was elected as Vice Chair, also by a narrow margin of 9 to 8 votes against Councillor Karina Kenyon-Wade. The election of new leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the committee's operations.

The votes are 9 votes for Councillor Adrian Jones and 8 votes for Councillor Karina Kenyon-Wade. - Meeting Transcript

Future Meetings and Online Transition

The committee was informed that the next meeting on 27 June 2024 will be held online due to the election team using the physical meeting spaces. This shift to online meetings may impact the accessibility and engagement of stakeholders in the decision-making process.

The elections team will be using the Chamber and Committee Room A. So, that would need to be an online-only meeting. - Meeting Transcript

Other Meetings

Other meetings held this week include:

• Cabinet Portfolio Holder Responsibilities on Tuesday, 28 May 2024.
• Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys on Wednesday, 29 May 2024.

Implications and Themes

The election of new leadership within the Planning, Taxi Licensing & Rights of Way Committee is significant as it sets the tone for future planning and licensing decisions. The narrow vote margins indicate a closely divided committee, which may lead to robust discussions and diverse viewpoints in future meetings.

The transition to online meetings for the next session underscores the council's adaptability but also highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring effective participation and transparency in a digital format.

Overall, this week's meetings reflect the council's ongoing efforts to maintain effective governance and adapt to changing circumstances, with a particular focus on leadership transitions and operational adjustments.

This week, Powys Council held several meetings, with the most significant being the Cabinet Portfolio Holder Responsibilities meeting on Tuesday, 21 May 2024. This meeting covered key topics including the approval of previous meeting minutes, the annual information governance report, the publication of the budget book, and noting delegated decisions and the forward work program.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

The minutes from the meeting held on May 7th were approved without objections. Councillor Jackie Charlton proposed, and Councillor Sandra Davis seconded the motion.

Annual Information Governance Report

Councillor Jake Berryman presented the annual information governance report for 2022-2023. He acknowledged a delay in the report's preparation and assured that the 2023-2024 report would be available later in the year. Helen Dolman also apologized for the report's lateness, citing conflicting priorities. The report detailed the governance activities managed and monitored across the council.

The report was delayed due to conflicting priorities, but we assure that the 2023-2024 report will be timely. - Helen Dolman

Budget Book

Councillor David Thomas introduced the budget book for 2024-2025, which provides detailed information on the council's budget allocations and spending plans for the coming year. This document is crucial as it serves as the first stage of the budget monitoring process and will be used to measure the council's financial performance.

Any variances against the budget allocations will need to be approved through the relevant process. - Craig Flinders

Delegated Decisions and Forward Work Program

The cabinet noted the delegated decisions made by portfolio holders since the last meeting and presented the forward work program for information. The program is iterative and subject to change.

Powys Pension Board

The Powys Pension Board meeting on Wednesday, 22 May 2024, covered updates on investment performance, governance and training, and procurement processes.

Investment Performance Update

An internal meeting on investment performance was held on April 17, 2024, focusing on actuarial discount rates and benchmark returns. The session was well-received and improved the committee's understanding of investment performance.

The understanding of discount rates has improved significantly due to the simplified explanations provided during the training. - Chair

Governance and Training

The board discussed the importance of accumulating training documentation electronically and the need for a plan of action regarding the new general code and the good governance project. An update on these topics is expected by July.

Risk Register and Pensions Administration

The board's efforts in monitoring and suggesting changes to the risk register were acknowledged. There were also assurances about strengthening the pensions administration team to meet additional demands.

Procurement Processes

The board noted the ongoing procurement processes, including the approval of a preferred bidder for actuarial services and the WPP operator.

Other Meetings

Other meetings held this week include:

• Learning and Skills Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday, 22 May 2024.
• Health and Care Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, 23 May 2024.
• Economy, Residents and Communities Scrutiny Committee on Monday, 20 May 2024 (cancelled).
• CJC - Governance and Audit Sub-Committee on Monday, 20 May 2024.
• Questions at Any Time to Cabinet Portfolio Holders on Tuesday, 21 May 2024.
• Questions at Any Time to Heads of Service on Wednesday, 22 May 2024.

This week's meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts in governance, financial planning, and investment performance, reflecting a continued focus on transparency and strategic management.

This week, Powys Council held several meetings, with the most significant being the County Council meeting on Thursday, 16 May 2024. This hybrid session included a tribute to former councillors, a review of the outgoing chair's tenure, and the election of new council officers.

Tribute to Former Councillors

The council paid tribute to former councillors Michael Jones, Peter Medleycart, and Tony Thomas. The outgoing chair shared heartfelt memories and highlighted their contributions to the council and the community. Michael Jones was particularly noted for his extensive service, including his role as the first leader of the council under the cabinet system. The council expressed condolences to their families.

Michael Jones was a stalwart of this council, serving with distinction and dedication. - Outgoing Chair

Review of Outgoing Chair's Tenure

The outgoing chair reflected on her term, mentioning various events and achievements, such as the freedom parade in Hay-on-Wye, the All Wales Drum Festival, and the Royal Welsh Show. She also highlighted the designation of Presteigne and Norton as the first dark skies community in both England and Wales. This designation is significant as it promotes environmental awareness and tourism.

I am proud of our achievements, including the designation of Presteigne and Norton as the first dark skies community in both England and Wales. - Outgoing Chair

Election of New Council Officers

Jonathan Wilkinson was elected as the new Chair of Powys County Council for 2024-25. He expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and paid tribute to his predecessor. Bill Powell was elected as Vice Chair, and Geoffrey Gwynne Moore as Assistant Vice Chair.

I am committed to serving our community and ensuring efficient council operations. - Jonathan Wilkinson

Allocation of Seats and Member Salaries

The council addressed the allocation of seats on various committees and outside bodies. Members were appointed to committees such as Learning and Skills, Health and Care, and Economy, Residents, and Communities. Representatives were also elected to the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA).

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing member salaries, allowances, and expenses. The Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW) recommended an increase in basic salary from £17,600 to £18,666. The council approved the allocation of up to 17 senior salaries and discussed the importance of accurately reflecting councillors' work in public reports. The Democratic Services Committee was tasked with reviewing how councillor activities are reported to ensure transparency and accountability.

We must ensure that the public understands the work we do and the responsibilities we hold. - Council Member

Addressing Hearing and Sensory Loss

The meeting concluded with a call to visit a stall in the foyer dedicated to hearing and sensory loss, emphasizing the importance of addressing hearing issues early. This initiative highlights the council's commitment to health and well-being.

Other Meetings

Other meetings held this week include:

• Planning, Taxi Licensing & Rights of Way Committee on Wednesday, 15 May 2024.
• Questions at Any Time to Heads of Service on Monday, 13 May 2024.
• Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys on Monday, 13 May 2024.
• Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys on Tuesday, 14 May 2024.
• Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys on Thursday, 16 May 2024.
• Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys on Thursday, 16 May 2024.
• CJC - Regional Transport Planning Sub-Committee on Thursday, 16 May 2024.
• Employment and Appeals Committee on Friday, 17 May 2024.

This week's meetings underscore the council's focus on honoring past contributions, ensuring effective governance, and addressing community health and well-being.

This week, the Powys Council convened multiple meetings, with the most significant being the Cabinet Portfolio Holder Responsibilities meeting on Tuesday. The council tackled substantial educational reforms and strategic financial planning, decisions that will shape the educational landscape and financial stability of the region in the coming years.

Educational Reforms and School Restructuring

The council approved a strategic outline program for educational transformation, which includes major capital investments and the restructuring of educational facilities. This decision follows a theme we've discussed before: the council's commitment to enhancing educational environments. The program aims to modernize infrastructure and align with sustainability goals, although it carries concerns about financial feasibility and ambitious timelines.

Proponents argued it would modernize and improve educational infrastructure, aligning with sustainability goals. - Meeting Transcript

Moreover, the decision to merge Ysgol Calon Dderwen and Trewern CP School, relocating to a new building on the existing Ysgol Calon Dderwen site, was confirmed. This move is intended to consolidate resources and improve facilities but has raised issues regarding community impact and increased travel distances for students.

Supporters cited the benefits of modern facilities and resource efficiencies. - Meeting Transcript

Financial Planning

The council also reviewed and noted a forecasted underspend, adjusting budgets accordingly. This decision is crucial as it provides temporary financial relief but also highlights the need for strategic financial planning amid economic volatility.

The finance department highlighted the benefits of current savings against future financial uncertainties. - Meeting Transcript

Community and Environmental Considerations

An interesting occurrence during the meeting was the clarification that no plans were in place to change the name of a school, addressing community concerns sparked by misinformation. This incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding local educational changes and the potential for misinformation to stir community unrest.

Additionally, there was a notable emphasis on integrating climate considerations into financial and educational planning, reflecting growing environmental concerns within council operations.

Overall, this week's meetings underscored the council's focus on transformative educational policies and prudent financial management, aiming to foster sustainable and efficient community services. These decisions, while aimed at long-term benefits, will require careful implementation to balance community needs and financial constraints.

This week, Powys Council held several meetings that covered a range of topics from educational infrastructure to standards in governance. Here’s a summary of the key meetings and their potential implications.

The CJC - Standards Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday was particularly notable. The committee established its operational framework under the new CJC legislation. Key decisions included appointing Gail Store as Chair and confirming all members met the required training compliance. The committee also decided to meet semi-annually, which is more frequent than the minimum requirement. This proactive approach may help the committee address issues more effectively in its early stages. However, concerns were raised about the practicality of the CJC's extensive requirements given the limited number of members, which could lead to future discussions on procedural adjustments.

This streamlined decision-making underscores the small size of the committee and the specific eligibility criteria, which could impact the diversity of leadership perspectives. - Meeting Transcript

Another impactful meeting was the Democratic Services Committee on Monday. The committee decided to discontinue member champion roles, which were intended to provide advocacy for underrepresented groups. This decision might streamline council functions but could also reduce focused advocacy. Additionally, the committee agreed to review the 2020 induction program for new council members to potentially enhance future training.

Proponents argued these roles provided targeted advocacy for underrepresented groups, enhancing policy influence. - Meeting Transcript

The Learning and Skills Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday discussed the Sustainable Communities for Learning Strategic Outline Program (SOP). The committee favored the most comprehensive option for school infrastructure development, despite concerns about financial feasibility. This decision reflects a significant commitment to enhancing educational environments, aligning with broader strategic goals like Welsh language development.

Arguments for this option highlighted its alignment with strategic educational and community goals, and its potential to address urgent infrastructure needs comprehensively. - Meeting Transcript

Lastly, the Planning, Taxi Licensing & Rights of Way Committee on Thursday approved a proposal for holiday lodges with conditions to address ecological concerns and revised fees for animal licensing. This meeting showcased the council's careful consideration of ecological and public interests in its decision-making process.

After discussion, the proposal was approved with conditions to mitigate the concerns, including a recommendation to use a specific access route to minimize ecological disruption. - Meeting Transcript

These meetings illustrate the council's ongoing efforts to address community needs, governance standards, and infrastructure development, balancing immediate operational requirements with long-term strategic goals.