Here's a summary of the Torfaen Council meeting held on 16 September 2025:

The council convened to discuss key items including the annual scrutiny report, amendments to contract procedure rules, and a petition for traffic calming measures on James Street in Blaenavon. Councillors also reviewed and approved initial revenue and capital forecasts, and agreed to participate in the Active Gwent regional sports partnership.

Annual Scrutiny Report 2024-25

The council reviewed the Annual Scrutiny Report 2024-25, which summarises the work of its overview and scrutiny committees. The report highlighted the committees' role in ensuring accountability, transparency and improved outcomes for residents. Key aspects of the report included:

• Scrutiny in numbers: The report provided data on the number of scrutiny meetings held (28), visits undertaken (15), and the level of public engagement achieved.
• Developments delivered: The report noted the introduction of new scrutiny portfolios aligned with council priorities, self-evaluation processes, service plan reporting, and the use of a scrutiny self-assessment framework.
• Committee highlights: The report included updates from each of the council's five overview and scrutiny committees, detailing their key areas of focus and impact.

The council unanimously agreed to note the content of the report.

Amendments to Contract Procedure Rules

The council approved amendments to its Contract Procedure Rules, formerly known as Contract Standing Orders. These rules provide a framework for the procurement of goods, services and works, ensuring value for money, transparency and compliance with relevant legislation. The amendments incorporate rules governing the award of contracts for schools, detailed in Contract Procedure Rules Amendment Appendix September 2025.

The council also delegated authority to the Monitoring Officer to add the amended Contract Procedure Rules to the Constitution.

Petition for Traffic Calming Measures on James Street, Blaenavon

The council considered a Petition Report for the Request of Traffic Calming Measures on James Street Blaenavon, following concerns raised by residents about excessive vehicle speeds. The report detailed a thorough assessment, including site visits, traffic speed and volume surveys, and a review of collision data.

Key findings from the assessment included:

• No recorded personal injury collisions on James Street in the past five years.
• The 85th percentile speed (the speed at or below which 85% of vehicles were travelling) was measured at 21mph, which, while an increase on the previous year, was still considered compliant.

The council acknowledged that while the 85th percentile speed had increased since the previous survey, the location of the traffic counter had also changed, which may have affected the results.

The council agreed that James Street would continue to be monitored as part of its routine traffic management programme, but that the request for traffic calming measures did not meet the criteria for implementation at this time. The Lead Petitioner will be informed of the findings of the report.

Cabinet Decisions

The council noted the following cabinet decisions from 2 September 2025:

• Financial Forecast 2025/26: Cabinet agreed to note and approve the initial revenue and capital forecasts and comments regarding the outlook for achieving a balanced revenue position by the end of the financial year.
• Active Gwent: Sports Wales Partnership: Cabinet agreed to approve the participation of Torfaen CBC in the Active Gwent regional sports partnership and delegate authority to the Head of Community and Wellbeing to act as the Council's representative on the Partnership.

Other Matters

• The council noted the action list for submission on 16 September 2025.
• The council reviewed member questions and MQ 16 September 2025.