The Thriving Merthyr Tydfil Scrutiny Committee met to discuss biodiversity and greenspace management, the events policy, and the forward work programme. Councillors approved the minutes from the previous meeting and noted the completed actions from the action logs. The committee made recommendations to review grass cutting and collection procedures to support pollinator growth and improve recycling targets, and welcomed the events policy, suggesting it be tested with larger promoters.

Biodiversity and Greenspace Management

Judith Jones, Director of Neighbourhood Services, presented the Biodiversity and Greenspace Management Report to the committee, which provided an update on recent accomplishments and challenges in managing biodiversity and green spaces, and aimed to enhance understanding of the council's response to the Environment (Wales) Act 2016¹ Section 6 obligations.

Key points from the discussion:

• Funding: It was noted that there were no maintenance fees included within grants, and the loss of funding would mean responsibilities would fall to core staff, grounds maintenance teams and community groups.
• Communication: Communication and publication methods were outlined, and the need for co-ordinated communication was identified.
• Cross-working: Cross-working between teams takes place, but a reduction in staff means that grass cutting is not always collected, affecting recycling tonnage and biodiversity targets.
• Green Waste Recycling: Restrictions on green waste recycling were explained.
• Collaboration: Attempts are made to work collaboratively with other services.
• Budget: The South Wales Trunk Road Agent (SWTRA) is responsible for some areas within the county borough, but there is no core budget for flowers or biodiversity as a whole.
• Co-ordination: Improvements could be made on co-ordination between cutting and litter picks.
• Resources: A plea was made to ensure money is spent on resource and workforce rather than communications.
• Volunteer Groups: A formal list of volunteer groups could be developed, but challenges are faced.
• Volunteer Involvement: Volunteer days are promoted, and any future funding could help volunteer involvement.
• Work Schedules: Co-ordination with volunteers and work schedules would be needed and looks ambitious for now.
• Biodiversity Site Cuts: Biodiversity site cuts take place twice a year, separate to the rest of the county borough.
• Site Selection: Biodiversity sites are changed following survey, and chosen based on hectarage and ecological value.
• Site Decisions: Decisions on biodiversity sites are important as it would cost a lot to return them to recreational sites.
• Site Visits: Scrutiny members felt site visits would be beneficial.

Members agreed that amazing work is taking place but emphasised that the grass cutting and collection procedure should be reviewed to ensure pollinators are allowed to grow and recycling targets are improved. The Biodiversity Officer reiterated that it comes down to resources and varying priorities can affect what the service does.

Events Policy

Councillor Jamie Scriven, Cabinet Member, presented the Events Policy report, and Zoe Thomas, Head of Regeneration, Investment & Housing, outlined the policy's development.

Key discussion points:

• Fees and Charges: Fees, charges, and waivers to be reviewed for smaller groups.
• Policy Scope: The policy relates to events on council land and not private land.
• Clarity: Clarity is needed on the spaces to which the policy applies.
• Excluded Areas: Some areas where events have been held previously are excluded from the policy due to various constraints.
• Timescales: The policy and timescales guide organisers and allows sufficient time to ensure requirements are met.
• Event Considerations: Events considered under the policy were outlined, and it was agreed that clarity and examples should be included.
• Unusual Applications: Unusual or contentious applications will also be discussed with ward members.
• Webpage Information: The webpage will include the Events Policy and relevant information.
• Website Clarity: The website will contain clarity on who the policy applies to.
• Historic Applications: There are no historic applications for events until 5am, however the policy ensures all relevant legislation is covered.
• Policy Review: The policy will come back to scrutiny within 12 months from adoption.
• Event Promotion: Promotion of council land events will take place once the policy is adopted.
• Glebeland Site: The original consultation made clear that the Glebeland site was developed as an open public space with the option of smaller events.
• Penderyn Square: Penderyn Square will remain a key site for larger events.
• St Tydfils Shopping Centre: St Tydfils Shopping Centre is responsible for events on the Glebeland Site.
• Site Development: A member raised concerns around the development and use of the Glebeland site compared to original plans.
• Smaller Events: Smaller events on the Glebeland Site will complement larger events, benefitting the whole town centre.
• Site Restrictions: The layout of the Glebeland site, weight restrictions, and surfacing means the site doesn't suit larger events. Some restrictions were only identified at the time of completion.
• Infrastructure: The infrastructure around Penderyn Square better suits larger events.

Members commented that the policy was welcomed and needed. All changes would be tracked and reported back to scrutiny. The Chair, Councillor Lee Davies, suggested that the policy could potentially be tested with larger promoters.

Forward Work Programme 2025/2026

The committee discussed the Forward Work Programme (FWP) 2025/2026.

Key points:

• A workshop on the Miner's Hall, Theatre Royal and General Hospital is to be held.
• A Risk Report is to be added to the FWP.

Other Business

There were no scrutiny referrals received. Councillor Clive Jones outlined information from the Local Development Plan (LDP) workshop relating to the Hoovers Site.