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Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on Monday 13th November 2023 at 7:30pm in the Community Centre.
Draft minutes are published in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 and are subject to approval at the next ordinary meeting of the Community Council.

Present:
Councillors: Dafydd Lloyd Jones (Vice-Chair), Emmanuel Kincaid, Eirwen James, Pat Parry, Angela Evans, Gareth Jones, John Griffiths
1. Apologies received.

Beth Griffiths (Chair), Rhodri Evans, Caryl Jones, John Evans (PCSO)

2. Personal Matters.

The Council congratulated Ann Jones on being sworn in as Deputy Lieutenant of Dyfed.

3. Declarations of interest.

Councillor Emmanuel Kincaid declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 12 on the agenda and left the meeting during the discussion.

4. Public participation.

Three members of the public were present and addressed the council regarding items 13 & 14 on the agenda.

5. To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 09 & 19 October 2023

One amendment was proposed, to add first names to clarify proposer and seconder for accuracy of the minutes from 11/09/2023. Following approval of this amendment, Council resolved to approve the minutes as an accurate record. Proposed by Cllr. John Griffiths, seconded by Cllr. Pat Parry.
Council resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting on 19/10/2023 as an accurate record. All councillors had been sent a link to view the meeting recording. Proposed by Cllr. Gareth Jones, seconded by Cllr. Eirwen James.

6. Matters arising from the minutes.

09/10/2023
– Item 5: A member noted that there was no public right of way along the green lane leading to land at Esgaircrwys.
– Item 10: There were no responses from enquiries to contractors regarding interest in tendering for the proposed application to the Shared Prosperity Fund. The Energy Audit under the CAVO ‘Boosting Energy Efficiency in Ceredigion’s Community Buildings’ project should be carried out in the next few months.
– Item 11: There was no meeting at the cemetery on 28/10/2023 so it had not been possible to discuss the proposed area for interment of ashes. Plans to be brought to the next meeting. Noted that arisings from hedge trimming by hand needed to be cleared.

7. Financial report-

a. To approve the bank reconciliation.
– Council approved the reconciliation to 11/11/2023, issued prior to the meeting, and noted the following bank balances at 18/10/2023:

Current account: £100.00
Reserve account (1): £1,622.96
Reserve account (2): £10,394.10
Total all bank balances: £12,117.06

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Total reconciled balance to agree with cash book at 11/11/2023: £8,416.53
Less earmarked reserves for defibrillator maintenance: £1,388.15
Less earmarked reserves for Youth club: £274.15
Balance of general reserves: £7,028.38

b. Authorisation of payments.

i. Staff and confidential payments
pd £ 500.28 LG (Misc.Provisions) Act 1976 s.19/
Local Government Act 1972, s.112

ii. Grass cutting

D Benjamin pd £ 5,256.00 Local Government Act 1972, s.214/215

iii. Reimbursement of Clerk’s expenses (stationery/ printing)
L Zanoni
£ 30.11 Local Government Act 1972, s.111
iv. Reimbursement of Clerk’s expenses (Zoom subscription)
L Zanoni
£ 46.77 Local Government Act 1972, s.111
v. Internal Auditor fees 2023
D T G Jones £ 125.00 Local Government Act 1972, s.111

c. Recurring payments – confirmation of ongoing variable direct debit instructions:

i. BT – Hall telephone & broadband.
BT – 31/10/2023 pd £ 52.74 LG (Misc.Provisions) Act 1976 s.19
ii. Powys DBS Unit
DBS Volunteer check fees pd £ 60.00 LG (Misc.Provisions) Act 1976 s.19
iii. Bank charges
Barclays Bank
Commission charges 13AUG/12OCT pd £ 23.65 LG (Misc.Provisions) Act 1976 s.111

d. Payments received.

i. Precept – 3rd instalment
Ceredigion CC £ 3,166.67
ii. Youth Club
Volunteer donation £ 154.37
Food sales £ 120.50
iii. Bank loyalty
Barclays Bank 14/8-12/10/23 £ 1.16
iv. Wreath reimbursement
A Jones (DL Dyfed) £ 25.00
v. James Memorials
Memorial rights Plot (291) £ 25.00
vi. Burial rights (received 29/09/2023)
T E Jones Plot (682) £ 40.00
J Griffiths Plot (tbc) £ 40.00

• Council approved the schedule of payments issued to members prior to the meeting.

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8. To receive the Audit Certificate and Auditor report 2023.

The Council received an Unqualified Audit opinion, with no further recommendations or matters requiring attention, for the year ended 31 March 2023. Thanks were extended to Cllr. Kincaid for his work in helping to ensure compliance with requirements.
The Notice of Conclusion of Audit and Right to Inspect the Annual Return for the year ended
31 March 2023 was placed on 02/11/2023 on the noticeboard and website in addition to copies displayed in Siop Brefi. There have been no requests to inspect the accounts. The Annual Return, including both parts of the Annual governance statements and the Auditor General’s audit certificate and report were published on the website and displayed on the Council’s noticeboard at the community centre.

9. To review the contract for grass cutting 2024 and issue invitation to tender.

Council approved the revised contract documents, presented to members prior to the meeting. The works now include maintenance of part of the footpath leading from Hillside/ Talfan towards Tanrallt, but exclude the new garden and wildflower meadow areas.
The Village hall’s insurers have confirmed that volunteers will be covered for third party liability when strimming the garden/ meadow areas, subject to risk assessment and supervision by committee members.
A member noted the need to be aware of the costs incurred in extra grass cutting, and it was clarified that one extra cut for the cemetery was usually included as a contingency in the budget.
Tender notices to be published following the meeting. Fixed price tenders for two years to be received by 5pm on 11/12/2023.

10. To receive the annual accounts for the Fuel Allotments (Charity number 500142).

Receipt of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 was noted.

11. To receive The Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales draft Annual Report February 2024

The report and feedback forms had been circulated to members prior to the meeting. Council noted that the mandatory payments to Councillors for homeworking expenses were proposed to continue, and that members would need to submit written disclaimers if they did not wish to receive the allowance.
HMRC have confirmed that payments to members for office consumables would be tax exempt if reimbursed at a flat rate of £52, and the same exemption applies to the mandatory £156 payment for homeworking expenses. However, it was noted that Council had resolved to reimburse members based on individual claims for expenditure on office consumables, and that all councillors had disclaimed the mandatory allowance for 2023-2024.
The Consultation period ends on 20 December and the Panel will issue its final Determinations and annual report by 28 February 2024.

12. To review the Clerk’s salary in accordance with the 2023/24 Local Government Services Pay Agreement.

The Clerk and Cllr. Kincaid left the meeting during discussion. Minutes for this agenda item are confidential.

13. Waun Maenllwyd Wind Energy Hub – Consultation outcomes.

Council reviewed the Waun Maenllwyd Initial Consultation Feedback Summary, circulated to members prior to the meeting, which recorded a total of 160 feedback responses. Overall, 39% agreed or strongly agreed that this is an acceptable location, whereas 38% disagreed or strongly disagreed. 23% were unsure or chose not to answer. Within the Llanddewi Brefi area, 45% either

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agreed or strongly agreed, while 33% disagreed or strongly disagreed. A further 21% were unsure. There were eight responses to the Council’s consultation, via posters and feedback boxes in the community centre, shop, pub, and website posts with links to feedback forms and Belltown Power’s project website. These additional responses were forwarded to Belltown Power.
Members of the public addressed the Council and expressed concern that not enough had been done to publicise the proposals or provide information, and that a wider debate on the pros and cons of wind energy developments had not been held.
One Council member stated that there was a sense of confusion in the community regarding the development, and asked if more information could be provided, suggesting a presentation by the Council. Other members had also received requests for a public meeting, and it was confirmed that the County Council would only be a consultee at the application stage.
It was explained that the initial consultation post on the community website had been updated with all the available information, and that there was nothing more to share at present. A presentation by the Council at this point would only be re-visiting the same information. A detailed ‘Scoping Direction’ response has been issued by PEDW, which addresses many of the issues raised, and the Council has produced maps showing the proposed turbine locations and statistics in relation to community boundaries and settlements. These have been posted on the community website. The Council’s role is not to research and promote opposing viewpoints, but to share information and seek to represent the views of the community through consultation.
Resident’s requests for a community meeting had been raised with Belltown Power, but it was felt that it would not be productive to hold another meeting at this time, and that more views could be gathered through individual responses and direct queries. Belltown Power have requested a workshop meeting with the Council to explain their initial approach regarding Community Benefit.
It was resolved to make the initial feedback document available on the community website Llanddewibrefi.org.

14. Galileo – Bryn Cadwgan Energy Park – Consultation launch.

Following the initial public exhibition in Llanddewi Brefi it was considered that the timing, during working hours on a weekday, was not convenient for many residents, and some had attended the evening exhibition in Pumsaint instead.
Members of the public raised concerns and queries regarding the access and potential pylon route. Councillors discussed that the Waun Maenllwyd power connection will be by overhead 33kV lines on wooden poles to the Lampeter sub-station but understood that the scale of the Bryn Cadwgan proposal would probably need pylons to carry a 132kV line to the connection point at Ferryside. It was also understood that no definite access routes had been proposed yet by Galileo, although Belltown Power have confirmed that their access will be via a combination of existing and new roads from Pumsaint.
A map produced by the Council was displayed, showing the current proposed turbine locations for both developments, and noting a distance of 2.7km between the closest two locations.
It was resolved that the Council should carry out another consultation exercise and publicise the Galileo consultation with a closing date of 30th November for responses. Response boxes to be placed in the community centre, shop and pub, as before.
Members of the public expressed concern that the Council’s previous consultation had not effectively engaged with residents, but no suggestions for alternative methods were put forward. After discussion, it was resolved to combine the 9 exhibition boards into a single large poster and to display this in the community centre. It was also resolved to create dedicated pages on the

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community website with information and links regarding both Waun Maenllwyd and Bryn Cadwgan wind energy proposals.

15. Correspondence

a. Audit Wales 2022-23 Completion of audit – Llanddewi Brefi CC
– Notice and annual return published 02/11/2023
b. Ceredigion County Council

i. Food Banks
– Email from CCC Equalities and Inclusion Manager – coordinating meetings with food banks, Community fridges and ‘pay as you feel’ cafes. Areas not covered include Llanddewi Brefi, Tregaron, Ystrad Fflur, and Llandyfriog Communities. 6 foodbanks based across all towns except Tregaron. Cllr. Rhodri Evans to discuss the issue with Caffi Dewi.

c. One Voice Wales

i. Cardigan Area Committee Meeting 25_10_23
– Draft minutes – The next meeting of the Area Committee will take place online on Thursday 18th January.
ii. FW_ Support to capture older people’s experiences of GP services_
iii. OCTOBER_ NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 TRAINING DATES
– Latest OVW councillor training dates listed by module

d. Fwd_ CAVO Infoburst
– Winter Wellbeing sessions running from 20/11/23 – 15/12/23 (connectceredigion.org.uk/activity-calendar)
e. Fwd_ The National Lottery Community Fund newsletter
f. Llanddewi Brefi Community Council support for Climate and Ecology Bill
– Email from Zero Hour, campaign for CE bill (zerohour.uk) – resolved to include the motion on the next meeting agenda.
g. Citizens Advice drop in sessions
– https://www.cabceredigion.org/news/v/135-we-re-back-out-in-your-communities/ The Lampeter session is at Emmaus Church, Bridge Street on a Monday. All the sessions run from 10am to 3pm -no appointment needed.
h. ICO – Renewal confirmation ICO_00014784570
– Updated Data Protection Registration Certificate received.

16. To receive a report from the PCSO

No report received as PCSO is on annual leave. Hate crime support poster with contact details forwarded:
Tel: 0300 30 31 982
hate.crimewales@victimsupport.org.uk
https://www.reporthate.victimsupport.org.uk

17. County Councillor’s report on matters arising from Ceredigion

Assuming WG increases of 3.1% & Council Tax increases of 5.0%, there will be a Budget Shortfall of £6.4m for 2024/25.
Councillor pay rises have been determined by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW).
Waste collections service working well – no issues for 7-8 months.

18. Planning applications

a. The following decisions were noted:

i. A220751 – Proposed new dwelling, Land Opposite To Tynllwyn: Refused
ii. A230627 – Conversion of Agricultural Barn to a TAN 6 Dwelling, Maesglas: Withdrawn

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iii. A230458 – Installation of PV Solar panels, Brynheulog: Approved Subject to Conditions
– No applications were received.

19. To receive a report from the Village Hall and Recreation Grounds committee.

The Independent Examiner’s report on annual accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 has now been received, and will be included in the trustees annual report to be signed at the next hall meeting.
The Fit for Future Facilities Programme capital grants fund from the Cymru Football Foundation opened in October 2023, and details were circulated to members prior to the meeting. New or upgraded changing rooms are eligible, and storage spaces will be considered as Complementary items alongside such projects. The target for Partnership Funding is 30% of the Total Project Cost, and the Ceredigion community grant could potentially be used as match funding. Applications must be submitted by 29th March 2024 and supported projects may be asked to initiate and complete within a 12-18 month period.
As holders of the title to the village hall, it was resolved that the Community Council should consider an application, subject to consultation with Dewi Stars football club.
Proposed by Cllr. John Griffiths, seconded by Cllr. Gareth Jones.

20. Christmas Lights Competition and Festive arrangements.

Councillors to contribute £5 to the cost of a prize hamper for the annual lights competition, to be judged by last year’s winners over the weekend of 9th/10th December and results to be announced at the Xmas tree lights switch on in the square on 12th December at 6pm. Mulled Wine to be supplied by the New Inn, and mince pies by Mirain Haf. The Xmas tree, kindly donated by Richard Elliott, will be put up on 30th November.
A village hall sub-committee is also organising a Santa event in the community centre.
Carol singing will be organised by the YFC on 21st December, and the WI on 17th December.

21. Questions to the Chair.

a. Members expressed concern that Siop Brefi will be closing at the end of February unless buyers are found.
b. Queries regarding the Youth club Halloween event – this was organised by volunteers under the Council’s supervision.
c. Members asked whether Gogerddan Hunt would be invited to organise a display on the square on Boxing day – to be included in next meeting agenda.
d. More pledges of the free UK Government Gigabit Vouchers are still needed to enable Openreach to bring Full-Fibre broadband to the Tregaron area. Residents and Businesses can check if they qualify and pledge their voucher on the Connect My Community website: https://www.openreach.com/connect-my-community .

22. Date of next meeting

11/12/2023 at 7:30pm
Meeting ended at 10:25pm

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Minutes of the Extraordinary meeting held on Thursday 19th October 2023 at 7:30pm in the Community Centre.
Draft minutes are published in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 and are subject to approval at the next ordinary meeting of the Community Council.

Present:
Councillors: Bethan Griffiths (Chairperson), Emmanuel Kincaid, Eirwen James, Gareth Jones.
(Due to technical issues caused by the Council email provider’s server updates, members had not received the meeting invitation emailed by the clerk. However, public notice of the agenda and meeting date had been posted and publicised as usual.)
Grasshopper Communications and Leslie Walker – Senior project Manager Galileo Energy UK (Wales) – remote attendance via Zoom.

1) To receive apologies.
Councillors: Dafydd Lloyd Jones (Vice Chairperson) Pat Parry, John Griffiths, Angela Evans, Rhodri Evans, Caryl Jones.

2) Personal Matters.
None.

3) Declarations of interest.
None.

4) Public participation.
Section 48 of The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 makes provision for public participation at full community council meetings or those part of meetings which are open to the public. The Chair will give members of the public in attendance reasonable opportunity to make representations about any items of business on the agenda. Specific matters for discussion are to be submitted to the Clerk 7 days in advance of scheduled ordinary meetings (usually the 2nd Monday of the month)
No members of the public were in attendance, and no specific items were submitted for discussion prior to the meeting.

5) Presentation to Council by Galileo Energy UK to introduce initial proposals concerning Bryn Cadwgan Energy Park prior to the early engagement public consultations due to take place during November 2023
Senior Project Manager (Wales) Leslie Walker together with two representatives from Grasshopper Communications (Media Consultants for Galileo Energy UK) were in attendance to present details regarding Galileo Energy UK’s initial proposal to develop a 75-megawatt windfarm, to be comprised of up to 25 Wind turbines (maximum blade tip height of 230m) and solar photovoltaic panels and battery energy storage system technology. The company is part of a larger parent company: ‘Galileo’ a European, multi-technology, renewable energy owner, and operator who have currently developed 7-gigawatt (GW) pipeline of various renewable energy technologies worldwide.

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In summary the presentation outlined the following regarding the DNS (Development of National Significance) proposal for Bryn Cadwgan Energy Park:

i. The Windfarm is to be situated over 1000 hectares within the Cambrian Mountain Range and 13km south east of the Bannau Brycheiniog, with the majority of the turbines to be located in forestry to the east of the site, Carmarthenshire and two within Ceredigion; on land currently used for grazing farmland and forestry which is classified as grade 4 (poor quality agricultural land), and non-agricultural land on the Welsh Government’s Predictive Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) Map.

ii. Councillors present raised issues concerning the fact that the current proposal was situated outside of assessed areas identified within the current WG strategy ( Future Wales the National Plan 2024) and that the current proposal was situated in close proximity to a SSSI site, with minimal allowance for a buffer zone. The Galileo representative responded that ongoing biodiversity surveys were being undertaken( of these an ornithological survey was completed in 2022 and others ongoing throughout 2023/2024) and that a part one peat probing survey had also been carried to assess scope for developing the site to house turbines; It was also reiterated d that WG national policies were broadly in favour of renewable energy development such as the proposal to provide provenance of an independent renewable energy network Pan Wales and in order to meet NetZero targets.

iii. Galileo also confirmed that they had agreement in principle for a grid connection at Ferry side, pending planning approval for the DNS proposal, however, presently there were no further details concerning the route/connection.

iv. Furthermore, Galileo outlined their commitment to working with the community to develop the proposals and would be hosting informal community consultations during November 2023 to provide an opportunity for local residents and businesses to learn more about the project, ask questions, and provide feedback. After this early engagement consultation, a statutory 42-day consultation process will be undertaken later in 2024.

v. Regarding the latter, Grasshopper Communications confirmed that the Consultation Website for the DNS proposal would be going live on Thursday the 26 October 2023 ,and would contain an overview of the development proposal, timetable for statutory/non-statutory processes, including consultations online exhibition and feedback form for consultees to send in their responses; it was also confirmed however that should anyone wish to make contact and /or send in hard copies of their responses they could do so using the provided Freepost address. They anticipated that 1830 households and 49 businesses over the Llanddewi Brefi , Ffarmers and Pumsaint areas would receive newsletters, giving a brief outline description of the scheme and to invite residents and business owners to attend drop in events to be held on the 8th and 9th of November 2023 at Llanddewi Brefi Village Hall and Neuadd Pumsaint Hall respectively. Following on from this the deadline to submit informal consultation response would be 30 November 2023.

vi. It was agreed that Grasshopper communications would pass on the PowerPoint presentation slides from the meeting in addition to posters for the forthcoming consultation events to the clerk; the Clerk also to provide link to the Zoom recording of the meeting to all Councillors before next meeting of Council to be held 13 November 2023.

6) Questions to the Chair; None – Meeting ended 8:15 pm

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Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on Monday 9th October 2023 at 7:30pm in the Community Centre.
Draft minutes are published in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 and are subject to approval at the next ordinary meeting of the Community Council.

Present:
Councillors: Bethan Griffiths (Chairperson), Dafydd Lloyd-Jones (Vice Chairperson), Emmanuel Kincaid, Eirwen James, Pat Parry, Caryl Jones, Rhodri Evans, Angela Evans, Gareth Jones.
PCSO John Evans
1) Apologies received.
John Griffiths.

2) Personal Matters.

None.

3) Declarations of interest.

None.

4) Public Participation

Section 48 of The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 makes provision for public participation at full community council meetings or those part of meetings which are open to the public. The Chair will give members of the public in attendance reasonable opportunity to make representations about any items of business on the agenda. Specific matters for discussion are to be submitted to the Clerk 7 days in advance of scheduled ordinary meetings (usually the 2nd Monday of the month)

17 members of the public were present, including members of Llanfair Clydogau and Cellan Community Council and Councillor Dawn Smallwood from Pontypridd Town Council (remote attendance via Zoom).

5) To consider issues raised regarding the ‘Edible Forest’ development proposal.
The Chair presented a report by the Council providing a timeline of events and issues encountered by residents, regarding the ‘Edible Forest’ proposal on land near Esgair Garn. Councillor Evans (Llangeitho/Llanddewi Brefi ward) advised that two meetings had also been arranged to discuss the matter within Ceredigion County Council to assess options for enforcement measures concerning unauthorised development or access to the highway. Councillor Smallwood presented a timeline of events and issues within her Ward, concerning a similar proposal by the same owner, and gave an overview of the impacts felt by the community as a result of attempts to establish access to the development site (involving damage to a public right of way, disturbance to dormouse and skylark
habitat and tree felling occurring near to woodland corridors with TPO status) In addition it was reported that investors had not been able to recover funds on discovering the lack of access/ facilities. In summary she reported that conflict and confrontation between the applicant and the community had escalated but that the owner would be imminently subject to enforcement action to reinstate the damaged right of way, remove illegally parked vehicles and to make good damage resulting from the repeated attempts to expand access to land acquired on their behalf.

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Councillor Smallwood had to leave the meeting at this point but reiterated that she was happy to answer further queries from residents/community residents, by e-mail, following on from the meeting.

Councillor Evans confirmed that the LPA could not directly intervene with regard to disputed track/access ownership regarding the land already purchased; they could, however, bring in enforcement action within 48 hours should there be any impacts/infringements concerning access to highways.

Council agreed to forward copies of its report to Llanfair Clydogau and Cellan Community Council.

PCSO Evans reported that an Officer had spoken to all parties concerned and had been advised that disputes concerning access across land would be a civil, not a police matter. However, he added that should criminal damage, breaches of the peace, or destruction of property occur as a result of the owner attempting to gain access to their land, that this would be considered to be a police matter and that the best course of action would be to report incidents as soon as possible; likewise, any incident of perceived harassment, threatening behaviour or similar behaviour also be reported as soon as possible.

6) To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 11 September 2023.

Council approved the draft minutes.

Proposed by: Councillor Caryl Jones. Seconded by: Councillor Beth Griffiths.

7) Matters arising from the minutes.

Regarding item 18 d):
It was confirmed that the Remembrance Day Service would be held this year at Eglwys Dewi Sant, St David’s Church, on Sunday 12 November 2023 at 10:00 am, to be followed by the the laying of wreaths at the war memorial in the cemetery.

8)Financial report
a. To approve the bank reconciliation for the period ending 30th September 2023.
Council approved the bank reconciliation presented.

b. Authorisation of payments.
i. Staff and confidential payments;
pd £ 41.68 LG (Misc.Provisions) Act 1976 s.19
pd £ 247.64 Local Government Act (LGA) 1972, s.112
£ 1.40 LGA 1972, s.112

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ii. Burials
Beddfeini Hafod 2nd Interment in double grave (nr 277) £ 550.00 LGA 1972, s.214
Beddfeini Hafod Interment in single grave (nr 596) £ 550.00 LGA 1972, s.214
J Griffiths Interment of ashes + plot (nr 294) – Refund £ 160.00 LGA 1972, s.214

iii. ICO – Data Protection fee
£ 35.00 LGA 1972, s.111
c. Recurring payments – confirmation of ongoing variable direct debit instructions:
i. BT – Hall telephone & broadband.
Telephone and broadband – 30/09/2023 £ 52.74 LG (Misc.Provisions) Act 1976 s.19
ii. Water charges (cemetery)
Dŵr Cymru £ 6.59 LGA 1972, s.214
d. Payments received.
Barclays Bank Bank loyalty 13/7/23-13/8/23 £ 0.70
T E Jones Burial + plot (682) £ 550.00
J Griffiths Burial + plot (tbc) £ 120.00
Council approved the schedule of payments presented and noted a correction to the previous schedule of payments; a staff/ confidential payment of £247.64 had been noted, rather than the correct payment of £247.84. A burial of ashes had been cancelled, and a refund of fees already banked was approved. Following consideration of item 9, a transfer of funds to petty cash was approved in the amount of £150.00.

9) To review the Council’s Financial Regulations (regulation 6.21) to allow a cash float to support Youth drop-in sessions.

Council resolved to change the order of the agenda to consider item 9 before item 8, as this would allow transfer of funds to petty cash. Council resolved to approve the amendment to Financial regulations 6.21 and 6.22, issued to members prior to the meeting, to provide petty cash to support Youth Drop-In sessions.

Proposed by; Councillor Eirwen James Seconded by: Chair, Bethan Griffiths

10) To consider information regarding the following grant schemes:
i. Cynnal y Cardi UK Shared Prosperity Fund
ii. Community Ownership Fund

After further consideration, Council considered it would not be possible to issue notices and receive the required number of tenders within the timeframe for application to the Cynnal y Cardi scheme. However, it was reported that the Hall Committee had submitted an EOI with regard to the energy audit with Severn Wye in conjunction with CAVO and that Llanddewi Brefi Village Hall had been selected as one of 20 halls in Ceredigion to take part in the scheme.

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11) Cemetery Matters – to consider new arrangements for interment of ashes.
Council resolved that a formal area for interment of ashes would be agreed, after inspection of suitable areas in the cemetery, during the scheduled clean-up on 28/10/23.

12) To consider and set new rota for 23/24 for defibrillator.
A new rota was agreed; Clerk to circulate to all members of the Council.

13) Correspondence noted:

a. Boundary Commission – BCW: Lessons Learned
b. CAVO – Ceredigion Halls and Community Buildings energy audits.
c. Ceredigion WI – RE: Repair Café Wales and Community Ownership Fund
d. Ceredigion County Council

i. FW: Special and Community Events
ii. Ceredigion Council Tax Premium
iii. Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) Consultation
iv. Finance and Procurement: 2023-24 Precept
v. Cynnal y Cardi UK Shared Prosperity Fund

e. One Voice Wales

i. FW: Funding Update
ii. Audit Wales – September Newsletter.
iii. FW: Welsh Air Ambulance
iv. One Voice Wales Newsletter No.1
v. SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2023 TRAINING DATES

f. RE: Repair Cafe Wales and Community Ownership Fund
g. Slow Ways – Connect your community to the Slow Ways national walking network.
h. Y.F.C. Re: Fireworks night C.FF.I Llanddewi Brefi; letter thanking the Council and hall committee for their donation.
i. RE: Cyflwyno Parc Ynni Bryn Cadwgan | Introducing Bryn Cadwgan Energy Park

Council noted an extra item of correspondence received after publication of the agenda – a request from Grasshopper Communications to organise a stakeholder consultation with members of the Council to enable representatives from Galileo Energy UK to present initial details regarding their proposal for a wind turbine development of significance (DNS) at Bryn Cadwgan, part of which would involve land within Llanddewi Brefi community. It was agreed that the Clerk would contact Grasshopper communications to confirm arrangements for a meeting to be held on 19 October 2023 from 6-7 pm.

14)To receive a report from the PCSO.

PCSO Evans reported that it had been relatively crime free during the month within the community. There had, however, been incidents of 20 mph signs being covered with paint, and supporting metal posts cut down, in addition to theft of a place sign for Llanddewi Brefi.
He also reported that there had been another incident of scam calls from persons impersonating Police officers and that members of the public should remain aware.

There had also been reports of a large harvester driving through the village without tax or numberplates enroute to the Ffarmers road; the PCSO has now registered this as a concern and

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would seek opinion from the traffic department regarding a way forward concerning these occurrences.

PCSO Evans also reported that he is now the Hate Crime Support Officer for the area and would send on further details of how to report incidents to the Clerk.
He also confirmed that he would continue to make regular visits to the village every Wednesday between 1:45-2:30 pm and would be spending half the time in the layby opposite the old school and the remaining time on the village square.

15) County Councillor’s report on matters arising from Ceredigion.
Councillor Evans reported that cabinet had been considering the County Council budget and anticipated a shortfall, requiring an injection of £2 million before Spring 2024.
It was noted that a local bus company was due to close, which would cause further pressure regarding ongoing public transport issues within the locality.
He also reported that plans were being considered at County level to create one or two college facilities in order to amalgamate existing 6th form provision within the County.

16) Planning applications.
None received.

17) To receive a report from the Village Hall and Recreation Grounds committee.
Council noted that the Annual General Meeting of the Hall Charity Committee would be held on the 23 October 2023, with ordinary matters of business to follow.
Following recent requests from committee members to clarify the position regarding volunteers undertaking activities such as operating machinery (in addition to cleaning and occasional painting/decorating already covered), a request had been made to the hall’s insurers to confirm what activities they could cover under the terms of the existing policy; reply pending – to be reported back at the next meeting.

18) Questions to the Chair.

a. The Council Christmas dinner would be held on Friday 1st December, venue to be confirmed.
b. Details of the proposed Christmas Event, due to be held on the 2nd of December, to be confirmed during the next meeting of the hall committee later in the month.
c. It was reported that the recently held Youth Drop-In session had been positively received by all children attending and that thanks were to be extended to all the volunteers in attendance. Additionally, it was noted that four DBS checks on new volunteers had been carried, and also a request made that volunteers subscribe to the update service within 30 days of receiving their certificates.
d. It was suggested to address redistribution of topsoil in the cemetery during the forthcoming clean-up on 28 October 2023. An announcement would be posted on the hall facebook page and Caffi Dewi would also be opening to support volunteers in the clean-up event.
e. Hedge cutting at the cemetery is to be carried out on 10 November 2023.

19) Date of next meeting.
13/11/2023

Meeting ended at 22:04 pm.