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Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on Monday 11th December 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: Beth Griffiths (Chair), Dafydd Lloyd Jones (Vice-Chair), Rhodri Evans, Caryl Jones, Emmanuel Kincaid, Eirwen James, Pat Parry, Angela Evans, Gareth Jones, John Griffiths
1. Apologies received.
PCSO John Evans
2. Personal Matters.
None
3. Declarations of interest.
Councillor Emmanuel Kincaid declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 15(a)ii on the agenda.
4. Public participation.
11 members of the public were present and addressed the council regarding item 11 on the agenda.
5. To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2023
One amendment was proposed, to correct the proposer for accuracy of the minutes. Following approval of this amendment, Council resolved to approve the minutes as an accurate record. Proposed by Cllr. Dafydd Lloyd Jones, seconded by Cllr. Pat Parry.
6. Matters arising from the minutes.
a. Cllr. Kincaid confirmed that the feedback documents from Belltown Power had been posted on the community website and presented the webpages for both the Waun Maenllwyd and Bryn Cadwgan proposals to Council and members of the public. These pages include the scoping direction requests and reports from PEDW and will be updated as new information is available Council thanked Cllr. Kincaid for the work to the website and for collating information.
b. Members of the public expressed concern that many people do not have internet access and are not aware of the proposals. The Chair responded that hard copies of letters and questionnaires had been sent by post to all households in the area.
c. A member of the public reported attending a public meeting about the wind turbine proposals held in Pumsaint, which was well attended, and asked if a similar open meeting could be held here. A member of the council confirmed that the meeting was informative and well conducted. It had been set up independently of the local Community Council, and members agreed that anyone interested in conducting an independent public meeting would be welcome to hire Llanddewi Brefi hall. Cllr. Evans confirmed that he would be happy to take part as local County Council member for the ward, but wondered whether this would be better to be held in the next period of public consultation. Members asked for suggestions as to how to advertise meetings more effectively than at present (notices in shop, pub, village hall, noticeboard, and website posts), to reach a wider audience, given the concerns about a lack of awareness.
d. On the proposition of Cllr. Kincaid, Council approved a motion to bring forward item 11 on the agenda.
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7. Financial report-
a. To approve the bank reconciliation for the period ending 30 November 2023.
– Council approved the reconciliation to 08/12/2023, issued prior to the meeting, and noted the following bank balances at 17/11/2023:
Current account: £100.00
Reserve account (1): £1,622.96
Reserve account (2): £7,496.19
Total all bank balances: £9,219.15
Total reconciled balance to agree with cash book at 08/12/2023: £9,475.81
Less earmarked reserves for defibrillator maintenance: £1,388.15
Less earmarked reserves for Youth club: £243.94
Balance of general reserves: £7,843.72
b. Authorisation of payments.
i. Staff and confidential payments – (Local Government Act 1972, s.111/ LG (Misc.Provisions) Act 1976 s.19) – £573.64
ii. Reimbursement of Clerk’s expenses (Poster printing), (Local Government Act 1972, s.111) – £38.98
iii. Burial costs, Beddfeini Hafod (Local Government Act 1972, s.214) – £650.00
iv. Christmas lights expenses, G Driver (Local Government Act 1972, s.144) – £20.00
v. Cleaning sundries (Hall) – Referred to hall committee.
vi. Donation to Gogerddan Hunt – Boxing Day display (Local Government Act 1972, s.137) – £80.00
vii. Hedge cutting, Fferm Pant Ltd (Local Government Act 1972, s.214) – £210.00
c. Recurring payments – confirmation of ongoing variable direct debit instructions:
i. Bank charges (Local Government Act 1972, s.111) – £15.44
ii. Powys DBS Unit – (LG (Misc.Provisions) Act 1976 s.19) – £15.00
d. Payments received.
i. HMRC – Vat reclaim (s.33) – £1,251.93
ii. Youth Club – food sales – £27.66
iii. Bank interest/ loyalty – £5.65
iv. Reimbursement of RBL donations (wreaths) – £75.00
8. Consideration of tenders for the grass cutting 2024.
One tender was received, and the contract was awarded. Costs have increased, but the contract now includes maintenance to an additional footpath, and the price is fixed for 2 years.
9. To review the budget for 2023-2024 and consider budget proposals for 2024-2025.
A projected outturn for the year ending March 2024 and indicative budget for 2024-2025 was presented, based on 9% increase in recurring costs and the addition of costs for the by-election in July. Election costs have been requested but not yet received from CCC, so these have been estimated. Members to discuss and agree proposals for approval in the January meeting.
10. To consider the following motions under Standing Order 9b:
a. Proposal for a donation to Gogerddan Hunt. – Council approved a donation of £80 towards the costs of the annual display on Boxing Day. Proposed by Cllr. Caryl Jones, seconded by Cllr. Dafydd Lloyd Jones.
b. Motion to support the Climate and Ecology Bill. – Council resolved to (1) support the Climate and Ecology Bill, (2) to publish the decision on the community website and (3) write to Ben Lake to inform him that this motion has been passed, and to thank him for supporting it. (4) write to the campaign organisers Zero Hour expressing the Council’s support. Proposed by Cllr. Kincaid, seconded by Cllr. Gareth Jones.
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11. Waun Maenllwyd Wind Energy Hub – to discuss feedback.
a. Cllr. Kincaid presented an analysis of the public feedback issued by Belltown Power following the initial consultation.
b. 67% of responders were in favour of an energy discount scheme as community benefit. This should be seen in the context of the low number of responses: 160 in total, 48 of which were anonymous. 125 respondents provided location details.
c. In Llanddewi Brefi CC area, 19 were in favour of the proposed wind farm location, and 14 opposed. 21 Llanddewi Brefi responders were in favour of an energy discount scheme, out of an estimated 400 households.
d. Belltown Power have initially suggested an area of benefit of 6km radius, which includes the majority of Llanddewi Brefi, and parts of Llanfair Clydogau/ Cellan and Cynwyl Gaeo. From the feedback received, although the total number of respondents in favour of an energy discount scheme was 107, a maximum of 53 of these would be within the proposed area of benefit.
e. Belltown Power proposing to replicate the consultation method in the 2nd phase, but the Community Council is of the opinion that responses regarding community benefit should be restricted to the area of benefit, and it was resolved to feed this back to Belltown Power before the second phase of consultation begins. As the greatest impact would be perceived within a 6km radius, there is a need to ensure benefit is proportionate to impact. Members stressed the importance of increasing the number of responses to the next phase of consultation to give a more statistically relevant and representative view of opinion.
f. The Council does not consider its role is either to support or oppose at this stage, but to try and facilitate an outcome with the greatest community benefit.
g. Members of the public queried whether the community benefit would be retained in the event of transfer of ownership. Belltown power’s position is that continuity of community benefit would be protected in the event of company sale or transfer.
h. The Council advised members of the public to email concerns direct to both Belltown Power and Galileo and send copies to the Clerk. Concerns should also be forwarded to the local Senedd Member, as they can make representations at a national level. The final decision will be made by WG but Ceredigion County Council and Community Councils are only statutory consultees in this process.
i. A recent petition organised by CPRW was discussed and members clarified that the leaflet delivered locally had not been issued or sanctioned by the Community Council. The petition did not reach the threshold for debate in the senedd, with only 272 signatures in Ceredigion. The scale of local feedback to date was not necessarily representative but did not demonstrate a clear majority objecting to the proposals.
j. One attendee of the public meeting in Pumsaint presented an analysis of green energy production in Wales by a Ffarmers resident, querying the need for any more green energy projects at all, but promoting solar energy installation on commercial property as an alternative to onshore wind.
12. Correspondence – the following items of correspondence were distributed to members prior to the meeting
a. Audit Wales: Fraud at community council highlights importance of following proper governance and financial management processes – noted.
b. Ceredigion County Council
i. Ethics and Standards Agenda – reminder of the duty to make and review training plans under S67 of The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021
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ii. 2022/23 Burial Grounds – Form for annual Return of Revenue Expenditure on the Provision of Burial Grounds and Cemetery Services for the year ended 31 March 2023
iii. Public consultation – draft Equality Plan 2024-28
c. One Voice Wales
i. Ceredigion Area Committee – minutes received.
ii. Hywel Dda University Health Board: Stakeholder Reference Group – 14 November 2023
iii. FW: Ceredigion Poverty Bulletin – Citizen’s Advice: Cyngor Galw Heibio Drop-in Advice November 2023 – March 2024 (except bank holiday weeks) Dydd Llun 10yb – 3yp | Monday 10am – 3pm Emmaus Church, 78 Bridge St, LLANBEDR | LAMPETER SA48 7AB.
iv. Presentation by the IRPW – noted for reference; members reminded that they will need to write to the clerk to disclaim allowances.
v. One Voice Wales – News Bulletin
d. Metal Mine Programme: Nant y Mwyn Mine – a programme to tackle the pollution of rivers from abandoned mines (bit.ly/NantyMwynMetalMine).
e. Public meeting regarding wind turbines. Neuadd y Coroniad, Pumsaint on December 7th at 7.30.pm.
f. Eisteddfod yr Urdd Maldwyn 2024 – request for funding
g. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority Draft Community Risk Management Plan- consultation for 10 weeks from Monday, 06 November 2023 to Monday, 15 January 2024 members to respond individually.
h. FW: Query: Mobile Youth Cafe Parking – no objection, but to be discussed in Hall Committee meeting.
i. Resident’s email regarding onshore windfarms – request to contact CCC/ WG. – request discussed under item 11
j. Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner; FW: Young Gamechangers Fund
k. Cronfa Cyfle i Bawb Yr Urdd Fund for All – request for funding
13. To receive a report from the PCSO
a. PCSO John Evans reported 1 incident of scam calls – a resident reported a fraud where having decided on a purchase a deposit of £500 was forwarded to the seller. Since making the payment the purchaser has been unable to make any further contact with the seller. DDP ECT (Economic Crime Team) have made contact to provide advice and guidance and Action Fraud reference provided.
Current campaigns:-
b. Ceredigion NPT (Neighbourhood Policing Team) are in the run up to Christmas running a local campaign highlighting Loneliness.
Various short safety messages are posted daily on our website and the Team are visiting locations where people meet to give advice and signpost people to relevant agencies. Therefore, if you can spread the message of making an effort of taking time to visit / talk to persons who live alone.
c. DPP also has a force-wide campaign raising awareness regarding Domestic abuse and VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls).
14. County Councillor’s report on matters arising from Ceredigion
a. Two budget workshops had been held – to break even on existing basis would need 25% council tax rise. £6.5M would need to be found to limit rise to 10%. Further budget workshops to be held in the New Year.
b. At a recent Overview & Scrutiny committee the lack of foodbank provision in Llanddewi Brefi area was mentioned, but there is provision nearby. CAVO cited Caffi Dewi and the youth club
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as examples of what can be achieved by communities. It was noted that Caffi Dewi is not listed under the Ceredigion Warm Welcome Spaces Winter 2023-24 map – Cllr Evans to follow up.
15. Planning applications
a. To consider the following applications:
i. A230774; Full planning; One Planet Development, Tyn y Bryn, Lampeter – No comment.
ii. A230813; Mossley Llanddewi Brefi, Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6RS. – Council resolved that no discussion was required. No comment.
16. To receive a report from the Village Hall and Recreation Grounds committee.
The independent examiner’s report on the accounts has now been received and the annual return can be submitted.
17. Questions to the Chair.
a. The in-depth monthly defibrillator check had not been carried out yet for December, but the Circuit report has been submitted. The Council will need to look for a replacement cabinet, and potentially a new location in the future.
b. Carol singing will raise funds for the Fire service this year.
c. A replacement Llanddewi Brefi village sign has been re-ordered.
d. Cemetery topsoil – need to arrange removal of spoil heap.
e. 2 potholes reported in the village – Cllr. Rh Evans to follow up.
f. Food waste is not being removed from the hall by some users.
18. Date of next meeting
8th January 2024
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