Below is the press release by pcc on secondary schools in Powys
Secondary School Proposals
New proposals to strengthen and modernise Powys' under pressure secondary education and training sector have been unveiled by the county council.
The council with support from Coleg Powys has been developing radical proposals to strengthen and modernise secondary education to meet the challenges of national curriculum changes, falling pupil numbers and economic pressures.
Cabinet Member for Learning and Leisure, Councillor Stephen Hayes unveiled the proposals to secondary head teachers, chairs of governing bodies, county councillors and journalists at a series of special briefing sessions on Tuesday (November 8).
"Education services across the country are facing a serious and challenging future with demanding national curriculum requirements, falling school numbers and severe financial pressure. Without change our ability to sustain the current high-quality education in Powys is under real threat," said Councillor Hayes.
"If we face those challenges we can reform and improve services allowing Powys to reach new levels of performance and provide a world class education service within resources for future generations.
"The proposals, to be considered by the Cabinet later this month, will focus on Welsh Medium secondary education, post-16 provision and improving collaboration between schools.
"Welsh medium provision in the county is currently delivered through seven schools but opportunities vary from site to site. We intend to greatly enhance the provision on offer for learners by concentrating post 16 delivery at Builth Wells, Caereinion and Bro Ddyfi allowing us to increase the range of courses provided.
Welsh medium provision for 11-16 will be provided at five schools with Llanfyllin and Brecon added to the three main Welsh medium schools list earlier, with additional resources and support provided to improve learning opportunities.
"Although the changes are driven by a need to improve the range and consistency of post-16 Welsh medium provision, they will also generate some modest savings. The proposals demonstrate our strong commitment to providing an environment in which Welsh Medium education can flourish and grow, to the point where the question of a dedicated Welsh Medium high school can be considered.
"During this year's informal consultation communities told us they didn't want schools to merge. We have listened and ruled out merger as a proposal but closer working is essential and we intend establishing a series of families to foster closer collaboration between secondary schools.
"By working together in 'families' schools will be able to develop consistent strategic business plans, co-ordinate curriculum activities and deliver greater efficiencies through economies of scale.
"The proposed families are:
Family 1 -Welshpool - Caereinion - Llanfyllin (Triscol) Family 2 - Newtown - Llanidloes - Bro Ddyfi Family 3 - Builth Wells - Llandrindod Wells - John Beddoes Family 4 - Maesydderwen - Crickhowell - Brecon - Gwernyfed
"Providing post-16 education in a piecemeal way over 13 secondary school sites is no longer viable, the level of council subsidy over and above Welsh Government funding could is already nearly £500,000 a year and could increase to more than £1m per annum if no action is taken.
"To tackle the issue we intend introducing a new central commissioning body to manage post-16 courses, initially it will operate on an informal basis but will move to a new legal arrangement within three years.
"The body will ensure courses are commissioned according to need and that numbers match available funding. Central co-ordination will ensure that courses are delivered to sustainable groups, reduce duplication and use resources in an efficient and effective way.
"A central commissioning body will give equal recognition academic and vocational courses, although all A-Level and AS course will continue to be delivered by teachers in schools.
"Saving generated from our proposals will be reinvested into secondary education providing additional support worth £150 per pupil for 11-16 education.
"The county council is committed to proving a first class sustainable secondary education system that will serve Powys learners for years to come.
"This is the start of a vital part of secondary modernisation but there is more work to do. We will be liaising closely with secondary heads, governing bodies, Coleg Powys and the Welsh Government to further develop our plans before we undertake formal consultation next summer."
The proposals will be consider by a meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday November 22.
ENDS
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
NOVEMBER 2011 TOWN COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY UPDATE
My update is as follows and if any member of the Community wishes to discuss this update please contracts me on 07974353121
Secondary School Modernisation
On Tuesday 8th November we will be receiving a briefing on the out comes and proposals for secondary school modernisation form the cabinet member for schools Cllr S Hayes. The out come will show the preferred model for schools and 6 forms in Powys. I will update the council at the next meeting.
Hay School / Supermarket Development
Following the public meeting in Booths Book shop on 28th of October I have received around 90 emails from concerned residents and businesses in and around the area as far as Kington and Winforton.
I have sent a number of emails to the council leader and Chief executive and they are copied in below for your information.
On Friday 28th I talked to officers as CEO was away they have agreed to agenda this as an emergency item for discussion on their senior management meeting the following Monday. The Cabinet where looking to discuss on the issues today (Monday 7th) on how to communicate with and involve the community
I also on Friday 28th in County Hall we had a question and answers with the MPs and AMs.
I raised the following Question and the answers are below
Question in county hall Friday 28th October 2011
Following a public meeting call last night in Hay on Wye by concerned resident regarding the possibility of a supermarket in the town centre. Are you willing to meet my self to discuss this issue and are you able to assist the community in making sure that their concerns are answered before any finial decisions are made?
Roger Williams MP- Yes
William Powell AM- Yes
Kristy Williams was sadly not present but has contacted Pcc re community having its say
It was late in the debate so a quick answer but we have it on record.
Then on Wednesday 2nd I was requested to send a question in on impact assessment
Question and answer are below
Dear Michael and Jeremy
Today i was approached with the suggestion that the community could fund and run its own community impact assessment in a couple of months on the proposals for a new supermarket in Hay on Wye. As you are both aware there is large concern with resident in and around Hay.
Would you consider this and extend the decision date giving the community time to put forward its impact assessment.
Reply
Gareth
Following our discussion I have asked that the Hay proposal be discussed informally by the cabinet next week. You will recall that when we met I cautioned against viewing the issue as a solely planning matter. The community impact study will need to be done but as part of the planning process which will be undertaken by BBNP. The Cabinet will need to be aware of the likely impact but it must also consider a range of other issues at the early stage such as education, recreation and social care. I think the impact study should come later but I will seek cabinet views on this.
Regards.
Jeremy
Following that the cabinet where going to discuss the issue today but has been cancelled until tomorrow I have sat in county hall waiting for the cabinet to invite me in as I had requested with the chair. At this point, I haven’t been invited to discuss the concerns with the cabinet I was there from 9.30 till I was informed at 1.20 this afternoon that it had been cancelled
Senior management team also meet today and the chief executive met with me this afternoon to inform me that he will personally be bringing it up with the cabinet tomorrow.
I hope to get a reply from the cabinet in the next 24hrs re their plans and time lines
I will keep the council and residents updated on any issues as the information develops.
New Recycling scheme
The new scheme has been rolled out around the town last Thursday and Friday. The collections start this week with collection of food waste and recycling. There have been a number of questions raised over the weekend and I have dealt with 12 requests for people wanting wheelie bins. I held a question, answer on facebook on Sunday night, and had 66 comments in 2 hours.
This Friday I am spending the day getting my hands dirty with the local refuse team in Hay to see first hand the issues that are facing the residents.
Remembrance Sunday
Please do not forget the mace of peace. I have cleaned the lower Brass and will complete the rest by the weekend. Mac is going to clean it with the pressure washer and sweep the area ready on Sunday. See you all there.
Questions to full council
Following my question to Cllr G G Hopkins Portfolio holder for environment and regulation I received the following reply.
It has now been over 6 months since the council took over the civil parking enforcement. Can the cabinet member report back on the progress and the following.
1. The number of tickets issued
Penalty charge notice (PCN's) Issued 2962
2. The number of off street tickets issued
PCN's issued 979
3. The number of on street tickets issued
PCN's issued 1983
4. The number of tickets paid within 14 days.
PCN's paid within discount period 2075
5. The number of appeals
555
6. The number of successful appeals
180
7. How much income has this generated for the council
£70,969.66
the portfolio holder was not present. I am disappointed that he has not given a report on how it is going so I asked if the report on progress could be made available.
Question 2
Following the scrutiny report that was presented to the Children, Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee on the 8th September 2011 officers stated that over this financial year the Council has gathered a surplus of £800k following the increase in Housing rents.
1. Can the Cabinet member confirm this figure?
2. Has the figure solely been from housing rents increase this year?
3. It was reported this is due to the Welsh Housing Quality survey delays. Are the changes to WHQS causing delays?
4. When was the delay in the WHQS reported to the Council?
5. What are the Council's plans to spend this surplus?
A detailed verbal report was given in which he confirmed the figure to be £860,000 in reserve.
In my supplementary, I asked if he would conceder freezing council house rents for the forth-coming year due to the large unforeseen surpluses.
He declined and said that the moneys would be used to go towards the Welsh Housing Quality Survey review.
Completed Works
Pcc have completed the following
Bin installed in Broad Street
30mph limits identified on Brecon road
Cross-slipway by church
Hand rail by phone box Broad st fixed
BBNP have completed the bailey walk works
Lights in Castle Street
I have had the light in the main street switched on following requests from businesses in the street. I will be looking to do a review this month and if any town councilor wishes to join me, I am more than happy.
Grant re canoe landing area
The committee will give very successful meeting with BBNP and Town council. The estates committee is dealing and at the meeting, I requested that there is a memorandum of understanding between the council and the user groups to protect all involved.
Parking
Met with Officer from Pcc (Kevin Lloyd) he was in agreement re cattle market being turned in to a pay and display car park when it is not being used (like the car park in town centre). He has looked at the site and has had contact with the legal department to start the discussions with the tenets. He hoped that this would be in place for next year. Will update council on developments next month
Bike track
I have now received letters of the youths, youth club and youth leaders. The clubs ran an event, rose over £300, and are looking at more events. I talked to the director for communities, he has passed me on to officers, and I hope to have a meeting this month.
Best wish
Gareth
Sorry for the long report
Secondary School Modernisation
On Tuesday 8th November we will be receiving a briefing on the out comes and proposals for secondary school modernisation form the cabinet member for schools Cllr S Hayes. The out come will show the preferred model for schools and 6 forms in Powys. I will update the council at the next meeting.
Hay School / Supermarket Development
Following the public meeting in Booths Book shop on 28th of October I have received around 90 emails from concerned residents and businesses in and around the area as far as Kington and Winforton.
I have sent a number of emails to the council leader and Chief executive and they are copied in below for your information.
On Friday 28th I talked to officers as CEO was away they have agreed to agenda this as an emergency item for discussion on their senior management meeting the following Monday. The Cabinet where looking to discuss on the issues today (Monday 7th) on how to communicate with and involve the community
I also on Friday 28th in County Hall we had a question and answers with the MPs and AMs.
I raised the following Question and the answers are below
Question in county hall Friday 28th October 2011
Following a public meeting call last night in Hay on Wye by concerned resident regarding the possibility of a supermarket in the town centre. Are you willing to meet my self to discuss this issue and are you able to assist the community in making sure that their concerns are answered before any finial decisions are made?
Roger Williams MP- Yes
William Powell AM- Yes
Kristy Williams was sadly not present but has contacted Pcc re community having its say
It was late in the debate so a quick answer but we have it on record.
Then on Wednesday 2nd I was requested to send a question in on impact assessment
Question and answer are below
Dear Michael and Jeremy
Today i was approached with the suggestion that the community could fund and run its own community impact assessment in a couple of months on the proposals for a new supermarket in Hay on Wye. As you are both aware there is large concern with resident in and around Hay.
Would you consider this and extend the decision date giving the community time to put forward its impact assessment.
Reply
Gareth
Following our discussion I have asked that the Hay proposal be discussed informally by the cabinet next week. You will recall that when we met I cautioned against viewing the issue as a solely planning matter. The community impact study will need to be done but as part of the planning process which will be undertaken by BBNP. The Cabinet will need to be aware of the likely impact but it must also consider a range of other issues at the early stage such as education, recreation and social care. I think the impact study should come later but I will seek cabinet views on this.
Regards.
Jeremy
Following that the cabinet where going to discuss the issue today but has been cancelled until tomorrow I have sat in county hall waiting for the cabinet to invite me in as I had requested with the chair. At this point, I haven’t been invited to discuss the concerns with the cabinet I was there from 9.30 till I was informed at 1.20 this afternoon that it had been cancelled
Senior management team also meet today and the chief executive met with me this afternoon to inform me that he will personally be bringing it up with the cabinet tomorrow.
I hope to get a reply from the cabinet in the next 24hrs re their plans and time lines
I will keep the council and residents updated on any issues as the information develops.
New Recycling scheme
The new scheme has been rolled out around the town last Thursday and Friday. The collections start this week with collection of food waste and recycling. There have been a number of questions raised over the weekend and I have dealt with 12 requests for people wanting wheelie bins. I held a question, answer on facebook on Sunday night, and had 66 comments in 2 hours.
This Friday I am spending the day getting my hands dirty with the local refuse team in Hay to see first hand the issues that are facing the residents.
Remembrance Sunday
Please do not forget the mace of peace. I have cleaned the lower Brass and will complete the rest by the weekend. Mac is going to clean it with the pressure washer and sweep the area ready on Sunday. See you all there.
Questions to full council
Following my question to Cllr G G Hopkins Portfolio holder for environment and regulation I received the following reply.
It has now been over 6 months since the council took over the civil parking enforcement. Can the cabinet member report back on the progress and the following.
1. The number of tickets issued
Penalty charge notice (PCN's) Issued 2962
2. The number of off street tickets issued
PCN's issued 979
3. The number of on street tickets issued
PCN's issued 1983
4. The number of tickets paid within 14 days.
PCN's paid within discount period 2075
5. The number of appeals
555
6. The number of successful appeals
180
7. How much income has this generated for the council
£70,969.66
the portfolio holder was not present. I am disappointed that he has not given a report on how it is going so I asked if the report on progress could be made available.
Question 2
Following the scrutiny report that was presented to the Children, Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee on the 8th September 2011 officers stated that over this financial year the Council has gathered a surplus of £800k following the increase in Housing rents.
1. Can the Cabinet member confirm this figure?
2. Has the figure solely been from housing rents increase this year?
3. It was reported this is due to the Welsh Housing Quality survey delays. Are the changes to WHQS causing delays?
4. When was the delay in the WHQS reported to the Council?
5. What are the Council's plans to spend this surplus?
A detailed verbal report was given in which he confirmed the figure to be £860,000 in reserve.
In my supplementary, I asked if he would conceder freezing council house rents for the forth-coming year due to the large unforeseen surpluses.
He declined and said that the moneys would be used to go towards the Welsh Housing Quality Survey review.
Completed Works
Pcc have completed the following
Bin installed in Broad Street
30mph limits identified on Brecon road
Cross-slipway by church
Hand rail by phone box Broad st fixed
BBNP have completed the bailey walk works
Lights in Castle Street
I have had the light in the main street switched on following requests from businesses in the street. I will be looking to do a review this month and if any town councilor wishes to join me, I am more than happy.
Grant re canoe landing area
The committee will give very successful meeting with BBNP and Town council. The estates committee is dealing and at the meeting, I requested that there is a memorandum of understanding between the council and the user groups to protect all involved.
Parking
Met with Officer from Pcc (Kevin Lloyd) he was in agreement re cattle market being turned in to a pay and display car park when it is not being used (like the car park in town centre). He has looked at the site and has had contact with the legal department to start the discussions with the tenets. He hoped that this would be in place for next year. Will update council on developments next month
Bike track
I have now received letters of the youths, youth club and youth leaders. The clubs ran an event, rose over £300, and are looking at more events. I talked to the director for communities, he has passed me on to officers, and I hope to have a meeting this month.
Best wish
Gareth
Sorry for the long report
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Development update
Dear All
Yesterday I talked to officers as CEO is away they have agreed to agenda this as an emergency item for discussion on their senior management meeting on Monday.
I also on Friday in County Hall we had a question and answers with the MPs and AMs.
I raised the following Question and the answers are below
Question in county hall Friday 28th October 2011
Following a public meeting call last night in Hay on Wye by concerned resident regarding the possibility of a supermarket in the town centre. Are you willing to meet my self to discuss this issue and are you able to assist the community in making sure that their concerns are answered before any finial decisions are made?
Roger Williams MP
Yes
William Powell AM
Yes
It was late in the debate so a quick answer but we have it on record
Yesterday I talked to officers as CEO is away they have agreed to agenda this as an emergency item for discussion on their senior management meeting on Monday.
I also on Friday in County Hall we had a question and answers with the MPs and AMs.
I raised the following Question and the answers are below
Question in county hall Friday 28th October 2011
Following a public meeting call last night in Hay on Wye by concerned resident regarding the possibility of a supermarket in the town centre. Are you willing to meet my self to discuss this issue and are you able to assist the community in making sure that their concerns are answered before any finial decisions are made?
Roger Williams MP
Yes
William Powell AM
Yes
It was late in the debate so a quick answer but we have it on record
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Email to PCC on Hay Development
Tonight following discussions with John Evans(Chamber of Commerce Hay) i have sent questions to the director for schools at PCC to get direction to assist the Chambers meeting on Thursday 27th at 6pm in Booths Books
Dear Paul
First of all thank you for coming to Hay last week to discuss the proposals for the development of the school site. Following the meeting a large number of the community has raised a number of questions.
Talking to the community they are in favour of a new school but at what cost?
The chamber of commerce has called a meeting for Thursday and it would be helpful if you could answer the following question to assist the community in this matter.
1. When will the next stage of this proposed project go to cabinet
2. Will I as councilor be able to comment
3. Will local bodies such as chamber of commerce or any action group be able to talk or send in written comments on the proposals
4. Has the council got a plan B if this proposed project does not go forward
5. Would the council conceder any other proposals that the community put forward
6. If the community could come forward with a project that had a basis would the council conceder this. What time has the community got to bring any suggestions forward
7. Please can I have the history of works between Golfran and the council
Best wishes
Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe
Dear Paul
First of all thank you for coming to Hay last week to discuss the proposals for the development of the school site. Following the meeting a large number of the community has raised a number of questions.
Talking to the community they are in favour of a new school but at what cost?
The chamber of commerce has called a meeting for Thursday and it would be helpful if you could answer the following question to assist the community in this matter.
1. When will the next stage of this proposed project go to cabinet
2. Will I as councilor be able to comment
3. Will local bodies such as chamber of commerce or any action group be able to talk or send in written comments on the proposals
4. Has the council got a plan B if this proposed project does not go forward
5. Would the council conceder any other proposals that the community put forward
6. If the community could come forward with a project that had a basis would the council conceder this. What time has the community got to bring any suggestions forward
7. Please can I have the history of works between Golfran and the council
Best wishes
Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe
Thursday, 20 October 2011
ITs NOT A CASH COW ??????
Following my question to Cllr G G Hopkins Portfolio holder for environment and regulation i have received the following reply.
It has now been over 6 months since the council took over the civil parking enforcement. Can the cabinet member report back on the progress and the following.
1. The number of tickets issued
Penalty charge notice (PCN's) Issued 2962
2. The number of off street tickets issued
PCN's issued 979
3. The number of on street tickets issued
PCN's issued 1983
4. The number of tickets paid within 14 days.
PCN's paid within discount period 2075
5. The number of appeals
555
6. The number of successful appeals
180
7. How much income has this generated for the council
£70,969.66
It looks like that's all i am getting as the portfolio holder is not present. I am disappointed that he has not given a report on how its going. I will be asking when it comes to the questions in the council
"when will the question be answered properly and not just gloss over the issue"
It has now been over 6 months since the council took over the civil parking enforcement. Can the cabinet member report back on the progress and the following.
1. The number of tickets issued
Penalty charge notice (PCN's) Issued 2962
2. The number of off street tickets issued
PCN's issued 979
3. The number of on street tickets issued
PCN's issued 1983
4. The number of tickets paid within 14 days.
PCN's paid within discount period 2075
5. The number of appeals
555
6. The number of successful appeals
180
7. How much income has this generated for the council
£70,969.66
It looks like that's all i am getting as the portfolio holder is not present. I am disappointed that he has not given a report on how its going. I will be asking when it comes to the questions in the council
"when will the question be answered properly and not just gloss over the issue"
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Email warning 19th oct 2011
Dyfed-Powys Police and Trading standards are asking residents and businesses to report any suspicious rogue trader activity in powys today to assist the police and trading standards operations.
Any suspicious activity is to be reported to the the Police on 101 or Trading standards on 01597 826031
Any suspicious activity is to be reported to the the Police on 101 or Trading standards on 01597 826031
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Car Parking stats for Hay on Wye 2010/11
I was given some interesting information from one of my fellow councillors at PCC it makes some interesting reading on how much money the town generates for the council each year.
Money made from Car parks in Hay on Wye
Hay-on-Wye population 1,467
Oxford Road 358 bays £127,486
(short stay) Market Square 40 bays £12,435
TOTAL 398 bays £139,921
1 bay per 3.69 people
Income £351.56 per bay £95.38 per head of population
The sad thing is many years ago (a long time ago) the town council gave the car park to the council as they felt at the time it would cost the community to much in up keep. I wonder if given the same question now would the community keep it?
Money made from Car parks in Hay on Wye
Hay-on-Wye population 1,467
Oxford Road 358 bays £127,486
(short stay) Market Square 40 bays £12,435
TOTAL 398 bays £139,921
1 bay per 3.69 people
Income £351.56 per bay £95.38 per head of population
The sad thing is many years ago (a long time ago) the town council gave the car park to the council as they felt at the time it would cost the community to much in up keep. I wonder if given the same question now would the community keep it?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
