Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

Council approved the proposal to reduce the primary phase capacity of Abertawe Learning Community by closing Rose Hayworth Road Campus, with implementation planned for September 2027. The decision followed statutory consultation and objection analysis, and was framed as necessary to address surplus capacity, financial deficits, and long-term sustainability of the school estate.

The council brought forward its new Resource and Waste Strategy 2026-2031, designed to support statutory recycling targets and a long-term integrated waste service. It emphasises infrastructure, partnership working, resident engagement, and compliance with Welsh Government requirements, all of which will drive future procurement for waste services, equipment, and support contracts.

The sub-committee decided to revoke both the premises licence and Mr Sharma’s DPS position after concluding there had been repeated breaches and no confidence in future compliance. This is a regulatory outcome, not a procurement award, but it directly affects who can lawfully operate the venue and therefore any future service or supply arrangements tied to the alcohol licence.

Welsh Government's new statutory framework requires Blaenau Gwent Youth Service to produce a five-year youth work strategic plan from April 2027, defining universal and targeted provision, governance, outcomes and partnership working. The report framed this as a major policy change with increased scrutiny and a need for young people to shape service design.

External audit identified a £321,000 capital addition linked to block booking accommodation rooms where no tender process was undertaken and council procurement rules were not followed. Management accepted the recommendation for improvement. This is a clear procurement compliance issue and indicates a need for tighter controls over direct awards and accommodation-related spend.

A legal change to deprivation of liberty case law was described as a positive development because it reduces the number of assessments needed when a person is content in a care environment and not trying to leave. This is likely to lower future adult social care assessment demand, especially in care homes and supported living settings.

The meeting focused on religious, values and ethics education (RVE) in schools, including school outreach, improving contact with the right staff, and professional learning for teachers. Members heard from a Jewish community volunteer about free school visits and interfaith learning, then discussed an Estyn review showing weaknesses in humanities/RVE provision and the need to strengthen subject skills. The group also reviewed Wave 3 qualifications mapping, a planned professional learning offer, and whether to revisit the agreed syllabus next year.

The committee focused on governance controls, financial close-down, complaints handling, corporate risk management, internal audit, and fraud/counter-fraud arrangements. Key procurement-relevant themes included the move to a new risk system and five-by-five matrix with Torfaen, the need to refresh policies and create a corporate tracker, ongoing adult social care and legal compliance work, and audit recommendations requiring action plans and implementation. Members repeatedly sought stronger evidence, clearer reporting, and better assurance that risks, complaints, and learning are monitored across the council.