Pre-decision Scrutiny
·
To select appropriate items from the Cabinet agenda for pre-decision
scrutiny (cabinet reports enclosed for Scrutiny Members)
Minutes:
Flying
Start Expansion - Phase 1
Cllr
Scott Jones reaffirmed his interest and left the room for this item.
Members
were presented with information relating to Flying Start Phase One Expansion,
as detailed in the report circulated.
Officers
advised that the expansion of Flying Start would go into three areas. The areas
were chosen based on robust data provided by Welsh Government and also Neath
Port Talbot’s own vulnerability and deprivation data. The expansion is very
small and is extended to an additional 127 children. With 32 of those children
falling within the outreach programme.
Members
queried what discussions and work had begun on considering and planning the
rollout of the scheme expansion, in particular with Welsh Government. Members
recognised the large amount of work that would need to be undertaken to promote
the expansion.
Officers
confirmed that they are in discussions with Welsh Government who have indicated
that further information is planned to be released over the summer, before
phase 1 begins. Planning for phase 2 is underway in the best way it can be,
until further information is realised from Welsh Government.
Members
asked officers to consider attaching an appropriate glossary to future reports,
where technical abbreviations are used.
Following
scrutiny, members were supportive of the proposal to be considered by Cabinet.
Cllr
Jones returned to the room.
Insourcing
of Leisure Services
Members
were presented with information relating to the insourcing of leisure services,
as detailed within the report circulated.
The
report provides a detailed timescale and the various steps required for the
insourcing of the service and the Project Board that has been set up to
undertake this task.
Officers
confirmed that a series of meetings has already taken place with Heads of
Services colleagues from other directorates and colleagues from Celtic Leisure
to allow for information to be shared between the two organisations.
Members
queried if officers were working together with other directorates to explore a
holistic approach to ensuring sustainability of the service. For example, links
with mental health services and also social prescribing with the health
service.
It
was confirmed that currently NPTCBC officers are responsible for the National
Exercise Referral Scheme. Officers work closely with the Health Board and
Public Health Wales. The Council have drawn down an additional £100,000/year to
be able to deliver on behalf of the Health Board. Officers confirmed that when
the transfer of Celtic Leisure is complete it will become part of the new
Leisure Services. Officers will be working with the newly formed leisure
services to ensure that links are formed to deliver services.
Officers
confirmed that a business plan would be placed before members in the autumn
which will detail the links to be formed.
Members
queried under 5.11 what would be lost and deprioritised under the increase in
workload. Members expressed their concerns and queried what action has been
undertaken to ensure that there is no damage to services in the current year.
Officers advised that there is an external consultant working with the Council ... view the full minutes text for item 4