Agenda and minutes

The Minutes were noted by the Committee, with the following amendment to the minutes of the 17 October 2016.

It was noted that the word ‘Far’ had been misspelt and was meant to read ‘Fair’ on Page 7, section 8.2 Categorisation of Schools in Neath Port Talbot, Paragraph 3, detailed in the minutes.

That Ysgol Gynradd Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen had been misspelt on Page 8, Section 8.3 Admission to Community Schools 2018/2019.

Members highlighted that an update report on how many taxi drivers had attended the relevant training was requested at the last meeting of Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Committee and asked for it to be brought to a future meeting of the Education, Skills and Culture Scrutiny Committee.

Members noted the Forward Work Programme and suggested that that a brief report on the Funding Formula be brought to a future meeting.

Members requested that training on Key Issues be arranged for the Education, Skills and Culture Members and for Officers to include an index of acronyms with reports at future meetings.

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

Cabinet Board Proposals

3.1     Cynnydd European Social fund

          The Committee received information on seeking an agreement for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council to enter in to an Inter Authority Agreement with other councils as listed in the circulated report.

Members queried how long the Funding would be available. Officers clarified that it would be scheduled to finish in 2019, it was noted that it would be unlikely to secure European funding due to BREXIT negotiations.

Members queried why the partnership doesn’t include the complete team of ERW. Officers highlighted that it fits under a different European funding.

Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by the Cabinet Board.

3.2     Gnoll Park Visitors Centre Canopy and Solar Energy Scheme

          Members received information on a single tender for the implementation of a café canopy and solar energy scheme at Gnoll Country Park Visitors’ Centre.

Members queried sustainability within Gnoll Park. Officers confirmed that the Car park had been developed alongside facilities for a Coach parking area. Also Officer highlighted that there was discussions taking place looking at options for the visitors to ‘walk in the dry’ around the park.

Members asked whether officers had researched in to the ETA Wales scheme which in some instances allows Community Buildings to have free Solar Panels. Officers explained that they had looked into various different funding options and the specialist service that is detailed in the circulated report was chosen as it was most appropriate.

Members queried what type of service GB-Sol provides. Officers highlighted that GB-Sol have a well-respected reputation of developing good projects.

Officers explained that the solar energy can be stored in the system and can be fed used at a different time. However, it was officers confirmed that there are many features to the Solar Energy Scheme and highlighted that it would be best to begin utilising the basics of the system.

Members commended the report as it was felt that any improvements that would enhance Gnoll Park would be positive.

Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by the Cabinet Board.

3.3     Urgency Action – Removal of LA Governors

Members highlighted an error in the name of the School contained in the circulated report; it should read Llangiwg Primary School.

Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

Cabinet Board Proposals

5.1     Celtic Leisure Quarter 4 Performance Report

          Members received an update on the performance of Celtic Leisure during 2016-2017 financial year. It was noted that Celtic leisure would attend the Leisure and Culture Sub Committee in October to present a detailed annual Performance report and presentation.

          Members commended the performance detailed within the private circulated report.

         
Members queried whether there is a connection between Celtic Leisure and Public Health. Officers confirmed that Public Health is through the National Health Programme.

          Members queried how much control the Council have with the setup of the new contract. Officers confirmed that the contract is renewed every 12 months and during that process the council have different options that they could pursue.

          Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.