Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the 28th June 2021 were approved.

The Forward Work Programme was noted.

Any urgent items (whether public or exempt) at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972

Because of the need to deal now with the matter contained in Minute No.4 below, the Chairperson agreed that it could be raised at today’s meeting as an urgent item pursuant to Statutory Instrument 2001 No.2290 (as amended).

Reason for Urgency:

Due to the time element.

     i.        To select appropriate items from the Cabinet Board agenda for pre-decision scrutiny (Cabinet Boards reports enclosed for Scrutiny Members)

The committee chose to scrutinise the following urgent cabinet board item:

Culture and Heritage Strategy Report

Members received an update in relation to the culture and heritage position within Neath Port Talbot, as detailed within the circulated report.

It was noted that the Council was currently not in a position to submit an expression of interest for the current round of the City of Culture bid. However, endorsement was sought to undertake work in developing a culture and heritage strategy for the county borough that could subsequently be used to support the investment decisions and future bids for funding.

Members queried whether the levelling up fund would provide any resource to help with capacity in terms of the work around producing a Culture and Heritage Strategy. Officers confirmed that they would provide this information outside of the meeting.

Members shared their knowledge on the heritage and culture within their local areas. They highlighted their concern as to why the Council felt they were not in a position to provide an expression of interest, considering the amount of culture and heritage that was within Neath Port Talbot. Following this, officers emphasised the further need to produce a Culture and Heritage Strategy.

Following scrutiny, the Committee were supportive of the

Recommendations to be considered by cabinet board.