Agenda and minutes

The Committee noted the minutes.

Members were informed that the work programme had been updated following suggestions made at the recent workshop, and following consultation with officers.

The Committee noted the work programme.

4.        PRE-SCRUTINY

The Committee chose to scrutinise the following items:

Cabinet Board Proposals

4.1 Quarterly Performance Management Data 2017-2018 – Quarter 4 Performance (1st April – 31st March 2018)

The Committee received information in relation to the Quarterly Performance Management Data 2017/2018 – Quarter 4 Performance (1st April 2017 – 31st March 2018) as contained within the circulated report.

Members referred to indicator 17 and 19 and queried why the number of calendar days taken to deliver Disabled Facilities Grant generally had increased by 10 days; and why the number of calendar days taken to deliver Disabled Facilities Grant for adults had increased 14 days. The Committee was informed that the relevant officers were not present at the meeting and that responses would be sought from officers and circulated to Members.

Members referred to indicator 22 and questioned why there had been a decrease of 21.2% in significant breaches that were rectified by intervention during the year by Trading Standards. Officers stated that the service was currently dealing with a large number of controversial and complex investigations and that individual cases were taking up a lot of officer time. Officers explained that the service was also undergoing a system review which was currently taking priority, and that three officers had been freed up to undertake this work. Officers assured Members that there would be an improvement during the current civic year.

Members raised a query in relation to indicator 27 and questioned what the Authority were doing to increase the number of new business start-up enquiries assisted through Business Services. Officers informed Members that a lot of work was ongoing to develop additional facilities throughout the county borough such as the Plaza Development and the entrepreneur hub in Neath; however progress was also dependent on businesses engaging with the Authority and bringing forward proposals. Officers added efforts were ongoing to attempt to engage with businesses and potential start up organisations.

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

4.2 Proposals for Future Tourism Provision within Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

The Committee received information in relation to the Proposals for Future Tourism Provision within Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council as contained within the circulated report.

Members questioned the data used in the report, and queried whether it was robust.  Officers stated that the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Model (STEAM) information was used by all local authorities. Officers explained that the information was good at quantifying value and volume of tourism in the area and was updated on a six monthly basis. Officers added that the information was updated by the tourism industry and was considered a key data source throughout Wales.

Members queried whether it would have been possible to have presented three different costing options for the proposed new Tourism Unit, and commented that £250k for the new unit appeared costly. Officers informed Members that Visit Wales would have preferred for the Authority to have had five or six members of staff in the team,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Pre-Scrutiny

The Committee chose to scrutinise the following items:

Cabinet Board papers

Port Talbot Peripheral Distributor Road Phase 2 – TATA and TATA Sports & Social Cub, Margam, Port Talbot

The Committee received information in relation to the Port Talbot Peripheral Distributor Road Phase 2 – TATA and TATA Sports & Social Cub, Margam, Port Talbot as contained within the circulated report.

Following scrutiny, the Committee were supportive of the recommendation to be considered by Cabinet Board.