Venue: Via Microsoft Teams
No. | Item |
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Recovery Strategy - to follow PDF 559 KB Minutes: Members
were presented with a draft strategy on stabilisation, the period between
response and recovery, following the COVID 19 outbreak. The strategy set out a
general framework that would support a consistent and co-ordinated approach as
the Council moved towards recovery. It was noted that the draft strategy was
being presented to all Scrutiny Committees for comments before presentation to
Cabinet on 30th July 2020 for approval. Officers
gave a brief overview of the content of the strategy, explaining that it was
split into three sections which consisted of looking back at what the Council
did during the response phase of the crisis, looking forward as the UK moved
out of the response phase and a road map of actions. When
looking back at what the Council did during the response phase, it was
highlighted that a number of key actions were undertaken including setting up a
seven day a week communication service so that guidance from UK Government,
Welsh Government and Public Health Wales could be sent out as and when it was
available. It was added that the Council closed down services to assist in
reducing the spread of the virus and changed the way some critical services
operated in order to operate safely, for example the refuse service. Officers
mentioned that the first part of the strategy also set out the changes that
were made in relation to leadership and governance, including the use of the
Urgency Action provision set out in the Constitution, to ensure that key
decisions were still being taken during the response phase. The
second part of the strategy was explained to Members, which consisted of
looking forward as the UK moved out of response phase into a stabilisation
period which is the stage before moving into the recovery phase. It was
explained that there were three areas identified as a focus as the Council
moved forward: 1.
The Test, Trace and Protect Programme 2.
Standing up of Council services and functions 3.
Understand and respond to the effect and impact that the virus has had on
citizens, organisations and businesses across Neath Port Talbot It
was added that the second part also set out the changes required to be made in
terms of leadership and governance, as well as some of the risks and issues
identified that will need to managed as the Council goes through the
implementation of the strategy. The
third part of the strategy was presented as a road map of actions which was
framed on the basis of a traffic light system, which set out how to move from a
position of total lockdown, through the traffic light system, to a position
where services are back up and running. Members
looked forward to being kept updated with the monitoring of the strategy in
future sessions. |
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Planning and Public Protection - Current Service Delivery & Recovery Planning PDF 323 KB Minutes: Members
were provided with an overview of the current service position in Planning and
Public Protection and how service delivery was proceeding as the Council moved
towards the recovery phase from the coronavirus emergency. Members
were informed that; - the planning process has continued operating and the
Planning Committee had been meeting remotely. Enforcement has been ongoing but
only for significant or urgent breaches. -
LDP review process has been delayed but is ongoing -
Building Control has been ongoing -
Environmental Health and Trading Standards has seen a variety of new functions
required and there has been a requirement to prioritise functions. Members
noted that planning and public protection will be a vital function going
forward and staff were thanked for their ongoing dedication and professionalism
and their availability to members throughout. Members
asked if officers were confident that the Council has sufficient resources in
place to provide appropriate advice and support to business in relation to
reopening in line with Covid guidance. Members were
informed that while it is a challenge due to ever changing guidance, a multi
-agency Regulatory Service and Enforcement Group meets weekly to co-ordinate
and that businesses are being actively engaged with in relation to the latest
messaging and the most up to date advice that is available. Members
were pleased to note the pro-active approach being taken should there be a
second wave in the Autumn. |
|
Property and Regeneration - Current Service Delivery & Recovery Planning - to follow PDF 85 KB Minutes: Members
were provided with an overview of the current service position in Property and
Regeneration and how service delivery was proceeding
as the Council moved towards the recovery phase from the coronavirus emergency. Members
were informed that: -
Low levels of sickness had been seen across the service as a result of
staff working from home -
There had been some issues with home working due to high end kit and
software -
Schools progressing onsite -
Key sites progressing (i.e. Plaza, Neath town
centre, Metal Box.) -
Regeneration and Economic Development Team instrumental in supporting
businesses administering 6,000 grants to a value of £31m. -
Increased demand to Workways -
Rapid guidance changes to disseminate. -
Additional duties for cleaning staff Members
asked for an update in relation to the Field Hospital at Llandarcy.
The hospital had been paid for by Welsh Government and the revenue costs will
be picked up by the Health Board. Members
asked if the public were adhering to signage and one way systems in Neath town centre and were pleased to note that the system
is being monitored. The
committee noted that a Visitor Marketing Strategy would be implemented to
encourage visitors to the Borough. |
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Partnerships and Community Cohesion (Presentation) PDF 162 KB Minutes: Members
were provided with an overview of the current service position in Community
Safety and how service delivery was proceeding as the Council moved towards the
recovery phase from the coronavirus emergency. They
asked for an update in relation to non-fatal drug poisoning reports and were
pleased to note that robust mechanisms are now in place via a case review
co-ordinator. Members
discussed incidents of anti-social behaviour throughout lockdown and noted that
even minor incidents caused great levels of distress but there was more
acceptance now. Members agreed that engagement needs to be reconsidered in
light of Covid restrictions. Members
were pleased to hear about the plans to increase capacity in the Independent
Domestic Violence Advisor (IDFA) team. Members
agreed it was important to share messages via social media re upcoming community
safety campaigns. The committee noted the strong partnership support and the ongoing
working relationship with members and looked forward to building on this going
forward. For
future sessions, the Community Safety and Public Protection Sub Committee will
meet to consider items within its remit. |