Agenda and minutes

The committee noted the minutes of the previous meeting.

Access to Meetings to resolve to exclude the public for the following item(s) pursuant to Section 100A(4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the relevant exempt paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

Report of the Head of Transformation

Members were provided with a private and confidential presentation updating them on the financial performance of Celtic Leisure during the 2017 -2018 financial year, in comparison with their submitted revised budget.

Members asked several questions in relation to the presentation and received appropriate responses.

Members noted the report and presentation.

Report of the Head of Transformation

Members were updated on the performance of Celtic Leisure during the first quarter 2018-19, in comparison to the submitted business plan, as detailed within the private circulated report.

Members scrutinised the private report in detail and asked whether the social value calculator could be used for the Quarter performance reports. Officers informed members that they would discuss with Celtic Leisure what data from the Social Calculator they can include in the quarter Performance reports.

Members noted the report.

Head of Transformation

Members received information on a new business Plan for Pontardawe Arts Centre and for the Head of Transformation to be granted authority to engage with the Arts Council for Wales to secure a capital grant towards the cost of a new cinema development at Pontardawe Arts Centre.

Members commended the officers for this report and were pleased that the friends had taken an interest and there was full engagement. Officers highlighted that the fiends have been an integral part to the process and contributed to the Business plan.

Members queried about what the design of the cinema would be. Officers explained that the design team would make sure that the design is fit for purpose.

Members asked were there much activity at Pontardawe Arts Centre weekly. Officers confirmed that the theatre was a very busy building as it was utilised most weekends by dance and drama groups. It was also noted that the studio and bar area are used to its maximum capacity.

Members referred to point 3 in appendix 1 to the report ‘employ sustainable strategies that reduce the operating subsidy achieving a zero subsidy over time’ and asked will this be a policy that will be equal to all leisure facilities. Officers explained that there had been a reduction in the Princess Royal theatres investment as the venue has a higher capacity and high profile artists. It was noted that the cinema would assist in the reduction of the subsidy.

Cllr. Richards asked about point 3 in appendix 1 to the report ‘employ sustainable strategies that reduce the operating subsidy achieving a zero subsidy over time’ and asked

Members asked for clarity on the timescales of the development. Officers explained that discussions would take place the first two weeks of December with the Arts Council, then depending on the assessment of procurement there could be a completion date for the end of 2020.

Members highlighted their concern in relation to the reduction of subsidy affecting the staffs pay.

Members questioned the marketing of the venue. Officers explained that there had previously been a survey on marketing which highlighted the importance of brochures still being available as social media isn’t accessible to everyone. However, it was noted that social media plays a part in marketing as parents would be tagged in Facebook posts which promotes classes that are available at the venue.

Members commended the officers for the work they had achieved and highlighted that local officer and Members know the theatre the best, however appreciate receiving new ideas.

Members discussed and agreed to ask Cabinet Board to consider including an additional recommendation for the Business Consultant to guide the rate of progress towards a zero subsidy.

Therefore following scrutiny, it was agreed that Cabinet Board be asked to consider the following recommendations:

1.    That the Pontardawe Arts Centre Business Plan as attached to the circulated report be approved;

2.    That delegated authority be granted to the Head of Transformation to commence a procurement exercise in partnership with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Head of Transformation

Members received an update on the outcomes from the Local Authority Partnership Agreement 2017 - 18 (LAPA). It was noted that the document is the authority's annual Strategic funding agreement with Sport Wales.

Members also received a presentation on Physical Activity and Sport Service (PASS).

Members commended the officers for the presentation as they felt that they had a better understanding of the work that the service do for the Community.

The Committee mentioned that the more social media coverage they can give on the service would provide more engagement.

Officers informed the Committee that there was an intervention project in relation to the negative and positive side to mobile phone use with children. It was highlighted that when this work is piloted then a report would be brought back to committee.

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

This item was deferred to the Education, Skills and Culture Scrutiny Committee for discussion.

Report of the Head of Participation

Members were provided with the quarter 2 performance management data, complaints and compliments for the period 1st April 2018 to 30th September 2018 for Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning Directorate. Members focused on scrutinising the Leisure and Culture aspect of the data only, as detailed within the circulated report.

Members highlighted their concern in relation to the data collected on libraries on the amount of books issued rather than footfall and therefore questioned officers what the reason for this change was. Officers explained that there were regulations on capturing data on libraries and therefore specifies that it had to be collected via book issues. Officers explained that a more detailed report on this issue would be coming to a future meeting of the Committee.

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

Members noted the Forward Work Programme.

Members requested that a 6 month monitoring report be brought back to the Leisure and Culture Scrutiny Committee following the approval and appointment of a Business Consultant for the Pontardawe Arts Centre Cinema Development.

The Forward Work Programme was noted.