Agenda and draft minutes

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on the 27^th February 2020, be approved.

Members received a verbal update on the Theatres, Libraries and Margam Park.

Officers highlighted that it had been a difficult time for theatres during the pandemic. However, staff had been productive in the background by showing virtual productions for the customers.

It was noted that some staff that were working within leisure and culture had also been relocated to work and help with the Track and Trace scheme. Officers met weekly on Microsoft Teams to ensure communication and wellbeing was considered and discussed.

It was noted that the venues are now open and the Princess Royal Theatre was one of the first Theatres to open and show a production.

It was noted that it was a difficult time during covid-19 for Staff at Margam Park. Staff members responded well to the change following Covid-19 and ensured that the relevant risk assessments were up to date and in place. It was noted that Margam Orangery was utilised as a vaccine centre resulting in a number of weddings being cancelled. However, the venue would be utilised in its normal capacity from January 2022.

Members noted that due to the procurement process around Leisure Services, members were unable to have an update at this point. However, a report would be taken to a future meeting of the Joint Cabinet / Education, Skills and Culture Scrutiny Committee to receive an update on this.

Members commended the work that the Team within the Library services had achieved during Covid-19 and looked forward to receiving a further update at the next meeting.  It was noted that Officers liaised with Cabinet Members throughout the pandemic to continually keep everyone updated.

Discussions took place around the provision for online broadcasting of events within the theatres. It was noted that officers would circulate the figures of the online broadcasting of events outside the meeting.

It was noted that there were concerns from the residents in Pontardawe about the potential commercial feel to the development of the cinema at the Arts Centre. Officers confirmed that they had no ambition to change the ambience of Pontardawe Arts Centre.

Members thanked all the staff within leisure and culture for the work they have achieved during these unprecedented times.

Following scrutiny, the verbal update was noted.

Members were provided with quarter 1 performance management data, for the period 1st April 2021 to 30th June 2021 for Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning Directorate relating to Leisure and Culture, as detailed within the circulated report.

Members commended Neath Port Talbot for their forward approach in continuing to update and providing state of the art swimming facilities. It was noted that other areas had started to reduce their facilities and members were pleased to see that Neath Port Talbot had not followed suit.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Members received an update On the Christmas and New Year Opening times for 2021, as detailed within the circulated report.

Following Scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by the Cabinet Board.

Members received a presentation on the Physical Activity and Sport Service, as detailed within the circulated report.

Members commended officers for the work they had achieved over the the difficult period due to Covid-19.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Forward Work Programme for 2021/22 was noted.