Agenda and minutes

The following Member made a declaration of interest at the commencement of the meeting:

The Committee noted the minutes.

PRE-SCRUTINY

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

3. Cabinet Board Proposals

3.1 Flood Risk Management Plan Update

The Committee received information in relation to the Flood Risk Management Plan as contained within the circulated report.

Members queried how often culverts and gullies were inspected. Officers stated that the Authority was responsible for the maintenance of around 2,000 culverts and gullies and that it was difficult to visit them all regularly. Officers explained that the culverts and gullies were prioritised based on level of risk. Officers reported that gullies and culverts which were categorised as high risk were checked frequently when bad weather was forecasted in order to prevent any issues from occurring. Officers added that Mid and West Wales Fire Service also checked high risk culverts and gullies.  

Members questioned the location of the flood risk area in Bryncoch South as indicated in the report. Officers stated that there were no significant flood risk issues in Bryncoch South, and that the mapping of flood risk areas were carried out by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Officers added that NRW did not factor underground assets into their assessments, only water flowing over ground.

Members queried whether NRW were responsible for assessing flood risks throughout the county borough area. Officers informed Members that a three stage process was carried out every six years by NRW with input from the Authority to identify and review flood risk areas. Officers added that City and County of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council were required to keep additional flood risk management plans as both areas were considered high risk.

Members questioned why the land at Glyncorrwg had been identified as a flood risk when historically it had not experienced any flooding, particularly as it was situated on a hill. Officers explained that NRW had carried out the mapping and modelling taking into account topographical, geographical, geological and other factors. Officers informed Members that despite being situated on a hill, some settlements could still be affected by flooding.

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

3.2 Information on Refuse and Recycling Collections

The Committee received information in relation to the Refuse and Recycling Collections as contained within the circulated report.

Members queried why the cost for agency workers in the service was so high. Officers stated that it was important to look at the cost in context, and that the cost of waste collection and disposal equated to 50p per household per week which was 24% of the Council’s revenue spend from Council Tax. Officers explained that the costs were considered average compared to other local authorities. Officers informed Members that around 100 staff were employed each day to undertake various collections, and a back fill pool was required to cover absences such as holidays, sickness, training and paternity leave. Officers informed the Committee that the number of staff volunteering for overtime to cover back logs as a result of bank holiday periods and increased demand had reduced, and agency staff were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.