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Contact: Annette Manchipp
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PRE SCRUTINY Minutes: The
Committee scrutinised the following matter: Cabinet
Board Proposal Draft Wellbeing Objectives Prior
to consideration of the report before Members today, the Leader of Council gave
an introduction to the Draft Wellbeing Objectives and the proposal to issue the
report for public consultation. The
Scrutiny Committee then received a comprehensive presentation by the Head of
Corporate Strategy and Democratic Services on the proposals contained within
the circulated report. Members of the
Scrutiny Committee then raised the following points:- ·
Members asked that the report refer to all 3 town centres (ie Neath, Port Talbot and Pontardawe)
throughout the text, in order to make the document more inclusive; ·
In relation to the timescales for improvement, as the document covered
the period 2017-2022, Members asked when
the proposed improvements contained in the circulated report would be realised. In addition some of the data related to 2016-17
and Members asked what was the current position? In addition Members asked
whether comparative data, including baseline information and benchmarking could
be included. ·
Members expressed their view that the Authority did not publicise its
achievements; ·
Concern was expressed that there was inconsistency throughout the
document with timescales and percentages.
The Chief Executive advised that, given the diversity of the areas
concerned it may not be possible for a consistent approach in all areas. ·
Members asked whether the consultation venues could include the Upper Afan and Amman Valleys?
Members were asked to liaise with Officers to include any additional
venues or events. ·
With regard to the WESP, Members asked for the current position and were
advised that the document was at present with the Welsh Government. In relation to the Welsh Language Strategy,
this would be considered by Members shortly.
Members also noted that in relation to the National Childcare
commitment, this was being rolled out at present; ·
Members questioned whether the objectives contained in the circulated
report were achievable, what were the consequences should the Authority fail
and where would any additional funding come from? In response the Chief Executive advised that
where there were no legal implications should the Authority not achieve the
objectives, but that there would be a need to prioritise its objectives. ·
In relation to the number of surplus school places, Members noted that
improvements had been achieved in Secondary schools however this had been more
difficult in the case of Primary schools. Members also requested an update on
the position regarding Band B proposals for the 21st Century Schools
Improvements and noted that the proposals were with the Welsh Government. ·
Members asked that the reference to the availability of quality
childcare include the word “affordable”. ·
Members asked for details of the number of children’s out of county
placements, and were advised that the Authority had 65 out of county placements
which were reviewed annually by the Education Psychology Team and also by
Estyn. This represented a small
percentage of the 20,000 children in the County Borough; · In relation to the out of county placements, Members asked who maintained the ... view the full minutes text for item 1. |