Agenda and 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 21^st 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.