Agenda and draft minutes

The following Members made declarations of Interest at the commencement of the meeting:-

Councillor A Llewelyn           Re the Report of the Head of Corporate Strategy and Democratic Services on the Annual Report as it related to the 21^st Century Schools Programme as he is a Governor and parent at an affected school and confirmed his dispensation to speak only.

Councillor S.Rahaman         Re the Report of the Head of Corporate Strategy and Democratic Services on the Annual Report as it related to development opportunities at the Aberavon Seafront as his family has a business on the Seafront.

Members received the comprehensive report of the Head of Corporate Strategy and Democratic Services on the first part of the Annual report for 2017/18.  The report covered the work of the Authority in achieving the improvement objectives set out in the Corporate Plan developed by the pre-decessor Council, and covered the period 1 April to 30 September 2017.  Following the presentation of the report Members raised the following:-

·        Whilst the lack of progress in some areas as a result of the current austerity measures was acknowledged, Members noted that the improvements to Neath Town Centre had not progressed for some time.  This was due to the lack of development monies available.  Members felt that better communication with the public would convey the issues and noted that a report in relation to Neath Town Centre would be discussed at the meeting of the Regeneration and Sustainable Development Cabinet Board on 8 December, 2017, in private session.  

·        The work of the Valley’sTask and Finish Group needed to evidence what was being proposed for the areas.  The Chief Executive advised Members that investment had been made in certain valley areas, however discussions were ongoing with Welsh Government to identify further proposals.

·        In relation to the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP), Members asked that it be noted that this had not yet been approved as, at the request of Welsh Government, it had been strengthened and re issued for a further period of consultation.  The Committee was advised that this Authority was investing proportionately more (25%) in Welsh medium education than other local authorities in the sum of £34m.

·        The 21^st Century Schools Programme recognised the work being carried out in relation to the provision of Welsh medium education on the South Campus, however the poor condition of the buildings together with the lack of good sporting facilities at the North Campus would need to be addressed.  Members were advised that this Authority had achieved the second highest spend in Band A of the 21^st Century Schools Programme.

·        In relation to the new School in Briton Ferry, it was noted that this would be called Ysgol Newydd Briton Ferry.

·        Members also asked when the new schools would be built at Coed D’Arcy, as part of the 106 Agreement, and whether they would be Welsh medium and were advised that the number of new houses built had not yet triggered the implementation of the 106 Agreement and that it had not yet been decided whether the schools would be English or Welsh medium schools.  Officers advised that in order for the schools to be designated Welsh medium there would have to be sufficient unmet need. 

·        Members were pleased with the open and transparent way in which the issues around the Key Stage 4 results and the challenges around behaviour in schools were presented.  It was noted that the issue around Key Stage 4 results was based on teacher assessment and was an all Wales issue.  As a result teacher assessments had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

The Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by Cabinet.