Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone in the meeting.

There were none.

·        To select appropriate items from the Cabinet agenda for pre-decision scrutiny (cabinet reports enclosed for Scrutiny Members)

Freeport Bid Submission

The Chair welcomed Andrew Harston and Alice Jones from ABP and David Gwynne from Eurus Consulting to the meeting.

Officers introduced the report and provided information in relation to seeking approval for Neath Port Talbot Council to support a bid to the Welsh and UK governments for a Freeport covering the port of Port Talbot and the port of Milford Haven and surrounding areas.

Members noted the error contained within the circulated report, in relation to Page 10 it stated “ This includes £21 million (or potentially more” it should have read £25 million.

Members sought clarity around the financial implications which highlights that £1m of Government funding would be made available for development. Offices confirmed that this would be a one off sum to support the bidder to support the bid from the outline stage to the final business case stage in line with the treasury green book rules. In relation to any ongoing costs a business model would need to be developed.

Members highlighted the recent climate emergency statement and asked what the implications would be during construction of this development. Officers discussed that with any construction there would be an increase in emissions due to HCV traffic, however, the development is to enhance biodiversity interest and transition to renewable energy which would reduce the carbon footprint.

Discussions took place around the potential costs and resources. It was highlighted the amount of pressure that officers have experienced during these past couple of years with the pandemic and other large projects that the council have signed up to. Members were concerned around these pressures. The Chief Executive agreed that officers have received pressure due to the pandemic and other projects and reassured members that resources would be continually considered going forward.

To resolve to exclude the public for the following items pursuant to Regulation 4 (3) and (5) of Statutory Instrument 2001 No.2290 and the relevant exempt paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972

·        To select appropriate items from the Cabinet agenda for pre-decision scrutiny (cabinet reports enclosed for Scrutiny Members)

Freeports Submission Appendix B

Members received a presentation from Andrew Harston, Alice Jones from ABP and David Gwynne from Eurus Consulting in relation to the private elements of the report detailed within Freeports Submission Appendix B.

PPre-decisiMembers resolved to Move back in to public session.

Freeport Bid Submission

The Chair summarised the discussions and refered to the recommendations that were listed on page 12 od the circulated report.

Members proposed and seconded the following amendment to bullet point 2 of the recommendations:

‘Members grant delegate authority to the CEO, in consultation with with the Leader, and Cabinet Members for Strategic Planning, Transport and Connectivity and Economic and Community Regeneration to agree amendments to the Bid prior to its final submission to the Welsh Government’

Following a vote, the amendment fell.

Members proposed and seconded the original recommendation as detailed below:

It is recommended, that having due regard to the integrated impact screening assessment that:

·        Members approve the submission of a bid for a Freeport covering the port of Port Talbot and the port of Milford Haven and surrounding areas, in the form annexed at Appendix B, subject to any variations that may be necessary prior to submission.

·        Members grant delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of Council to agree amendments to the Bid prior to its final submission to the Welsh Government

·        Members approve Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council’s nomination as the Accountable Body for the proposed Freeport.

·        Members authorise the Leader of Council to submit a letter to the Welsh Government reflecting Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council’s support for a Freeport covering the port of Port Talbot and the port of Milford Haven.

·        Members authorise the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader to take action as may be necessary to promote the merits of the Bid post submission up to the point of Ministers decisions on the success/otherwise of the bid.

Following scrutiny the members were supportive of this recommendation to be put forward to cabinet.

Any urgent items (whether public or exempt) at the discretion of the Chairman pursuant to Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972

There were none.