Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed the Committee.

Karen Jones       -         Re. Item 5 of the Cabinet papers - Grant of Officer Indemnity to Karen Jones in respect of Local Government Data Unit Wales - as she is the officer discussed within the report. Karen Jones declared a prejudicial interest at the meeting and left the meeting when the item was discussed.

·        10/03/2023

·        05/04/2023

The following minutes were approved as an accurate record:

·        10th March 2023

·        5th April 2023

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

Grant of Officer Indemnity to Karen Jones in respect of Local Government Data Unit Wales

(Karen Jones reaffirmed her interest and withdrew from the meeting for this item only)

Members were updated on the request to grant an officer indemnity to the Chief Executive in light of her role as director of the Local Government Data Unit Wales (Data Cymru).

Members asked whether the post would be remunerated for the work involved. Officers explained that the post would not be remunerated and the Chief Executive would be doing the role on a voluntary basis due to her expertise.

Following scrutiny, the report was supported to Cabinet.

Audit Wales – Assurance and Risk Assessment, Financial Position Update 2021- 2022

The Chair confirmed that the scrutiny committee had no lines of inquiry for this item, however, it was noted that the relevant Cabinet member wished to verbally present the report to committee.

Update in relation to the delivery of the Neath Port Talbot Hardship

Relief Scheme

Members were updated in relation to the delivery of the Neath Port

Talbot Hardship Relief Scheme, as detailed within the circulated report.

Katie Cook from Warm Wales was in attendance of the meeting to present the report.

Discussions took place around the initial concept of the Hardship Relief Scheme. It was noted that members had originally requested the scheme to support the public that were not only in receipt of benefits but also working constituents that are being affected by the current cost of living crisis. Members asked that consideration be given to have a more widened approach around the criteria to ensure there was more scope around those that would require support.

Members asked that a ward breakdown of those that have requested the funding be provided to members.

Members also requested that the Warm Wales leaflets be provided to members to share with their constituents.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Any urgent items at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100BA(6)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

There were none.