Agenda and minutes

The following Member made a declaration of interest at the commencement of the meeting:

Councillor S. Reynolds          Re: Agenda item 5 Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) Kickstart - Gateway Representative as she is a trustee to Canolfan Maerdy

Councillor N.Hunt                  Re: Agenda item 4 Christmas Car Parking as his employment is within Port Talbot Town Centre.

·        30 September 2020

The minutes of the meeting held on 30 September 2020 were approved.

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

The committee scrutinised the following cabinet items:

Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) Kickstart – Gateway Representative

Members commended the scheme and discussed the scope and flexibility of the eligibility of the scheme. It was queried whether young people who were not on universal credit but have a small wage would be entitled to this scheme. Officers explained that the criteria was very strict, however if the member had any particular individuals that required support officers could advise them further.

Following scrutiny, the committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by 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

Because of the need to deal now with the matter contained in Minute No. 5 below, the Chairman agreed that they could be raised as urgent items pursuant to Statutory Instrument 2001 No. 2290 (as amended).

Reason for Urgency

Due to the time element.

Members were updated on the Covid19-Bus Industry Support agreements with Passenger Transport Operators.

Discussions took place around advertisement on service buses as this is currently not promoted by Neath Port Talbot Council.

Officers amended the recommendation at the meeting, as follows:

1.   That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and Regeneration and the Head of Engineering and Transport and those officers so designated by them to implement the Welsh Government guidance on the administration of the Bus Emergency Scheme (BES) while this mechanism continues to support the bus industry.

2.   That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and Regeneration and Head of Engineering and Transport to enter into Covid-19 Indemnity Agreements with Passenger Transport Operators in accordance with the guidance provided by Welsh Ministers, the Welsh Government Covid19-Bus Industry Support April 2020 and any subsequent guidance that may be issued by the Welsh Government.

Following scrutiny, Members supported the amended recommendations to cabinet. 

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)

Committee scrutinised the following private Cabinet item:

Crymlyn Burrows Transfer Station Remodelling – Appointment of

Consultants

Members were updated on the private report on the appointment of consultants to support the Crymlyn Burrows Transfer Station Remodelling.

Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by the Cabinet Board

Compulsory Purchase Order

Members were updated on private report relating to the process of undertaking a Compulsory Purchase Order (“CPO”) relating to properties in the vicinity of the proposed Neath Transport Hub.

Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by the Cabinet Board