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Pre-decision Scrutiny of Cabinet Agenda Minutes: The Committee chose to
scrutinise the following Cabinet Board items: Cabinet Board Proposals 1.1 Members Community Fund Members received information on the Members Community
Fund that is to be financed in 2018/19 from Council Reserves. It was noted that
permissions are sought to set aside £10,000 for each Ward Member to facilitate
investment in projects that support the delivery of the Council’s policies and
priorities, as contained within the circulated report. Members welcomed the report and asked whether
privately owned rear lanes and school crossing patrols would be eligible under
the criteria, and if so how can they be sustainable when the project is for a 2
year period only. Officers highlighted that the project will eventually expire,
and the responsibility would lie with the Member. The director of environment
highlighted that the Authority currently does not adopt un-adopted rear lanes.
It was noted that the proposals will be looked at in detail prior to submitting
them to Cabinet for their approval. Members asked that in relation to the applications
of the projects, members are required to declare an interest if they have an
interest in a subject that is being discussed. It was noted that members are
able to apply for dispensation, however there was concern that the Head of
legal services would be inundated with applications. It was noted that the
Cabinet would have the decision and therefor would be the Cabinet that would
have to be concerned with the Declarations of interest. It was noted that there
would be an all members seminar for members on the Community fund that will
include more detail. It was noted that the money can be used for match
funding and highlighted that this is a community benefit fund and needs to
benefit the Community. Members asked whether projects involving purchase
of land would be eligible. It was noted that money could get tied up in that
type of a project and therefore precautions have been put in place to protect
the money from getting ring fenced. Following
scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by the
Cabinet Board 1.2 Local Government Reorganisation Members were provided with advice on the Welsh
Government’s Green Paper “Strengthening Local Government, Delivering for
People” issued on 20 March 2018 (at Appendix 1) and the terms of a suggested
response, as detailed in the circulated report. Members highlighted that they were supportive of the response that the Chief Executive had included in the circulated report. In relation to the proposed merger between Neath Port Talbot and Swansea councils, members were concerned about the financial impact of such a change on the residents of Neath Port Talbot. Members also highlighted concerns that an enlarged authority might see a re-focusing of activity into the city to the detriment of Neath Port Talbot and its valley communities. Members felt strongly that local government should remain “local” not “regional”. The Leader of the Authority highlighted that the letter had been sent to opposition party leaders prior ... view the full minutes text for item 1. |