Agenda and draft 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.