Agenda and minutes

The following Members made a declaration of interest at the commencement of the meeting.

Councillor S.Rahaman                    Re: Agenda Item 3, Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent Programme. As he is a member of the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor S.Freeguard                   Re: Agenda Item 3, Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent Programme. As she is a member of the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor A.Llewelyn                     Re: Agenda Item 3, Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent Programme. As he is a member of the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Scrutiny Committee.

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

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

The Committee scrutinised the following Cabinet Board items:

Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent Programme

Members were provided with information on the Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent business case, as detailed within the circulated report.

It was noted that Members from the Education, Skills and Culture Scrutiny Committee and Regeneration, Skills and Culture Scrutiny Committee were in attendance to participate within the discussion.

A power point presentation on the Skills and Talent project was provided to Members providing further information on the business case.

Discussions took place around the importance of connectivity being inclusive within rural and valley areas. It was noted that the Skills and Talent project would work alongside the Digital Infrastructure project to ensure optimum results of connectivity. Connectivity would be an important aspect in future working providing assistance with home working.

Transport links were also discussed to ensure those in all areas could access job opportunities. Assurance was provided to members that projects such as the Earth project would provide resources.

Members of both the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet Scrutiny Committee highlighted that this project was a regional project and would also be under the remit of the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Scrutiny Committee. Members noted the points raised from today’s meeting would be captured and the progress be monitored at the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Scrutiny meetings.

Members commended the report and the detail of the project. It was highlighted that it was critical that those that were in existing employment were made aware of the extra training that is available to them to upskill their education and skills providing them with further opportunities.

Following scrutiny, the Committee were supportive of the

Recommendations to be considered by cabinet.

Pontardawe Arts Centre Cinema Project.

Members were provided with an update on the request for approval to allocate an additional £600k for the development of a 70 seat new build external cinema and ancillary accommodation at Pontardawe Arts Centre, as detailed within the circulated report.

It was noted that Members from the Education, Skills and Culture Scrutiny Committee were in attendance to participate within the discussion.

Discussions took place around the extra costings. It was asked why the extra funds were required and why this wasn’t estimated in the first instance. Officers explained that the build required additional costs due to there being technical aspects to the build along with more detailed designs to have a better visual customer facility.

Members queried whether the build would have been eligible for the levelling up fund. Officers confirmed that they considered the Levelling Up Fund, however, after consideration it was deemed ineligible.

Members discussed the positive impact the build would have on the valleys and members were therefore in support of the recommendations.

Following scrutiny, the Committee were supportive of the

Recommendations to be considered by cabinet.

Audit Wales review of the Corporate Performance Management System (CPMS)

To receive information on the Councils response to the ‘opportunities for improvement’  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

Forward Work Programme for noting