Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Declarations of interest were received from:

Cllr N Goldup-John - Disposal of Land at Neath Leisure Centre – Personal (Member of Neath Cricket and Neath Tennis Clubs)

To select appropriate items from the Cabinet Board agenda for Pre-Decision Scrutiny (Cabinet Board reports included for Scrutiny Members)

Disposal of Land at Neath Leisure Centre

Members were presented with information relating to the disposal of land at Neath Leisure Centre, as detailed within the report circulated.

Members advised that there is a sub-lease within the Sub Aqua Club who lease a garage adjacent to the leisure centre. They have been advised that there is no provision for them at the new centre, however they will be able to use the new swimming pool for their weekly sessions.

Members asked that, when development of the site takes place, that consideration is given to leisure, wellbeing, tourism and the Council’s decarbonisation programme. Officers advised that they would take on board the comments and pass to the Head of Regeneration, to whom the responsibility of the building will pass.

Members queried if any assistance was offered to the Sub Aqua Club in finding alternative accommodation. Further, the IIA identified that there was no impact on centre users, however Members disputed this. Members said that there was an impact as one of the centre users was being directly affected by the disposal of the land by being given notice on their lease.

Officers confirmed that there has been some discussion with the Sub Aqua Club about alternative accommodation, however there would be costs associated with this. Currently the Sub Aqua club does not have to pay accommodation costs. The Sports Council are unable to offer any grant to support the club. It is understood the Cabinet Member is trying to investigate alternative accommodation for the club.

Members asked the officer to amend the IIA to take into account the impact identified on the current users.

Following scrutiny, members were supportive of the proposal to be considered by Cabinet.

Welsh in Education Strategic Plan

Members were presented with information relating to the Welsh Education Strategic Plan (WESP), as detailed within the report circulated.

The plan notes that annual updates will be provided to Members. Members queried if officers considered annual updates sufficient. Officers advised that they would be agreeable to reporting back on a higher frequency if members wished them to do so. However, an annual report will allow for a full view of all the activity throughout the year.

In consideration of the objectives of the WESP, members queried if and how these would be taken into consideration in future decisions of the authority. Officers anticipated that the seven objectives identified within the plan would have group leaders, and these leaders would meet on a regular basis throughout the year. The leader would report back to the WESP Forum, and the forum would then report to the relevant committee.

Members were in general agreement that an annual report would suffice.

Following scrutiny, members were supportive of the proposal to be considered by Cabinet.

Play Sufficiency Assessment

Members were presented with information relating to the Play Sufficiency Assessment, as detailed within the report circulated.

Officers advised that the consultant will be amending the report with regards to the number of wards and an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Any urgent items (whether public or exempt) at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no urgent items.