Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

None received

None received

Members considered the Budget Consultation Report 2024/25 as presented.

Following scrutiny, Members noted the report.

The Chair advised members that comments from the meeting will form part of the formal consultation response to the budget 2024/25. Members were reminded of their obligation as part of the budget consultation process, to put forward any other proposals for budget savings which are not included within the report, so that officers can give them consideration as soon as possible.

Members were reminded that they should consider the elements of the budget which fall under the remit of this scrutiny committee.

The Chief Finance Officer gave a brief overview of the consultation process. The budget consultation commenced on 20th December 2023 and closes on 10th January 2024. This timeframe was deemed sufficient for members to consider the proposals and provide officers adequate time to consider feedback, before final proposals are presented to Cabinet in March 2024.

The Director of Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning confirmed that work had been ongoing for a number of months to identify the scale of the budget gap. The focus has been to secure services and protect jobs.

Heads of Service gave an overview of the savings and income generation proposals contained in Appendix 4 of the agenda report pack.

In relation to Margam Country Park (ELLL1), members enquired about the implications of the staff loss mentioned.

Officers confirmed that operationally, there was no loss of staff as the reference related to a staff member taking flexible retirement, this arrangement enabled skills and experience to be retained.

Members enquired on the previous proposals for a Zip Line at Margam Park.

The Director of Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning confirmed that a full report would be brought back to this committee before the end of the financial year, in relation to the future strategic direction of Margam Park.

Members enquired if the levelling up funding would affect the savings proposals for the Princess Royal Theatre (ELLL3).

Officers confirmed that no details were known at present, a planning meeting will take place shortly and the development phase is expected to be in the region of 12 months. The theatre would be closed for a considerable period of time whilst work is undertaken.

In relation to the Indoor Leisure proposal (ELLL4), members questioned the high amount of savings stated in the report and the implications if this saving is not realised. Members also questioned whether the cost of equipment depreciation has been taken into account and global events which may cause energy prices to rise.

Officers agreed that the proposal needed careful monitoring. The majority of the income would be achieved from memberships and energy savings. The Director of Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning acknowledged the risks and confirmed there is an understanding of the volatility of the figures which can be affected by world events. The savings figure stated in the report represents a reduction in operating deficit not a profit. 

Members referenced page 21 of the report and the mention of further delays in Celtic Leisure being brought in house and the related costings. Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Any urgent items at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100BA(6)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

There were no urgent items.

There were no urgent items.