Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Cllr. Saifur Rahaman, Item (3) – Personal, Business owner at Aberafan Seafront

Cllr. Saifur Rahaman, Item (3) – Personal, Business owner at Aberafan Seafront

Following scrutiny, the committee noted the report

The Chair advised members that the budget savings proposals that fell under the remit of the committee would be scrutinised. Comments from the meeting would form part of the budget formal consultation response. Members were encouraged to put forward any alternative proposals which could then be considered once the consultation had ended.

The Director of Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning advised members that the aim of the Senior Leadership Team was to protect jobs and services as far as possible; there were no compulsory redundancies directly related to the proposed efficiencies. However, there are risks linked to the income generation proposals as outside factors such as weather can affect footfall and therefore income. There are also risks associated with the completion of capital projects such as Pontardawe Art Centre, but assumptions have been made that the projects would be completed within timescale. Some proposed efficiencies are linked with core costs against grants and there is no awareness of any grants which are likely to end so the risks are small presently. However, Welsh Government actions may cause certain grants to be cut.

Each Head of Service outlined the savings and income generation proposals under each budget line, of the report in the agenda pack:

ELLL-A The Head of Leisure, Tourism, Culture and Heritage advised members that the proposed savings were working towards achieving the lowest subsidy possible for a non-statutory service. There is one voluntary redundancy, and the plan included improved income generation for car parking and events. It was acknowledged that the increased target for next year will be more challenging to achieve.

Members commented that enforcement was key to the car parking proposal and enquired how it would be ensured that adequate enforcement takes place. Members asked for further detail on how the consultation will take place.

The Head of Service confirmed that the Country Parks Car Park Review Report was agreed by Cabinet and provided authority to commence the consultation on car parking charges. The Off Street Parking Order will be advertised for a set time period and comments from the consultation will be presented to Cabinet in due course. The consultation was part of a statutory process. It was agreed that enforcement of car parks was fundamental, and this is being considered.

Members requested details of the consultation that they could circulate to constituents.

Members enquired how savings would be achieved, considering the target was not met last year and there would be further efficiencies required next year. What will the implications be if the proposed savings target is not met.

The Head of Leisure, Tourism, Culture and Heritage confirmed that there were difficulties in achieving the savings target in the last year due to utility costs and vacancy management. However, there was more stability this year and the budget saving was achievable.

ELLL-B The Head of Leisure, Tourism, Culture and Heritage outlined details of the proposed £40k saving. There would be difficulty in achieving the saving due to overspend and the closure of the site  ...  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