Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Cllr. Peter Rees, (Item 4B) – Personal, Chair of Governors at Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School

Cllr. Saifur Rahaman, (Item 4C) – Personal and Prejudicial interest at Aberafan Seafront

Cllr. Peter Rees, (Item 4B) – Personal, Chair of Governors at Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School

Cllr. Saifur Rahaman, (Item 4C) – Personal and Prejudicial interest at Aberafan Seafront

·        5 December 2024

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2024 were approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2024 were approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

Members considered items from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation outlined in the draft Cabinet report

The Head of Support Services and Transformation advised members, that this was the second of three reports in the process for the school reorganization proposal. The consultation has closed; responses were received from Estyn who did not raise any issues and the Community Council who made no comment. The report is seeking permission to publish a statutory notice; a final determination will be made at the end of the summer term.

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation outlined in the draft Cabinet report

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation outlined in the draft Cabinet report

The Head of Support Services and Transformation advised members this report related to the re-organisation of the Additional Learning Needs provision at Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School.

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation outlined in the draft Cabinet report

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation outlined in the draft Cabinet report

Cllr. Rahaman declared a personal and prejudicial interest and left the meeting.

The Head of Leisure, Tourism, Heritage and Culture provided members with a brief overview of the report contained within the agenda pack. The report represented joint work between the Education and Environment directorates and was funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).

Members questioned whether the masterplan would be considered under a phased approach.

The Head of Service confirmed that the detail of the plan was still to be considered. A piece of work was included for the consultants to consider the first stage projects, but this was later removed. The approach will depend on what funding opportunities are available. There may be an early opportunity in relation to the Naval Club; it is currently closed but tenants are being sought. Work is required to produce a phased project list.

Members commented that the masterplan was promising, however, concern was raised regarding rubble that had been deposited near the Naval Club sand dunes, following the redevelopment of the old town in the 1960’s/1970’s. Recent storms have uncovered some of this waste and it was suggested that exploratory work should be undertaken to sample what may be underneath the sand.

The Head of Service confirmed that there was awareness that items have been uncovered on the beach due to coastal erosion and this will be taken into consideration. The plans for the sand dunes included boardwalk areas to manage erosion and protect biodiversity

Members questioned if there was sufficient car parking available at the beach, especially for camper vans.

The Head of Service commented that it was not unusual for seafront areas to face pressures relating to car parking, but confidence was held that sufficient parking was available for an average day. It was acknowledged that on peak days, parking could be an issue but there needed to be a balance, as any further provision would mean large areas of land being empty for other periods. Parking was available along the seafront within walking distance of areas of potential interest. There are proposals around car parking at zone one and the potential for car parking in zone two. In relation to camper van parking, there are more suitable opportunities across the county borough, proposals will be brought forward when appropriate.

Members commended officers for the thorough and positive report. However, there was disappointment that the area to the north of Princess Margaret Way was not included in the masterplan as members felt a holistic approach should be taken when seeking opportunities for regeneration. Concern was held regarding the possibility of raising the publics expectations in times of limited funding to achieve the plans. It was suggested that an addendum could be attached to the report, outlining funding streams.

Members commented that more housing was needed in the borough, the waiting list for a housing association property was high. It was suggested that a compromised position of a mixed use event space with housing would have been more appropriate. Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4c

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation outlined in the draft Cabinet report

The Head of Leisure, Tourism, Heritage and Culture provided members with an overview of the report contained within the agenda pack. The ambitious strategy shapes priorities for events and festivals over the coming years and is SPF funded. Confidence was held that the plans are achievable.

Members questioned if all of the proposed events were held, what revenue could be generated and what are the costs involved to realise this ambition.

Officers confirmed that there was an understanding of revenue generation in relation to events organised by the authority and also for revenue generation through third party events taking place on council land. This has been modelled for the next three years. There needs to be a balance in relation to the fees charged to event organisers for events taking place on council owned land. Event organisers costs are increasing, specifically in meeting health and safety legislation. Support has been provided through the Heritage, Culture, Tourism and Events Fund. It is hoped that the support can continue whilst also supporting voluntary level events and helping to build on the existing skill set to help the sector to be more robust to hold events whilst minimizing some costs.

Members complimented officers on the ambitious report.

Officers advised members that the modelling for the team was included in the Cabinet report that was presented to Cabinet and Scrutiny committee in the autumn. The report includes full details of costs and income.

Members enquired how the report would be monitored going forward.

Officers confirmed that the intention was for an annual report to come to scrutiny on the progress of the strategy as it is a long term plan. However, more frequent updates can be provided should members request it.

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation outlined in the draft Cabinet report

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Head of Early Years, Inclusion and Participation provided an overview of the report contained within the agenda pack.

Members were pleased with the wide consultation and with changes being made whilst responses are still being completed.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Members considered items from the Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Officers provided an overview of the report contained within the agenda pack.

Members referred to page 379 of the report and asked if the caseload numbers were as expected and how Neath Port Talbot compared to other local authorities

Officers advised members that, as a new service there was no expectation of case load numbers. There was initially one Case Assessment and Progression Officer, and this has increased as the demand has increased. The number of staff in post is manageable compared to the caseload. Two members of staff are due to commence maternity leave, and cases will be reallocated amongst the team, which will mean an increased work demand, but this was felt to be manageable. The service will grow further as it becomes embedded into schools.

Members questioned how referrals were made into the service and what were the ages of pupils being referred.

Officers confirmed that schools made a referral when children were identified where support was not in place and children were not progressing or exclusions were increasing. Where pupils have been permanently excluded, this is identified automatically as part of the process. Initially the pupils were from years 10 and 11 but as the service has embedded into schools there has been an increase in referrals for years 8 and 9. The service aims to be proactive rather than reactive. Schools can make referrals, but part of the remit of the service is to ensure that schools are also fulfilling their responsibilities.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Members considered performance monitoring items.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Head of Leisure, Tourism, Heritage and Culture provided a brief overview of the report that was contained within the agenda pack.

Members thanked library service staff for their hard work and noted the library service was a valuable resource to communities.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Forward Work Programme was noted.

Officers advised members of changes that had been made to the Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme, and members were given the opportunity to request further items for consideration.

 In consultation with the Chair, the following reports were removed from the Forward Work Programme:

•         Early Years in Flying Start Childcare

•         Family Support in the Early Years, an Overview of the Family Support provided by the Early Years and Flying staff family support team. (Members were encouraged to attend an All Members Seminar taking place on 10th April on the subject of ‘Early Years and Childcare in Neath Port Talbot’ which would cover this information).

In agreement with the Chair, the following reports were added to the Forward Work Programme:

•         Education Development, Local Authority Education Grant Spending Plan for 2024/25

•         Period Dignity Report.

•         Corporate Plan Quarter 3 Performance Monitoring report

•         Urdd Eisteddfod (Verbal Update)

A report on the overview of the Families First programme will be programmed into the Forward Work Programme in the next civic year.

Members questioned why the Pontardawe Pool Feasibility report was scheduled to be a verbal report.

The Head of Leisure, Tourism, Heritage, and Culture confirmed that the feasibility study process would not be completed by that time, and there would be insufficient time to prepare a written report for the next scrutiny meeting. A written report would not be available until May/June.

The Chair confirmed that a written report would be required by scrutiny, when available, but a verbal report could be provided at the next meeting.

Members made a request for the committee to meet with the Board of Celtic Leisure at the earliest opportunity.

The Head of Leisure, Tourism, Heritage and Culture confirmed that Celtic Leisure were currently recruiting for a new Chief Executive and once this process was concluded, that discussions would take place, and this request would be brought forward.

The Forward Work Programme was noted.

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.