Agenda and minutes

There were none.

For the Committee to approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting held on 22 July 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 July 2022 were approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

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

Cemetery Rules and Regulations

Members were updated on the revisions to the Authority’s Cemetery Rules and Regulations, as detailed within the circulated report.

Members noted the importance of memorial benches for families and said that there was available space in some of the bigger crematoriums for additional benches. In response to queries raised, it was explained that requests for memorial seats had been put on hold; however, this report sought to reinstate having memorial seat installed, but on a community basis. The officer present gave the example of there currently being 30 requests for benches at Margam Cemetery, and 30 individual benches would take up a substantial amount of grave provision space. Whereas, if the report was to be approved by the Cabinet Board, officers were proposing to install three community benches, with ten commemorative plaques on each. It was confirmed that the families who had made the requests had been contacted to explain that it would be a community bench.

In response to Members’ queries regarding which cemeteries the community benches had been installed, it was clarified that benches had been placed where there had been a waiting list of requests for memorial seating. However, the officer confirmed that they could look at placing these in other cemeteries if Ward Members wished to raise this with them.

Following scrutiny, the recommendations were supported to the Cabinet Board.

Street Naming and Numbering Policy and Fees

Members were updated on the Council’s Street Naming & Numbering Policy document, as officers were seeking approval for the appropriate charges for services provided and to rename existing Streets and name new Streets in Neath Port Talbot, as detailed within the circulated report.

Members noted the importance of ensuring the Welsh translation of the road names were correct, as there had been some mistakes made in the past. It was also noted that the communication within the report, and to Members, had all been in English and it would be preferred to have the Welsh translations available within the reports were possible.

Members raised concern for the lack of consultation regarding the policy, particularly in regards to no longer naming streets after those who have deceased. It was explained that there was no requirement to have consultation regarding this policy, however, the officers were happy to change the policy in regards to naming streets after those who had deceased, or could convert it following consultation if requested by Members. The Committee Members confirmed that their preference would be for officers to consult on the policy retrospectively, and to report this consultation back to Scrutiny Committee.

Following scrutiny, the recommendations were supported to Cabinet Board.

Subsidised Bus Service - Contract Extensions

Officer’s notified members on the request to extend the current subsidised bus contracts until the 31st March 2023, as detailed within the circulated report.

Members of the Committee explained that they were supportive of the recommendations, however, they had concerns regarding the wider bus network. The Cabinet Board report suggested there was to be a shortfall  ...  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 was none.