Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that the Members of the Scrutiny Committee had agreed to scrutinise item 4(a) from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that the Members of the Scrutiny Committee had agreed to scrutinise item 4(a) from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

There were none.

There were none.

For the Committee to approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting held on 06/12/2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on 6/12/2024 were approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

The minutes of the meeting held on 6/12/2024 were approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

Members considered item 4(a) from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

Members considered item 4(a) from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

Following scrutiny, the recommendation was supported to Cabinet.

Members highlighted that the works selected for the Highways works programme differed from the suggestions made by members in their members surgeries. They also highlighted that the report did not provide any explanation for the rationale behind the decisions not to take the members suggestions forward.

Officers explained that the budget has remained static for the past 10 years aside from any additional grants from WG.  Officers prioritise relating to condition and risks for the authority rather than delivering a wish list.

Members were advised that officers conduct large surveys to assess the network, which faces significant issues due to a lack of investment over time. If members suggestions match the needs based on risk and condition of the roads then those suggestions can be included.

Officers are having to be more innovative and gave members the example of a membrane being used on Depot Road in Cwmafan of how they reduce costs.

Members were advised that inflation has reduced the council’s purchasing power by 30-40%, which means the amount of work officers can get done is also about 30-40% less. Officers explained that to bring the highway up to standard, they need a one-off £20 million investment and £3 million investment annually for maintenance.

Officers understand the community's wishes, but technicians and engineers base their assessments on condition surveys, which consider various factors like skid resistance and safety defects. There are many competing priorities and not enough money.

Members were advised that decisions are based on technical surveys, not politics. Historically, there was scope for small local projects, but now all funds need to be focus on dealing with risks. This is why there is a variance in how much is spent in each ward.

Members were happy to hear what the logic was behind the works chosen to be done following the surgeries.

Officers explained that if the council doesn’t spend money wisely, the £20 million backlog will keep growing as roads deteriorate. £20 million would need to be spent to bring roads to a reasonable level and £3 million annually for maintenance. Delaying investment increases future costs potentially year on year.

Officers try to make money go as far as it can by using techniques like micro surfacing to preserve roads. Officers also seal roads to protect them from rain and frost which prolongs the life of the road.

Members were advised that some roads require extensive work due to poor initial construction and they also encounter issues like coal tar which also costs more to remove than to relay the road. Officers strive to maximize the budget while effectively addressing various challenges.

Michael Roberts Head of Streetcare highlighted the difference between needs and desires and explained that due to cost increases and static budgets, officers now have to focus more on essential needs. He noted that previously, members had surgeries to prioritise their top concerns, but now critical issues must be addressed, many necessary repairs, like skid resistance on roundabouts, aren't visible to the public but  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

There were no items from the Scrutiny forward work programme selected.

There were no items from the Scrutiny Forward Work Programme selected.

There were no Performance Monitoring items selected.

There were no Performance Monitoring items selected.

·       Cabinet Forward Work Programme 24/25

·       Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme 24/25

The Forward work programme was noted.

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 none.

There was none.