Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair noted that the Members of the Scrutiny Committee had agreed to scrutinise the following items from the Cabinet Board agenda:

-      Item 7: Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: Stray and Abandoned XL Bully Dogs - Change of Operational Practice.

-      Item8: Regional Transport Plan - Update from South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee

-      Item 10: Traffic Regulation Order: Park Avenue and Siding Terrace (Revocation) and (30MPH Speed Limit) Order 2023

-      Item 12: Traffic Regulation Order: Princess Margaret Way, Sandfields, Port Talbot

-      Item 13: Commercial Property Grant: Former Royal British Legion Club, Eastland Road, Neath.

The Chair noted that the Members of the Scrutiny Committee had agreed to scrutinise the following items from the Cabinet Board agenda:

Item 7: Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: Stray and Abandoned XL Bully Dogs - Change of Operational Practice.

Item8: Regional Transport Plan - Update from Southwest Wales Corporate Joint Committee

Item 10: Traffic Regulation Order: Park Avenue and Siding Terrace (Revocation) and (30MPH Speed Limit) Order 2023

Item 12: Traffic Regulation Order: Princess Margaret Way, Sandfields, Port Talbot

Item 13: Commercial Property Grant: Former Royal British Legion Club, Eastland Road, Neath.

Cllr Nathan Goldup-John declared an interest in Item 8 as he Works for Transport for Wales. He is permitted to speak.

Cllr Nathan Goldup-John declared an interest in Item 8 as he works for Transport for Wales. He is permitted to speak.

For the Committee to approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting held on 14/11/23.

The minutes of the meeting held 14/11/23 were approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

The minutes of the meeting held 14/11/23 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)

Item 7: Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: Stray and Abandoned XL Bully Dogs - Change of Operational Practice.

The report was noted.

Item8: Regional Transport Plan - Update from South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee

The report was noted.

Item 10: Traffic Regulation Order: Park Avenue and Siding Terrace (Revocation) and (30MPH Speed Limit) Order 2023

Following scrutiny, members were supportive of the recommendations to be considered by Cabinet Board.

Item 12: Traffic Regulation Order: Princess Margaret Way, Sandfields, Port Talbot

Following scrutiny, members were supportive of the recommendations to be considered by Cabinet Board.

Item 13: Commercial Property Grant: Former Royal British Legion Club, Eastland Road, Neath.

Following scrutiny, members were supportive of the recommendations to be considered by Cabinet Board.

Item 7: Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: Stray and Abandoned XL Bully Dogs - Change of Operational Practice.

Members wanted to make officers aware that there is a petition with the UK Government that has passed the threshold for it to be looked at. It has been requested that stage two of the legislation be delayed for 18 months. The committee that looks at petitions are looking at this matter again as the Government response didn’t address the delay. Members wanted to alert officers to this as it might impact the Disposal of dogs that are brought into the pound.

Officers advised they were aware of the petition but not of any potential delays. The dog warden service role is to seize and help potentially rehome stray dogs. If there is communication required, all local authorities will be made aware, and officers will feed this back to staff.

Members were pleased to receive the report as they were aware of an attack in the authority where 2 XL Bull dogs were loose and caused extensive facial injuries to a woman. Members explained that the attack took place near to a primary school and it was fortunate that the attack hadn’t happened to a child given the proximity.

The member had been advised that that the victims’ partner had contacted council dog wardens but at that time there was nothing they could do, other than to refer the gentlemen to the police.

Members were happy that the authority now have some powers to do something about stray, XL bull dogs.

Members asked how officers can guard against undesirable owners of XL Bull dogs who will be keeping the dogs in more remote places.

Officers explained that the dog warden service, consistently works closely with police and that it would be a joint response when enforcing the legislation. Officers provided reassurance to members that as soon as officers are notified of an issue with a stray dog and particularly with this breed, they will react accordingly.

The report was noted.

Item8: Regional Transport Plan (RTP) - Update from South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee

Officers were asked if any formal or informal response had been received to the covering letter that went in with the RTP. Members stated that it is important that both the funding is secured, and that the authority knows they are working to a realistic timetable.

Officers advised that they have had some informal feedback that the implementation plan is acceptable and that some minor alterations to the plan have been made. Officers advised that one of the things that was highlighted by the officers at Welsh Government (WG) was the importance of alignment with the strategic development plan (SDP). Members were advised that this will be challenging because they are running on different timescales, but officers will be consulting widely with colleagues on that.

Officers have been advised that the approval of the implementation plan that the £125,000 in financial support would be forthcoming. This hasn't arrived yet  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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.

For the Committee to comment on and note the actions and the progress from the previous meetings.

The Members of the Committee noted the Action Log.

The Members of the Committee noted the Action Log.

For the Committee to receive the Forward Work Programme of the Environment, Regeneration & Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Committee for 2023-24.

The Members of the Committee noted the Forward Work Programme.

The Members of the Committee noted the Forward Work Programme.

Access to Meetings to resolve to exclude the public for the following item(s) pursuant to Section 100A(4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the relevant exempt paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

Members decided not to scrutinise any private items

Members decided not to scrutinise any private items

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

Members decided not to scrutinise any private items

Members decided not to scrutinise any private items