Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

There were none.

There were none.

There were no Items selected from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

There were no Items selected from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

Members considered item 4a from the Scrutiny Forward Work Programme.

Members considered item 4a from the Scrutiny Forward Work Programme.

Following Scrutiny members endorsed the report.

Following scrutiny, a recommendation was put forward. The recommendation as set out below was supported.

Send a letter from the scrutiny committee to the Regional Leads of the Southwest Wales Regional Development Group summarising the discussion points.

Andrew Collins introduced the report as per the agenda pack.

Members noted that the regional approach to innovation support outlined in the REDP has been challenging to implement. They asked officers to explain why and clarify which aspects have been particularly difficult to progress.

Officers acknowledged that while an ambitious, coordinated regional approach to innovation support was originally envisaged, progress has been limited. They felt that the report reflects this honestly.

Officers explained that a centralised model requires significant resources and funding, which have not been available. Previously, European funding might have supported efforts, but that is no longer an option. Despite these challenges, delivering integrated and coordinated support remains a regional ambition moving forward.

Members noted that officers are exploring new strands to advance regional innovation and asked whether any upcoming opportunities or developments might support that.

Officers advised that next years Shared Prosperity Funding will be looked at and the region will potentially allocate some of that funding to deliver centralised inward investment support.

Officers noted that the evolving role of Corporate Joint Committees may influence future progress, though how long for and what impact they will have remains uncertain.

Officers highlighted the ongoing balance between local and regional ambitions, noting their primary responsibility to local members while also maintaining strong collaborative relationships with regional partners, including Swansea, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Officers noted that regional plans like this one demonstrate the strength of working together but acknowledged the need to address localised issues. They explained that inward investment opportunities now come through various channels, including Welsh Government leads, the Freeport, and other emerging avenues. It remains their role to secure and deliver these opportunities effectively at the local level.

Officers noted that while they try push for investment in Neath Port Talbot when local capacity is limited such as not having sufficient land for certain opportunities then those opportunities may be redirected to neighbouring areas like Swansea.

Officers emphasised that many residents commute across the region, so strengthening the wider locality benefits everyone.

Officers acknowledged the tension between local and regional priorities, noting that while regional teams are in place, there is a natural desire to secure investment for Neath Port Talbot.

Officers emphasised the shared commitment among regional colleagues to strengthening the region, while recognising the need to balance regional collaboration with local ambitions.

Members acknowledged that both officers and elected members are committed to regional collaboration but also recognised the political reality that there is a natural desire to secure benefits for their own areas and constituents.

Members asked about funding and resources for a joined-up regional approach, noting that the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) has operated with minimal budgets and limited activity.

The Chair confirmed that he sits on the CJC Scrutiny Committee and questioned whether the lack of progress on regional innovation support might be linked to the CJC’s skeletal staffing and resourcing from constituent authorities. The chair asked if significant external funding may be needed to fully realise regional ambitions.

Officers advised that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4a

There were no Performance Monitoring Items selected.

There were no Performance Monitoring Items selected.

·       Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

·       Scrutiny Forward Work Programme.

Following Scrutiny the Forward Work Programme was noted.

Following Scrutiny the Forward Work Programme was noted.

There were none

There were none