Agenda and draft minutes

The following officer made a declaration of interest at the start of the meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on the 5 September 2019 were agreed as an accurate record.

The Committee received information on the progress made to date on the delivery of the Margam Country Park business plan as detailed in the circulated report.

Progress has continued to be made with the park income steadily increasing.  Work was continuing to explore commercial opportunities to generate income that will contribute towards the upkeep and maintenance of the park.

It was also highlighted that the Orangery, in the recent Swansea Bay Tourism Awards came 2^rd in the best wedding venue category, and Margam Country Park had won the Best Large Attraction category.

Discussion continued on the future plans for the park, the areas identified for refurbishment and the opportunities to bring new ventures to the park. An application for funding would be submitted for improvements to the castle as part of new business opportunities.

Members heard that many of the new initiatives highlighted today and previously were ideas from park staff in their regular feedback sessions.

In answer to Members queries it was explained that the Illuminate Wales Trail taking place in the park had been very success and that any impact on the environment had been considered and mitigated.

Members were pleased with the progress made and asked that their appreciation be forwarded to all staff at Margam Park for all their hard work.

Following Scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.

Members received the Welsh Public Library Standards (WPLS) Annual Assessment Report 2018-19 as detailed in the circulated report.

It was highlighted that the service has improved on last year achieving 7 out of the 10 standards.

Discussion took place on whether there was consistency in data  collected and if the model used for the provision of library services was the same across Wales. Officers explained there was a variety of ways that councils across Wales provide library services, which results in the data not being consistently collected.

Community Libraries which there are seven receive support from the library service  are not included in the statistics but if they were  the performance of the service would increase.

The committee asked that their appreciation be cascaded to all library staff on the excellent service provided.

Following scrutiny, the committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by cabinet board.

The committee received information on the Quarterly Performance Data 2019-2020 Quarter 1 Performance (1 April  – 30 September 2019) as detailed in the circulated report.

Members were content with the statistical information contained within the report and agreed there was no need for further scrutiny.

Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.

The forward work programme be noted.

The forward work programme be noted.

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.

The committee received a presentation on the Celtic Leisure Six Month Performance Review 2019 - 2020 and the Celtic Leisure Performance Review 2018 – 2019 as detailed in the circulated report.

Discussion took place on the data and the plans that Celtic Leisure had for future development.  This information would be shared with the Education, Skills and Leisure Scrutiny Committee at the next meeting.

The Welsh Government new free swimming initiative was also discussed and the impact of this change.

The committee thanked Celtic Leisure for the information and the presentation.

Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.