Agenda item

Members considered information in relation to the Asset Management, Estates and Facilities Team as contained within the circulated report.

The team is made up of 72 FTE’s (Full Time Employees) with catering and cleaning staff making up the largest proportion.

There have been two unplanned employee departures and three employees have recently retired which has had an effect on the work load of the team and staff morale and the jobs are out for recruitment currently. Sickness absence has increased due to one instance of long term absence.

The Committee asked for further information in relation to the financial savings achieved by the team. Savings have been achieved thus far without the closure of any facilities and an option of claiming back some elements of VAT on takeaway sales is being considered which will further contribute to the budget savings in the section.

Members asked why the Neath Civic Centre Solar Panels project did not proceed and were informed that the payback from the project was low and a greater payback was being achieved from investing the money from this project elsewhere.

The Committee referred to the 2011/12 Catering and Cleaning Review where certain amalgamations of the service were made and officers explained that work is ongoing to better understand the need of the service going forward.

Members commented on the improvement in the number of category A and B buildings (those buildings ‘performing as intended and operating efficiently’ and ‘performing as intended but showing minor deterioration’) and a corresponding drop in the number of C and D grade buildings (those buildings that are ‘exhibiting major defects and/or not operating as intended’ and ‘life expired and/or at serious risk of imminent failure’). The Local Authority has approximately 310 sites and 1100 buildings within its ownership are they are all graded impartially on a rolling programme. Members were informed that taking category C and D properties out of these categories is difficult and expensive and they are usually sold or transferred to community organisations; if the latter is done the Local Authority is responsible for sensible and reasonable ‘snagging’ repairs.  

The Committee expressed their gratitude to the team who have performed well throughout difficult circumstances this year and praised the cross directorate working of the team.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.