Minutes:
Cabinet
Board Reports
The
Committee scrutinised the following items:
3.1
Welsh language Standards
Members
considered a report that provided information on the outcome of meetings
between officers and the Welsh Commissioner’s representatives in relation to
the Council’s Challenge to a number of standards and to seek Members’
Authorisation to submit a response reflecting those discussions.
It
was noted that two meetings took place between Neath Port Talbot Officer’s and
the Commissioner’s representatives to try and agree a resolution.
Following
that it was highlighted that 3 standards were withdrawn in July 2016, and a
further 3 standards would not be imposed on the authority as detailed in
letter from the
Commissioner in appendix 1, which was circulated at the meeting.
Members
queried what the potential cost would be on the council if the council’s
challenge was unsuccessful and standards weren’t complied with. Officers
highlighted that council’s aim is to try and get to a situation that would
avoid the council being fined.
Members
queried whether managers had a choice on receiving welsh language training or
not. Officers highlighted that it’s optional and not mandatory.
Members
highlighted that they agreed with the authority being unable to translate road
signs where there is no appropriate translation or where a translation bears no
resemblance to what the street is predominantly known as, however members did
not agree that road signs should not be translated due to the welsh text
delaying business and emergency services locating the address and therefore
causing potential delay’s.
Members
highlighted that the council had received a number of standards without being
provided with any additional funding and therefore, queried whether the
authority had an estimated cost of what those standards would cost. Officers
explained that there wasn’t an exact estimate and could range from a minimum
cost to a maximum cost, officers provided an example of the minute Book being
translated.
Following
scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by the
Cabinet Board
3.2
Consultative Draft of the Violence Against Women,
Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy
Members
considered a report to consult on the draft Violence against women, Domestic
Abuse and Sexual Violence strategy for Neath Port Talbot County Borough
Council.
Members
received a verbal introduction of the draft Violence against women, Domestic
Abuse and Sexual Violence strategy from Cllr.A.R.Lockyer
who had chaired the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse & Sexual
Violence Leadership Group, he commended the group involved for the work that
had been achieved.
Members
received a presentation which included information on the statutory
requirements, research and objectives.
Members
queried what had happened to the 32 helpline referrals that were turned away as
refuges were full at the time. Officers confirmed that they would have been
provided with support from other areas.
Members
queried why Further education was not mentioned in the strategy. Officers confirmed
that during the consultation period they would develop that.
Members
commended the report, supported the strategy and thanked the officers.
Members
highlighted that older persons in relationships may feel embarrassed to admit
they are vulnerable or find themselves in a situation where they can’t leave
due to financial reasons. Officers confirmed that the Older Persons
Commissioner was aware of this and training would be provided to staff to
signpost people in the right place to have the correct support.
Members
queried what the timescale would be on the review. Officers highlighted that
they would create a delivery plan at present at a future meeting.
Following
scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by the
Cabinet Board
3.3 Seaward Boundries
Members
considered a report on the review of the seaward boundaries of the City and
County of Swansea and the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot.
Members
highlighted that the NPT Seaward Boundry –
Construction Phase line, was not easily identifiable as it was similar to the
NPT Seawards Boundry – Operational Line.
Following
scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by the
Cabinet Board.