Minutes:
The
Leader of Council, Councillor R.G Jones, gave Council his inaugural speech.
The
Leader confirmed that since he was elected Leader of Council he had undertaken
to meet with Leaders of the Opposition Groups to exchange information about key
issues. Cabinet Members had been
encouraged to bring before Council matters that fell within their portfolios.
In
addition, the scrutiny function within the Council had further developed and
strengthened. Members of Council had
been involved in the development of the Corporate Plan. The Valleys’ Task and Finish Group had been
convened to look at issues within valley communities and draft proposals had
been shared with the Leadership.
Partnership
working has been strengthened. A work programme had been developed with the
local voluntary sector so that both sectors can work together on shared
priorities.
All
of this demonstrated an inclusive approach to Council business.
The
Leader confirmed that the focus had and would continue to be on ensuring that
the priorities contained within the Corporate Plan would be delivered for the
benefit of communities.
A
report on the Authority’s performance for 2017-18 would be brought before
Council shortly.
The
Leader highlighted the emphasis for the next 12 months which included:
·
To extend the Digital Programme. A revised Digital Strategy would be
brought for Members’ consideration before the summer recess;
·
To further investigate ways to generate additional income.
·
Details of a pilot project seeking to identify new and different ways in
which the Council can work with communities;
·
A further report on the City Deal;
·
The next Phase of the 21st Century Schools programme would be
brought forward which would include the outcome of the consultation on
education provision for the Afan Valley;
·
Work would continue to progress the work started at Pantteg:
·
A range of announcements would be made in relation to regeneration
projects.
The
Leader also confirmed that as a result of issues raised in the Budget process
last year, some specific issues would be revisited:
·
A proposal would be brought forward for consideration in regard to
developing Tourism in the County Borough;
·
Proposals from the Friends Group at Pontardawe Arts Centre were awaited;
·
Further input was also awaited in relation to Cefn Coed Museum;
·
Proposals from the Valleys Task and Finish Group had been received in
draft form. Consideration would be given on how to progress;
·
The Budget Strategy for 2019-20 would be initiated prior to the summer
recess. This would enable Members to be
briefed on the forecast for the next financial year and beyond with specific
budget proposals subsequently being progressed through the autumn period. Members were asked to submit any ideas for
saving money or raising income as early as possible so that they could be
included in the budget process.
The Leader thanked his Cabinet Members, all Members
of Council, staff and the Chief Executive for all the work that had been
undertaken throughout the year. In
addition, the Leader thanked all partners for their support.
Both Leaders of the opposition parties were
supportive of the issues that were covered by the Leader and emphasised the
many challenges the Council faced in setting future budgets.
RESOLVED: |
That
the Leader’s inaugural speech be noted. |