Minutes:
4.
PRE-SCRUTINY
The Committee chose to
scrutinise the following items:
Cabinet Board Proposals
4.1 Quarterly Performance
Management Data 2017-2018 – Quarter 4 Performance (1st April – 31st March 2018)
The Committee received information
in relation to the Quarterly Performance Management Data 2017/2018 – Quarter 4
Performance (1st April 2017 – 31st March 2018) as contained within the
circulated report.
Members referred to indicator
17 and 19 and queried why the number of calendar days taken to deliver Disabled
Facilities Grant generally had increased by 10 days; and why the number of
calendar days taken to deliver Disabled Facilities Grant for adults had
increased 14 days. The Committee was informed that the relevant officers were
not present at the meeting and that responses would be sought from officers and
circulated to Members.
Members referred to indicator
22 and questioned why there had been a decrease of 21.2% in significant
breaches that were rectified by intervention during the year by Trading
Standards. Officers stated that the service was currently dealing with a large
number of controversial and complex investigations and that individual cases
were taking up a lot of officer time. Officers explained that the service was
also undergoing a system review which was currently taking priority, and that
three officers had been freed up to undertake this work. Officers assured
Members that there would be an improvement during the current civic year.
Members raised a query in
relation to indicator 27 and questioned what the Authority were doing to
increase the number of new business start-up enquiries assisted through
Business Services. Officers informed Members that a lot of work was ongoing to
develop additional facilities throughout the county borough such as the Plaza Development
and the entrepreneur hub in Neath; however progress was also dependent on
businesses engaging with the Authority and bringing forward proposals. Officers
added efforts were ongoing to attempt to engage with businesses and potential
start up organisations.
Following scrutiny, it was
agreed that the report be noted.
4.2 Proposals for Future
Tourism Provision within Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
The Committee received
information in relation to the Proposals for Future Tourism Provision within
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council as contained within the circulated
report.
Members questioned the data
used in the report, and queried whether it was robust. Officers stated that the Scarborough Tourism
Economic Activity Model (STEAM) information was used by all local authorities.
Officers explained that the information was good at quantifying value and
volume of tourism in the area and was updated on a six monthly basis. Officers
added that the information was updated by the tourism industry and was
considered a key data source throughout Wales.
Members queried whether it
would have been possible to have presented three different costing options for
the proposed new Tourism Unit, and commented that £250k for the new unit
appeared costly. Officers informed Members that Visit Wales would
have preferred for the Authority to have had five or six members of staff in
the team, and that some Authority areas already had this in place. Officers
added that the proposal was the minimum that the Authority could implement in
order demonstrate a commitment to tourism within the county borough and to be
able to access funding from Welsh Government.
Members queried what work was
being carried out with outside agencies. Officers explained that the priority
was to increase overnight stays as this was worth more to the local economy,
and that attempts were being made to work with coach operators to encourage
them to stay during the food and drink festival and to visit Margam Park. Officers stated that the price and
availability of overnight accommodation was currently an issue within the
County Borough. Officers explained that overnight parking in Neath
town centre was an area that that was currently being looked at.
Members commented that
Gwynedd Council in North Wales had worked with Cadw
to maintain and promote Caernarfon Castle, and queried whether the Council
could do something similar with a number of sites. Officers stated that they
had not been able to look at this to date due to capacity issues; however
officers noted the suggestion for future consideration. Members informed
officers that Neath Town Council had met with Cadw
regarding restoration work to Neath Castle, and that this was now being progressed.
The Chair of the former
Economic and Community Regeneration Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Llewelyn,
welcomed the report. Councillor Llewelyn commented that it was good to see that
Cabinet Board had progressed with the recommendations made in the task and
finish report, and that a core budget had been allocated for the new team which
demonstrated the Authority’s commitment to tourism. Councillor Llewelyn stated
that the team would need to work closely with other teams, such as the
department currently responsible for marketing Margam
Park and the Princess Royal Theatre. Councillor Llewelyn queried whether this
information would be fed back to the Leisure and Culture Scrutiny Sub Committee.
Officers confirmed that the information presented to the Committee would also
be reported to the Leisure and Culture Scrutiny Sub Committee for information.
Officers added that there would be synergy with between the Tourism Unit and
the department responsible for marketing Margam Park
and the Princess Royal Theatre.
Members commented that
recently an event in Cardiff coincided with the Dragon Ride event in Neath Port
Talbot which resulted in a reduction in availability of overnight accommodation
within the County Borough. Members queried whether there was a way of looking
at trends and patterns to avoid any future clashes. Officers stated that
dealing with these peaks was difficult due to the limited overnight
accommodation within the County Borough. Officers informed Members that
capacity needs to be increased in this area, but it was proving difficult.
Officers added that the Premier Inn had built an extension next to the Bagle Brook in Baglan which
offered some further accommodation.
Members stated that the Afan Adventure Park was a good opportunity for the County
Borough which could be explored and progressed. Officers informed Members that
an application had been received and that the Authority was awaiting further
information.
Members queried whether the
Swansea Bay City Deal would look at restoring the canal for navigation from St.
Thomas in Swansea to Resolven. Officers stated that
this was still being investigated; however it was very expensive to make the
canal navigable again. Officers explained that St. Modwens
were responsible for the canals and that the Council had a minority share.
Officers added that the pedestrian path along the canal were being maintained
and were in good condition.
Following scrutiny, the Committee were supportive of the recommendations to be
considered by Cabinet Board.
4.3 Energy/Carbon &
Water Management Performance Report 2017/18
The Committee received
information in relation to the Energy/Carbon & Water Management Performance
Report 2017/18 as contained within the circulated report.
Members queried why the
lights in Neath Multi Storey Car Park were always on even after the car park
had closed. Officers explained that there was a fault with the system, but this
was currently being addressed.
Following scrutiny, it was
agreed that the report be noted.