Minutes:
The Committee scrutinised the
following matters:-
Cabinet Board Proposals
2.1 Calculation
of Council Tax Base for 2019/20
The
Committee received information in relation to the Calculation of Council Tax Base
for 2019/20 as contained within the circulated report.
Members
asked for clarification on how the calculations set out in this report impacted
on the Budget and Council Tax. Officers explained that the decision on the
actual level of council tax payable for 2019/20 would be made in February 2019,
and would be based on the final budget determination and the number of
properties set out in the report.
Members
queried whether the charges were set by Welsh Government. Officers explained
that Welsh Government used the council tax information to distribute RSG
funding via the Local Government Funding Formula.
Following
scrutiny, the Committee were supportive of the proposals to be considered at
Cabinet Board.
2.2 Half
Year Progress Report – Corporate Governance Improvement Action Plan for 2018/19
– period 1 April 2018 to 30 September 2019
The
Committee received information in relation to the Half Year Progress Report –
Corporate Governance Improvement Action Plan as contained within the circulated
report.
Members
queried when the training would take place for elected members on the General
Data Protection Regulation. Officers explained that this would take place by
the end of January 2019. Members questioned whether there was extra funding for
the training. Officers explained that there was no extra cost for the training
as the course had been prepared and delivered by Council Officers; it was only
the cost of Officers; time.
It was
noted that the report title should read 30 September 2018 instead of 30
September 2019.
Following
scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.
2.3 Corporate
Plan Key Performance Indicators 2018/2019 – Quarter 2 Performance (1 April 2018
– 30 September 2018)
The
Committee received information in relation to Corporate Plan Key Performance
Indicators 2018/2019 – Quarter 2 Performance (1 April 2018 – 30 September 2018)
Members
referred to the delays in child assessments, and queried when would a task and
finish group be set up to look into this. Officers explained that a group had recently
been set up and a report would be brought back to a future meeting.
Members
requested for
comparative data from other authorities of a similar size to be made available
and Welsh Government performance indicators. Officers stated this information
would be circulated to members as soon practicable.
Members highlighted that the Authority were not meeting
their targets in relation to the number of people that were being kept in
hospital. Members highlighted their concern that there would not be any money
for future development. Officers
explained that they needed to focus on Domiciliary Care and were looking at a
range of issues and solutions. Officers stated that a person’s needs should be
looked at along with the reasons why they had been admitted to hospital in the
first place. Officers added that the option of receiving care at home was
always explored. Members questioned whether Abertawe
Bro Morgannwg University Health Board (ABMU) were
involved. Officers explained that they had a meeting arranged with the Chief
Executive of ABMU to discuss these issues.
Members queried was there a system of priorities in
place. Officers explained that the Corporate Plan sets out the Council’s
priorities, and that a number of performance indicators reflected statutory
responsibilities.
In relation to Neath Port Talbot coffee shops, members
questioned how often were they inspected, and whether products contained
information regarding allergies. Officers explained that Neath Port Talbot
coffee shops had received five star ratings for hygiene. Officers added that
ingredients and potential allergies were stated on the food packaging.
Following scrutiny,
it was agreed that the report be noted.