Minutes:
The Committee
scrutinised the following matters:-
Cabinet Board
Proposals
2.1 Smart and Connected - A Revised Digital Strategy
Members received the final version of the Digital Strategy
– Smart and Connected, following feedback from the public consultation on the
draft version of the Strategy, as detailed within the circulated report.
Members queried how the Authority would deliver
this strategy to ensure it was fit for purpose. Officers explained a delivery
plan would be developed which would contain more detail on how the Strategy
would be delivered within the resources available.
Members queried how many responses were received
during the consultation period. Officers informed Members that there were a
range of different methods used to gather feedback from the consultation and
confirmed all consulted parties were listed on page 22 of the circulated
report.
Members shared concerns that the strategy would
encourage officers to work from home when they are not fit enough to attend
work.
Members queried the reference to a Citizens
Account. Officers explained it was a portal the public could use. Following
sign up a member of the public would be able to access services, however when
accessing personal information it would require a password for security
reasons.
Members questioned whether officers had considered
how people with disabilities were able to access online services. Officers
informed Members that there was technology available such as voice technology
for people to use.
Members queried whether online sites would be
accessed via a mobile application or website. Officers clarified that any
future developments would now be available through all methods.
Members questioned what procedures were in place
for those that did not have English as a first language, Members referred to
Syrian refugees as an example. Officers confirmed that there was specific
support available to support Syrian refugees and if there were any specific
families that were struggling, this would need to be discussed separately with
the Assistant Chief Executive and Chef Digital Officer outside of the meeting.
Members queried if there were any safeguarding
measures in place to prevent any hacks or viruses via internet usage. Officers
informed Members that there were preventative measures in place to protect
users when using the internet within the Council’s premises. However, when the
internet was accessed via a tablet device it was then more difficult to
protect. Officers added that if there was a breach there were ways of auditing
events to view where errors had occurred.
Members questioned whether the Authority could
deliver IT skills in communities with the partners referenced within the
Strategy. Officers explained when grants were awarded to organisations via the
Council’s Third Sector Grants Scheme it would provide an opportunity to review
the impacts and strengthen the way the Authority worked with the organisations,
which would then identify funding and any training requirements.
Members questioned the longevity of the Strategy
and queried whether the Authority had considered the impact of the Strategy in
25 years’ time. Officers explained that it was set in the Well-being of Future
Generations (wales) act 2015 that a long term view of the strategy was required
and highlighted that it would be difficult to do this within current budget
constraints.
Following scrutiny, the Committee were supportive of
the proposals to be considered by the Cabinet Board
2.2) Strategic Equality Plan 2017-2018
Members
received information on the Strategic Equality Plan Annual Report for 2017-
2018, as detailed within the circulated report.
Members asked whether the Strategic Equality Plan
2017-18 would be cross referenced with the Welsh Language Standards as they
felt they should complement each other. Officers would amend the report, cross
referencing the report with the Welsh Language Standards.
Members referred to the Equality Objective Measure
4.1 on the reduced number of Equality Impact Assessments (EIA) undertaken, and
suggested a different officer to complete the EIA to the officer that would
write the report in order to have a fresh view of the EIA. Officers explained
that currently the same officer completed both the EIA as the report.
Members queried whether the equality legislation
applied to just Wales or was it a United Kingdom wide legislation.
Officers clarified that the Equality Act 2010 was
one piece of legislation for the whole of the United Kingdom, and that it
protected people from discrimination in the workplace and had nine protected
characteristics including age, disability, pregnancy, and maternity.
Members stated the progress on page 92, relating to
Education performance attainment between boys and girls at foundation phase and
key stages 2 and 3 was confusing. Officers informed Members the summary of
progress would be raised with officers and amended accordingly.
Following
scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted, however requested that the
cross referencing of the Strategic Equality Plan 2017-18 and Welsh Language
Standards be considered.
2.3) Provision of Loan Funding to Celtic
Leisure Limited
The Committee received information in relation to
the provision of loan funding to Celtic Leisure Limited, as detailed within the
circulated report.
Members asked whether there would be a negative
impact on the other Celtic Leisure sites, due to Celtic Leisure Limited
focusing their priorities on improving the gym facilities in Pontardawe. Officers explained that the service
requirements were necessary in Pontardawe and this
would help Celtic Leisure Limited to meet their saving targets.
Members queried whether other bodies would be able
to enter into a similar agreement. Officers explained that circumstances would
not be the same, therefore other bodies would not be able to request a similar
agreement.
Members asked that the Business Plan proposed for
the Pontardawe site be circulated to the Committee.
Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by the Cabinet Board.