Agenda item

The Committee scrutinised the following Cabinet items:

 

Capital Programme 2019-20 to 2021-22

 

The Director of Finance and Corporate Services provided Members with an overview of the circulated report.

 

Members felt that huge credit should go to Officers who contributed to the report, as they manage the budget skilfully by utilising match funding to deliver innovative schemes. Cefn Coed Colliery Museum was discussed and clarity was sought over when the restoration project would begin. Officers confirmed that discussions had taken place with Welsh Government regarding identifying the site as one of the Valleys’ Regional Park Gateways, as well as handing the site over, possibly with a dowry as well as funding. There had been a commitment made by Welsh Government that the first headgear would be restored by May 2020, with the second being completed May 2021.

 

Members queried where ideas for the projects listed in the Capital Programme came from, and noted that all assets were regularly risk assessed in terms of need. Decisions were then taken as to where investment could best be used in terms of outcome. The Valleys’ Task and Finish Group had helped to feed into these decisions, as well as asset management plans.

 

It was noted that no money had been directed toward public transport. Officers explained that while there was no quick fix to the issues around transport in valleys communities, the Welsh Government was currently consulting on Improving Public Transport. The white paper sought views on how local bus services were planned and delivered as well as the reform of taxis and private hire vehicle licensing. The Local Authority would fully engage in the consultation, including feeding in the relevant outcomes of the Valleys Task and Finish Group. Members were pleased to see that so many of the projects listed in the circulated report related to the valleys.

 

Officers explained that the monies allocated to town centres would be used as ‘seed core’ monies to attract match funding for further regeneration work. The importance of ensuring the brown signage was up to date and displayed the correct information was discussed.

 

The Strategic Schools Improvement Programme was discussed, specifically the funding for Band B schools. Members noted that the same processes would be followed as with the Band A schools, including full and thorough consultation.

 

Members queried whether the purchase of the old Metal Box site in Neath was fully complete. Officers explained that the process had taken longer than expected as thorough due diligence on this site had been necessary, owing to its many former uses. A very competitive price had been negotiated and the matter was now being finalised.

 

Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by Cabinet.

 

Revenue Budget 2019-20

 

Members received an overview of the circulated report, and noted that following feedback from the public consultation, various amendments had been made to the original budget savings proposals, including withdrawing the proposals for reducing funding to the music service and welfare rights, and identifying alternative service savings for libraries.

 

Members discussed the income generation posts within the Authority and their remits, specifically in relation to Cefn Coed Colliery Museum. It was noted that the savings relating to Cefn Coed referred to in the Revenue Budget report, had been agreed as part of last years budget and were part of a two year plan. Officers emphasised that guidance, assistance and advice was always available from the Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning team within the Council, but that sustainability had to come from the Friends of Cefn Coed Museum.

 

The amalgamation of the Supporting People; Families First; Flying Start; Communities First Legacy Fund and Employability Grants to form two new grant schemes (Children and Communities Grant and Housing Grant) was discussed, and Members noted that Neath Port Talbot had not been one of the 6 Local Authorities involved in the pilot scheme, despite being one of the most deprived Local Authorities across Wales. Officers explained that although not all the notifications concerning the two new grants had been received, there did not seem to be as much flexibility with the two new schemes.

 

Rodent Pest Control Charges (item ENVT918) and School Catering Staff (item ELLL715) were discussed. Officers explained that despite some Scrutiny Committee Member’s concerns, should any savings be withdrawn from consideration then an alternative proposal would be required in order to achieve a balanced budget.

 

Members were pleased that so many responses had been received to the consultation, and that a number of proposals had been altered as a result.

 

The Cabinet Member for Finance thanked all those (including Officers, Members, the Welsh Local Government Association and UNISON) who had lobbied Welsh Government for extra funding, but noted that it was the cuts coming from Westminster which caused the deprivation.

 

Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by Cabinet.

 

Treasury Management 2019-20

 

Following an overview of the circulated report by the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Members discussed institutes the Council investment programme in and how the outside organisations were credit checked. It was noted that the Local Authority currently had no investments outside of the UK. Members queried whether the Local Authority took external advice about its investments, and Officers explained that Treasury Advisors support Local Authority Officers in their work. The increased penalty around debt rescheduling was discussed.

 

Members suggested that the Minutes of this meeting be forwarded to the Audit Committee as an example of good practice and to illustrate that due process had been followed.

 

Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by Cabinet.

 

 

 

 

Revenue Budget Monitoring 2018/19

 

Members received an overview of the circulated report, and queried whether any underspends from the 2018/19 budget had been taken into account in the reports before Cabinet today. Officers confirmed that they had been.

 

Out of county placements were discussed, and Members noted that Officers were very careful with out of county funding and only placed children when there were no other suitable options.

 

Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by Cabinet.

 

Further Responses to the Welsh Government White Paper – Reform of the Fire and Rescue Authorities in Wales

 

Following an overview of the circulated report, Members felt that a further response should be forwarded to Welsh Government by the Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Digital Officer, highlighting a number of concerns.

 

Members considered the comments made in the consultation document regarding the competency of existing fire and rescue authority members to be insulting and disgraceful. The Members who serve on fire and rescue authorities brought considerable experience and skill to the roles they carried out.

 

Elected Members felt the existing fire and rescue authority membership provided robust challenge to the Chief Fire Officer and his team. Furthermore, they believed the diverse membership of the existing fire and rescue authorities ensured the community impact of the work of the fire and rescue service was fully considered in decision making processes.

 

Members strongly disagreed with the proposal that the existing membership be replaced by members of council executives. This was not considered to be practical or in the best interests of democracy.

 

Members felt there was a case for reviewing the way the Fire Service was funded to ensure the funding model reflected the work of the modern day fire and rescue service – in particular the growing role the service plays in supporting the NHS in Wales.

 

Elected Members did not consider models such as those in place to support Local Health Boards to be a suitable basis for democratic oversight of an important public service like the fire and rescue service. There was no case made out to replace elected councillors with appointees.

 

Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by Cabinet.