Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following Cabinet Board items:
Key
Performance Indicators 2019/2020 - Quarter 1 (1 April – 30 June 2019)
Members
received an overview of the Key Performance Indicators for Quarter 1, as
detailed in the circulated report.
It
was noted that overall figures for biodiversity were good, although these were
difficult to measure as biodiversity was a large area, and constantly changing.
Officers
explained that there would be more biodiversity projects, but we were reliant
on funding from Welsh Government. It was
highlighted that Heritage Lottery Funding had been received for peat
restoration in the Afan Valley, but further funding
would allow us to deliver additional projects to the wider community.
It
was noted that a draft report on Biodiversity would be brought to Cabinet Board
during October 2019.
A
discussion took place on the performance of high risk businesses that were
liable for programmed inspections by Trading Standards, it was highlighted that
there had been sickness in the team which had impacted on the programme. It was explained that arrangements had been
made to ensure all high risk business were inspected by the end of the 3rd
Quarter.
Following
scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.
Countryside
Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 – Consideration of the Consultation Draft Rights
of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) and the publication/consultation procedures to
be implemented
The
Committee received information on the Consultation Draft Rights of Way
Improvement Plan (ROWIP) and the publication/ consultation procedures to be
implemented.
A
discussion took place on Active Travel (Wales) Act, it was explained that there
were links to Active Travel in the circulated Consultation Draft.
It
was noted that in respect of Public Rights of Way for cycleways
and bridleways, there was a requirement that there must be evidence of usage as
there was a legal framework to be followed.
Members
were pleased that sections of canal towpaths in Neath
were recently improved and now open to cyclists.
Following
scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by the
Cabinet Board.
Environmental
Health and Trading Standards: Food and
Feed Law Service Delivery Plan 2019-2020 and the Food and Feed Law Enforcement
Review 2018-2019
The
Committee received information on the work plan for 2019-2020 of the
Authority’s Food and Feed enforcement service, and review of the Food and Feed
enforcement service for 2018-2019, as detailed in the circulated report.
It
was explained that currently targets were being met, although peaks and troughs
would be experienced due to demand.
Officers
explained that following an initial inspection of a food premises, if business
owners were unhappy with the score, they could apply for a re-score visit. The initial visit was free and unannounced,
if a re-score visit was undertaken there would be a fee. Officers would re-visit the premises in three
months, it was highlighted that this was being achieved, although some food
operators requested a re-visit sooner, this was not always possible.
Following
scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.