Minutes:
The
Leader of Council gave Members an update on the escalating situation in regard
to Covid 19.
Cases had increased to 389.4 per 100,000 and currently Neath Port Talbot
was third highest in Wales. Track and Trace
had identified that a major contributing factor in this rise was people not
adhering to the advice on not mixing.
Concern
was expressed by Council that some of the guidance being issued was not clear
and caused confusion. Future
communications issued needed to be simple and clear. It was highlighted that all residents of
Neath Port Talbot and Swansea had received a Covid 19
information leaflet and Welsh Government were looking at undertaking a similar
campaign across Wales. Also, work has
been undertaken by the regional communications group to link into groups who
work with vulnerable groups to ensure that Covid 19
information is made available.
Discussion
took place on whether it was possible for the data on Covid
19 to be made available to all ward Members on a weekly basis. It was explained that the data belonged to
the Health Board and was considered by the Welsh Government and then shared
with Local Authorities, by the time it was circulated it was already out of
date due to the constant changes in the information collected. As a result the information would not assist
Members at ward level. Members were
asked to continue to promote the Covid 19 guidance in
their communities.
In
addition, a rise has been identified in secondary schools as a result of the
recent school holidays, where children were seen not adhering to social
distancing and continuing to mix in groups.
As a result schools would remain open until the end of term to enable
schools to continue to manage children and young peoples’ behaviour while on
school premises in adhering to the Covid 19
guidance. Council was also informed of
the recent excellent report from the Health and Safety Executive inspection of
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council schools in relation to implementing Covid 19 guidance.
This report would be circulated to Council if possible.
Council
heard of the work that Margam Orangery has been
undertaking to try to assist couples with alternative plans for weddings as a
result of the Orangery being made a mass vaccination centre.
Forthcoming Retirements
The
Leader advised Members that this was the last meeting of Council that Mr. S.
Phillips, Chief Executive , would attend due to his
impending retirement. The Leader paid
tribute to the work undertaken and commitment Mr. Phillips had to improve the
outcomes for communities in Neath Port Talbot while he was Chief Executive and
wished him a long and happy retirement. This was supported by Members. Mr. Phillips, responded and wished the authority,
members and his successor Mrs. K.Jones well for the
future.
The
Leader also advised Members of the forthcoming retirement of Mrs. B. Austin,
Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive.
The Leader and Mr. S.Phillips thanked Mrs.
Austin for all the support she had given them over a number of years and wished
her a long and happy retirement. This
was supported by Members. Mrs.B.Austin was appreciative of the comments given by
Officers and Members at todays’ meeting.