Minutes:
The following question was received under Rule 9.2
of the Council’s Procedure Rules.
“Following
the British Government's decision to refuse a bank holiday in Wales for St
David's Day, will Neath Port Talbot Council consider following the example set
by Gwynedd Council and create a defacto bank holiday
for council staff and give TOIL to those carrying out essential services? Will
Neath Port Talbot Council and its leadership also consider following Caerphilly
Council in lobbying both Welsh and UK governments to ensure this power is
devolved, bringing about equality across these Islands?”
Councillor D. Jones, Cabinet Member for Corporate
Services and Equalities responded by confirming that a clear commitment was
made in the Council’s Corporate Plan to increase the focus given to heritage
and culture and to ensure that the Welsh Language and traditions could be
enjoyed by future generations.
Officers were asked to provide detailed advice on
the proposal to create a bank holiday for council staff, which would include
learning from Gwynedd Council.
In addition, requests would be made in writing to
both the Welsh and UK Governments asking that the powers to set bank holidays
be devolved to the Welsh Government.