To
select appropriate items from the Cabinet Board agenda for Pre-Decision Scrutiny
(Cabinet Board reports included for Scrutiny Members)
Decision:
Standing
Advisory Panel
Following
scrutiny, the committee supported the recommendation to Cabinet Board.
Youth
Service Update
Following
scrutiny, the committee noted the report.
Transport
Personal Travel Budget Update
Following
scrutiny, the committee noted the report.
Minutes:
Standing Advisory Panel
Members referred to Appendix 1 of the report
and queried the procedure for recruitment to the committee, in particular
recruitment of an atheist representative.
Officers confirmed that recruitment procedures
can vary by Standing Advisory Councils (SAC). The aim is to achieve a broad
range of representation from all faiths and beliefs relevant to the
county. Head offices of relevant organisations
are contacted to request a true and balanced representative. Once an individual
is identified, discussions are held at SAC and a group decision is made on the
individuals’ suitability, relevance and appropriateness. Recruitment of an
atheist representative can be more challenging but is required to comply with
Welsh Government Equality Legislation. Reputable atheist organisations and
groups are contacted to put forward a representative and vetting is carried
out.
Following scrutiny, the committee supported the
recommendation to Cabinet Board.
Youth Service Update
Members asked if the service still experienced
difficulties in recruiting qualified youth workers particularly for the
sessional work activities. Members referred to page 20 of the report and
enquired on the level of participation at the first Welsh medium youth club in
Trebannws.
Officers confirmed that the progress of the
Welsh medium youth club at Trebannws was positive. There have been 173 contacts
within Trebannws and club membership stands at 29 boys and 16 girls. Officers
confirmed that there are always difficulties in recruiting staff but the
situation was currently on track with two youth clubs re-opening.
The Head of Education Development noted that
Neath Port Talbot was in a more positive position than some other local
authorities as staff chose to work here due to the high standards. It was noted
that recruitment may continue to be an issue due to the nature of the job and
this is a national issue. The previous two recruitment waves were successful
and clubs have re-opened due to the re-engagement of people taking up part time
posts. Nationally, the expectation of high level qualifications of sessional
staff is difficult to achieve.
The Chair welcomed the Welsh-medium youth club
in Trebannws and noted the difference it has made to the community and extended
thanks to all staff. The Chair questioned if there are any plans for further
Welsh-medium youth groups in the county.
Officers confirmed that the last club opened
was externally funded, extra funding and staff would be required to enable
further clubs to be opened. It was noted that work is ongoing in relation to
general Welsh development with a celebratory event being held last year and a
visit for Welsh speaking young people to Llangranog, but extra funding is
needed longer term.
The Head of Education Development confirmed
that the youth service had engaged with Bronwen Lewis who is supporting musical
development in the Welsh Language.
Members enquired whether there were any
bilingual clubs in the county.
Officers confirmed that in relation to the
Glynneath youth club, staff provide one Welsh-medium session/awareness raising
event per month, this can include games and quizzes about Welsh heritage and
culture. Welsh speaking young people in the group provide assistance with the
sessions which is empowering for the young people.
Following scrutiny, the committee noted the
report.
Transport Personal Travel Budget Update
The Head of Support Services and Transformation
advised members that this was an update report following the report brought to
Cabinet Board in May 2023 seeking permission to implement the personal travel
budget.
Members commented that some questions had been
raised with the service in advance of the meeting, confirmation was given that
users were selected for the personal travel budget where no alternative travel
routes are available and to eliminate single occupancy travel. Members
questioned what procedure was followed if no alternative travel route was
available but families didn’t want a personal travel budget.
The Head of Service confirmed that the
authority has a duty to ensure the most cost effective means of travel is
provided, taking into account the needs of the child and family. If no
alternative travel routes are available, parents will be offered the personal
travel budget, and assistance will be provided on how the budget can be used,
in case of difficulties, officers work with families to identify solutions. It
was noted that the personal travel budget is a flexible arrangement which works
for the majority of families.
Members asked if any child had experienced
difficulty in getting to school which affected their attendance.
The Head of Service confirmed that the biggest
workload for the service is from families who are not eligible for travel
assistance, rather than difficulties with the personal travel budget.
The Education Transport Manager advised members
that parents can request a formal review of the suitability of the travel offer
received in the form of an appeal.
Members questioned how many families have
received a personal transport budget.
The Head of Service confirmed that at the time
of the report, 51 families had received a personal travel budget, where
otherwise pupils would be transported in a single occupancy taxi as no other
alternative was available. Work is ongoing and there are a further 17 pupils
currently using a single occupancy taxi where it may be suitable to transfer to
a personal travel budget.
Following scrutiny, the committee noted the
report.