Wrthi'n llwytho
Does dim crynodeb o'r cyfarfod hwn eto. Caiff crynodebau eu hysgrifennu pan fydd y cyngor yn cyhoeddi'r cofnodion, sef ei gofnod swyddogol o'r hyn a benderfynodd cyfarfod. Maen nhw fel arfer yn ymddangos ychydig wythnosau ar ôl y cyfarfod.
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.
There were no declarations of interest received.
Members considered the report as circulated within the agenda pack. The Committee considered the proposal relating to ENV13 in Appendix 4, which recommended increasing the bulky waste collection fee from £29.50 to £39.50. Concern was expressed about the scale of the increase, stating that a 25% rise could deter residents from using the Council’s service and potentially lead to increased fly‑tipping or greater use of illegal waste carriers. It was noted that neighbouring authorities charged significantly less for smaller collections, and it was suggested that the Council introduce a lower fee for the disposal of one to three items, while retaining the proposed £39.50 fee for collections of up to seven items. The Director of Environment explained that the proposed uplift formed part of the wider range of measures required to balance the budget without cutting services. It was confirmed that benchmarking had shown that the Council would remain the third lowest‑charging authority in Wales even after applying the £10 increase. Members were reminded that a previous two‑tier charging structure had resulted in extensive public confusion and complaints, as residents frequently disputed the number of items being collected, leading to incomplete collections, additional staff time and unnecessary repeat journeys. The introduction of a single fixed charge had resolved these issues and provided a clearer and more efficient system. Officers advised that the majority of bulky waste collections involved four to seven items, and a reintroduction of a tiered structure would require higher charges elsewhere in order to maintain necessary income. It was also emphasised that residents still had access to authorised private waste carriers and could dispose of items free of charge at household recycling centres. Officers confirmed that the Council had a strong record of enforcement against illegal waste activities, working with Trading Standards, NRW and the police to undertake regular operations and pursue prosecutions. Members highlighted accessibility issues for households without transport. Officers reiterated that the previous tiered model had produced significant operational difficulties and that the current system had proved both effective and predictable for users. The committee received clarification on the increased cost per tonne for residual waste disposal. Officers explained that the rise is due to market conditions affecting waste carriers. Members were advised that the Council uses a mix of carriers, with some residual waste sent for incineration and some to landfill. However, disposal costs are set by the external organisations that receive the material, and these charges have been increasing significantly year on year. Officers outlined that the saving related to Celtic Leisure would be achieved through a reduced management fee, reflecting agreed annual efficiencies within the contract and anticipated increases in customer numbers and revenue, meaning the organisation would no longer require the full £100,000 previously provided. The second element was outlined as a tax-efficiency measure resulting from a revised agreement, following legal advice which would alter the income and taxation model without any detriment to the existing contractual arrangements. Members were advised that a report had been agreed at Cabinet outlining the changes and a copy of this report would be circulated. Members sought clarification on whether Town and Community Councils would be charged for accessing legal support. Officers confirmed that historically, legal services had been unable to undertake legal work for councils due to insurance restrictions. However following discussions with the insurers, arrangements are now being amended to allow the Council’s legal team to provide support where appropriate offering an additional service that council may choose to use. This would not replace existing provisions but would give council’s the option to access local government expertise at a competitive rate for substantive matters. Members raised concerns about the Performance & Resources Scrutiny Committee being the only designated committee to consider the draft budget. Members commented on the loss of expertise from other scrutiny committees and the risk of reduced scrutiny. Officers confirmed that the remit of the scrutiny committees was agreed as part of the reviewed scrutiny process. Members welcomed the proposed investment in the Aberavon Seafront Strategy. Members sought clarification on the total budget for building maintenance. Officers confirmed that the budget identified is the gap between what is spent and the funding available. Officers advised that they will circulate the total budget following the meeting. Members referred to the £200,000 in the Countryside and Biodiversity budget and expressed an interest in having a breakdown of the budget. Officers advised that they will circulate the proposed breakdown following the meeting, to include how many staff members it included and the type of work that would be covered within the budget. However, a brief outline of the breakdown was provided. Officers confirmed that the increased budget for countryside and biodiversity was intended to strengthen the rights of way service noting that a single small team currently manages the entire network, which is extensive and has faced repeated reductions over time. The additional funding would allow the creation of a second team, together with the necessary equipment, vehicles and materials required for maintenance, including weed treatment. Members were also advised that the investment would support the management of translocated habitats and species which are moved to alternative locations to facilitate development. Whilst the translocation process operates nationally, the authority currently lacks the resources to maintain these sites effectively, and the funding would ensure that they are properly managed and protected to prevent ecological deterioration. An update was sought on the operating subsidy for the Metal Box in Neath and queried whether the savings target was realistic. Officers confirmed that extensive work had been undertaken to develop business cases to secure investment for the building, and funding had been obtained to enable the subdivision of the large space into smaller industrial units to meet local demand. Contractors are currently onsite progressing the works, and once the new units are completed and let, the expectation is that the financial pressure on the budget will be alleviated, to a position where the building would no longer require a subsidy. Members sought clarification on the budget line in relation to £850,000. Officers outlined that when the Shared Prosperity Fund was first introduced several permanent posts were moved from the core budget to be funded thought the grant as a means of achieving savings. Concerns had been raised within the directorate about transferring staff from permanently funded positions into grant-funded roles, but the then Chief Executive had assured staff that the funding would be restored to the base budget once the grant funding had ended. The £850,000 represents the core funding being reinstated. Officers provided an update regarding the enforcement of lease obligations for council-owned community buildings. It was outlined that whilst efforts are being made to ensure tenants comply with the maintenance requirements set out in their lease agreements. Officers noted that some community organisations that took on these buildings may be unable to meet their maintenance responsibilities, resulting in a progressive deterioration of the properties. It was recognised that many of these facilities are central to community life, with a wide range of activities relying on their continued use. Officers stressed the importance of further work to identify solutions that safeguard these assets and prevent the loss of valued community spaces. Members raised concerns regarding the lack of up to date condition reports on buildings that are leased. It was suggested that resourcing should be provided to understand the scale and risk of the current conditions of those buildings before they are potentially returned to the authority. Members referred to the proposed reduction in the schools’ food budget. Members sought assurances from officers that the saving could be achieved without adversely affecting the quality or quantity of meals provided to pupils. Officers reassured members that based on several years of delivering school meals and the level of government funding received, the service was confident that £60,000 could be achieved without any detrimental impact. Members queried if the Council was sourcing food locally to support the local economy and strengthen supply networks. Officers advised that they will need to confirm the extent of local sourcing but noted that some cost efficiencies were achieved though all-Wales procurement arrangements. Officers advised that they will provide the committee with further detailed information following the meeting. Members noted that sourcing food locally would also contribute towards the Council’s commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. Members asked for an explanation concerning the proposed removal of the core budget for specialised ALN education equipment. Officers outlined that the change would have no impact on young people requiring specialist equipment, as the needs would continue to be met in full. The existing ALN grant from Welsh Government is eligible to fund such equipment and that the proposal for the coming financial year is to use grant funding instead of core funding, thereby achieving a revenue saving. Members expressed a concern with regards to what is essentially being lost by using grant money to fund core costs. Members queried if there had been any implications from the recharge of cleaning costs to schools? Officers confirmed that no schools had left the cleaning service offered by the local authority. Whilst officers recognised the additional costs to the school for the cleaning service, it was highlighted that the standards of the service are high. Members expressed their concern at the rising costs associated with Home to School Transport. Officers noted that there was a workshop scheduled for March which would provide a detailed briefing on the revised Home to School Transport policy. It was emphasised that this session would be important to help members to understand both the reasons for the revisions and the proposals being brought forward. Officers acknowledged concerns of members over rising transport costs, noting that the pressures are reflected nationally and costs continue to increase. The working group is currently examining whether ALN provisions is appropriately located and whether alternative arrangements could reduce transport costs while improving outcomes for young people. It was also noted that between 90-100 contracts are due to expire this year, and there is considerable risk of substantial cost increases when these are renewed, in line with current market conditions. Members noted that Home to School Transport is important to support the corporate wellbeing objective of the best start in life. The Deputy Leader highlighted the significant financial pressures currently faced by the authority. Ultimately, members will be required to make a decision on the level of council tax following scrutiny and public consultation. The draft budget includes a proposal for a 3.5% council tax increase. Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
Members considered the report as circulated within the agenda pack. Members welcomed the reference to the review of the methodology for capital allocations, which increases the transparency and openness on discussion on the capital programme. Members referenced the capital planning process which takes place throughout the year. It was noted that the document isn’t fixed but gets updated throughout the year, as funding, developments etc. emerge. The Capital Programmes Steering Group meetings meets throughout the year, and members queried if there was a way to engage with the group. This would provide members the opportunity to understand how the capital programme is drafted. Officers confirmed that in terms of prioritisation, they have been waiting for Audit Wales’ report on capital planning. It was due in summer 2025 but was issued this month. Whilst it was received too late to influence the process for this year, officers will take on board the recommendations that they have put forward and working with the scrutiny committee to develop that. It was noted that the steering group does not have any decision making powers at all. The main focus of the group is to monitor progress of the delivery of the programme that has been approved by members. It also considers requests for funding from the Council’s contingency capital budget, however all of those are included in the quarterly reports that are approved by members. All decision making in relation to this is ultimately through the Cabinet. Members suggested that it may be helpful for future quarterly reports to include a clear paragraph within the narrative section outlining any proposals relating to the use of contingency proposals, as opposed to such information being contained solely within appended tables. It is hoped that this information will improve visibility and transparency. Officers welcomed the suggestion as a helpful improvement to the reporting format. It was confirmed that Pride in Place grants are linked to transforming towns funding which is linked to the place plans which are currently under development to be considered by members. An element of funding in relation to these must be match funded from the Council. With reference to the public realm improvements to the Boots building, it was confirmed that this building is owned by the authority. The authority is trying to invest in town centres to make places where people are encouraged to spend longer dwell time and support the traders. The building that Boots is located, is in a very prominent position, with a wide public realm area between the new leisure/retail facilities which exposes the side elevation more. A piece of work will be undertaken to try and improve the appearance of the building. Discrepancies were highlighted in the budget line figures reflected on page 46 and 59 in the two tables. The income generation allocations are different between the two tables. Officers were unable to confirm the reason for the discrepancies and would circulate information following the meeting to confirm. Following scrutiny, the recommendation was supported to Cabinet.
There were no urgent items.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
Caiff datganiadau eu darllen o'r cofnodion unwaith y byddan nhw wedi'u cyhoeddi.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.