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RESOLVED (a) That the Partnerships Panel be requested to consider adding scrutiny of the effectiveness of the ‘Safer Pembrokeshire’ Partnership to the forward work programme, specifically for any update to include information in relation to current and planned strategies related to Dyfed Powys Police station coverage and rural crime. (b) That Financial Services (Including Revenues & Benefits and Procurement) Corporate Service be scheduled for consideration by the Committee.
RESOLVED That the broadband programme update be noted.
RESOLVED (a) That the Committee submit a request to the Schools and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee requesting it to explore the matter of school balances and what is being done to support the management of finances in the schools experiencing or predicting deficits. (b) That the Committee submit a request to the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider the following concern contained within the Budget Monitoring report Quarter 2 2024-25: In 2023-24 Social Care is not adhering to its approved budget in accordance with Financial Procedure Rule 3.5.4 (a) and (d) and 3.5.5 (a) and (d). Social Services must take immediate action in order to address the projected overspend accepting that this is likely to have an adverse impact on service provision. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies outlined the main points of the Capital Programme element of the report and highlighted the slippage in the programme as a result of delayed borrowing costs. The Committee debated the Capital Programme updates and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Simon Hancock made reference to the slippage in the programme which went in favour of the overall budget and requested further information as to how that came about. The Finance Manager advised that it had been due to a range of factors which included delays in projects, Council call-ins and securing contractors on-site. · Following further information being sought by Councillor Alan Dennison in relation to a figure of £166,000 for ‘Scolton Manor reaching new audiences’, the Finance Manager advised he would seek further information and report back. · In response to two queries raised by Councillor Alan Dennison in relation to costs linked to the Business Information Centre (BIC), the Finance Manager advised that the £99,000 was in relation to essential works to the roof of the building, and the £127,000 was SPF Grant funding to upgrade facilities to the 20 year old building. · Councillor Huw Murphy made reference to a large amount of land rental the Authority has and queried if it would be financially beneficial to sell some parcels of land to generate income. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies suggested that if the Committee wished to explore the matter further, it could request a report from the Chief Property Officer on the disposal programme. · Councillor Jonathan Grimes requested further information in relation to the ‘Economic Development: Pembroke Green Infrastructure’ listed as a red RAG rating on page 113 of the report, to which the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies advised he would look into and report back. · Councillor Alan Dennison made reference to the investment being made to Parc Gwyn Memorial Garden and queried if it was essential at a time when the Authority needed to make savings. The Finance Manager advised that part of the investment was grant funded and the remainder of the money was coming from the ring-fenced Crematorium Account and not from general funds. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Alan Dennison, the Finance manager advised that the sewerage treatment costs were in relation to Authority owned housing estates. Moved by Councillor Michael John; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Capital Programme 2024-25 update be noted.
RESOLVED That the performance information in relation to the Corporate Scorecard data for 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 (up to the end of Q2 - September 2024) and the Social Services and Housing Directorate Scorecard be noted.
RESOLVED That the 2023-24 annual self-assessment report be noted.
RESOLVED That the Minutes of meetings of the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Committee and the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee which have occurred since the Committee last received the Minutes in November 2023 be noted.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bethan Price and Thomas Tudor.
No requests were received.
The following declarations of interest were reiterated, in relation to the Dyfed Pension Fund matters contained within Agenda Item No. 5, Action Log Update: · Councillor Michael John declared a personal interest. · Councillor Mike James declared a personal interest. · Councillor Jonathan Grimes declared a personal interest. · Councillor Simon Hancock declared a personal interest. · Councillor Steve Yelland declared a personal interest. · Councillor Steve Alderman declared a personal interest. Councillor Michael Stoddart declared a personal interest in relation to Agenda Item No. 8, Digital Connectivity – Broadband by virtue of living within an identified area of concern.
Moved by Councillor Huw Murphy; Seconded by Councillor Mike James. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the English and Welsh Minutes of the meeting held on 19 September 2024 be approved as correct records.
The Chair outlined the items contained within the action plan and the associated appendices. The Committee noted the updates.
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RESOLVED (a) That the Partnerships Panel be requested to consider adding scrutiny of the effectiveness of the ‘Safer Pembrokeshire’ Partnership to the forward work programme, specifically for any update to include information in relation to current and planned strategies related to Dyfed Powys Police station coverage and rural crime. (b) That Financial Services (Including Revenues & Benefits and Procurement) Corporate Service be scheduled for consideration by the Committee.
The Chair drew the Committee’s attention to the work programme and advised that the Committee had an obligation to scrutinise the Authority’s Corporate Services, and a request was made for Members to identify any service area they wished to scrutinise. Following the Chair’s request, Councillor Steve Alderman requested that the Corporate Service: Financial Services (Including Revenues & Benefits and Procurement) be added to the work programme. Following a request from Councillor Mike James for the Committee to consider matters in relation to Dyfed Powys Police, the Chair advised that the Partnerships Panel was responsible for scrutiny of the ‘Safer Pembrokeshire’ partnership, so suggested that a request be made for the matter to be added to the work programme of the Panel. Moved by Councillor Jonathan Grimes; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the Partnerships Panel be requested to consider adding scrutiny of the effectiveness of the ‘Safer Pembrokeshire’ Partnership to the forward work programme, specifically for any update to include information in relation to current and planned strategies related to Dyfed Powys Police station coverage and rural crime. (b) That Financial Services (Including Revenues & Benefits and Procurement) Corporate Service be scheduled for consideration by the Committee.
The Chair advised that a Public Submission had been received from Mr Smith in relation to the provision of rural broadband and stated that an update in relation to the matter would be provided during the next agenda item, Agenda Item No. 8 – Digital Connectivity – Broadband. The Chair read out the letter provided as part of the submission and on behalf of the Committee, thanked Mr Smith for bringing the matter to the attention of the Committee.
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RESOLVED That the broadband programme update be noted.
[Councillor Alan Dennison declared a personal interest by virtue of being a customer of OGI.] The Committee considered a report by the Head of ICT on Digital Connectivity – Broadband. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Place, the Region and Climate Change outlined the main points of the report and highlighted that whilst digital infrastructure was the responsibility of the UK Government, in 2017 the Authority had committed to assisting with progressing it within the County to ensure the County’s economic objectives could be met. It was stated that a large amount of work was ongoing in relation to the roll out of full fibre broadband, made up via many work streams, of which huge success had already been seen. It was added that 60% of Pembrokeshire homes were now able to access full fibre broadband, which was in line with the Welsh average, which for a rural County was impressive, and it was confirmed that progress would continue to be made to ensure all properties within the County gain access to full fibre broadband. The Head of ICT provided Members with an insight into the ongoing procurement exercise in relation to Project Gigabit (a UK Government £5 billion programme to improve digital connectivity) stating that whilst information had to be limited for confidentiality at this stage, a contract was due to be awarded in November of this year, which would cover a significant number of properties within the County. It was added that a further contract would also be awarded shortly, via the Swansea Bay City Deal partnership, to target rural premises. To put both contracts into perspective it was stated that combined, they would cover 8000 premises within the County. An update was provided on the voucher scheme and future schemes which were in the pipeline for the next three years. It was noted that to meet the targets and provide the required infrastructure, short term disruption would be experienced, particularly in relation to temporary road closures. In relation to the frustrations outlined within the public submission, the Head of ICT stated that a website had been created by partners of the Swansea Bay City Deal which provided support and signposting to those living in rural areas who were still awaiting access to full fibre broadband, to assist them in obtaining grants and alternative technology in the interim. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · The Chair highlighted the progress made and expressed his thanks to everyone involved in rolling out the schemes throughout the County. · In response to clarification sought by the Chair, the Head of ICT provided details of the voucher scheme and expressed that vouchers could be pooled together to enable communities to gain access to the provision of fibre broadband quicker. [The meeting adjourned at 10:31am due to a fire alarm within County Hall and resumed at 10:45am] · The Vice-Chair expressed his concerns following the announcement by Openreach that copper network connections would not be supported or upkept from 2025 which would cause huge issues within his ward if an alternative provision was not secured beforehand. The Head of ICT provided an update by stating that the 2025 timescale of that plan had been pushed back to 2027 which would enable an additional two years for those rural areas to secure full fibre broadband. · Councillor Alan Dennison queried if the voucher scheme was available to campsites to which the Head of ICT stated that it would depend if individual caravans were allocated a ‘Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN)’, which he agreed to find out. · In response to an update sought by Councillor Mike James, the Head of ICT confirmed that North-East and North-West Pembrokeshire featured in future plans for fibre broadband roll out of which specific details would be given offline. · Councillor Jonathan Grimes noted that broadband improvement was not a statutory service for the Authority and queried what level of resource and financial commitment was being provided by the Authority to support the roll out. The Head of ICT stated that following a successful capital bid in 2019, for around £2 Million, a team of six Engagement Officers plus some ancillary members of staff were employed, and whilst over time that team had reduced in size, the remaining two members of staff were now funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal. · The Chair highlighted the importance of rolling the provision out to those rural communities who need it the most in the first instance, as it had become clear that some areas now had access to a range of providers with others not even having access to a basic connection. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Place, the Region and Climate Change shared the frustration and provided assurance that the Authority made regular representation in relation to ‘over-build’ and requested that focus was put on ‘white-premises’ instead. · The Vice-Chair and Councillor Michael Williams raised concerns in relation to poor mobile signal experienced within certain areas of the County and the safety concerns that brings. It was queried if in such areas, connection to alternative provider masts was possible. The Head of ICT provided an update on the shared rural network programme and stated that it was hoped by 2025 Pembrokeshire should achieve 85% coverage with four providers. Signal issues within Tenby were recognised and it was stated that whilst improvements were trying to be made, wider issues linked to planning and the conservation area were causing limitations. Moved by Councillor Pat Davies; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the broadband programme update be noted.
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RESOLVED (a) That the Committee submit a request to the Schools and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee requesting it to explore the matter of school balances and what is being done to support the management of finances in the schools experiencing or predicting deficits. (b) That the Committee submit a request to the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider the following concern contained within the Budget Monitoring report Quarter 2 2024-25: In 2023-24 Social Care is not adhering to its approved budget in accordance with Financial Procedure Rule 3.5.4 (a) and (d) and 3.5.5 (a) and (d). Social Services must take immediate action in order to address the projected overspend accepting that this is likely to have an adverse impact on service provision. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies outlined the main points of the Capital Programme element of the report and highlighted the slippage in the programme as a result of delayed borrowing costs. The Committee debated the Capital Programme updates and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Simon Hancock made reference to the slippage in the programme which went in favour of the overall budget and requested further information as to how that came about. The Finance Manager advised that it had been due to a range of factors which included delays in projects, Council call-ins and securing contractors on-site. · Following further information being sought by Councillor Alan Dennison in relation to a figure of £166,000 for ‘Scolton Manor reaching new audiences’, the Finance Manager advised he would seek further information and report back. · In response to two queries raised by Councillor Alan Dennison in relation to costs linked to the Business Information Centre (BIC), the Finance Manager advised that the £99,000 was in relation to essential works to the roof of the building, and the £127,000 was SPF Grant funding to upgrade facilities to the 20 year old building. · Councillor Huw Murphy made reference to a large amount of land rental the Authority has and queried if it would be financially beneficial to sell some parcels of land to generate income. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies suggested that if the Committee wished to explore the matter further, it could request a report from the Chief Property Officer on the disposal programme. · Councillor Jonathan Grimes requested further information in relation to the ‘Economic Development: Pembroke Green Infrastructure’ listed as a red RAG rating on page 113 of the report, to which the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies advised he would look into and report back. · Councillor Alan Dennison made reference to the investment being made to Parc Gwyn Memorial Garden and queried if it was essential at a time when the Authority needed to make savings. The Finance Manager advised that part of the investment was grant funded and the remainder of the money was coming from the ring-fenced Crematorium Account and not from general funds. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Alan Dennison, the Finance manager advised that the sewerage treatment costs were in relation to Authority owned housing estates. Moved by Councillor Michael John; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Capital Programme 2024-25 update be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Deputy Chief Finance Officer (Deputy S151 Officer) on the County Council Budget Monitoring Report Quarter 2 (Q2) for 2024-25, including the Capital Programme. The Chair advised that to ensure scrutiny of all contents of the report, two separate recommendations had been included and discussion in relation to specifics of the Capital Programme would be taken separate to general budget questions. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies outlined the main points of the County Council Budget Monitoring Report for Q2 2024-25, and highlighted the significant overspends in housing and social care, particularly in relation to children’s residential placements. It was confirmed that representation on the increased pressures was continuing to be made to Government and Government Ministers, and the concerns raised were also being experienced by other Welsh Authorities. It was noted that work was ongoing with services to conduct structured budget reviews but situations were stated to be complex. The strained situation in relation to school balances was predicted to worsen with forecasting showing a downward trend, with additional schools edging into licensed deficits. Concerns were also raised in relation to the effect the recent phosphates matter would have on the house building programme. The Committee debated the contents of the Q2 monitoring report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · An update in relation to the funding of Teachers’ pay and pension awards was sought by Councillor Michael Williams, to which the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies stated that it had been confirmed that the awards would be fully funded by Welsh Government, however the Authority had not yet received any specific figures so the matter remained a concern. · Councillor Simon Hancock highlighted the recruitment freeze, and queried if this was applicable for posts deemed as essential or if it was a restriction for non-essential posts only. It was confirmed by the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies that the freeze was not applicable to posts deemed as essential, so those posts were still being advertised and reviewed weekly. · Reference was made to an increasing amount of schools struggling to balance their budgets, and Councillor Simon Hancock queried if any lessons could be learnt from schools who were currently in surplus budgets. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies stated that schools share information within the clusters and informed Members that a meeting was taking place later in the month with Senior Authority Officers and schools to have an open discussion on the matter. · Councillor Alan Dennison highlighted that the number of schools experiencing a budget deficit had increased from 9 to 11 and sought the Cabinet Member’s view on future predictions. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies stated that trends were showing that further schools would enter into budget deficits. · A discussion was had in relation to what could be done, in addition to the current procedures outlined by the Cabinet Member, to support schools struggling to balance their budgets. The importance of the work being undertaken by the School Modernisation Working Group was highlighted and a suggestion was made by Councillor Pat Davies for the Committee to refer the concerns to the Schools and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee for them to consider in further depth. · Councillor Michael Williams expressed that he did not seek election as a Councillor to continually make budget cuts and felt a line needed to be drawn and for the Authority to state that no further cuts would be made as it was affecting the fulfilment of statutory duties and sustainability of services. · Councillor Jonathan Grimes made reference to the levels of Council Tax revenue collections and suggested that more needed to be done to increase the collection levels which would assist with revenue for the Authority. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies provided some specific figures and advised that the collection percentage was that to date of Q2 so would increase throughout the year and stated that based on previous years, Council Tax collection rates were not a large concern for the Authority at this time. It was added that the largest collection rate concern was in relation to housing rent arrears, which was a focus of the Revenues and Benefits teams and was stated to be a complex matter. Councillor Huw Murphy made reference to the advisory letters and summons that had been issued in relation to Council Tax payments and suggested that such high levels of reminders would demonstrate that residents were struggling to meet the Council Tax demands. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Mike James, the Finance Manager advised that school transport was funded separately to school budgets. · The Chair made reference to the below comment within the report and suggested that the Committee ask the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider it: In 2023-24 Social Care is not adhering to its approved budget in accordance with Financial Procedure Rule 3.5.4 (a) and (d) and 3.5.5 (a) and (d). Social Services must take immediate action in order to address the projected overspend accepting that this is likely to have an adverse impact on service provision. · Councillor Huw Murphy requested information as to why the West Lodge facility was not operating at full capacity, to which the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies advised that the facility was currently operating at half capacity due to recruitment issues in securing adequately trained staff. · Following clarification sought by Councillor Huw Murphy, the Finance Manager confirmed that Welsh Government was considering a ministerial instrument to allow funds raised from the Second Home Premium to be used within the HRA account. Moved by Councillor Michael John; Seconded by Councillor Pat Davies The votes, undertaken by way of a roll call, were carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Michael John, Steve Alderman, Pat Davies, Alan Dennison, Jonathan Grimes, Simon Hancock, Mike James, Huw Murphy, Mike Stoddart, Steve Yelland and Michael Williams [11] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the Committee submit a request to the Schools and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee requesting it to explore the matter of school balances and what is being done to support the management of finances in the schools experiencing or predicting deficits. (b) That the Committee submit a request to the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider the following concern contained within the Budget Monitoring report Quarter 2 2024-25: In 2023-24 Social Care is not adhering to its approved budget in accordance with Financial Procedure Rule 3.5.4 (a) and (d) and 3.5.5 (a) and (d). Social Services must take immediate action in order to address the projected overspend accepting that this is likely to have an adverse impact on service provision. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies outlined the main points of the Capital Programme element of the report and highlighted the slippage in the programme as a result of delayed borrowing costs. The Committee debated the Capital Programme updates and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Simon Hancock made reference to the slippage in the programme which went in favour of the overall budget and requested further information as to how that came about. The Finance Manager advised that it had been due to a range of factors which included delays in projects, Council call-ins and securing contractors on-site. · Following further information being sought by Councillor Alan Dennison in relation to a figure of £166,000 for ‘Scolton Manor reaching new audiences’, the Finance Manager advised he would seek further information and report back. · In response to two queries raised by Councillor Alan Dennison in relation to costs linked to the Business Information Centre (BIC), the Finance Manager advised that the £99,000 was in relation to essential works to the roof of the building, and the £127,000 was SPF Grant funding to upgrade facilities to the 20 year old building. · Councillor Huw Murphy made reference to a large amount of land rental the Authority has and queried if it would be financially beneficial to sell some parcels of land to generate income. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies suggested that if the Committee wished to explore the matter further, it could request a report from the Chief Property Officer on the disposal programme. · Councillor Jonathan Grimes requested further information in relation to the ‘Economic Development: Pembroke Green Infrastructure’ listed as a red RAG rating on page 113 of the report, to which the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies advised he would look into and report back. · Councillor Alan Dennison made reference to the investment being made to Parc Gwyn Memorial Garden and queried if it was essential at a time when the Authority needed to make savings. The Finance Manager advised that part of the investment was grant funded and the remainder of the money was coming from the ring-fenced Crematorium Account and not from general funds. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Alan Dennison, the Finance manager advised that the sewerage treatment costs were in relation to Authority owned housing estates. Moved by Councillor Michael John; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Capital Programme 2024-25 update be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the performance information in relation to the Corporate Scorecard data for 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 (up to the end of Q2 - September 2024) and the Social Services and Housing Directorate Scorecard be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Assistant Chief Executive on Performance Measurement Quarterly Monitoring. The Chair welcomed the Corporate Planning Manager to the meeting to assist with questions from Members. On behalf of the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Improvement and Communities, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies outlined the main points of the report. A dip in the call answering times at the Contact Centre was highlighted; however, it was stated that it may be a seasonal dip following the issuing of Council Tax summonses. Concerns were raised in relation to a drop in school staffing levels, which was an impact of budgetary pressures and also in relation to an increase in the rate of exclusions within schools. It had been positive to see an increase in Leisure Centre memberships and the services offered via the My Account provision were outlined. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Alan Dennison made reference to issues in relation to libraries and requested further information as to what the specific issues were. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies stated that such facilities were subject to anti-social behaviour, particularly in Pembroke Dock, of which work was ongoing with the Police to improve matters. · Councillor Simon Hancock referred to staff absences and queried if there was sufficient capacity within the Occupational Health team to support the level of absences and whether there was a corporate approach to encourage the take-up of the flu jab. In response, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies confirmed that the Authority was again running a corporate campaign offering the flu jab to all staff but stated that he was unsure on the capacity of the Occupational Health team so agreed to find out and report back. · Following a question raised by Councillor Simon Hancock in relation to how the library footfall clickers collated visits, Councillor Alan Dennison stated that he had requested that information previously and was told that the clickers included the footfall into the café too. It was highlighted that taking on board the clicker collation information, the ‘visit’ figures were not accurate. · Councillor Huw Murphy highlighted the importance of libraries and made an income generation suggestion, for Fishguard library to market itself as an attraction to cruise ship visitors and charge an admission fee as it had been reported that visits to the Library from such visitors was very popular. · Councillor Mike James highlighted that residents who live near County borders, may choose to cross the border to use services such as Libraries, and queried if any figures were available to show how many residents from out of County use Pembrokeshire Libraries. The Corporate Planning Manager stated that such information was not collated at present, but could technically be possible through borrowing address data. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Alan Dennison, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies stated that there had been a reduction in Contact Centre staff due to budgetary pressures. · Increased levels of missed waste collections were highlighted by Councillors Alan Dennison and the Chair [Amended by Minute 32 of Committee – 21 Janaury 2025] and the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies advised he would report back to the service on the concerns highlighted. · Councillor Huw Murphy made reference to the ticket sales data for car parks in July and August not being produced due to problems with ticket machines, and queried if the data would be obtained or if it was a total loss. The Corporate Planning Manager advised that he would request further information on the matter. Moved by Councillor Huw Murphy; Seconded by Councillor Simon Hancock The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the performance information in relation to the Corporate Scorecard data for 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 (up to the end of Q2 - September 2024) and the Social Services and Housing Directorate Scorecard be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the 2023-24 annual self-assessment report be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Assistant Chief Executive on the Annual Self-Assessment for 2023-24. The Chair advised that the Corporate Planning Manager was in attendance to assist with questions from Members. On behalf of the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Improvement and Communities, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies introduced the report and stated that the self-assessment was a legislative requirement the Authority had to meet at the end of each financial year to review its corporate performance. The Corporate Planning Manager outlined the thorough process of the self-assessment stating that once all information was collated, the report was presented to the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Governance and Audit Committee and Cabinet for consideration, before the final stage of endorsement by Council The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · The Chair highlighted that the increasingly concerning financial position of the Authority would make meeting objectives outlined within the report even more difficult. · Councillor Alan Dennison made reference to the vacancies within the Governor Support Service and highlighted the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining School Governors. An update was requested on what was being done to support the well-being of current Governors to assist with retention. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies stated that he was aware of a training package which was provided to support Governors but agreed to seek further information on what further work was ongoing to support their well-being. · Continuing on the matter of education, Councillor Huw Murphy commended the Authority on the fact that no schools within Pembrokeshire were deemed to be in ‘special measures’ despite the significant pressure all schools were experiencing. · A positive was highlighted by Councillor Huw Murphy, in relation to it being confirmed that the Eisteddfod would be hosted in North-Pembrokeshire, and he expressed that he hoped it would bring with it progress of the Welsh Language. · Councillor Jonathan Grimes requested clarification regarding the reference to levelling up funding branding with the report and the effect it would have on Pembroke projects. The Corporate Planning Manager stated that following the General Election, the decision had been made to remove the ‘levelling up funding’ branding from projects. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies stated that whilst an update had been provided by the Government, it was still unclear as to the level of financial impact it would have on specific projects, however the instruction was that the Authority would need to spend the funding by the end of March 2025. He added that the Authority had submitted a project adjustment request in May, for a six month extension, but had not yet received a reply. It was stated to be a complex matter which was still unfolding; however, the Deputy Leader stated that whilst he could not say for sure, there was a feeling of optimism with regards to the Pembroke projects. · Councillor Huw Murphy made reference to the ‘Safer Pembrokeshire’ partnership and requested that Members are updated on the planned new strategy as specific concerns had been highlighted in relation to the lack of Officers present at stations and an increasing level of rural crime and anti-social behaviour. The Chair concurred with the concerns raised and reiterated that a request would be made, following it being raised earlier in the meeting, for the Partnerships Panel to consider the matter. Moved by Councillor Jonathan Grimes; Seconded by Councillor Huw Murphy The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the 2023-24 annual self-assessment report be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the Minutes of meetings of the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Committee and the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee which have occurred since the Committee last received the Minutes in November 2023 be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Assistant Chief Executive on the Authority’s Strategic Partnerships - Swansea Bay City Region Joint Committee and South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee. On behalf of the Leader, the Deputy Leader introduced the report and welcomed any questions. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · The Chair stated that following concerns raised by the Committee at previous meetings which recognised that on consideration of the Minutes it had become apparent that Pembrokeshire had not been represented in all meetings, meaning some of the meetings undertaken may not have been quorate, it had been pleasing to see a Pembrokeshire representative at all meetings undertaken since the Committee last reviewed the Partnership Minutes. · The Chair and Vice-Chair expressed the importance of the Committees, along with the importance of this Committee having overview of the Minutes to enable any points to be fed back. · The Vice-Chair highlighted a range of Government limitations having a negative effect on the progress of many of the projects being considered by the Partnership Committees, including those of the more recent Celtic Freeport Partnership and sought the Deputy Leader’s assistance in pushing along progress, where possible. In response, the Deputy Leader agreed with the views and stated that whilst broadly good progress was being made, continuous representation would be made to progress matters. · Councillor Alan Dennison made reference to the importance of the continuation of the Shared Prosperity Fund to enhance progress being made. The Deputy Leader stated that the Authority did not yet have the detail it sought in relation to the Shared Prosperity Fund and was conscious that the deadline was approaching, but stated that UK Government had confirmed that funding would be provided for a period of 12 months whilst the review was ongoing, albeit at a reduced level. It was stated that an update was expected following the spring spending review which would provide clarity of the fund’s future. Moved by Councillor Michael John; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of meetings of the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Committee and the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee which have occurred since the Committee last received the Minutes in November 2023 be noted.
This item of business was withdrawn from the agenda and the following verbal explanation was provided by the Chair: Members will recall that this Notice of Motion from Councillor Thomas Tudor was referred to this Committee from last Council. However, once work had begun on collating the information in relation to the Notice of Motion, it became clear that there was a clear link to the social media protocol, of which consideration of, and any changes to the policy, was an executive function. The Constitution specifically states that any Notice of Motion of an executive nature must be referred to Cabinet for a final decision. So based on advice received from the Monitoring Officer, it was decided, with my agreement, that this Notice of Motion should not be considered by this committee and should be considered by Cabinet instead. The matter will be referred to the meeting on the 2nd December 2024.
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.