Wrthi'n llwytho
Ystyriodd Pwyllgor Rhaglen Craffu Aelod Cabinet yr Amgylchedd a Seilwaith ar bolisi, rheolaeth a gorfodi parcio, ac Aelodau Cabinet ar gludiant ysgol. Nododd adroddiadau cynnydd dau banel perfformiad craffu, cymeradwyodd newid i aelodaeth un grŵp gweithio, ac adolygodd y rhaglen waith a'r llythyron diweddar. Bydd Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor yn ysgrifennu at Aelodau Cabinet gyda barn y Pwyllgor ar barcio a chludiant ysgol.
In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.
In accordance with the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011, no declarations of Whipped Votes or Party Whips were declared.
Resolved that the minutes of the Scrutiny Programme Committee held on 17 February, 2026 be approved and signed as a correct record.
There were no public questions.
The Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure assisted by Lead Officers were present for the report on the functions, standards, and operational activities of Parking Services in relation to Parking Policy, Control and Enforcement. It also explained Car Park and Park and Ride Operations which also fall within the remit of Parking Services. Committee questioning and discussion focussed on: • City Centre Regeneration & Parking Strategy – Officers reported that Copr Bay parking was part of a wider city regeneration plan. Overall parking capacity meets current demand, though central car parks fill up at peak times, especially Saturday mornings. Nearby options like Paxton Street and the arena car park had available spaces. New pay machines would link to variable message signs for real-time updates. Some central car parks may be redeveloped, but present supply was adequate and future needs would be reviewed through planning. • NCP Car Parks – The Committee was aware of financial difficulties being faced by NCP, however heard that NCP car parks were currently operating as usual, but their future management depended on decisions by administrators about NCP's assets. While the Council owns the land, leases were held by third parties who would negotiate any changes. The Council may manage the car parks directly or lease them to other operators, subject to ongoing discussions. Car park demand has dropped due to less shopping and office use in the town centre. • Future of Park & Ride – Officers reported that the Park and Ride scheme still faced financial difficulties, mainly from slow recovery and competition with cheap city centre parking. Nevertheless, it offered affordable all-day parking at £1 for large events. The West location closed due to low use and no alternative site has been found. Officers confirmed that they would consider the Felindre site in any future considerations of expanding Park & Ride services. • Enforcement Coverage and Hotspots – Officers confirmed that patrols are prioritised in Swansea city centre and responses to enforcement hotspots, complaints, and events based on operational needs and experience. Deployment also considers scheduled events and weather (e.g. poor weather would take focus away from leisure sites). Urgent reports from the public submitted via email receive immediate attention, while less critical issues may be addressed later. The reporting portal was monitored regularly for queries. • Residents Car Parking Virtual Permits – The Committee noted that residents cannot currently verify virtual parking permits as they did with paper ones. Officers were considering a more transparent online system that addresses operational and enforcement concerns and the Cabinet Member stated he would explore the issue raised by the Committee. Furthermore, it was stressed that there were no plans to charge residents for parking permits. • Camera Car Enforcement – The Committee noted the use camera cars to enforce parking restrictions (bus stops, school zigzags, etc). Only clear violations are penalised after footage review; drivers dropping off or picking up passengers are not fined unless prohibited. It was noted that about 35–40% of penalty charges are appealed. Camera cars run regular routes, adapt to school hours and respond to reports, enabling both proactive and reactive enforcement. Increased fines had resulted in budget changes due to higher-than-expected non-compliance. • Use of Income and Reinvestment – The Committee noted that parking operates on its own budget within highways and transportation, with reinvestment fluctuating yearly based on broader transport needs. Parking income was on track to meet targets, last year's was about £2.8 million, with a surplus in 2021. Some car parks like Foreshore and Knab Rock are run by leisure or Marina services instead of the main parking team. Budget figures vary due to changes in costs and responsibilities. • Income Targets for Parking – Officers clarified that income projections for car parks and parking enforcement were based on past trends, not strict targets, as revenue varies with factors like seasonal visitors. "Target" was noted as misleading since enforcement is not pressured to issue fines; the service's goal is to remain self-funded by law, with fines covering costs. Councillors recommended clearer terminology in future updates. The Cabinet would review parking strategies to achieve a £200,000 increase or savings in line with the budget. • Council’s Well-being Objectives – The Committee noted that inexpensive city centre parking was one factor in its transport strategy. Major changes in travel habits were expected as public transport and travel options become more integrated and reliable, driven by projects like the regional transport plan and bus franchising. The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure along with Officers for their responses to questions and information provided. Resolved that: 1) The Chair of the Scrutiny Programme Committee write to the Cabinet Member reflecting on the discussion and sharing the views of the Committee.
The Cabinet Members for Environment & Infrastructure and Education & Learning, assisted by lead officers presented the Council’s responsibilities, covering key aspects of the Council’s school transport service, including service provision, costs, accessibility, catchment-area impacts, seat-purchase policy and the appeals process, as well as current challenges relating to the service. Committee questioning and discussion focussed on: • Budget Pressure – Officers reported that Swansea was addressing rising school transport costs and increased demand, especially for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), by moving from individual taxi services to shared transport and focusing on developing pupils’ life skills. The introduction of journey care plans enabled annual reviews to tailor arrangements, enhance quality and reduce safeguarding risks. The Committee heard that Swansea actively seeks best practice from other authorities and consultancies, intending to integrate these innovations and make the journey care plan part of the ALN transport application process from September. • Fragile Operator Market – The Committee noted that while the Council relies heavily on commercial operators, it maintained robust contingency plans, including an in-house ‘operator of last resort’ model expanded recently, collaboration with schools and engagement with operators to monitor risks. The overall strategy was to remain responsive to changing needs, promote sustainable practices and ensure continuity of service. • ‘Nearest suitable school’ and Appeals – The Committee noted that Swansea’s admissions policy defined the nearest suitable school as the designated catchment school, ensuring consistent eligibility decisions that are reviewed annually. Appeals usually arise when parental preferences differ from catchment allocations, often due to historical changes. The Council clarifies eligibility, route safety, discretionary awards, and seat purchase, with appeals independently assessed by a Council committee. • Safety Walking Route Reviews – Officers stated that the Council assesses walking routes to school for safety, using independent third-party reviews. Parents can request reviews if concerned and assessments include factors like time of day and lighting. If a route becomes unsafe, temporary transport is provided until it is safe again. The Council relies on the community to report issues, acknowledges limited resources for proactive checks, and notes that climate change and infrastructure concerns are increasing challenges. • Spare Seat Rules – The Committee observed that while PSVAR (Public Service Vehicle Regulation Act) rules require accessibility for larger public transport vehicles, their local impact was limited due to few qualifying spare seats. The Council collaborates with parents when seats are unavailable or regulations apply, encouraging public transport and car sharing. Schools increasingly use their own vehicles, though this brings logistical and insurance issues. It was confirmed that flexible payment options, such as instalments, are offered for transport services. • Route-planning Software - New route-planning software was helping to streamline school transport services by reducing vehicle use and improving efficiency. The system was moving away from individual door-to-door journeys towards group pick-up points, aligning with public transport methods for greater sustainability. There was a continued focus on integrating journey care plans and travel training for pupils with additional needs. • ALN Journey Care Plans – The Committee noted that passenger assistance was not legally required, but younger children received help. To address financial and operational challenges, options like bus buddies were being considered for safeguarding. Roles of parents and the Council were clearly outlined to ensure proper supervision. The Council was open to new resource-efficient solutions that ensure pupil safety. It was noted that for young people receiving mobility allowance, the Council would follow its eligibility criteria for school transport. • Council’s Well-being Objectives – Officers reported that the Council was improving school transport by investing in route planning software to boost efficiency and reduce vehicle use. Future contracts would prioritize greener vehicles, though this could affect participation; the in-house operator already uses electric vehicles. Enhanced IT systems streamline eligibility checks and financial planning. Timetable adjustments integrate public transport and encourage multimodal travel. Policy updates would broaden options and incentivise walking and cycling, aligning with financial, welfare and climate objectives. • Safety checks on school buses – The Committee heard that the Council conducts due diligence on contracted services, and Officers confirmed the Council enforces strict safety checks for school buses. Vehicles / Taxis with up to eight seats are licensed / regulated locally and must undergo frequent inspections. Larger vehicles fall under the Traffic Commissioner and require operator licensing, regular maintenance, DVSA checks, and digital monitoring. The Council also requests updates every two months from operators, including current details on drivers, vehicles, and passenger assistants before awarding new contracts. It was stated that parents who organise private group transport are responsible for safety and compliance, including supervision and vehicle fitness. All operators must meet the same regulations, overseen by the Traffic Commissioner. Parents need to confirm these regulations are followed if not using Council transport. The Chair thanked the Cabinet Members for Environment & Infrastructure and Education & Learning, along with Officers, for their responses to questions and information provided. Resolved that: 1) The Chair of the Scrutiny Programme Committee write to the Cabinet Member(s) reflecting on the discussion and sharing the views of the Committee.
The Chair welcomed Councillor Mark Tribe, Temporary Convenor, who provided the Committee with a progress report on the work / activities of the Child & Family Services Panel. The Chair also welcomed Councillor Chris Holley, Convenor, who provided the Committee with a progress report on the work / activities of the Service Improvement, Regeneration & Finance Scrutiny Performance Panel. Resolved that: 1) the progress report on Child & Family Services Scrutiny Performance Panel be noted. 2) the progress report on Service Improvement, Regeneration & Finance Scrutiny Performance Panel be noted.
The Committee was asked to approve changes to the membership of the following Scrutiny bodies: · Public Toilets Scrutiny Working Group – REMOVE Councillor Mike Day. The temporary change to the Convener for the Child & Family Services Performance Panel, as reported, was noted. Resolved that the changes detailed be approved.
The Chair introduced the agreed Work Programme to facilitate the Committee’s monitoring of all Scrutiny activity. Various information was provided to ensure progress could be reviewed with the agreed Programme. He referred to the headlines in the covering report, and in the appendices, members noted: · the Committee’s own work plan · the Cabinet Forward Plan was also included for review for anything significant within, should the Committee feel Pre-decision Scrutiny was merited for any particular report, not already identified · timetable of all Scrutiny activities and progress with Scrutiny Panels and Working Groups and regional Scrutiny work Key items for the next meeting (on 14 April 2026) included: · Crime & Disorder Scrutiny - Safer Swansea Community Safety Partnership · Pre-Decision Scrutiny – Culture Strategy 2026-31 The Pre-Decision Scrutiny item was confirmed for the next meeting as the report will be on the 16 April Cabinet agenda. To allow adequate attention to these two items and keep the meeting manageable, the ‘Follow Up on Empty Properties Scrutiny Working Group’ has been postponed to a later date.
The Chair referred to the following letters, reflecting on recent Scrutiny activity: Committee – Leader Q&A Session / Public Engagement Scrutiny Working Group Follow Up – 20 January 2026 – Letter to / from Cabinet Member for Economy, Finance & Strategy.
The Chair referred to upcoming Panel/Working Group/Regional Scrutiny meetings, for awareness.
The Committee was requested to exclude the public from the meeting during the consideration of the items of business identified in the recommendations to the report on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as set out in the exclusion paragraph of 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information)(Variation)(Wales) Order 2007, relevant to the item of business as set out in the report. The Committee considered the Public Interest Test in deciding to exclude the public from the meeting for the items of business where the Public Interest Test was relevant, as set out in the report. Resolved that the public be excluded for the following items of business. (Closed Session)
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