Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED: that Members approved the Preventing Sexual Harassment at Work Policy.
RESOLVED: That having due regard to the integrated impact screening assessment, Council approve the start of the statutory consultation exercise for the Licensing Act Policy 2026 – 2031, as set out in Appendix 1.
RESOLVED: that Members approved: (a) the revised Council Procedure Rules enclosed at Appendix 1 (b) the revised Access to Information Procedure Rules enclosed at Appendix 2 (c) the revised Executive Procedure Rules enclosed at Appendix 3 and that delegated authority be given the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to update the Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Constitution accordingly to reflect these revised documents
RESOLVED: that Members approved the Members Code of Conduct set out in Appendix 1.
RESOLVED: That Council note and endorse the Governance and Audit Committee Annual Report 2024/25.
RESOLVED: Council notes the detail contained in the report which sets out an overview of the Panel Performance Assessment process which will be undertaken from 18th May to 22nd May 2026.
RESOLVED: (1) The Council will establish a Member Equality Panel with the Terms of reference and membership as set out in Appendix 1. (2) The Head of People & Organisational Development is given delegated authority in consultation with Group Leaders, to agree on the representatives to sit on the Panel.
RESOLVED: Members approve the Political Proportionality Calculation set out in Appendix 1 and the proposed nominations to the Council’s Committees at Appendix 2 subject to the verbal amendment received at the meeting that Councillor Hayley Davies is to be appointed to the Social Services Scrutiny Committee.
RESOLVED: That Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council 1. Support voluntary action to discourage the use of flying rings at council-owned beaches, specifically: · Aberavon Beach · Small Beach (Little Warren) 2. Endorse the national campaign for a UK-wide ban on flying rings. 3. Request that the Leader of Council writes to both Welsh Government and UK Government in support of a legislative ban. 4. Promote this initiative through Council media channels to raise public awareness and encourage responsible behaviour among residents and visitors.
The Mayor welcomed all to the meeting and welcomed Councillor Josh Tuck to his first meeting of Council. The Mayor congratulated Rex Thomas, of Neath for his achievements in the sport of powerlifting. The Mayor also passed best wishes to Council member of staff Hannah Brier who is competing in the World Athletics Championship. The Mayor finally conveyed his congratulations to Tonmawr born Steve Tandy who has recently been appointed Senior Coach of Wales Rugby Union.
The Leader announced to Council that Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council has become the winner of the APSE Award for Best Innovation or Demand Management Initiative. The Leader continued to note that this is testament to the remarkable collaboration between the Authorities Digital Services and Adult Social Care teams. The award recognises the Authorities leadership in harnessing generative AI to transform service delivery. These innovation tools are enhancing the Authorities efficiency, empowering staff and achieving better outcomes for those who rely on our services. The Leader extended his thanks and congratulations to everyone who played a part in this success.
The following interests were declared in relation to Agenda item 7 – Licensing Act Policy 2026. Councillor Mike Harvey – as he is employed by South Wales Police
RESOLVED: that the minutes of the previous meeting of Council on 9th July 2025 be approved as an accurate record.
There were none.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that Members approved the Preventing Sexual Harassment at Work Policy.
The Leader provided Council with a brief overview to the circulated report. Members noted that the policy did not reference lone workers and requested clarity on how the Authority will address and mitigate risks for these staff. The Head of People and Organisational Development confirmed that the policy makes reference to ensuring that the Authority identifies any risks where harassment is likely to occur, and the Authority has carried out a corporate risk assessment in respect of this. There is also an expectation that managers will carry out their own risk assessments in their services and put in place reasonable mitigating measures. It was also confirmed that a separate piece of work is being carried out to identify tools that will ensure the monitoring and safety of lone workers is carried out. Members queried what efforts are the Authority undertaking to ensure all staff are aware of the policy and what to do when things go wrong. Officers clarified the communications package that will be rolled out alongside the policy as well as mandatory training for employees of the Authority. Members queried whether the training had been subject to a specialist external viewing. Officers clarified that HR staff had undertaken specialist external training, and the Senior Leadership Team were to complete this later this month. This training will be rolled out to sexual harassment support officers and investigating officers subject to feedback. Members asked whether Councillors were covered by the policy. Officers clarified that Members are not covered by the policy however some of the principles of the policy would look to be incorporated in the work the Democratic Service Committee are undertaking around Member harassment, intimidation and alarm. RESOLVED: that Members approved the Preventing Sexual Harassment at Work Policy.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That having due regard to the integrated impact screening assessment, Council approve the start of the statutory consultation exercise for the Licensing Act Policy 2026 – 2031, as set out in Appendix 1.
The Legal Regulatory Manager provided an overview to the circulated report. RESOLVED: That having due regard to the integrated impact screening assessment, Council approve the start of the statutory consultation exercise for the Licensing Act Policy 2026 – 2031, as set out in Appendix 1.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that Members approved: (a) the revised Council Procedure Rules enclosed at Appendix 1 (b) the revised Access to Information Procedure Rules enclosed at Appendix 2 (c) the revised Executive Procedure Rules enclosed at Appendix 3 and that delegated authority be given the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to update the Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Constitution accordingly to reflect these revised documents
The Head of Legal and Democratic Services provided an overview to Council of the circulated report. RESOLVED: that Members approved: (a) the revised Council Procedure Rules enclosed at Appendix 1 (b) the revised Access to Information Procedure Rules enclosed at Appendix 2 (c) the revised Executive Procedure Rules enclosed at Appendix 3 and that delegated authority be given the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to update the Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Constitution accordingly to reflect these revised documents
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that Members approved the Members Code of Conduct set out in Appendix 1.
The Head of Legal and Democratic Services provided an overview to Council of the circulated report. RESOLVED: that Members approved the Members Code of Conduct set out in Appendix 1.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Council note and endorse the Governance and Audit Committee Annual Report 2024/25.
The Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee presented the Annual Report 2024/25. Members expressed thanks to the Committee for their work. RESOLVED: That Council note and endorse the Governance and Audit Committee Annual Report 2024/25.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: Council notes the detail contained in the report which sets out an overview of the Panel Performance Assessment process which will be undertaken from 18th May to 22nd May 2026.
The Leader provided an overview to Council of the circulated report. RESOLVED: Council notes the detail contained in the report which sets out an overview of the Panel Performance Assessment process which will be undertaken from 18th May to 22nd May 2026.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: (1) The Council will establish a Member Equality Panel with the Terms of reference and membership as set out in Appendix 1. (2) The Head of People & Organisational Development is given delegated authority in consultation with Group Leaders, to agree on the representatives to sit on the Panel.
The Leader provided an overview to Council of the circulated report. Members noted the importance that all Councillors engage with their local community and encourage those from diverse backgrounds in to local government to reflect the communities that they represent. RESOLVED: (1) The Council will establish a Member Equality Panel with the Terms of reference and membership as set out in Appendix 1. (2) The Head of People & Organisational Development is given delegated authority in consultation with Group Leaders, to agree on the representatives to sit on the Panel.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: Members approve the Political Proportionality Calculation set out in Appendix 1 and the proposed nominations to the Council’s Committees at Appendix 2 subject to the verbal amendment received at the meeting that Councillor Hayley Davies is to be appointed to the Social Services Scrutiny Committee.
The Head of Legal and Democratic Services provided an overview to Council of the circulated report. A verbal amendment was made to note that Councillor Hayley Davies is to be appointed to the Social Services Scrutiny Committee and not Councillor Tim Bowen. RESOLVED: Members approve the Political Proportionality Calculation set out in Appendix 1 and the proposed nominations to the Council’s Committees at Appendix 2 subject to the verbal amendment received at the meeting that Councillor Hayley Davies is to be appointed to the Social Services Scrutiny Committee.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council 1. Support voluntary action to discourage the use of flying rings at council-owned beaches, specifically: · Aberavon Beach · Small Beach (Little Warren) 2. Endorse the national campaign for a UK-wide ban on flying rings. 3. Request that the Leader of Council writes to both Welsh Government and UK Government in support of a legislative ban. 4. Promote this initiative through Council media channels to raise public awareness and encourage responsible behaviour among residents and visitors.
The Mayor called upon Councillor Wood to introduce his motion put before Council on ‘Voluntary Action on Flying Rings at Council Owned Beaches’. Councillor Wood addressed Council. ‘Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Flying rings, often sold for as little as £1, are lightweight plastic toys derived from solid disc frisbees. They are commonly used at beaches and frequently lost or discarded. These items pose a serious threat to marine wildlife, particularly seals. Young seals are naturally curious and may insert their heads into the rings, becoming entrapped. Once stuck, the ring can cause serious injury, infection, and ultimately death due to the inability of the animal to remove it. The cost of rehabilitating an animal can go up to £15000. The North Atlantic Grey Seal is the predominant species found along the South Wales coast. With the UK hosting approximately 38% of the global population, South Wales plays a significant role in their conservation. A resident population exists on the Gower Peninsula, where human disturbance and marine litter are already significant stressors. Flying rings can travel long distances in the ocean, meaning discarded items from Neath Port Talbot beaches can easily reach neighbouring coastal areas such as Gower. Gower Seal Group and the UK Seal Alliance has approached the Wales Local Nature Partnership Network and the NPT Coastal and Marine Network to advocate for a ban on flying rings at council-owned beaches. Swansea and the Vale of Glamorgan Councils have already enacted such bans. The UK Seal Alliance launched a national campaign on 26th May to ban flying rings, which has gained significant public support, including over 42,000 signatures on a change.org petition. Supporting this initiative would align with Neath Port Talbot Council’s Section 6 Biodiversity Duty, the Council’s Biodiversity Duty Plan, the NPT Local Nature Recovery Action Plan, the NPT Local Well-being Plan, and the Corporate Plan.’ A number of Cabinet Members thanked Councillor Wood for highlighting the issue and bringing the motion and noted their support for keeping wildlife safe. Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Well-being, Councillor Cen Phillips added ‘as I am sure we are all aware there are many threats from plastics in our marine environment and many actions that will need to be taken by Governments and others across the world to address what is truly a global crisis. We in Neath Port Talbot need to play our part in protecting our important habitats and raising public awareness of the issues at our local level. In this instance a specific threat to wildlife has been identified and we have the opportunity before us to resolve to take appropriate action to help to address the problem. As noted in the motion I think our own policies clearly demonstrate that we have a duty to do so. I hope that all Members across the chamber will support, and I am happy to second the motion’. Members queried whether the motion would cover other beaches such Crymlyn Burrows. Councillor Wood confirmed that the motion is listed as specifically the two beaches listed and so other beaches would be included. RESOLVED: That Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council 1. Support voluntary action to discourage the use of flying rings at council-owned beaches, specifically: · Aberavon Beach · Small Beach (Little Warren) 2. Endorse the national campaign for a UK-wide ban on flying rings. 3. Request that the Leader of Council writes to both Welsh Government and UK Government in support of a legislative ban. 4. Promote this initiative through Council media channels to raise public awareness and encourage responsible behaviour among residents and visitors.
Councillor Josh Tuck asked the following question: “Could you please give details and numbers for the academic year 2024/25 of school teaching staff who have left employment within Neath Port Talbot schools by either retirement, redundancy or redeployment, and to which department?” Cabinet Member for Education and Early Years Councillor Nia Jenkins responded: “Thank you for the question and id like to express my thanks to the staff in HR and our Education department for gathering this information. During the years requested, teaching staff, there have been 11 retirements, 26 redundancies and no recorded redeployments.” Cllr Tuck followed up with: “How many of the 26 redundancies have been replaced”. Cllr Jenkins responded: “You didn’t ask that question, so I have not got that information, I only have the information for the specific question which was asked”. The Director of Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning clarified: “When a post is made redundant whether it be compulsory or voluntarily, the presumption is that the job is lost, so it is safe to assume that none of those posts will have been replaced because the job is deemed to have been capable of being lost from the school”. Councillor Sarah Thomas asked the following question: “How much has the Council spent on advisory, investigative and feasibility reports from consultants during this financial year?” The Leader Councillor Steve Hunt responded: “Thank you Councillor Thomas for your question. Can I start by saying regarding the Councils expenditure on advisory investigation, and feasibility reports from consultants during the financial year, for us to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this information the Director of Finance has contacted all service areas to confirm which arrangements fall under the scope of the request and for us to gather then the relative figures. I am not going to stand here today and give you figures that are not appropriately accurate. I was hoping that the information would have been available for you today, but the work is still progressing this is to ensure that the data provided is robust and reflects only those arrangements that meet the definitions of advisory, investigative and feasibility reporting. Once this process has been complete, a written response will be provided to all members of Council.” Cllr Thomas followed up with: “I would also like to understand what action has been taken to reduce our reliance on external consultants and to utilise existing in house skills within the Council?” The Leader replied: “Yes another very good question, as you know it is not my portfolio, and I am stepping in today. I do not know if there is an Officer in the chamber this afternoon who could potentially give you a response but unfortunately, I have not got that information.” The Mayor confirmed that a written response to the matter would be provided. Councillor Nathan Goldup-John asked the following question: “At the full Council meeting on the 9th of June we were informed that the first draft of the Neath Integrated Transport Hub consultation report had been received and would be made publicly available in late August or Early September subject to welsh translation and accessibility checks and if that timeline was changed, we as Council would be informed of it. It has now been 4 months since the draft was received and a scrutiny meeting is scheduled for 10th October where I understand a decision may be made on the future of the integrated transport hub at Neath train station. Can the Cabinet Member please provide an update and clarify when the report will be published please?” Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Transport and Connectivity Councillor Wyndham Griffiths responded: “Thank you very much for the question, Councillor Goldup-John. The preparation of the post consultation report has taken longer than would normally be the case, reflecting the detailed work that officers have undertaken with the consultants supporting the scheme to ensure the review is both in depth and accurate. Officers are now finalising the document and the Councils response which will be published by 2nd October. This will allow members sufficient time to consider the report ahead of the scrutiny meeting on the 10th October, where the relevant scrutiny committee will review the options associated with the future of the Neath Integrated Transport Hub scheme, the report will then be prepared for the Cabinet on 29th October so that a decision can be made on the future of the scheme.” Cllr Goldup-John followed up with: “Thank you Councillor Griffiths that’s really appreciated and its welcome that the report will be published on the 2nd October. Do you have the figures for how many responses were positive and negative considering you have had the report performance?” Councillor Griffiths responded: “I am sorry I don’t have that information to hand, but I will write to you in the next couple of days if that is ok.” Councillor Nathan Goldup-John asked the second question: “The former Neath Library closed its doors in 2023 following the opening of a new facility in the town centres new retail and leisure development. In response local residents came together to advocate for the building tor remain in public ownership and be repurposed for civic use, most notably as a museum to celebrate Neath’s rich history. Given strong community support and the buildings historical significance, why is the council now considering leasing it out rather than honouring the publics vision for a civic space?” Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth Councillor Jeremy Hurley responded: “Thank you Councillor Goldup-John for your question, the former library was declared surplus following the library service transferring to the new retail and leisure facility in the town centre. The original proposal after consultation for the former library, was to develop a creative hub. This was then a proposal approved by cabinet on 10th July 2024 and then put out for expressions of interest, however the submissions received were not of sufficient standard to proceed. It was therefor decided to widen the scope for potential occupiers by going out for a more general expression of interest. It is anticipated that this process will run until October 10th and the expressions of interest received will then be considered, and should there be a suitable bidder a report will be prepared for cabinet. Officers from the Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning directorate can provide any further information required in respect of the museum provision in Neath. I used to previously cover the museum and I know the process was put in place that we had to get accreditation and I think this is in process, and regarding also protection of buildings and of heritage the Council have been active in obtaining 2 additional buildings in Neath so there may be a wider consideration in the whole future of what might be suitable for the museum, but again this information can be obtained from the suitable officers.” Cllr Goldup-John followed up with: I am a bit confused as to what is deemed sufficient standard to proceed when it comes to putting a value on culture and history, I am not sure how you can put a value on that so if you could clarify what sufficient standard to proceed would mean in that context please?” Councillor Hurley responded: “Sorry Councillor Goldup-John, if you are relating to the expressions of interest then it may be to do with the plans they may have had for the building, the sustainability of the group involved, or even constitution of the group. So, I am assuming the returns on the initial expressions weren’t of a quality that they could take ownership and proceed with the building. I think we probably went through a similar process with The Plaza in Port Talbot, where we have a third party operating that building. I think, I am guessing, that it may be a similar partnership we are looking for the old library building.”
There was none.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.