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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED: that Council adopts the Corporate Plan 2024/2027: Working towards a more prosperous, fairer and greener NPT - Annual Report 2024/2025and that the Leader of Council be given delegated authority to make such changes as may be needed to the Annual Report prior to publication, provided that such changes do not materially alter the content of the document considered by Council.
RESOLVED: The report was noted.
RESOLVED: that Council approves the changes to the membership of committees as contained in paragraph 2 of the report.
The Mayor welcomed all to the meeting. The Mayor notified Council of the death of former Councillor Paul Greenway who represented the Baglan ward between 2012 and 2016. The Mayor conveyed their deep sadness on the death of both the mother in law and daughter of Councillor Rob Wood and extended the Councils deepest sympathies to the Councillor and his family. A minutes silence was held for those who have lost loved ones. The Mayor encouraged all members to attend their respective remembrance cenotaph service for Remembrance Sunday and gave Council an overview of the events taking place for the Armed Forces Service Festival and Remembrance this year.
There were none.
The following interests were declared in relation to Agenda item 7 - Neath Port Talbot Council and Third Sector Compact 2025-2028: Councillor Saifur Rahaman - as they are on the board of two local charities, both in receipt of third sector grant funding for this current financial year. Councillor Helen Ceri Clarke – as they are employed by a third sector charity. Councillor Rosalyn Davies – as they are the chair of the Ystalyfera Development Trust. Councillor Sonia Reynolds – as they are the chair of Canolfan Maerdy in the Amman Valley. Councillor Sarah Thomas - as they are on the board of Canolfan Maerdy in the Amman Valley. Councillor Stephanie Grimshaw – as they are a trustee of Thrive Women’s Aid and an employee of Welsh Women’s Aid which both receive funding.
RESOLVED: that the minutes of the previous meeting of Council on 17th September 2025 be approved as an accurate record.
There were none.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that Council adopts the Corporate Plan 2024/2027: Working towards a more prosperous, fairer and greener NPT - Annual Report 2024/2025and that the Leader of Council be given delegated authority to make such changes as may be needed to the Annual Report prior to publication, provided that such changes do not materially alter the content of the document considered by Council.
The Leader provided Council with an overview to the circulated report. Members welcomed the report and progress made, noting greater scrutiny and member involvement. Members highlighted the importance of member engagement in future planning, acknowledged additional Welsh Government funding that reduced school deficits and supported an underspend. Members also noted that they look forward to seeing increased income generation, and reduced reliance on grants. Members sought clarification on the timeline for finalising the DARE strategy, noting a discrepancy between the report and the upcoming committee date. Members also welcomed the completion of the NPT museum feasibility study and asked what actions will be taken to establish a permanent, accredited museum by 2027 as outlined in the report. The Cabinet Member and for Climate Change and Economic Growth and Officers clarified the position in respect to the DARE strategy. The Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism, and Well-being confirmed that gaining museum accreditation and restoring provision in Neath remains an aim of the culture strategy and Members were invited to submit specific questions in writing for further detail. Members raised concerns about the increase in the number of people in temporary accommodation, noting the indicator is off track for 2024–25 asking for the Leaders opinion on this. Members asked what additional support is available. The Leader asked the The Deputy Leader to respond who acknowledged significant pressures on housing and homelessness services locally and nationally. The Council has adopted its first comprehensive Housing, Homelessness and Rapid Rehousing Strategy, with funding allocated to acquire properties and reduce reliance on unsuitable temporary accommodation. Members were advised that progress is underway, including rebuilding local housing stock and strengthening strategic partnerships with housing associations. A seminar will be held to provide further updates. The Leader reiterated these comments. The Deputy Leader summarised the report and comments. RESOLVED: that Council adopts the Corporate Plan 2024/2027: Working towards a more prosperous, fairer and greener NPT - Annual Report 2024/2025and that the Leader of Council be given delegated authority to make such changes as may be needed to the Annual Report prior to publication, provided that such changes do not materially alter the content of the document considered by Council.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: The report was noted.
The Cabinet member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice introduced the report. RESOLVED: The report was noted.
The report was deferred to a future meeting.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that Council approves the changes to the membership of committees as contained in paragraph 2 of the report.
The Head of Democratic Services introduced the report. RESOLVED: that Council approves the changes to the membership of committees as contained in paragraph 2 of the report.
None were received.
Councillor Carol Clement-Williams asked the following question: “In the 2025/26 financial year, the applications are open from December the 9th, 2024 to January 24th, 2025. This was a delay from the usual timing and left some organisations in difficulty. Grants totalling £234,914, were approved and awarded to 12 organisations. 25/26 the award amount was capped at £25,000. Many organisations have staff whose contracts require three months’ notice of redundancy. If the grant is not awarded and these notices will need to be issued at the end of December, with the timetable going the way it is at the moment, we are going to be missing that. So my question is, what is the status of the third sector grant scheme review? When is the outcome likely to be known and information regarding the screen be available to organisations in NPT?” Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice, Councillor Simon Knoyle responded: “In terms of the third sector review, you'll be aware that's recently been completed. It was a comprehensive review with extensive engagement and did involve all the stakeholders in that third sector review. We had a Policy and Resources Scrutiny meeting on the 23rd of October. During that meeting, this item was added to the forward work programme, and it's now been progressed into the democratic services process. That process will include Strategic Leadership Team on the 12th of November, Cabinet Members Briefing on the 3rd of December. Policy and Resources on the 4th of December and Cabinet on the 16th of December. It's interesting because we have conducted the review and it has been comprehensive and it has been extensive, but it's taking a lot longer than we thought it would to get the full answers and what we do not want to do is rush into it. This third sector review, we recognise the importance that the third sector plays in providing those services alongside ours in the communities in which we live, so it has to be done properly. So at the moment I'm not trying to pre-empt anything that happens. There may be a slight delay in what happens, but that will come out of those scrutiny meetings that we have. It may be that there's a further transition year next year, but we ultimately, do recognise the importance of the third sector. We want to do it properly, therefore we will not be rushed into making any knee jerk decisions into how we go forward with it, if that's OK.” Councillor Carol Celemnt-Williams responded: “I'm certainly not suggesting rushing anything, and I do understand things need to be done properly as I would with my previous hat on, however, there are organisations out there now who are really worried that they're going to have to lay off staff because there isn’t any assurance they will have the money. What might the Council do to assist vulnerability of organisations in which the Council relies for delivery of some services? We have a long record of working third sector partners in this Council. I'm proud to say that we continued that process in the last administration and obviously into this one, but are you planning to roll over the underspend from last year of any scheme? And as I say, what can the Council do to assist the vulnerability of people who may have to lay off staff who are well trained and we really don't want to lose, they are worried a number of people have spoken to me now about the concerns that the delay may mean that they're going to fold or lose weight of staff in their services.” Councillor Knoyle responded: “The process will start on the 12th of November next week in terms of how we go forward, this authority, not just the last administration or this administration, works very closely with the third sector and that will not change. We want to make sure that those services that they provide alongside ours are protected as much as they possibly can. I had a conversation this morning with Noelwyn Daniel, who is our Director of Corporate Services and we're going to catch up next week and just in advance of those first meetings happening to understand where we sit, look at the review that has come back from a high level point of view from the first instance to see how we go forward, or what our plans might be based on what that review has brought out. What I would suggest, and maybe we can reach out to our third sector partners is that if any of them have any specific concerns related to ongoing costs, whether that's with NI costs and things like that or staffing costs, they should get in touch with as soon as they possibly can. If we know that there is a problem, then we can hopefully help to do something about it. It's when we don't know that we can't do anything, so if you have the ability to speak with third sector organisations and there are many members at the beginning of the meeting, who indicated that they were members of organisations across our county. If they make contact with Noelwyn, to make us aware of any concerns or any issues that they may be facing, we will seek to address them if that is before we make any decision on how that third sector grant scheme goes forward or as we go through the next process, so be it, but we're happy to speak as much as we possibly can.” Councillor Carol Clement-Williams asked the second question: “What share of applications for SPF funding were made by A. the Council and B. outside organisations?” Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth Councillor Jeremy Hurley Responded: “The SPF has run over 2 periods and also run through non-competitive anchor projects and also competitive via funding calls. In the first period of 2022 to 25 non-competitive anchor projects, there were 5 council anchor project applications made and none from external organisations and then competitive via funding calls, there were 28 council project applications made and 729 external organisation project applications made. In the second period of 2025 to 26 non-competitive anchor projects, there were 16 council anchor project application made and six external organisation project application made. And then competitive via funding calls, 19 council projects and 261 external organization project applications made.” Councillor Carol Clement-Williams asked the supplementary question: “Should we be doing more work with other organisations for them to apply? Thank you.” Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth Councillor Jeremy Hurley Responded: “The applications were successful to the council and others again over the two periods, 22 to 25, non competitive anchor projects the council were successful with 5, 0 external anchor projects and then competitive via funding calls there were 22 council project applications approved and 432 external organisation project applications approved. The second period of 25/26, non competitive anchor projects there were 15 council anchor project applications approved and 6 external anchor projects and in competitive via funding calls, 6 council project applications approved and 142 external organisation project applications approved and just to add to that and give thanks to all the officers and whoever was involved in dealing with all those projects and the distribution of the SPF money. Obviously the council used it to good use for really good projects, but the amount of external support that was given to businesses, external projects was huge and has made a massive difference in our communities and right across the borough. Thank you.” The Leader added: “I think you know you've got experience that the current climate we're in, the uncertainty of SPF funding which is changing, the uncertainty of revenue support grants within a difficult period. I just want to recognise and acknowledge delivering of times and people to understand if their jobs are safe or not, and we've got the same issues and concerns within the Council. Our SPF there's jobs at the end of some of the funding packages so recognising that dealing with it is important. I just want to reiterate, we understand and I support what Councillor Hurley and Councillor Knoyle have responded to you on. So it was only that so that everybody understands that we are trying to do whatever we can to get that information, get the funding through so they get that certainty as soon as they possibly can.” Councillor Josh Tuck asked the question: “The playing fields at Baglan Primary have been out of action for several months, leaving children without a place to play sports and stay active, and removing a valuable community resource. Can the Cabinet Member advise what is the Council doing to address the issue and restore access to the field?” Cabinet Member for Education and Early Years Councillor Nia Jenkins responded: “We are aware that the fields are out of service at the moment and the specialist company has been contacted and asked for a quotation regarding this. The unfortunate thing is it is quite a significant cost and the project can only be considered alongside all our other priorities within the education capital planning programme going forward.” Councillor Tuck responded with the supplementary question: “When you are able to get into the capital programme, would the Council consider using deep aeration and other suitable methods to restore the playing field to make them usable again?” Councillor Jenkins responded: “They're a specialist company, so any drainage issues involved with the scheme would be to their specialist knowledge and we would take their advice on that. It's not really something that the Education Department has any specialist knowledge in.” Councillor Josh Tuck asked the second question: “When the coalition introduced parking charges in the laybys at Aberavon Beach, many businesses were forced to introduce charges on their private car parks to avoid people filling them and maintain enough spaces for their own customers. One of these businesses was the Aberavon Leisure Centre, as you are likely aware, there was an error with the system recently which led to many residents across Neath Port Talbot who use the centre to be incorrectly fined for using the car park despite having registered their cars in the appropriate manner. Is there any way the Council can have a dialogue with Celtic Leisure to try and do what we can to prevent this from happening again?” Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Well-being Councillor Cen Phillips responded: “The operation of the car parking at Aberavon Leisure Centre is a matter for Celtic Leisure as the site operators. There was considerable pressure on car parking there before the sea front lay by charges were applied, though the charges exacerbated the issue. With other properties taking and considering enforcement action, Celtic Leisure felt that they needed to act in the best interests of their customers. Following the removal of the lay by parking charges and customer feedback at the centre, Celtic Leisure have taken the decision to terminate their contract with the third party parking enforcement company and look at alternative methods of management during peak times. This termination will take place in December and customers will still be required to continue to register their number plate in the meantime. Celtic Leisure have confirmed that, to the best of their knowledge, all parking notices have been issued correctly. However, should anyone wish to appeal a notice they have received, they should follow the procedure detailed in the notice.” Councillor Tuck asked the supplementary question: “I don't know if you'll have this information because obviously it's managed by Celtic Leisure, but does the Council know if any money raised by the fines goes back into Celtic Leisure? If so how much of each fine?” Councillor Phillips responded: “Again, the terms of the contract with the third party are a matter for Celtic Leisure, but they have confirmed that the income generated goes back to the parking company as part of the monitoring and enforcement arrangements.” Councillor Josh Tuck asked the third question: “Can the Cabinet member please advise that given the high level of public usage and the importance of the coastal path to the Briton Ferry, Sandfields and Baglan communities, what specific actions is the Council planning to take to ensure its timely reopening of the original route, continued accessibility and what the timeline is for these actions please?” Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Transport and Connectivity, Councillor Wyndham Griffiths responded: “I think it would be useful firstly, to remind Council of the background of this issue. Since approximately 2015, a number of voids have appeared along the stretch of Wales Coastal Path, which is abbreviated to WCP on land outside the Councils ownership. This section of the WCP was not registered as a public right of way and was created in agreement with the landowner at the time. It's likely that the voids regularly appear as direct results of proximity of the estuary, causing by-erosion and undermining of the area, by river and seawater. Since 2015, the Council has carried out remedial works to make the ground safe on approximately 4 separate occasions, which have incurred significant cost to the Council as new voids appear, there have also been issues with the illegal use by motorised vehicles. Following these safety issues, Council took the decision to close that section of the WCP in the early 2023 due to the ongoing safety issues and continuing costs incurred for repairs, approximately £45k each time, with no allocated budget for the WCP and grant funding be indicated as coming to an end. The Council is not able to fund the regular necessary remedial works going forward. In closing the section of WCP, an alternative for the WCP was utilised, which falls inside the cycle track through the Baglan Energy Park. Since the closure of this section of the route, a new landowner Welsh Government, has bought the land and have approached the Council as well as National Resources Wales to ascertain if it would be feasible to reopen the routes on the original alignment. The landowner requested a number of demands and guarantees from the Council to facilitate reopening this route including prevention of motorised vehicles and taking on liability, repair and ongoing maintenance. As no budget or funding is available and the problems encountered previously mentioned continue to be a safety concern the Council is not in a position to accommodate such demands and therefore it is still not feasible for the Council to reopen the route at this time. The landowner was made aware of this in January 25 by the Council and a reply is still pending. As such, until the land owner is able to confirm that they will accept responsibility for the issues related to safety with they’re land along the route, and that the issues will be fully remediated the WCP will not be able to promote it alongside the Quays and the alternative route through the Baglan Energy Park will remain. However, it should be noted that while the official alternative route is through the Baglan Energy Park, Officers are aware that the landowner has opened an unofficial permissive route around the back of the Intertissue Factory, that joins the original route but misses out the problem section. The Countryside Team has not been officially notified of this route, but are aware that has been used and has been signposted. It may be the case that this route becomes an official alternative in due course, but is likely to remain informal until further work has been progressed behind Baglan Energy Park. The Wales Coastal Path is an important route for the county borough, however the safety of the public is paramount and therefore it is with disappointment that the Council is unable to reopen the section of the route at this time. Let's hope that the land owner is open to further discussions in the future.” Councillor Josh Tuck asked the fourth question: “How many cases have there been in the past 12 months of the Council using enforcement agents to collect council tax debt?” The Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice Councillor Simon Knoyle responded: “You've asked quite a closed question there in terms of how many cases I am afraid. I can't give you a precise answer this year because we keep it on a year to date figure. So the year to date this financial year is 1617. The financial year end 24/25 figure was 2574 and just to give you a little bit of background, obviously we have a legal requirement to collect Council Tax on behalf of the Council, and those figures have been consistent over the last four to five years. There is new legislation from Welsh Government in April next year that will help us in terms of collections.” Councillor Josh Tuck asked the fifth question: “How many reports have been made of missed refuse and recycling collections in A. Baglan and B. Neath Port Talbot in the previous 12 months? And how does this compare to the 12 months preceding that?” Cabinet Member for Streetscene Councillor Scott Jones responded: “The missed collections data that is gathered is for the County Borough as a whole, the Council don't hold missed collections data by Ward and that's always been the case. If this is required in the future, this can be presented but will take some time and resources which are not currently available within the service. To answer the question in relation to the County Borough. The total number of missed collections for the last 12 months was 5318. This in the context of making over 5 million collections every year. Therefore, the number of missed collections represents 0.10% of all collections made. Similarly for the 12 months earlier the total number of missed collections across the Borough was 4730, which is approximately 0.09% of all collections made. While the two figures show an increase year on year, members will be aware of the significant disruption to collections in April of this year. The disruption was due largely to our ageing collection of vehicles and has been addressed with additional resources to cover the breakdowns. In terms of the future, we have procured new recycling vehicles and are awaiting their phased delivery May through to June 2026. We are now to focus on procuring waste freighters which once concluded will address the problems that we have been experiencing with the ageing fleet. There's also work underway to provide in cab information for our collections team. This will give the crews information on assisted collections and help them quickly spot and address waste presentation issues and collection problems that often result in missed collections. This system is expected to come in April 2026.” Councillor Tuck commented in response: “That perhaps it would be helpful if resource does become available in the future to try and capture that data.” Councillor Jones replied: “I acknowledge the request and ideally, if Councillor Tuck hasn't already made representations to the Chair and Vice chair of the relevant Visual Services Committee, my suggestion would be, that if that data is required by that relevant Committee that he makes representations to the Chair and Vice Chair, and I'd quite happily look at that with officers at such time.”
There was none.
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