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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 having due regard to the integrated impact screening assessment that members • Note the decision of Cabinet to remove the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee and delegate decision making functions in respect of the Swansea Bay City Deal to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee • Approve the removal of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee and delegate the overview and scrutiny function of the Swansea Bay City Deal to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee. • Note the subsuming of the Economic Strategy Board of the Swansea Bay City Deal into the newly established Private Sector Advisory Board for the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee given that is has common membership. • Deelgated authority be granted to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to appoint the members to the to South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee Overview and Scrutiny Committee following notification from the respective Group Leaders on their nominees. • Grant delegated authority to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services in consultation with the Page 10 Leader of Council to amend the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee Agreement to reflect the approvals granted by this report, subject to Pembrokeshire Council, Swansea Council and Carmarthenshire Council agreeing the same. • Delegate all future decision making in respect of the Swansea Bay City Deal to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee. • Note that the decision taken by this council will need to be ratified by the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee prior to its implementation.
Resolved: That having due regard to the integrated impact screening assessment, Council approve the Licensing Act Policy 2026 – 2031, as set out in Appendix 1.
Resolved: That the recommendations are approved as outlined in the report pack.
Resolved: That the motion ‘Men’s Mental Health’ be carried. Ethical Investment and Compliance with International Law, Local Government Pension Fund. The Mayor called upon Cllr Rahaman to introduce his motion titled ‘Ethical Investment and Compliance with International Law, Local Government Pension Fund’. Councillor Nathan Goldup-John seconded the motion highlighting the importance of ensuring public resources are not used to sustain conflict, oppression or breaches of international law. Members noted their support for the motion and suggested it should be extended to include companies that are Green and Anti-Slavery. Resolved: That the motion ‘Ethical Investment and Compliance with International Law, Local Government Pension Fund’ be carried. From Gridlock to Growth – A Tram-Train Future for Neath Port Talbot The Mayor called upon Councillor Goldup-John to introduce his motion put before Council on ‘From Gridlock to Growth – A Tram-Train Future for Neath Port Talbot’. Councillor Sonia Reynolds highlighted that there was overall support from the Labour group for the motion however that they wish to stress that their support is on the basis that the Council maintains focus on bus franchising. Members indicated their support for the motion. Resolved: That the motion ‘From Gridlock to Growth – A Tram-Train Future for Neath Port Talbot’ be carried.
The Mayor welcomed all to the meeting. The Mayor extended sympathies to Councillor Jeff Jones and his family following the death of their mother.
The Leader extended seasonal greetings and thanked colleagues who will be working over the festive period. The Leader expressed appreciation to members and officers for their commitment throughout 2025 in delivering essential services, including education for over 20,000 pupils, 24-hour social care, and five million refuse and recycling collections. Despite challenges during the year, the Leader noted that there had been many significant successes, highlighting a number of successful projects. The Mayor included his thanks to all.
The following declarations of interest were received: Councillor Bob Woolford Councillor Tim Bowen Councillor Mike Harvey Councillor Sharon Freeguard Councillor Matthew Crowley The Chief Executive on behalf of Chief Officers and Senior Officers in respect of Agenda Item 8. The Chief Executive advised that both themselves and the Head of HR would remain in the room during the item in order to assist with proceedings. The Head of Legal and Democratic Services in respect of Agenda Item 6. Councillor Gareth Rice noted that he had recently retired from the Fire Service but was not a member of the Fire Authority in respect of Agenda Item 5.
There were none.
The Mayor welcomed Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery, and interim treasurer Stephen Phillips to the meeting to give a presentation on the service. Members asked Mr Flannery what specific actions he will take in the short term to demonstrate to fire service staff that their voice and safety truly matter and how will he measure how the deep-rooted issues identified in the Authorities cultural review are genuinely being addressed. Mr Flannery spoke of the requirement for cultural change and how the service will achieve this to create a psychological environment where people will speak up and speak out and where everyone is held to account regardless of rank and the pragmatics of how this is achieved. Members asked Mr Flannery on his opinion of how the working pattern should be with the Local Authority in relation to flood management given the increase in frequency and severity. Mr Flannery stated he felt the relationship was strong and that the collaboration between the service and Local Authorities was positive. Members highlighted the work that community fire stations do in supporting their communities and thanked them for their efforts. The Chair of the Fire Authority gave a further overview of the presentation from the Authorities perspective. Members requested that in setting budgets, the Fire Service endeavours to keep increases in line with inflation. The Leader thanked the Fire Service and Congratulated Mr Flannery on his appointment. Tribute was paid to Roger Thomas on his retirement after 29 years’ service, with thanks and best wishes.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: that having due regard to the integrated impact screening assessment that members • Note the decision of Cabinet to remove the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee and delegate decision making functions in respect of the Swansea Bay City Deal to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee • Approve the removal of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee and delegate the overview and scrutiny function of the Swansea Bay City Deal to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee. • Note the subsuming of the Economic Strategy Board of the Swansea Bay City Deal into the newly established Private Sector Advisory Board for the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee given that is has common membership. • Deelgated authority be granted to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to appoint the members to the to South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee Overview and Scrutiny Committee following notification from the respective Group Leaders on their nominees. • Grant delegated authority to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services in consultation with the Page 10 Leader of Council to amend the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee Agreement to reflect the approvals granted by this report, subject to Pembrokeshire Council, Swansea Council and Carmarthenshire Council agreeing the same. • Delegate all future decision making in respect of the Swansea Bay City Deal to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee. • Note that the decision taken by this council will need to be ratified by the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee prior to its implementation.
The Head of Legal and Democratic Services provided an overview to Council of the circulated report. Resolved: that having due regard to the integrated impact screening assessment that members • Note the decision of Cabinet to remove the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee and delegate decision making functions in respect of the Swansea Bay City Deal to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee • Approve the removal of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee and delegate the overview and scrutiny function of the Swansea Bay City Deal to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee. • Note the subsuming of the Economic Strategy Board of the Swansea Bay City Deal into the newly established Private Sector Advisory Board for the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee given that is has common membership. • Deelgated authority be granted to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to appoint the members to the to South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee Overview and Scrutiny Committee following notification from the respective Group Leaders on their nominees. • Grant delegated authority to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services in consultation with the Page 10 Leader of Council to amend the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee Agreement to reflect the approvals granted by this report, subject to Pembrokeshire Council, Swansea Council and Carmarthenshire Council agreeing the same. • Delegate all future decision making in respect of the Swansea Bay City Deal to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee. • Note that the decision taken by this council will need to be ratified by the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee prior to its implementation.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That having due regard to the integrated impact screening assessment, Council approve the Licensing Act Policy 2026 – 2031, as set out in Appendix 1.
The Chair of the Licensing Committee presented the report to Council. Resolved: That having due regard to the integrated impact screening assessment, Council approve the Licensing Act Policy 2026 – 2031, as set out in Appendix 1.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That the recommendations are approved as outlined in the report pack.
The Chief Executive introduced the report to Council. Members queried when the Heads of Service portfolio review would be reported back to Members. The Chief Executive confirmed that a further piece of work needs to be undertaken and it is hopeful that this can be reported back in the next 6 months. Resolved: That the recommendations are approved as outlined in the report pack.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That the motion ‘Men’s Mental Health’ be carried. Ethical Investment and Compliance with International Law, Local Government Pension Fund. The Mayor called upon Cllr Rahaman to introduce his motion titled ‘Ethical Investment and Compliance with International Law, Local Government Pension Fund’. Councillor Nathan Goldup-John seconded the motion highlighting the importance of ensuring public resources are not used to sustain conflict, oppression or breaches of international law. Members noted their support for the motion and suggested it should be extended to include companies that are Green and Anti-Slavery. Resolved: That the motion ‘Ethical Investment and Compliance with International Law, Local Government Pension Fund’ be carried. From Gridlock to Growth – A Tram-Train Future for Neath Port Talbot The Mayor called upon Councillor Goldup-John to introduce his motion put before Council on ‘From Gridlock to Growth – A Tram-Train Future for Neath Port Talbot’. Councillor Sonia Reynolds highlighted that there was overall support from the Labour group for the motion however that they wish to stress that their support is on the basis that the Council maintains focus on bus franchising. Members indicated their support for the motion. Resolved: That the motion ‘From Gridlock to Growth – A Tram-Train Future for Neath Port Talbot’ be carried.
Men’s Mental Health The Mayor called upon Councillor Williams to introduce his motion put before Council on ‘Men’s Mental Health’. Members followed on by endorsing the statement given by Councillor Williams and shared details of several organisations doing work wound men’s mental health in Neath Port Talbot. The Leader highlighted some of the numerous programmes of work being undertaken through the Council and its Schools to promote health and wellbeing and encouraged all members to support the motion. Councillor Bob Woolford seconded the motion highlighting his personal experiences with Mental Health and the importance of the motion. Resolved: That the motion ‘Men’s Mental Health’ be carried. Ethical Investment and Compliance with International Law, Local Government Pension Fund. The Mayor called upon Cllr Rahaman to introduce his motion titled ‘Ethical Investment and Compliance with International Law, Local Government Pension Fund’. Councillor Nathan Goldup-John seconded the motion highlighting the importance of ensuring public resources are not used to sustain conflict, oppression or breaches of international law. Members noted their support for the motion and suggested it should be extended to include companies that are Green and Anti-Slavery. Resolved: That the motion ‘Ethical Investment and Compliance with International Law, Local Government Pension Fund’ be carried. From Gridlock to Growth – A Tram-Train Future for Neath Port Talbot The Mayor called upon Councillor Goldup-John to introduce his motion put before Council on ‘From Gridlock to Growth – A Tram-Train Future for Neath Port Talbot’. Councillor Sonia Reynolds highlighted that there was overall support from the Labour group for the motion however that they wish to stress that their support is on the basis that the Council maintains focus on bus franchising. Members indicated their support for the motion. Resolved: That the motion ‘From Gridlock to Growth – A Tram-Train Future for Neath Port Talbot’ be carried.
Councillor Sonia Reynolds asked the following question: “I would like to ask the Leader about communication. Over the past 3 years we as councillors have found it increasingly difficult to have full visibility on certain Council plans and activities as they develop. This is particularly an issue for those plans that directly affect the communities that Councillors represent. This lack of information makes it harder for us to keep our residents informed. In my community this has led to on occasion, poor uptake of opportunities and a disadvantaging of local people and wasted resources, and I am sure others have found the same. Without effective two-way communication with Councillors, proposed developments risk overlooking existing provision and failing to reflect local context or needs. What plans does the Council have to improve communication and engagement with local Councillors such that issues are addressed and residents properly represented to the best of our abilities in this Council?” The Leader responded: “Thank you Councillor Reynolds, you have mentioned there are issues in your ward, after this meeting can you please share specific examples, for instance projects that attracted little interest or plans that didn’t take existing arrangements into account and I will ask officers to update you on those matters as quickly as we possibly can. Our approach has not changed over the past three years and where needed, we have put new arrangements in place to strengthen our communication. The Council recognises that effective communication with councillors is essential to ensure communities are heard and local opportunities are not missed. To support this, we have put in place a public participation strategy that explains how the Council works, makes information easier to find, and helps councillors engage with residents. A consultation and engagement framework that sets out fair, transparent processes, involving councillors very early and ensures feedback is shared. An ongoing review of our communications to make them more open and improve how we use different channels, including online tools and community events. Updated report templates to ensure local members’ views are sought on proposals that affect their wards which is critical to each member in their own wards. We are also improving access for residents who are not online, this is brought up by many members, through better noticeboards and text alerts, while enhancing our digital tools to provide timely updates. In the new year, the Modernisation Group of which you are a member Councillor Reynolds, will review the member/officer protocol and agree a local member charter. The charter will commit the Council to keep councillors informed about important local issues, respond promptly to enquiries, invite local members to relevant meetings, share information about local services, and provide clear contacts and resources when needed to support ward work. Councillors will also receive support to use digital engagement tools and to access forward work plans, helping to keep communities informed and improve services based on feedback. I recognise how important communication is and that sometimes doesn’t work properly right across Wales and some of the meetings I attend but I recognise that here we need communication to work properly.” Councillor Reynolds responded: “Thank you, Leader a comprehensive answer although I wasn’t asking about public communication particularly, I was asking very specifically about communication with Councillors and I am really pleased to hear about the Modernisation Group activity and the way that will develop and I am sure that Craig has some interesting things in line for us. I would very much like to ask you on the basis of that whether or not you would share with Councillors today the views about what is going to be happening with the budget and with the pride in place funding. I have been hearing rumours from officers, I have been hearing all sorts of things, even local people have mentioned that they know how the impact fund for example is to be used. What it would be nice to hear is formally that information direct to Councillors so that we can actually have that information ready at hand and not find ourselves in the position where local residents or officers know more than we do?” The Leader replied: “Thank you, Councillor Reynolds as you can appreciate, I wouldn’t have that information ready for this meeting today, but I will give you assurances again, as and when we are ready to deliver that information all Councillors will certainly have that information at that time.” Councillor Josh Tuck asked the question: “As elected representatives we are accountable to our residents and have a duty to ask questions regarding Council decisions. Does the Council Leader agree with me that all members should be able to raise matters of local importance on behalf of residents in Council meetings without being told by others it is a waste of Council time or when it is or isn’t appropriate to do so?” The Leader responded: “Thank you, Councillor Tuck for your question. Let me reaffirm, yes asking questions on behalf of residents at full Council is never a waste of time. It is a core part of our role to ensure residents’ concerns are heard in public. However, you don’t need to wait for full Council to get answers. We have clear rules and procedures that set out members rights to information and how responses are handled. Advice is available at any time from the Head of Legal Services, documents such as the members and officers protocol, and access to information procedure rules. We explain how to obtain this information you need, these are available also on our website and on our members hub. I am hoping you will be aware that members can raise queries at any time with Officers as well, with Cabinet Members, with the Leader, Deputy Leader, or Committee Chairs, and there are processes in place to ensure timely responses. If you are unsure how to approach or how to proceed Democratic Services would be happy to help you. Residents often need prompt answers and waiting up to six weeks for a full Council meeting may not be acceptable to them. That’s why using these routes that I have mentioned is usually the quickest way to get responses in line with procedure rules. Councillors are elected to do exactly this work on behalf of their constituents, so they receive timely and accurate information. Mr Mayor in closing I would remind Councillor Tuck that his own Labour Group have a wealth of experience and can advise him on the best way to get answers he needs from this Authority. The information I have outlined today is intended to support you in your role as an elected member of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council so that you can serve your constituents to the best of your ability, and I do hope that you agree that this is helpful going forward.” Councillor Tuck asked the supplementary question: “Thank you so much Leader for that answer, I am happy to ensure that I do raise plenty of things, and I am sure the officers are tired of me as I raise plenty of things between Council meetings. I just wondered that given recent events and the confusion around whether it is or isn’t appropriate to make points of order is there going to be any instruction to members when it is appropriate to do so?” The Head of Legal Services responded: “Just to give members a flavour of what’s in the constitution, we had our Members Seminar that we delivered back in September that’s still available online if any members wish to go back and view it and sets out some of our procedural rules and in particular, we did comment a lot on points of order. To give a quick overview to Members, a point of order is a request from a member asking the Chair to rule on a possible breach of the Council’s procedure rules or the law. It can be raised at any time, and the member must state the specific rule or law and how they believe it has been broken. The Chair will hear the point immediately and their ruling is final, although they may seek advice from myself or the Democratic Service Officers at that point. If the matter raised is not a valid point of order, the Chair will explain this redirect the member to raise the issue at the appropriate time such as during debate and remind members that points of order are strictly for procedural matters, not for introducing new arguments or disrupting proceedings. If the point is valid the Chair will hear it briefly, decide whether immediate action is needed, make a clear ruling to address the issue such as clarifying rules or correcting the process and then confirm the decision so the meeting can continue in an orderly manner. I would also add that if any members want to discuss any aspects of the procedure rules or if they have got any confusion or concern, they are welcome to contact me at any time.” Councillor Gareth Rice asked the question: “Thank you for allowing me to ask this urgent question. Before I ask the question, please can I put on record and echo the kind sentiments from yourself the Mayor on behalf of all Council and the chaplain earlier, that our thoughts are with those during hardship not just in my ward in Briton Ferry but indeed across the Borough as a result of the current flooding. This week Briton Ferry has suffered terrible flooding with properties flooded out and some families having been forced to seek alternative temporary accommodation. This is devastating for the affected families especially so close to Christmas. In light of this what are the Councils plans for meaningful preventative work to ensure incidents of this scale are not repeated, what timescales have been set for delivery of such measures and with further weather warnings imminent what specific preparatory work has been scheduled for Briton Ferry now and for all future events? Furthermore, does the Council intend to set up a hardship fund for those residents most affected by this extremely disruptive incident?” Cabinet Member for Streetscene Councillor Scott Jones responded: “This weeks flooding has impacted residents and businesses across the County Borough as a whole, however Briton Ferry its quite apparent has experienced the worst of it with its residents in numerous streets significantly impacting internal properties in terms of flooding. Similarly, there has been flooding in Cwmavon, Bryncoch, Alltwen, Skewen and Miland Road Industrial Estate. Experience widespread flooding causing damage and disruption to businesses. Certain parts of the Borough have also experienced power outages, there have been significant highway network and travel impacts and there has also been a landslide in Pontrhydyfen. I know that I speak on behalf of the whole Council when I say that our thoughts are with those families and businesses who have been so badly impacted. A recovery group has been set up to identify actions to support those individuals, businesses and families that have been impacted including the offer of spoiled possession collections, welfare checks, setting up an assistance hub, assistance with Christmas gifts, vulnerable persons support and signposting to partner agencies and organisations that can offer further assistance. Further communications on this offer of support will be forthcoming very shortly. It is vitally important that if residents are to take up the offer from the Council in terms of the spoiled possession collections, that they first speak with their insurers as it is quite often the case that insurers will want to see the possessions at the property and if they are to be included in any future claims. In addition to that support temporary measures have been implemented including the installation of pumps at Miland Road, pumping of flood water at Regent Street West and the delivery of sandbags across all areas that have been impacted in order to minimise the risk of further flooding. In light of this weeks further weather warning street cleansing operations have been focusing in the area impacted in the floods and operations teams have proactively been cleansing the critical flood risk assets across the County Borough. Regarding the permanent solution, to reduce flood risk in the Briton Ferry area officers have already made substantial progress on two major flood risk management schemes with the financial assistance from the Welsh Government. The two schemes will likely recognise the circa of £25m worth of flood mitigation investment in Briton Ferry. We are also currently assessing whether the cost associated with the flooding reached the threshold set out in the Welsh Governments emergency financial assistance scheme before we can consider the appropriateness of any hardship relief scheme. Finally I would like to take the opportunity to thank our communities for their response and the support that they have shown to those that have been impacted as always is the case in Neath and Port Talbot. It is evident that communities are pulling together during these difficult times in the run up to Christmas to help those in the most need. I would also like to place on record like many others have this afternoon my sincere thanks to our hardworking teams within the Council. I hope that clarifies your question.” Councillor Rice replied with the supplementary question: “Thank you for your reply and I welcome any and all work aimed at supporting the community not just in Briton Ferry but across everywhere else, however given that Briton Ferry has repeatedly flooded for many years and where this used to be a once in a few years event it is now becoming far more frequent. With this being the second such incident within the last 2 months in this particular area alone, these areas being the Regent Street Railway Underpass and at the former GP Surgery Site on Hunter Street, these two places are very frequently flooded, and as I mentioned earlier with families forced in to temporary accommodation so close to Christmas, can the Council confirm how it will ensure a joint approach with Welsh Water and Network Rail so that these locations in particular are finally sorted once and for all? The residents are understandably at their wits end and it is unacceptable that this continues, there needs to be a clear final solution to prevent this from happening again.” Cabinet Member for Streetscene Councillor Scott Jones responded: “I am happy to give you an undertaking in terms of the partnership and dialogue that has taken place over the last couple of days, I am very aware and have been in engaged between our senior officers and Welsh Water but if its ok I will pass you to our technical officer the Director of Environment in case they want to add to anything I have already stated in terms of the Network Rail.” The Director of Environment Nicola Pearce added: “As is indicated by the Cabinet Member we are working on two significant schemes in the Briton Ferry and the Melin area and they involve partners including Network Rail and Welsh Water. Welsh Water are very much involved in the recovery position that we are undertaking in this area at the moment and as is indicated we have got a hub being established and we have got various lines of communication going out to direct members of the public who have been affected by these terrible flooding incidents to not only the support they can get from the Council but also the support they can get partners such as Welsh Water who do provide funding to mitigate the impact with flooding linked to their assets, so we will continue to work with those partner organisations to try and deliver those longer term solutions and in the short term we will work with those organisations to try and prevent or minimise the impact of other unfortunate weather events which will occur going forward.
There was none.
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