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There is no summary of this meeting yet. Summaries are written once the council publishes the minutes, which are its official record of what a meeting decided. They usually appear a few weeks after the meeting.
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.
There were none.
The minutes were approved as accurate.
Members considered items 4A and 4B.
Members referred to page 31 of the report and queried how many reports of antisocial behaviour related to Vivian Park. Members also commented that 180 responses referenced concerns about lack of lighting. It was suggested that given the concerns raised that a feasibility study could be undertaken to establish if lighting can be provided, Vivian Park was put forward as an example of where lighting was needed. Officers confirmed that there were four responses in relation to antisocial behaviour at Vivian Park, primarily relating to noise nuisance. Work is ongoing with local police to mitigate risks in relation to antisocial behaviour, in various parks. Stakeholder Groups including the police have been consulted and whilst lighting is a potential mitigating factor, it can also create a false sense of security. The main approach remains increased police patrols in hotspot areas and addressing isolated issues as they arise. Members thanked the officer for their response and commented that there had been no complaints of increased anti-social behaviour raised with ward members following the trial at Vivian Park and there was support for the officer recommendation. Members commented that a survey was undertaken recently regarding the part night time lighting trial and this would be discussed by scrutiny again in the future. Members suggested movement activated, low level solar lighting as a cost effective option for parks. The Chair asked officers to keep potential lighting solutions under consideration, particularly if future grant funding becomes available. Members enquired whether any particular parks were problematic and whether locking parks in town centre areas only, would be an option. Officers confirmed that following the 18-month consultation period, Victoria Gardens was treated in isolation, due to concerns raised. Responses for other parks were generally positive or neutral, with negative feedback mainly relating to noise nuisance and lighting concerns, which will continue to be monitored. Members noted the earlier reference to lighting surveys for public night lighting and emphasised the importance of survey teams including both male and female representatives. Officers confirmed this was the case. The Strategic Director for Environment and Regeneration clarified that the referenced lighting site visit related specifically to part‑night public lighting following an earlier feasibility study and was not connected to the parks report. The Director confirmed that the Council will continue to work closely with partners, including community safety teams and PCSOs, to address antisocial behaviour as it arises. Issues have predominantly concerned Victoria Gardens, resulting in the recommendation to retain night-time closures there, with responses in other parks to be determined on a case‑by‑case basis. Members enquired whether the petition concerning locking Talbot Memorial Park had been taken into consideration. Officers confirmed that, although its formal status was unclear, the petition had been considered and discussions with the police found no significant concerns at the time. Members also queried whether park lighting costs might outweigh the cost of simply closing parks at night. Officers advised that stakeholder consultation had taken place and that no recommendation for lighting is currently proposed, though monitoring will continue, and lighting may be considered if issues emerge at individual sites. Following scrutiny, the recommendation was supported to Cabinet.
The Head of Planning and Public Protection provided a brief overview of the report as contained within the agenda pack. Members congratulated officers on the work undertaken and enquired whether last year’s Nature Unearthed seminar would be repeated. Members also requested an update on the potential nature reserve in Tonmawr. Officers advised that the Nature Unearthed conference marked the launch of the state of nature plan for Neath Port Talbot, followed by celebrations and public engagement events in Margam Park. The conference will be held again around July 2026 at Gnoll Park, Neath. Regarding the Whitworth site in Tonmawr, officers explained that further habitat management is required and, subject to funding through the next Lost Peatlands project, a bid will be submitted in February with further work to proceed if successful. Members asked to be informed of upcoming events. Officers confirmed that events are advertised on social media and that efforts would be made to notify members directly. Democratic Services Officers advised that mailing lists could be provided or information could be circulated through Democratic Services if preferred. Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
Members considered item 5a.
Officers provided a brief overview of the report contained within the agenda pack. Members queried whether a potential replacement of biodegradable recycling bags with plastic bags would affect recycling targets. Officers clarified that the council’s process, which aligns with other authorities, involves sending food waste for anaerobic digestion. During this process, food bags are removed from the recycling operation, meaning there would be no impact on recycling figures. Members referred to page 182 of the report and questioned whether there was an update on the cost of bins for safari rounds, which had been discussed previously at scrutiny. Officers confirmed that market research has been undertaken, and feedback obtained from Health and Safety colleagues, who deemed the proposed bins suitable. Officers are currently collating pricing information and considering possible distribution arrangements across the borough. The Strategic Director for Environment and Regeneration explained the health and safety issues previously identified with safari round collections, noting that some residents had been presenting wheelie bins, which cannot be lifted by safari vehicles. This required operatives to manually remove bags from bins, creating unacceptable safety risks. The Council advised residents that wheelie bins would no longer be accepted on safari rounds, although traditional ash bins, from which bags can be removed safely, remain acceptable. The Strategic Director confirmed that the Council has no current intention to purchase ash bins for residents due to financial constraints, reflecting the position of most neighbouring authorities. Members were reminded that a report on the budget, including proposed savings and financial pressures, will be presented to Cabinet next Thursday. Although information on bin options has been gathered, no funding is available for the Council to purchase bins for safari collection areas. Members noted that it had previously been agreed that bins would not be purchased but explained that the volume of residents’ complaints prompted a review of costs to confirm that such expenditure is not viable. This would enable the Council to provide clear advice to residents, allowing them to decide whether to purchase their own bins. Members referred to page 183 of the report concerning the enforcement of household recycling and queried what steps had been taken to encourage residents to recycle household waste; have any fines been issued. Members were advised that a team of officers is in place to monitor recycling across the borough, and they have a range of tools available. The initial approach focuses on education and engagement, addressing individuals who are not recycling as expected and providing advice and further signposting. If there is no improvement, further steps are taken which can lead to the issue of a fixed penalty notice; failure to pay a notice may result in court action. It was explained that Action 10 in the report referred to a project aimed at targeting a low-performing recycling area with a blanket approach to enforcement. However, it was confirmed that blanket issuing of notices is not permissible in practice. Alternative approaches are being explored, and the Council is in consultation with other South Wales authorities to identify best practice. Members noted that on certain safari rounds there is a considerable distance between properties and designated collection points. While acknowledging that the Council does not provide bins, Members queried whether ash bins with wheels were available for residents to purchase. Concern was raised that some residents on safari rounds recycle directly at recycling centres, and there was a potential for these individuals to receive a fixed penalty notice, despite actively recycling. Officers confirmed that the number of properties on safari rounds is small in relation to the entire borough. In relation to small, wheeled bins, Officers advised that no suitably sized wheeled bins have been identified, although further enquiries can be made. It was noted that some properties are located a distance from the collection point; but the Council does not have a statutory duty to collect waste from the door in every area. Some routes are not in a suitable condition for residents to use wheeled bins. Officers further confirmed that residents would not receive penalty notices if there were evidence that recycling is being undertaken. The main indicator for non-compliance is excess black bag non-recyclable waste. Members raised an issue regarding some areas where wheelie bins cannot be accommodated, which has resulted in missed collections and bins being left on pavements. It was acknowledged that some residents contribute to the issue by presenting rubbish incorrectly. Members highlighted that there are a number of elderly ward residents who struggle to take bins to collection points, with some having to carry bins through their homes. Officers thanked the Member for raising issues which have arisen following the move from rear lanes to front-of-house collections. Officers confirmed their willingness to work collaboratively to ensure all waste is collected as effectively as possible. It was further noted that there has been a marked improvement in the condition of the lanes, which is a positive for residents. Members acknowledged that, despite initial reservations, the introduction of front-of-house collections had been positive and there was a reduction in fly tipping. However, members emphasised that for the system to be implemented more widely, procedures for addressing missed collections must be improved with officers taking a proactive approach to advise ward members. A proactive approach would assist councillors in communicating with residents and providing accurate information regarding missed collections. Members stated that shops and post offices have experienced difficulties in obtaining stocks of dog and food waste bags from the Council and questioned the correct procedure for ordering supplies. The Officer responded that some locations receiving regular deliveries had become overloaded, so a reactive delivery process was introduced. It was acknowledged that the process may need further review. All properties have been provided with the correct contact details to arrange deliveries. The contact details will be circulated via Democratic Services following the meeting. The Chair expressed gratitude on behalf of the committee, to recycling crews, for their hard work during the recent period of adverse weather. The Strategic Director – Environment and Regeneration, agreed with the comments made, noting that the crews’ efforts in poor weather conditions were commendable. The Director explained that the timing was challenging due to the weather event coinciding with catch-up collections following Christmas. Severe weather conditions prevented waste collection, resulting in understandable delays and approximately six hundred complaints being logged through the My NPT portal. A generic response was issued to residents requesting patience during this period. In preparation for the weather warning associated with Storm Goreti, crews undertook gritting operations overnight, focusing on upper valley areas to minimise disruption to communities. As a result of these measures, despite snowfall in some areas, roads remained in good condition and refuse collections continued as normal. The Chair thanked committee members for their foresight in requesting a winter preparedness report ahead of the season, noting that this proactive approach contributed to readiness for the inclement weather. Following Scrutiny the report was noted.
Members considered performance monitoring item 6a.
The Strategic Director for Environment and Regeneration reminded members that the Corporate Strategy 2025/2028 had been approved last year. The report presented for consideration was the six-month performance update, which had previously been reported to the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee. The report was generally positive, highlighting achievements over the past six months. Members were advised of a specific issue relating to an overspend of £970,000 within the Environment Directorate. The overspend occurred in areas previously identified as having inbuilt budget pressures. Cabinet will consider a budget report next week, which outlines these pressures. Most of the pressures contributing to the overspend are included in the report, with the exception of one issue that is being managed internally. Despite efforts to mitigate the overspend, all measures undertaken have been unsuccessful. If the identified pressures are addressed in the forthcoming budget, it should enable the Directorate to manage its finances within the set boundaries going forward. Following Scrutiny the report was noted.
Officers advised of a change to Democratic Services support for the committee. It was noted that the Parks and Gardens report was considered at today’s meeting instead of February. With the agreement of the chair, the Japanese Knotweed report has been moved to the February meeting. Still to be programmed into the Forward Work Programme is the workshop on environmental health and this is likely to be held around March, following further discussion with officers. Members have also requested an information report on CCTV mobile enforcement. The Forward Work Programme was noted
There were none.
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