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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 assessment set out in appendix 8 Council approved the following recommendations. Recommendation 1 - In relation to the proposed revenue budget for 2026/27 approve the revenue budget as set out in appendix 5 of the report. Recommendation 2 - In relation to the setting of Council Tax levels for 2026/27 Council approve that: ➢ Council Tax in 2026/27 will increase by 3.5%. The 2026/27 Band D equivalent for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council will be £2,072.88
Resolved: That Council approve the following: a) That any expenses incurred by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council in performing in part of its area, a function performed by a Community Council, elsewhere in its area, are treated as the Authority’s general expenses. b) That the levy of the Swansea Bay Port Health Authority is treated as a general expense. c) The amounts detailed in the report above and associated appendices as calculated in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
Resolved: That Council approve: ➢ The Capital Strategy. ➢ The Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2028/29 as detailed in Appendix 2 to this report. ➢ The delegation arrangements as set out in this report
Resolved: That Council approve the following Strategies and Policies as set out in the report: • Treasury Management Strategy • Annual Investment Strategy • Minimum Revenue Provision Policy • Prudential Indicators
Resolved: That the following arrangements be approved, (a) Councillor Alan Lockyer be nominated Mayor for the civic year 2026/27 pursuant to Section 23(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 (b) Councillor James Henton be nominated Deputy Mayor for the civic year 2026/27 pursuant to Section Page 125 Agenda Item 9 23(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.
Resolved: That the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 be approved for publication on the Council’s website.
Resolved: That pursuant to section 100A (4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and paragraphs 12 and 13 of Schedule 12A to the above Act, the public be excluded for the following items of business.
The Mayor welcomed all to the meeting. The Mayor reflected on the recent inauguration of the new Youth Mayor, May Al Jadouh, and Deputy Youth Mayor, Zjackaria Meah, expressing gratitude to the outgoing Youth Mayor, Jake Dogan, for his enthusiasm and commitment. He praised the council’s Youth Service Team for their efforts in supporting the Youth Council and highlighted the importance of listening to young people’s voices. The Mayor reminded members of the significance of the meeting, urging professionalism, respect, and adherence to the rules of debate.
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The Chief Executive declared an interest on behalf of all officers in respect of Agenda Item 10. Councillor Nia Jenkins declared an interest in respect of Agenda Item 10 as they are a governor at Cwmtawe School. Councillor Mike Harvey declared an interest in respect of Agenda Items 5, 6, and 7 as they work for South Wales Police. Councillor Phil rogers declared and interest in respect of Agenda Item 5 as they are a member of the committee for the Swansea Local Government Pension Scheme.
Julie Mills: Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Funding Julie Mills asked "The proposed £7,000,000 allocation for additional support in schools. Families need clarity not just headline figures. I have first hand experience of the failiures with ALN with my child in a local school, so this is very close to my heart. So my question is, how much of this funding would result in additional fully trained ALN teaching assistants and specialist staff in classrooms this year?" Cabinet Member for Education responded “Thank you very much for your question. The additional £7,000,000 isn't targeted on employing additional teaching assistants. As the Local Authority, we recognise the schools have been providing the teaching assistants and we do expect that all children who've got additional learning needs are in receipt of their legal requirements. Unfortunately, that hasn't been fully funded for the teaching assistance by the local authority, and that's resulted in schools getting increasingly into deficit because they've been providing the teaching assistants basically having to carry the burden of finance on the schools. So we don't target it for additional teaching assistants, but to make sure that schools can still employ the teaching assistance that children are legally entitled to.” Miss Mills asked the supplementary question “I knew the £7,000,000 wouldn't go on teaching assistants alone. I just wanted to know what percentage of that you would put into the local schools to provide those extra teaching assistants or extra support the kids so desperately need. But my next question will be then, what measurable targets will the council publish to prove this investment is improving delivery of support?” The Cabinet Member responded “all our schools that are in deficit have actually got a recovery plan which is reviewed on a quarterly basis. Additionally, pupils with IDPs, they have a legal requirement for those, and those should be reviewed on a yearly basis, whether they are school-based or local authority-based. But the school budget positions is what we'll be monitoring as well as the individual development pathways. And our Finance Director and Education Director are involved in that on a quarterly basis.” Jennifer Roberts: Council Tax Debt Collection Jennifer Roberts asked the question “I would like to know how does this council justify the cost of employing extra external debt collectors? And what is the projected financial outcome of this regarding value for money, please?” The Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice responded “So in response to your question, employing external debt collectors are our last resort. The Council has a legal duty to administer and enforce the collection of Council Tax as set out in Local Government Finance Act 1992. Enforcement includes the use of enforcement agents as that last resort, as I explained. We encourage all taxpayers to engage with the council tax team to avoid the need for these enforcement agents getting involved. Specifically in relation to the question of how does the Council justify the cost, there is no cost to the Council from the use of enforcement agents. The costs are added to the taxpayers' bill, which is another reason why we encourage them to get involved and engage with us at an early stage. In terms of value for money, enforcement agents have recovered approximately £500,000 per annum, which would not ordinarily be recovered without their use.” Ms Mills responded with the supplementary question “how do you justify selling our personal details to an outside company under GDPR law? With the stats showing a high rise in people losing their homes and children being ripped apart from families due to the financial crisis you've placed them in because you were operating as a business corporation, and making money is your concern to your business?” The Cabinet Member responded “Yes, there is a business as such, but we don't generate profit. This isn't an organisation that generates profit per se. In terms of the link to GDPR, I would have to take legal advice on that because I'm not 100% sure of the issue that you've referred to. But as I said just earlier, we would engage, we would ask people who are struggling with debt to contact our Council Tax department and engage with us so that we can help them. There's a myriad of areas where we can support them. Council Tax Reduction Scheme is one of them. And you'll hear today later on in the speech that our Welfare Rights team supports residents across Neath Port Talbot to achieve extra income, whether that be through the pension credits and the like. So there are other ways in which we can support residents in Neath Port Talbot to increase their income, which will help them to be able to pay their Council Tax bill. The Council Tax bill isn't something that Neath Port Talbot specifically put on people. That's a national tax that we we act on behalf of to collect. So that's why that's why we're collecting it, and that's why we are there essentially.”
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That having due regard to the integrated impact assessment set out in appendix 8 Council approved the following recommendations. Recommendation 1 - In relation to the proposed revenue budget for 2026/27 approve the revenue budget as set out in appendix 5 of the report. Recommendation 2 - In relation to the setting of Council Tax levels for 2026/27 Council approve that: ➢ Council Tax in 2026/27 will increase by 3.5%. The 2026/27 Band D equivalent for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council will be £2,072.88
Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice, Councillor Knoyle introduced the 2026/27 revenue budget proposals. The Cabinet Member described budget-setting as a value-driven process of allocating limited resources and making trade-offs between competing needs. Officers were thanked for roughly 10 months of work developing the proposals, describing a more strategic approach than previous years. The Cabinet’s early engagement with directors and directorates was outlined and it was stated that Cabinet had set priorities and “red lines” for what the budget must achieve. Th Cabinet Member highlighted that their key red line was that any council tax rise should not exceed the current rate of inflation, and stated the proposals achieved this with a 3.5% council tax rise. Ongoing risks and uncertainties described in the report were highlighted and in respect of consultation, 16 responses had been received and legitimate points were either already addressed or taken into account; other issues were said to be outside the council’s control. The Cabinet Member noted that the proposals had been considered at Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee, and “where appropriate” amendments had been incorporated into revised budget papers. The Council Tax position was reiterated and Councillor Knoyle noted that Council Tax funds around 24% of the budget, asking where that funding would come from if not through Council Tax. The Cabinet Member closed by saying they were content the proposals delivered the administration’s priorities. Following the Cabinet Members statement some members proceeded to raise several concerns regarding the revenue budget. Members expressed concern about the limited budget information provided prior to publication, noting significant differences from previous years and highlighting depleted reserves, reduced services, and the cumulative Council Tax increase that would total 22.9% if proposals were approved. Members requested clarification on energy costs, and officers confirmed a current‑year electricity and gas budget of £7.2 million with a planned reduction in 2026/27. Members argued that additional school funding would only address existing deficits. Members raised concerns about the impact of Council Tax debt and current enforcement practices, asking whether the Council could review its approach to better reflect the hardship faced by residents. The Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice indicated the matter could be referred to scrutiny for consideration. Officers noted forthcoming legislative changes to council tax collection from April and offered a member seminar to outline the new requirements. Members asked The Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice to reassure Members the choices reflected careful balancing of priorities and financial reality. The Cabinet Member confirmed the choices reflected careful consideration. Leader of Council, Councillor Steve Hunt thanked the finance cabinet member and officers, unions, scrutiny and residents and stated that the budget was balanced and focused on protecting core services, protecting jobs through efficiencies rather than “blunt cuts”, and investing in children/young people—specifically referencing £7 million into schools’ delegated budgets to address ALN/teaching assistant pressures. The Leader reaffirmed the 3.5% council tax increase, described as among the lowest in Wales, and referenced ongoing promotion of council tax reduction and support schemes. There followed a request for a recorded vote on the recommendation contained in the circulated report, which received the requisite support in accordance with the requirements of Section 14.5 of Part 4 of the Council’s Constitution Rules of Procedure. For the Recommendation: Councillors: T.Bowen, H.Ceri-Clarke, A.Dacey, H.Davies, R.Davies, W.Griffiths, S.Grounds, J.Hale, S.Harris, J.Henton, S.Hunt, J.Hurley, N.Jenkins, J.Jones, S.Jones, C.Jordan, S.Knoyle, C.Lewis, D.Lewis, A.Llewelyn, K.Morris, M.Peters, C.Phillips, R.Phillips, A.Richards, P.Rogers, C.Williams, and B.Woolford Against the Recommendation: Councillors: C.Clement-Williams, O.Davies, S.Grimshaw, M.Harvey, E.Latham, R.Mizen, S.Paddison, S.Pursey, S.Rahaman, P.Rees, S.Renkes, S.Reynolds, S.Thomas, J.Tuck, D.Whitelock, L.Williams, and R.Wood Abstentions: Councillors: W.Carpenter, N.Goldup-John, and A.Lockyer Resolved: That having due regard to the integrated impact assessment set out in appendix 8 Council approved the following recommendations. Recommendation 1 - In relation to the proposed revenue budget for 2026/27 approve the revenue budget as set out in appendix 5 of the report. Recommendation 2 - In relation to the setting of Council Tax levels for 2026/27 Council approve that: ➢ Council Tax in 2026/27 will increase by 3.5%. The 2026/27 Band D equivalent for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council will be £2,072.88
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That Council approve the following: a) That any expenses incurred by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council in performing in part of its area, a function performed by a Community Council, elsewhere in its area, are treated as the Authority’s general expenses. b) That the levy of the Swansea Bay Port Health Authority is treated as a general expense. c) The amounts detailed in the report above and associated appendices as calculated in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
The Cabinet Member for Finance Performance and Social Justice introduced the report outlining the council tax values for 2026/27 and explained that the proposed 3.5% increase was necessary to sustain vital services, particularly for the most vulnerable residents, while remaining below the current rate of inflation. The increase was noted as one of the lowest across Wales. Resolved: That Council approve the following: a) That any expenses incurred by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council in performing in part of its area, a function performed by a Community Council, elsewhere in its area, are treated as the Authority’s general expenses. b) That the levy of the Swansea Bay Port Health Authority is treated as a general expense. c) The amounts detailed in the report above and associated appendices as calculated in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That Council approve: ➢ The Capital Strategy. ➢ The Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2028/29 as detailed in Appendix 2 to this report. ➢ The delegation arrangements as set out in this report
The Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice introduced the report, which outlines an investment plan of over £240,000,000 for the next three years. Members queried the allocation of £165,000 for public realm improvements at the Boots Building in Neath. Officers clarified that this funding would be used to tidy up the building’s exterior. Resolved: That Council approve: ➢ The Capital Strategy. ➢ The Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2028/29 as detailed in Appendix 2 to this report. ➢ The delegation arrangements as set out in this report
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That Council approve the following Strategies and Policies as set out in the report: • Treasury Management Strategy • Annual Investment Strategy • Minimum Revenue Provision Policy • Prudential Indicators
The Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice introduced the report and explained that the report outlines how the Council’s borrowing and investment activities will be managed over the forthcoming year. Resolved: That Council approve the following Strategies and Policies as set out in the report: • Treasury Management Strategy • Annual Investment Strategy • Minimum Revenue Provision Policy • Prudential Indicators
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That the following arrangements be approved, (a) Councillor Alan Lockyer be nominated Mayor for the civic year 2026/27 pursuant to Section 23(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 (b) Councillor James Henton be nominated Deputy Mayor for the civic year 2026/27 pursuant to Section Page 125 Agenda Item 9 23(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.
The Chief Legal Officer provided an overview to the circulated report. Resolved: That the following arrangements be approved, (a) Councillor Alan Lockyer be nominated Mayor for the civic year 2026/27 pursuant to Section 23(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 (b) Councillor James Henton be nominated Deputy Mayor for the civic year 2026/27 pursuant to Section Page 125 Agenda Item 9 23(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 be approved for publication on the Council’s website.
At this point, Officers re-affirmed their interest and withdrew from the meeting. The Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice introduced the report and explained it was a requirement of the Localism Act 2011 for the Council to produce a Pay Policy Statement for each financial year as detailed in the circulated report. The Cabinet Member outlined the continuing reduction in the gap between the lowest and highest paid officers from 2012 until the present day. Resolved: That the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 be approved for publication on the Council’s website.
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Decision as recorded
Resolved: That pursuant to section 100A (4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and paragraphs 12 and 13 of Schedule 12A to the above Act, the public be excluded for the following items of business.
Resolved: That pursuant to section 100A (4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and paragraphs 12 and 13 of Schedule 12A to the above Act, the public be excluded for the following items of business.
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