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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 no declarations of interest received.
The minutes of the meeting held on 13th March 2026 were approved as an accurate record of proceedings.
There were no items from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme for consideration.
There were no items from the Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme for consideration.
The Strategic Director for Environment and Regeneration reported that the Head of Service Business Plans for the Directorate, set out achievements over the past 12 months, their alignment with well-being goals and the five ways of working under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act and included a self-assessment. It was noted that some functions fall within the remit of the Culture, Connection and Place Scrutiny Committee; therefore, only those elements relevant to the Visible Services and Streetscene Scrutiny Committee were considered. Heads of Service and Accountable Managers from each service area provided an extensive overview of the key priorities, as detailed in the Head of Service Business Plans contained within the agenda pack. Members were advised that all services are actively working to reduce energy consumption in response to rising costs, alongside ongoing monitoring of fees and charges. This is to ensure cost recovery, maintain alignment with neighbouring authorities, and confirm that charges remain appropriate for the services provided. A Member referred to a question raised by a resident regarding highway maintenance contractors, and asked whether existing contracts provide scope for contractors to report additional defects identified while undertaking works, such as issues with road markings and signage. The Member noted concerns that some potholes appeared to have been overlooked. Concerns were also expressed regarding the frequency of inspections on B roads, particularly those with significant cyclist usage, and the prevalence of potholes on such routes. Officers advised that a more detailed response would be provided outside the meeting and offered a brief overview. It was explained that highway inspection frequencies are determined in accordance with national guidance, taking account of factors including road classification, traffic volumes, usage levels and inspectors’ professional assessment of risk. Officers confirmed that the Council is meeting its statutory obligations in relation to highway inspections. In relation to the specific example raised, officers clarified that the contractors had completed the works to the required standard and within the scope of their instructions. The road markings formed part of a new road safety scheme and were not associated with highway maintenance works; therefore, contractors would not undertake pothole repairs unless specifically instructed to do so. Officers acknowledged the point regarding communication between teams but explained that inspections had not identified a defect at that location prior to it being reported, after which it was processed through the normal maintenance procedures. The Officer agreed to contact the local member to discuss further, outside of the meeting. Members enquired whether any arrangement had been made with Tai Tarian to share grass cutting operations in certain areas? Officers advised that coordination between the Council and Tai Tarian has improved through regular meetings, following previous resident concerns regarding differing maintenance responsibilities and cutting schedules. Efforts are being made to align grass cutting in adjoining areas where possible to minimise the impact on residents. It was further noted that the Council's ongoing digitisation programme will enable grass cutting schedules to be shared and coordinated more effectively with Tai Tarian in the future. Members raised concern regarding the maintenance of Neath multi storey car park, particularly the lifts and stair edgings, noting the impact of recent lift outages on disabled residents. The Head of Engineering and Transport advised that a survey had been completed and identified a programme of required works. It was acknowledged that the recent lift failure had presented accessibility challenges, particularly as it coincided with lift outages at Neath Railway Station. Replacement of significant lift components had been required, resulting in delays, although repairs were undertaken as quickly as possible to restore service. The remaining maintenance works identified through the survey will be implemented as soon as practicable, with wider car park maintenance and funding considerations being addressed through the Parking Services Review. Members enquired if there was a legal requirement for the amount of disabled parking spaces in the multi storey car parks. The Head of Engineering and Transport advised that the car park was designed in accordance with the relevant standards in place at the time, including accessibility requirements, which would have determined the number of disabled spaces provided. It was noted that provision could be reviewed in future and that ongoing surveys of both the building and car park usage were being undertaken to inform the Parking Services Review, particularly given current high levels of demand. Members asked whether the Parking Services Review would consider the overall provision and location of parking spaces within the town centre, taking into account changing travel patterns, efforts to encourage walking, cycling and public transport use, and the growth of online shopping. The Head of Engineering and Transport confirmed that assessing parking demand and the adequacy of existing parking provision is a key element of the review, which will consider whether the number and location of parking facilities remain appropriate to meet current and future needs. Members emphasised the importance of staff morale and retention and sought assurance regarding the arrangements for identifying, monitoring and tracking staff training needs. The Head of Planning and Public Protection advised that training requirements are identified through the Council’s appraisal process, regular one-to-one meetings and ongoing discussions between staff and managers. It was noted that maintaining professional competence is a key requirement within Environmental Health and Trading Standards, particularly in relation to food hygiene and safety functions, and that this had been highlighted during a recent Food Standards Agency audit. In response to a further question, the Head of Service confirmed that overall responsibility rests with senior management to ensure the appraisal process is implemented across all staff and provided assurance that this is monitored and undertaken consistently. Members raised concerns regarding residents' perceptions that LED street lighting provides lower illumination levels than previous lighting and sought assurance that current lighting installations meet the required standards. Officers advised that LED lights were installed as part of a large-scale replacement programme and were designed to provide equivalent lighting levels while meeting the required standards. Although the directional nature of LED lighting can create a perception of reduced brightness, officers confirmed that current lighting remains compliant with the appropriate standards. LED lighting offers significant environmental and energy-efficiency benefits. Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
Following scrutiny, the report was endorsed and commended to Council.
There were no urgent items.
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