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On 10 March 2026 the Scrutiny Performance Panel, a group of councillors that checks the council's work, considered two reports: an update on regeneration achievements and the annual recycling performance report. The minutes record no formal decisions, but the Panel asked for further information on several points, including Pride of Place governance, the economic impact figure for the Kingsway development, and missed bin collection data. One councillor declared a personal interest in the recycling item.
In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, the following interests were declared: Councillor M S Tribe declared a Personal Interest in Minute No. 73 – Recycling Annual Performance Monitoring Report.
None.
No public questions were received.
The Leader, Phil Homes, Lee Richards and Elliott Williams attended to present the report and answer questions. · The annual report provides an overview of the achievements during the year, and how these align with the Council’s corporate plan and wider ambition to transform Swansea’s economy and infrastructure. · Key regeneration schemes include the Kingsway development (80% let, capacity for up to 600 jobs), progress at Mowbray Yard, Castle Square Gardens, and ongoing development across the Copr Bay programme. · Progress has been made on the pre‑deposit Local Development Plan, and social value outcomes, including over 1,600 targeted recruitment and training weeks through council projects. · The £26.7m Welsh Government loan facility and Pride of Place funding were discussed with a request from the Panel for further detail on the governance arrangements for Pride of Place. · Discussions are ongoing on additional hotel opportunities, including within Porth Copr. The Arena side hotel remains a priority and Swansea remains several major hotels short of the capacity required for visitor demand. · B&Bs on Oystermouth Road continue to be used as temporary accommodation due to sustained post‑COVID pressures. New purpose built temporary accommodation will allow the Council to wind down B&B use over time, and the growth of Airbnb is also absorbing significant visitor demand. · Support for Start‑Ups and Business Promotion was discussed with more information requested from the Panel. · The Panel requested further information on the methodology and calculations used to produce the £32m economic impact figure for the Kingsway development. · Discussion took place on how the Council’s accommodation strategy relates to the flexible office provision planned within Copr Bay Phase 2 and the rise of remote working. · Aspects of the Civic Centre Redevelopment were clarified, including the inclusion of a boardwalk, not a structural pier and the proposed hybrid aquarium, with digital elements plus live exhibits. The current masterplan may evolve as phases progress. · A new Swansea Bay Strategy is being prepared and will come through the approval process in due course. · Updates were given on several developments including Catle Square, the Elysium Building, Palace Theatre, 71/72 Kingsway, Copr Bay, Swiss Cottage, Marks and Spencer and Swansea Market entrances.
Cllr Cyril Anderson and Rachel Jowitt attended to present the report and answer questions. · The report monitors Swansea Council's recycling performance against Welsh Government statutory targets and the council's waste strategy, providing assurance and progress settings. · The Council achieved 71.7%, exceeding the Welsh Government statutory target of 70%, ranking third highest in Wales and the highest performing city in Wales and the UK. · The 2022–25 Waste Strategy Action Plan has been fully delivered, and an interim recycling ambitions plan is now in place until mid 2027 while national policy directions become clearer. · A UK wide digital system has been designed to prevent waste crime by replacing paper tickets with electronic tracking. It will apply to all waste operators under Natural Resources Wales oversight. · Roll out of new kerbside containers for plastics, tins and paper is expected to begin before the summer and will take around six months. · The ongoing trial of soft plastic film kerbside collection in 20,000 households is performing well, with acceptable material quality and positive engagement. Wider rollout will require investment at the Llansamlet bailing plant and stable end markets. · Recycling of Tetra Paks, bagging cardboard and sorting of black bags were also discussed. · Reliability of waste collections was raised and improvements from last year were noted. The Panel asked for updated data on missed collections. · The Panel discussed fly‑tipping across the city and the need for strengthened prevention and enforcement. The Council has approved a 200% increase in the fly‑tipping budget, enabling enhanced surveillance, expanded enforcement capacity, and increased community engagement.
The work plan was noted and Swiss Cottage was suggested as an item for next year’s work plan.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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