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The Scrutiny Programme Committee agreed that the final report of the Grants Scrutiny Inquiry Panel should go to Cabinet on 19 February 2026. It also approved a change to a Taxi Services working group and a removal from the Cost of Living Inquiry Panel. The Committee noted its work programme, the scrutiny letters, a performance panel update and follow-up on public engagement, and agreed that the Chair should write to the Leader after the Leader's question and answer session.
In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.
In accordance with the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011, no declarations of Whipped Votes or Party Whips were declared.
Resolved that the minutes of the Scrutiny Programme Committee held on 9 December, 2025 be approved and signed as a correct record. The Chair stated that the agenda would be taken out of sequence as the Leader of Council would be attending at approximately 16.30.
The Chair introduced the report, on behalf of the Panel Convener, which contained key findings, conclusions and recommendations relating to the in-depth Scrutiny Inquiry on Grants. The Committee was asked to agree the submission of the Inquiry Panel final report so that it could be presented to the next meeting of Cabinet for decision. Resolved that the report proceed to Cabinet on 19 February 2026.
The Committee was asked to approve changes to the membership of the following Scrutiny bodies: · ‘Taxi Services’ Scrutiny Working Group – Councillor Chris Holley to be added. A further change was reported following agenda publication: · ‘Cost of Living’ Scrutiny Inquiry Panel – Councillor Sandra Joy to be removed. Resolved that the changes detailed be approved.
The Chair introduced the agreed Work Programme to facilitate the Committee’s monitoring of all Scrutiny activity. Various information was provided to ensure progress could be reviewed with the agreed Programme. He referred to the headlines in the covering report, and in the appendices, members noted: • the Committee’s own work plan • the Cabinet Forward Plan was also included for review for anything significant within, should the Committee feel Pre-decision Scrutiny was merited for any particular report, not already identified • timetable of all Scrutiny activities and progress with Scrutiny Panels and Working Groups and regional Scrutiny work Key items for the next meeting (on 17 February 2026) included: • Delivery of Corporate Priority – Tackling Poverty & Enabling Communities. • Delivery of Workforce Strategy • Follow Up on Agile Working Scrutiny Working Group A session on ‘Swansea Culture Strategy: 2026-2031’, which is currently being drafted, is being added to the Committee work plan – timing for Committee discussion to be confirmed. Members noted that overview and scrutiny function of the Swansea Bay City Deal will soon be incorporated into the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee, following the disbanding of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee and there will be a report to Council on this matter
The Chair referred to the following letters, reflecting on recent Scrutiny activity: · Committee – Scrutiny of Swansea Public Services Board - 18 Nov 2025 -Letter to / from Chair of Swansea Public Services Board. · Committee – Scrutiny of Homelessness - 18 Nov 2025 - Letter to Cabinet Member for Service Transformation. · Committee – Annual Report – Corporate Safeguarding 2024/25 - 18 Nov 2025 - Letter to / from Cabinet Member for Care Services.
The Chair referred to upcoming Panel/Working Group/Regional Scrutiny meetings, for awareness.
The Chair welcomed Councillor Sue Jones, Convenor, Adult Services who provided the Committee with a progress report on the work / activities of the Adult Services Scrutiny Performance Panel. Resolved that the progress report be noted. Adjourned at 16.14 Reconvened at 16.19
Mr B Houghton asked the following question of the Leader of Council/Cabinet Member for Economy, Finance & Strategy: Skyline / Kilvey Hill / Landore Are the works currently taking place on Council-owned land, and is the relevant lease/disposal agreement signed and effective and discharged via condition 51? If it is not signed or Discharged, on what lawful basis are third-party enabling works being permitted on Council land? The Leader of the Council/Cabinet Member for Economy, Finance & Strategy confirmed that the legal agreements and planning conditions for works on Council-controlled land were in place. Furthermore, he reported that the council will also monitor the progress throughout this works period. The Chair referred to the further questions submitted by Mr Houghton which would be referred to the Leader of the Council/Cabinet Member for Economy, Finance & Strategy for a written reply
The Leader of the Council/Cabinet Member for Economy, Finance and Strategy attended for Q & A session on his portfolio responsibilities. He provided a written report focussing on the financial strategy, corporate transformation programme and progress with major projects. Committee questioning and discussion focussed on the following: · Financial Sustainability – It was reported that the Council was closely monitoring financial pressures across social services, mental health, residential care, children's services, homelessness and additional learning needs. Despite these challenges, the quarter two financial report indicated the Council was currently in surplus, with continued efforts expected to achieve a balanced or slightly surplus budget by year-end. · Corporate Transformation Programme – the Committee noted the status of the Council's 13 transformation programmes with net zero, waste management and homelessness identified as major challenges. The Council has maintained its ‘always a bed’ pledge and was expanding temporary accommodation, such as new facilities at Llys Glas and proposed acquisitions on St. Helen's Road. Over 6,500 people were awaiting housing, indicating significant demand. Flexible new accommodation would provide more than 60 additional rooms and collaboration with third sector partners continued to support homeless individuals. A written response regarding pet policies at the new buildings for homeless persons was promised. · Waste Strategy – The Committee noted that the regular refuse collections had resumed, overcoming weather disruptions. Reference was made to a Cabinet report on introducing changes to waste containers to reduce single-use plastics and boost recycling. Black bag limits remain unchanged and residents may request extra recycling containers at no cost. The rollout of new containers would be gradual, with updates for Ward Members. It was noted that work on a future Waste Strategy, which had been paused whilst collections were being stabilised, would continue and will be subject to public consultation. · Major Regeneration Schemes and Funding - The Committee were updated on several major projects and investments in Swansea. Despite inflationary pressures, progress continued due to extra capital and Welsh Government support. Key developments comprised new facilities like Y Storfa, Castle Square Gardens works, a planned public sector hub, school upgrades and continued council home construction. · £20m Levelling Up Fund and River Corridor Development - The Committee heard that the Levelling Up Funding supported river corridor improvements, restoration of historic sites, new walkways, the Skyline Project and future stadium area proposals. Swansea was set to benefit from Celtic Free Port investment, driving new industries and job creation. Investment summits had spurred interest and further negotiations for support. Upcoming phases would target connectivity, museum enhancements and funding applications. · Skyline – It was reported that negotiations with NRW regarding land acquisition, supported by the Welsh Government, had concluded successfully. The Leader of the Council will consult legal officers to check on the possible public disclosure of details. · St. Helen's Sports Facilities and Ospreys Uncertainty: It was noted that the Ospreys' ambition to return to St. Helen’s was part of broader sports park plans, including cricket investment. Cricket and rugby could not be hosted together, with a separate focus for cricket. Absence of cricket organisation commitment delayed further investment. Venue decisions await WRU arrangements, amidst uncertainty regarding the Ospreys’ future. · City Centre & Economic Growth - The Committee heard the Council’s ongoing commitment had enabled significant regeneration, including the Palace Theatre, Albert Hall and commercial success at 71/72 Kingsway. Public sector leadership had attracted private investment, spurring job creation and positive economic impacts. There was recognition of further work required to sustain progress. · Public Sector Hub – it was noted that the Council had achieved 80% occupancy at 71-72 Kingsway, surpassing similar developments in Cardiff. Plans included a public sector hub with commercial tenants sought for the ground floor. Flexibility in office tenancy was emphasised, welcoming government departments, large companies and multinational firms to enhance local employment. All tenant opportunities remained open. The Chair thanked the Leader of the Council/Cabinet Member for Economy, Finance and Strategy for his input. Resolved that the Chair write to the Leader of the Council/Cabinet Member for Economy, Finance and Strategy reflecting discussion and sharing the views of the Committee.
The Leader of the Council/Cabinet Member for Economy, Finance and Strategy presented an update report on Public Engagement. The report highlighted actions taken following the Scrutiny Working Group and addresses the main points of follow up. Committee questioning and discussion focussed on the following: · Underrepresented Groups & Targeted Engagement – it was reported that varied, layered methods were used to reach a wide range of people, including those less likely to participate. Strategies were adapted to improve involvement and alternatives were provided for those without digital access, ensuring inclusivity. · Use of Pupil Forums and Youth Voice – the Committee heard that all consultations were shared with schools and pupil forums were customised locally. Whilst engagement was encouraged the topics covered were decided by individual schools. · Focus Groups & Face to Face Engagement – it was reported that focus groups and face-to-face sessions remained vital for equalities, human rights and Welsh language promotion, supporting collaborative public involvement in service design. · Survey Design & Accessibility – the Committee heard that surveys were being made simpler and clearer for participants, with visual aids to explain complex topics like budgeting. Feedback was awaited and further suggestions for improvement were welcomed. · Applying Insights from Data Cymru – it was reported that one year’s data was not sufficient for strong conclusions; longer-term trends and comparisons were more valuable. Reliable, consistent data collection was crucial for effective decision-making. The Chair thanked the Leader of the Council/Cabinet Member for Economy, Finance and Strategy for his input. Resolved that the Chair write to the Leader of the Council/Cabinet Member for Economy, Finance and Strategy reflecting discussion and sharing the views of the Committee.
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