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The Panel met on 18 November 2025 to consider water quality and pollution control, and the Council's Retrofit Project. The minutes record no formal decisions on either item, only the Panel's questions and three follow-up actions on bathing water, event waste and the Drought Liaison Group. Councillors were asked to consider the water report and to recognise the Retrofit Framework and the risks identified with it.
Cllr Andrea Williams declared a personal interest. Cllr Williams is a director of Swansea Community Energy and Enterprise Scheme.
No declarations were made.
Panel agreed the Minutes of the meeting on 16 September 2025 as an accurate record of the meeting.
Letter to Cabinet Members following the meeting on 16 September 2025 was noted.
No questions were received.
Cabinet Member Andrew Williams, Tom Price and Adrian Johnson from the Council and Hamish Osborn from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) updated the Panel on this issue and answered questions. The report outlined current water quality management, collaboration with agencies, predictive modelling, and pollution response. Key Points Made: • NRW confirmed Swansea Bay’s bathing water quality for 2025 results will be published shortly by Welsh Government. Previous years have been rated “Good.” • The predictive Smart Coasts model remains operational and is considered best practice internationally, though quantifying its impact on public health would require NHS data. • Electronic signage at Swansea Bay was offline during 2025 due to infrastructure upgrades. Officers confirmed work is underway to restore functionality for the 2026 season. • Collaborative work on misconnections continues with Welsh Water, Highways, and Building Control, though resource constraints have shifted the approach from proactive to reactive. • Pollution Control operates a 24/7 response service for major incidents, despite limited resources. Members noted the importance of maintaining this capability. • NRW highlighted nutrient neutrality requirements affecting planning decisions in the Burry Inlet and ongoing work to reduce agricultural nutrient runoff. • The aeration system on the River Tawe has been upgraded. Monitoring shows improved dissolved oxygen and salinity levels, supporting aquatic life. • Drought Liaison Group discussions focus on water sufficiency. NRW confirmed drought can negatively impact river ecology due to low dilution and algal blooms. • Panel Members asked questions on effectiveness of Smart Coasts Model; plans to extend predictive modelling or aeration systems; monitoring waste disposal at events; response times for pollution incidents; prosecutions for malicious incidents. Actions: • Link to Swansea Bay’s bathing water quality assessment for 2025 to be shared with the Panel when available • Issue of post-event waste disposal monitoring requirements to be raised with the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and potential improvements or changes to current protocols to be reported back to the Panel • Draft Liaison Group to be contacted regarding whether water quality is assessed during their discussions and response reported back to the Panel.
Cabinet Member Andrea Williams, Geoff Bacon, Alex O'Brien and Antony Moss presented an update on the Council’s Retrofit and renewable energy initiatives and answered the Panel’s questions. Key Points Made: • Retrofit Framework enables energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects across Council buildings, supported by guaranteed savings from Ameresco. • Phase 1 delivered measurable savings exceeding projections. Phase 2 will include schools and explore solar panel carports. • Schools account for 50% of Council emissions. Funding complexities and legislation require resolution. • Behavioural change initiatives in schools and public buildings are underway, focusing on low-cost energy-saving measures. • Future phases may include community centres, subject to legal and financial feasibility. • Risks identified lack of core funding, reliance on grants, and limited maintenance budgets post-installation. • Panel Members asked questions on accountability of Ameresco for any savings shortfall; plans to include schools; maintenance of installations; fire safety compliance; use of Council land for renewables; criteria for site selection.
Panel considered the work plan and noted items for the next meeting which is scheduled for 27 January 2026. This date coincides with Holocaust Memorial Day. Panel agreed to proceed with the date, allowing for written questions and answers for those unable to attend.
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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