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The Climate Change and Nature Scrutiny Performance Panel met on 24 March 2026 to hear two updates: progress on the Council's Section 6 biodiversity duty action plan, and the annual air quality report. The minutes record no decisions, but they list three actions for the Council to provide in writing after the meeting.
No disclosures of interest were received.
No declarations were made.
Panel agreed the Minutes of the meeting on 27 January 2026 as an accurate record of the meeting.
Letter to Cabinet Member following the meeting on 27 January 2026 was noted.
No questions were received.
Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure together with Nature Recovery Team officers presented an update on delivery of the Section 6 Duty under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, highlighting: • Practical on‑the‑ground biodiversity work across services • Most actions rated green; amber ratings mainly due to delays and low staff training uptake • Increasing integration of nature recovery into Council operations and Corporate Priorities • Examples included hedge laying projects (West Cross, Mellin) and community workshops • Nature Recovery Team structure • Strong reliance on external funding; high level of practical fieldwork. Key questions raised: Panel Members asked questions covering performance and amber rated actions; cross-departmental coordination; biodiversity in planning; ‘Friends’ groups and community partnerships; funding risks with heavy reliance on external grants; long term maintenance of biodiversity schemes; local nature reserves; invasive species management; ecological monitoring improvements; community, volunteer and school involvement; wildflower planting; glyphosate use and ‘cut and collect’ scheme; green space data; common land and farmer engagement. Actions: • Provide written update on common land management issues including grazing, tree encroachment and biodiversity impacts. • Share details of the Golden Grove Community Orchard project with the Panel. • Provide written response on potential expansion of biodiversity grants beyond Gower.
Cllr Andrew Williams, Cabinet Member for Cooperative Services (Performance) and relevant officers presented the annual update on Air Quality Management, highlighting: • Swansea continues to meet annual mean nitrogen dioxide objectives. • Five consecutive years of compliance allow formal revocation of AQMAs, subject to process and consultation. • Preparation for new Welsh Government PM2.5 targets (2035). • Update on monitoring, planning consultations, complaints, and research projects. Key questions raised: Panel Members asked questions covering reduction in monitoring sites; revocation of Air Quality Management Areas; preparedness for PM2.5 targets; areas of concern; complaints: wood burners, smoke and burning waste; resourcing; air quality in planning; research and public engagement projects; air quality website.
Panel noted agenda items for the next meeting on 12 May 2026. Pre‑meeting moved to Monday 11 May at 9:00am due to election period scheduling.
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