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The Panel, a scrutiny committee that checks the Cabinet's work, considered three reports: the Quarter 1 revenue and capital budget monitoring report, which forecasts a service overspend of £13.678m; the Quarter 1 performance monitoring report; and an update on Swansea's tourism plan. The minutes record no decisions by the Panel itself. The budget and performance reports ask Cabinet to make decisions.
There were no disclosures of Personal and Prejudicial Interests.
None.
No public questions were received.
The Leader and Ben Smith attended to present the report and answer questions. • The Panel acknowledged the position outlined in the report, particularly the forecast service overspend of £13.678m and the introduction of severe spending restrictions across both revenue and capital budgets. • Several significant uncertainties were discussed including future Welsh Government funding settlements, the outcome of national pay negotiations, ongoing pressures on services and anticipated Welsh Government announcements relating to Additional Learning Needs and teacher pay award funding which would impact schools reserves. • It discussed the decision to defer approximately £50m of previously anticipated borrowing, reducing borrowing costs and helping to alleviate some financial pressures. • The scale of pressure within Social Services was discussed and it was noted that these pressures account for a significant proportion of the forecast overspend. • It explored the potential to use additional learning needs funding to support Social Services as ALN pressures are not confined solely to Education. • Key indicators of improvement include rebuilding general reserves, reducing underlying service overspending and restoring earmarked reserves.
Cllr Andrew Williams and Lee Wenham attended to present the quarterly report and answer questions. • The Cabinet Member and officer introduced the new performance monitoring format and the clearer focus on outcomes, risks, trends and areas for improvement. The Panel agreed that the approach provides a more balanced picture of performance and areas requiring further attention. • The Panel queried if the new approach would enable issues to be highlighted earlier. We welcomed the explanation that the revised reporting arrangements are intended to provide a clearer understanding of developing risks.
Cllr Andrew Williams and officers from Tourism attended to present their annual report and answer questions. • The Panel noted the significant contribution that tourism continues to make to Swansea's economy. It recognised the value of tourism activity and felt that tourism should be regarded as a major economic contributor. It also recognised the work undertaken by the tourism team. • The Panel discussed the challenge of extending visitor activity beyond the traditional summer season. Targeted marketing campaigns, including having events at different times of year, the use of visitor research, mobile phone data and location based advertising were shared as a response to increasing out of season visitors. • Accommodation was discussed. The Panel welcome the forthcoming registration requirements for Airbnb’s and confirmation that this will be a public list, however were concerned this may take a long time to fully collate. • Swansea as a cruise destination and hotel provision were also discussed. • The Panel highlighted concerns about the appearance of Swansea Bus Station. • The impact and ongoing challenges of tourism and events on local communities, particularly within Gower was raised. Officers shared some aspects of the upcoming Events Strategy which will consider communication around events.
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.
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