The Scrutiny Programme Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss a range of council matters. Key decisions included the approval of the Scrutiny Work Programme for 2026/27 and the membership of various scrutiny panels and working groups. The committee also noted updates on the Welsh Housing Quality Standards, the Empty Properties Working Group, and the Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/26.

Welsh Housing Quality Standards Annual Update

Councillor Andrea Harrington, Cabinet Member for Transformation, and Dave Bratley, Housing Programme Planning and Delivery Manager, presented an update on the Council's progress towards the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS). Councillor Harrington highlighted the significant financial and resource challenges in meeting the WHQS 2023 standard, estimating the cost to be in excess of £900 million, which the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) does not possess. Discussions with Welsh Government officials and the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) are ongoing regarding funding and support. A welcome development has been the removal of the fixed deadline for achieving the SAP 92 energy efficiency target, providing some flexibility.

Councillor Chris Holley questioned how the significant gap between available investment and estimated needs would be prioritised. Dave Bratley explained that improvements are prioritised using asset and service information, including stock condition data from independent surveys, supplemented by intelligence from repairs teams and tenant feedback. Councillor Peter May raised concerns about a slight fall in tenant satisfaction with home quality since the last survey. The housing service is reviewing other feedback sources and planning a more focused tenant survey. Dave Bratley noted that the STAR survey, guided by Welsh Government, offers limited scope for detailed explanations from respondents, and the return rate was modest.

Councillor Mary Jones inquired about the barriers to achieving the SAP 92 energy efficiency standard and confidence in maintaining progress. It was explained that SAP 75 has largely been met through fabric improvements and heating system replacements. However, achieving SAP 92 across the stock is dependent on affordability, technical suitability, and market capacity, with estimates suggesting £180-£200 million might be required for renewable energy systems over the next ten years. Workforce skills in the renewable market were also identified as a challenge. Councillor Mike White asked about the greatest risks to achieving WHQS ambitions and mitigation strategies. The lack of available budget was identified as the primary risk, with accurate housing stock condition data being a key mitigation. The Building Safety Wales Act and emerging legislative requirements were also noted as potential challenges.

Councillor Lyndon Jones asked about tangible improvements tenants could expect beyond compliance. It was highlighted that major repair programmes aim to deliver wider benefits, including improved appearance of homes, contribution to street scene, reduced energy bills through solar and battery storage, and greener, more affordable heating systems. Environmental works, landscaping, and regeneration projects are also planned.

Follow Up: Scrutiny Working Group – Empty Properties

The committee received an update on the follow-up to the Empty Properties Scrutiny Working Group. Sally Jones, Empty Property Officer, highlighted the success of a joint project with the Council's data controller, legal, and Freedom of Information officer to engage two genealogy companies. Training has been provided to Environmental Health, Council Tax, and Social Services, and the service has been used to locate next of kin on nine occasions, preventing unnecessary time lags in dealing with empty properties where owners have gone into care or passed away. Councillor Andrea Harrington, Cabinet Member for Transformation, praised Sally Jones for her work on this initiative. Tom Price, Divisional EHO for Public Sector Housing, confirmed that the Council has signed up to the Welsh Government Private Directed Leasing Scheme and is awaiting further confirmation on funding.

Councillor Chris Holley asked about the biggest obstacles to reducing long-term empty properties and what additional support the Council would like from Welsh Government. Sally Jones explained that the premium rate Council Tax for empty properties has been effective, and a new initiative from April 2026 will introduce a two-year time lag for Class F properties (where probate has not been issued) before council tax charges apply. She also noted that increased resourcing would allow for a more proactive approach. Councillor Harrington mentioned ongoing dialogue with Welsh Government regarding an empty homes strategy.

Councillor Mike White inquired about partnership working. Councillor Harrington stated that partnership working is integral, with strong links to the police, fire service, and hospitals. Welsh Government provides support through a handbook and an empty property consultant. A West Wales empty property working group facilitates knowledge sharing. Excellent partnerships exist with housing associations, who are converting properties like the Castle Cinema and former Gwalior offices into social housing.

Councillor Lyndon Jones asked what lessons had been learned from successful empty property initiatives. Sally Jones emphasised a softer approach of understanding issues and working with owners, alongside identifying and improving processes to save officer time. She noted that publishing empty property data on the website helps direct inquiries.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny - Public Space Protection Order Scheme

Councillor Alison Anthony, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, presented the report on the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) scheme, supported by Lisa Wells, City Centre Manager. The existing PSPO, due to be renewed, is proposed to be extended to cover the beachfront and Dyfatty areas, with strengthened conditions including a new clause for the dangerous use of e-bikes and scooters. Lisa Wells explained that the proposed expansion is evidence-led, reflecting operational intelligence, anti-social behaviour reports, and partnership feedback. The beachfront extension addresses seasonal alcohol-related disorder and public nuisance, while the Dyfatty extension aligns with the Building a Better Dyfatty programme. Success measures will include trends in anti-social behaviour incidents, types of interventions, safeguarding referrals, and stakeholder feedback.

Councillor Mark Schleib questioned the evidence provided by South Wales Police regarding the proposed expansion areas. Lisa Wells confirmed extensive engagement with South Wales Police, who have contributed to revised conditions, enforcement arrangements, and boundary proposals. Councillor Alison Anthony added that since the Clear Old Build initiative, police are sharing more detailed data, providing a better picture of the areas.

Councillor Mary Jones raised concerns about ensuring vulnerable people receive support alongside enforcement, particularly in the evenings. Lisa Wells detailed safeguarding practices, including signposting, welfare checks, multi-agency working, and trauma-informed approaches. She assured that officers implementing the expanded scheme would benefit from learnings in the city centre and utilise the same standard operating procedures and training. Councillor Peter May asked if staffing, training, and partnership arrangements were in place for the expanded scheme. It was confirmed that existing mechanisms and structures would be used and expanded, with the PSPO Implementation Group membership being broadened. Councillor Lyndon Jones asked about key lessons learned from operating the existing PSPO. Key learnings included reinforcing the value of the safeguarding-led approach, strong partnership work, responding to emerging trends, and the benefit of clear provisions for repeat behaviours. Councillor Mike White inquired about feedback from businesses and how residents, businesses, and visitors would be made aware of the changes. Lisa Wells confirmed extensive engagement with Swansea BID and outlined plans for formal publication of the order, signage installation, and communication through media channels and social media, in partnership with agencies. Councillor Mark Schleib asked about the review process for the revised scheme's effectiveness. It was stated that the PSPO Implementation Group would provide day-to-day oversight, with a formal three-year review process before renewal.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26

Councillor Peter Black CBE, Chair of the Committee, presented the Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/26. The report highlighted the significant amount of scrutiny work undertaken, including 9 committee meetings and 54 panel and working group sessions. It detailed achievements in holding Cabinet Members to account, influencing council business through letters and pre-decision scrutiny, and achieving positive outcomes, such as the completion of the Grants Inquiry with all 8 recommendations agreed by Cabinet. The report also noted high Councillor attendance and engagement, with 70% of backbench members actively involved. Feedback from Councillors and participants was overwhelmingly positive, with suggestions for improvement focusing on earlier agenda distribution, more service visits, enhanced meeting preparation, and greater external input. The report was endorsed for presentation to the Council.

Scrutiny Performance Panel Progress Reports: Education

Councillor Lyndon Jones, Convener, presented the progress report for the Education Scrutiny Performance Panel. The Panel had met monthly, discussing topics such as Additional Learning Needs Reform, the New and Improved Schools programme, and Religion, Values and Ethics Education. A visit to Craigfelen Primary School highlighted initiatives for community inclusion and poverty proofing the school day. The Panel had sent three letters to the Cabinet Member for Education and Learning, raising points about secondary school improvement, ALN reform challenges, and the management of the school estate. The future work programme includes discussions on the Partneriaeth Business Plan, school leadership, workforce capacity, school funding, and the Curriculum for Wales.

Membership of Scrutiny Panels and Working Groups

The committee agreed to add Councillors Mair Baker and Adam Davis to the Child and Family Services Performance Panel and the Adult Services Performance Panel. Councillor Mark Tribe was noted as the acting convener for the Business Support Working Group, with Councillor Mair Baker also added to this group. Councillor Mike White was agreed as convener for the new Highways Maintenance Working Group, with the membership of this group also approved. Further interest was to be invited for the new Digital Services Working Group. The committee also noted the confirmed chairs for the Adult Services and Climate Change and Nature scrutiny panels.

Scrutiny Letters

The committee reviewed a log of Scrutiny Letters sent to Cabinet Members. Letters from the Taxi Services Working Group to Councillor David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Investment & Delivery, and from the Scrutiny Programme Committee to Councillor Robert Smith and Councillor Elliott King regarding the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report were discussed. Councillor Hopkins responded positively to the Taxi Services recommendations, agreeing to continue pressing Welsh Government for national standards and strengthen collaboration with neighbouring authorities. Councillors Smith and King provided detailed responses regarding recruitment of Welsh speakers, monitoring of Welsh language webpages, and analysis of increased Welsh language telephone contacts. The committee also noted a letter to Councillor Cyril Anderson regarding the follow-up on the Tree Services Scrutiny Working Group, which was for information.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee reviewed the agreed Scrutiny Work Programme for 2026/27. Key items include the continuation of the 'Cost of Living' Inquiry, new Working Groups on 'Taxi Services', 'Business Support', 'Digital Services', and 'Highways Maintenance'. The work plans for the five Performance Panels (Service Improvement, Regeneration & Finance; Education; Adult Services; Child & Family Services; and Climate Change & Nature) were also presented. The committee noted the upcoming Pre-decision Scrutiny of the Public Space Protection Order Scheme and the Independent Drugs Commission Report follow-up. Regional scrutiny through the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee was also highlighted.

Date and Time of Upcoming Scrutiny Panel / Working Group / Regional Meetings

The committee was informed of upcoming meetings for various scrutiny panels and working groups, including the Adult Services Performance Panel discussing the West Glamorgan Transformation Programme, the Education Performance Panel focusing on the Partneriaeth Business Plan, and the Climate Change & Nature Panel reviewing Net Zero 2030. The Scrutiny Programme Committee's next meeting on 13 October will include a follow-up on the Independent Drugs Commission Report. The committee also noted upcoming meetings for the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee Overview & Scrutiny Sub-Committee and the Scrutiny Working Group on Business Support.