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Council - Thursday, 1 October 2026 - 5.00 pm
October 1, 2026 at 5:00 pm Council View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Council meeting on Thursday, 1 October 2026, saw the approval of the Annual Report from the Director of Social Services for 2025/26 and the Scrutiny Annual Report for the same period. A Notice of Motion supporting the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) was also approved.
Review of Revenue Reserves Approved
The Council reviewed its revenue reserves, with Mr Ben Smith, Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer, presenting a detailed analysis of the authority's financial position. He explained that while the Council had usable reserves of £107.98 million as of March 31, 2026, a significant portion of these, £22.314 million, were recommended for reclassification to address the material increase in the equal pay provision. This reclassification would temporarily reduce earmarked reserves, with plans to replenish them over future budget periods. Mr Smith highlighted that the General Fund Balance was temporarily below the certified minimum level due to the equal pay provision increase, and that future budgets would need to factor in the repayment of these reserves. The Council approved the recommendations, which included reclassifying £22.314 million from earmarked reserves to bolster the equal pay provision.
Annual Report from the Director of Social Services Approved
Councillor Alyson Anthony, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families, presented the Annual Report 2025/26 from the Director of Social Services, David Howes. The report detailed the directorate's performance, highlighting strengths in safeguarding, prevention, partnership working, and wellbeing initiatives. It noted an increase in contacts for both adult and children's services, but also improvements in preventative support and assessment completion rates. The report acknowledged challenges such as rising demand, workforce pressures, and the need for timely intervention. The Council approved the report, which will be submitted to Full Council for final approval.
Notice of Motion Supporting the RNLI Approved
A Notice of Motion put forward by Councillor Chris Holley and others, reaffirming the Council's support for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), was approved. The motion highlighted the vital, life-saving work of the RNLI volunteers, particularly the Mumbles station, and condemned recent attacks on RNLI members. It called for the Council to publicly restate its commitment and for the Leader and Chief Executive to write to the RNLI headquarters and Mumbles station outlining the Council's full support. The motion was met with widespread support from across the chamber, with many councillors speaking passionately about the RNLI's bravery and dedication.
Other Business
The Council also received updates on various other matters:
- Disclosures of Personal and Prejudicial Interests: Councillors W G Thomas and H E Williams declared a personal interest in agenda item 13 (Notice of Motion - RNLI).
- Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
- Written Responses to Questions: Written responses to questions asked at the last meeting were received for information.
- Announcements: Announcements were made by the Presiding Member and the Leader of the Council. The Leader of the Council, Rob Stewart, mentioned writing to Admiral regarding potential redundancies affecting staff in Swansea and seeking clarification from the Welsh Government on the React Plus programme. He also welcomed the plans for new Mumbles tennis courts and paddle courts.
- Public Questions: No public questions were submitted or raised.
- Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26: The Scrutiny Annual Report was received for information. Councillor Peter Black, Chair of the Scrutiny Programme Committee, highlighted the work undertaken by Scrutiny, including inquiries into grants and the cost of living, and noted increased public engagement.
- Councillors' Questions: Councillors raised questions on various topics, including the South West Metro project, the Council's summer free bus offer, graffiti enforcement, the OceanJet ferry report, investment in footpaths and bridleways, and arrangements for employee toilet facilities. The Leader and relevant Cabinet Members provided responses to these questions.
The meeting concluded with thanks to all attendees for their attendance and cooperation.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Councillors' Questions.
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council approved recommendations on 01/10/2026. The Council noted updates on the South West Metro project, the summer free bus offer, graffiti prosecutions, the Ocean Prime report, ferry service progress, winter support plans, the Baldwins bridge replacement, Dyfatty area programmes, grant funding, footpath and bridleway investment, Planning Enforcement case prioritisation, Registrar service relocation, employee toilet facilities, and the occupancy of 71-72 Kingsway.
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Disclosures of Personal and Prejudicial Interests.
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Swansea Council approved recommendations on 01/10/2026. Councillors W G Thomas and H E Williams declared a personal interest in Item 13.
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Notice of Motion - Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Swansea Council decided on 01 October 2026 to approve the Notice of Motion regarding the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The council resolved to publicly restate its commitment, support, and thanks for the work of RNLI Mumbles and all RNLI volunteers across the UK. The Leader and Chief Executive will write to RNLI headquarters and Mumbles station outlining the council's full support.
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Announcements of the Leader of the Council.
Recommendations ApprovedSwansea Council recorded an announcement from the Leader of the Council on 01 October 2026. The recommendations were approved for information.
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Written Responses to Questions asked at the Last Ordinary Meeting of Council.
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Swansea Council approved written responses to questions asked at the last ordinary meeting of Council on 01/10/2026. The responses provided information regarding the fire risk assessment for Kilvey Hill, the stability of ground and water supply assessments for Kilvey Hill, the number of Men's and Women's Sheds in Swansea and available funding, a breakdown of funding provided to Men's Sheds, and an update on the online schedule for weed spraying. The Council also provided details on the evidence required for a Regulation 7 of the Advert Regulations.
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Announcements of the Presiding Member.
Recommendations ApprovedSwansea Council approved recommendations on 01/10/2026. This was for information related to announcements of the Presiding Member.
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Minutes.
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council approved recommendations on 01/10/2026. The Council resolved to adopt a Notice of Motion regarding Additional Learning Needs and a Notice of Motion regarding Taking Back Control of Local High Streets.
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Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26.
Recommendations approvedThe Council of Swansea Council approved the Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26 on 01/10/2026. The report details the work undertaken by Scrutiny during the municipal year. It includes information on the number of meetings held, attendance rates, public engagement, and the impact of Scrutiny on Council business.
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Public Questions.
Recommendations ApprovedCouncil decided to approve recommendations on 01/10/2026.
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Annual Report 2025/26 - Director of Social Services.
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council approved the Annual Report 2025/26 - Director of Social Services on 01/10/2026. The report details the local authority's improvement journey in providing social services and promoting well-being.
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