The Scrutiny Performance Panel - Service Improvement, Regeneration and Finance is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 3 November 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on a proposed passenger service across the Bristol Channel, a review of the council's revenue reserves, and a performance report on Swansea's libraries.

Council Involvement in Proposed Swansea and Bristol Channel Passenger Service

The panel is set to receive an overview of the council's involvement in exploring a proposed passenger service across the Bristol Channel. The report outlines the work undertaken to date, clarifies the council's current role, and identifies potential next steps. Initial discussions regarding improved passenger connectivity across the Bristol Channel began in October 2021, involving the council and the Marine Business Technology Centre (MBTC). Over 2022 and 2023, stakeholder engagement continued with various organisations on both sides of the Bristol Channel. While initial attempts to secure grant funding were unsuccessful, Ocean Prime Industries Ltd approached the council in early 2023 to seek support for further exploration of the project. The council commissioned Ocean Prime Industries Ltd for £25,000 through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to conduct a public consultation and develop a supporting website to gauge public interest. The report clarifies that the council is not the project promoter, developer, or proposed operator, and has not entered into any formal partnership or committed funding. Any future requests involving council resources would be subject to separate consideration through the council's established decision-making processes.

Review of Revenue Reserves

A review of the council's revenue reserves is scheduled for discussion. The report, prepared by Ben Smith, Section 151 Officer, and Sarah Willis, Group Accountant, details the council's financial position regarding both general and earmarked reserves as at 31 March 2026. The report highlights that local authorities have a corporate responsibility to operate within available resources and maintain financial soundness. The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) provides guidance on the review and management of reserves. As of 31 March 2026, the council held £10,000,000 in its General Fund Balance and £82,801,000 in Earmarked Revenue Reserves. The report notes that the General Fund Balance is temporarily below the certified minimum level due to a £4m contribution to an increased equal pay provision. The review of earmarked reserves has been undertaken in light of the significant potential cost of equal pay settlements, leading to recommendations for reclassification of certain reserves. The report proposes a material reduction in overall earmarked reserves, with a corresponding increase in the equal pay provision.

Report on Swansea Libraries Performance 2025/26

The panel is to receive an update on the performance of Swansea Council's Library Service for the 2025/26 period. This report presents data submitted for the Welsh Public Library Standards and other relevant performance indicators. The Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 mandates local authorities to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. The Welsh Government's framework, Public libraries supporting sustainable and connected communities, is used to assess this. The report indicates that while overall library visits increased by 5.2% to 701,343 in 2025/26, driven significantly by Swansea Central Library at Y Storfa, total physical book issues declined by 13.3% to 630,378. Requests and reservations, however, saw a substantial rise of 15.5% to 97,468. Computer usage showed a decrease in PC reservations, but the report notes this data does not account for the use of personal devices, Wi-Fi, or staff-assisted digital support. The performance of the Central Library at Y Storfa since its relocation shows a significant increase in visits, PC bookings, and new registrations, though total issues have fallen. The report also details the performance of the Y Storfa exhibition space and event programming, as well as digital resource usage, which continues to grow.

Work Plan

The panel will also consider the proposed work plan for the Service Improvement, Regeneration and Finance Panel for the 2026/27 period. This outlines the scheduled topics and responsible officers for future meetings.

Letters

Finally, the panel will review correspondence, including a letter from Councillor Chris Holley, Convener of the Service Improvement, Regeneration and Finance Performance Panel, to Councillor Rob Stewart, Cabinet Member for Economy, Finance & Strategy, following the panel's meeting on 15 September. This letter reflects on the discussion of the annual Financial Outturns for 2025/26, covering the Housing Revenue Account, Capital Outturn and Financing, and the Revenue Financial Outturn.