The Cabinet of Swansea Council met on Thursday 18 July 2024 to discuss a range of financial and strategic matters. Key decisions included approving the capital outturn for 2023/2024, noting the revenue financial outturn for the same period with additional expenditure allocations, and approving the Housing Revenue Account outturn. The Cabinet also adopted a new Guildhall Illumination Policy, approved funding for various transport projects, authorised capital funding for school meal infrastructure upgrades, and agreed to consult on a new model for Specialist Teaching Facilities. Additionally, a public consultation on the Draft Waste Strategy 2025-2030 was approved.

Local Authority Governor Appointments

The Cabinet approved nominations for Local Authority Governor vacancies on various School Governing Bodies. This decision followed a report from the Local Authority Governors Appointment Group, which sought approval for these nominations. The appointments were recommended by the Director of Education in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Education & Learning.

Capital Outturn and Financing 2023/2024

The Cabinet approved a net underspend of £39.362 million on the increased capital budget for the year ending 31 March 2024. This underspend will be carried forward to the 2024/2025 financial year. The Director of Finance's report detailed the capital outturn and financing for the period, noting that capital schemes are complex and can face challenges affecting delivery timelines.

Revenue Financial Outturn 2023/2024

The Cabinet noted the comments and variations in the revenue financial outturn report for 2023/2024 and approved proposed reserve transfers detailed in the report. The Director of Finance outlined additional expenditure areas to be funded from the underspend, including £6 million for social care pressures, doubling the community investment fund to £2 million, and allocating £1 million for road surface improvements. Further allocations included doubling investment in skate parks to £2 million, £200,000 for free bus travel during summer holidays, £200,000 for accessible park paths, and £150,000 for summer holiday food support schemes.

Revenue Outturn 2023/24 – Housing Revenue Account (HRA)

The Cabinet noted the comments and variations in the report detailing the City and County of Swansea's Housing Revenue Account outturn for 2023/24. They also approved proposed reserve transfers of £5.890 million. The HRA reported a surplus of £5.890 million compared to the original budgeted deficit, primarily due to increased revenue repairs costs, reduced contributions to fund capital expenditure, and increased income.

Guildhall Illumination Policy

The Cabinet approved the adoption of a formal Guildhall Illumination Policy. This policy aims to provide a transparent process for managing and approving requests to illuminate the Guildhall's external façade for charitable causes, socially important topics, or significant events. Delegated authority was granted to the Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights & Equalities to make decisions on the policy's implementation, in consultation with a sub-group. Urgent requests can be handled unilaterally by the Cabinet Member or an authorised officer.

Financial Procedure Rule 7 - Capital Projects, Traffic Management, ULEVTF, Road Safety, Capital and Revenue Grants 2024/25

The Cabinet approved the receipt of grant funding totalling £7,037,665 for various transport schemes, including the Local Transport Fund (LTF), Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Transformation Fund (ULEVTF), Active Travel Fund (ATF), Road Safety Capital & Revenue, and the 20MPH Fund. Delegated authority was granted to the Director of Finance, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure, the Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, and the Director of Place, to accept this funding. The schemes were also approved for inclusion in the Council's capital programme.

Capital Programme Authorisation for the Commitment of Funding to Support the Development and Completion of the Remaining Works Required at Schools to Support the Roll Out of UFSM to All Primary Pupils

The Cabinet approved the capital grant award of £2,448,507 for the upgrade of school meal infrastructure. This brings the total commitment for this project to £4,331,993 and it will be included in the capital programme. This funding is part of the Welsh Government's initiative to extend Universal Free School Meals to all primary pupils.

Proposed New Model for Specialist Teaching Facilities (STFs) Across Swansea

The Cabinet approved a proposal to consult on significant changes to Specialist Teaching Facilities (STFs) across Swansea. The proposed changes include the redesignation of 25 STFs, a change of specialism in 3 STFs, the opening of 5 new STFs, the expansion of 3 existing STFs, and the closure of 5 STFs. These changes are planned for phased implementation starting in September 2025 and aim to better align provision with learner needs, improve geographical distribution, and enhance support for Welsh-medium education.

Draft Waste Strategy 2025-2030

The Cabinet approved a public consultation exercise to gather residents' views on Swansea's Draft Waste Strategy for 2025-2030. The strategy aims to build on Swansea's strong recycling record, moving towards a circular economy and addressing potential future challenges such as increased recycling targets and legislative changes like Extended Producer Responsibility and a Deposit Return Scheme. The consultation will run for four weeks and will be made available online and in key council locations.

Exclusion of the Public

The Cabinet resolved to exclude the public from the meeting during the consideration of specific agenda items (Minute 18: Local Authority Governor Appointments and Minute 19: Capital Outturn and Financing 2023/2024). This decision was made on the grounds that these items involved the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. The public interest test was applied where relevant.

Swansea Central Phase 1 Land Disposal

The Cabinet approved the recommendations outlined in the report concerning the disposal of land within Swansea Central Phase 1 Copr Bay development. This disposal is intended to facilitate the construction of a new hotel development. Budget authorisation was also sought to add this project to the Capital Programme in line with Financial Procedure Rules.

Swansea Central and City Waterfront Update and Progression

The Cabinet approved the recommendations presented in the report providing an update on proposals for Swansea Central and the City Waterfront. The approval included the delivery approaches outlined, commitment of requested budgets in accordance with Financial Procedure Rule 7, and delegation of requisite authority to relevant officers and the Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration, Events, and Tourism to progress these schemes.