The Cabinet meeting on Thursday 19 September 2024 saw the approval of several key financial and infrastructure investments for Swansea. Decisions included the allocation of additional funds for highway maintenance and community projects, the endorsement of the Quarter 1 performance monitoring report, and the approval of the revenue and capital budget monitoring for the first quarter of the financial year.

Local Authority Governor Appointments

The Cabinet approved nominations for eight Local Authority (LA) Governor vacancies on School Governing Bodies. These appointments are crucial for the effective functioning of schools, ensuring robust governance and oversight. The nominated individuals will serve on the governing bodies of Bishopston Primary, Christchurch Primary, Hafod Primary, Waunarlwydd Primary, Olchfa Comprehensive, YGG Bryn Y Mor, YGG Lon Las, and YGG Tirdenaw. Councillor R V Smith, who declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item, had a dispensation to remain but not vote.

Quarter 1 2024/25 Performance Monitoring Report

Councillor Lee Wenham, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Performance, presented the Quarter 1 2024/25 performance monitoring report. The report indicated that over 80% of the steps in the Corporate Plan are on track or delivered, and more than 82% of success rates are on track or completed. Furthermore, 58% of performance indicators met or exceeded their targets. Councillor Hopkins highlighted progress in social services, education, and tackling poverty, despite national challenges such as the cost of living crisis and post-COVID demands. Councillor Andrew Stevens noted positive advancements in nature recovery, including tree planting and the LED street lighting installation programme, with over 90% of street lights now converted. Councillor Louise Gibbard praised the continued good performance in social services, particularly in safeguarding and adult services reablement. Councillor A S Lewis acknowledged that homelessness and housing supply were flagged as red but emphasised the excellent work of housing teams in moving people into accommodation. Councillor R V Smith highlighted that many trends reflect national issues, particularly concerning school attendance and the increasing demand for additional learning needs provision. Councillor Robert Francis-Davies reported significant progress in transforming the city and county's infrastructure, citing the reopening of the Albert Hall, the nearing completion of the Palace Theatre, and the development of Grade A office accommodation at 71-72 The Kingsway. The Cabinet resolved to note the Council's performance and endorse the use of this information to inform executive decisions.

Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring 1st Quarter 2024/25

Councillor R V Smith, Cabinet Member for Economy, Finance & Strategy, presented the financial monitoring report for the first quarter of 2024/25. The report detailed projected variations from the agreed budget, highlighting significant pressures in social services and homelessness, largely driven by increased demand. The Director of Finance, Ben Smith, provided a technical overview, noting a projected service overspend of nearly £12 million, with social services being the predominant area. He also highlighted the reliance on future government reimbursement, contingency funds, and reserves for the budget to remain balanced. The report indicated that while the overall position appeared balanced due to the use of one-off items, these did not solve longer-term problems. The Cabinet approved virements and the use of the Contingency Fund, reinforcing the need for directors to minimise service spending. Councillor Lewis raised concerns about the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), noting significant overspends in the backlog of maintenance and repairs, and a working group has been established to address this. The Cabinet resolved to note the comments and variations, approve the virements and use of the Contingency Fund, reinforce the need for directors to minimise service spending, and note the indicative overspend.

Review of the Gambling Policy

Councillor Lee Wenham, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Performance, presented a report on the review of the Gambling Policy. The policy, which comes up for review every three years, sought agreement for minor amendments and permission to go out for public consultation. The proposed changes, detailed in Appendix A, are minor and primarily involve updating dates, links, and population figures to ensure compliance with statutory obligations by January 2025. The Cabinet agreed to the proposed changes and to issue the revised policy for consultation.

Capital Programme Authorisation for the Commitment of Funding to Support the Design Development of Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe

Councillor D H Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Education & Learning, presented a report seeking authorisation to appoint a contractor for the pre-construction phase design of Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe. This project aims to provide additional Welsh medium secondary places and improve the learning environment. The Cabinet resolved to commit £1,893,788 to the capital programme and approved the award of the Stage 1 contract for the pre-construction phase design to Contractor 1 for £1,539,664.90.

Financial Procedure Rule 7 - Additional Community Budget Capital 2024-2025

This joint report from Councillor R V Smith and Councillor Robert Francis-Davies sought to commit and authorise an additional £1 million for the Skate Parks programme, bringing its total value to £2 million. It also sought to commit an additional £1 million to a 'Community Investment Fund' for wider community improvements, also bringing the total fund value to £2 million. Councillor Francis-Davies expressed his gratitude for the leader's listening approach and highlighted the significant investment in children's play facilities and the importance of the community budget in empowering local members. Councillor Andrew Stevens echoed these sentiments, noting the transformative impact of the community budget and the potential of the new fund. Councillor Cyril Anderson also thanked the team for their work in securing these facilities for the community. The Cabinet approved the additional capital allocations for both the skate parks programme and the Community Investment Fund.

Financial Procedure Rule 7 - Additional Capital Allocation to Highway Infrastructure Assets 2024-25

Councillor Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure, presented a report confirming an additional capital work programme for highway infrastructure assets, amounting to £1.2 million. This funding will be allocated to road resurfacing (£940k), accessibility drop kerbs (£60k), and parks footpaths (£200k). Councillor Stevens highlighted the ongoing commitment to improving road surfaces and accessibility, building on previous initiatives. Councillor R V Smith formally seconded the report, acknowledging the challenging budgets but thanking the team for their work. Councillor Robert Francis-Davies thanked the highways team for their efforts and stressed the importance of drop kerbs, particularly for those with mobility challenges. The Cabinet approved the proposed indicative additional allocations and delegated authority to the Head of Service for Highways and Transportation, with the agreement of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, to prioritise and allocate funding.

Exclusion of the Public

The Chief Legal Officer presented a report requesting the exclusion of the public from the meeting for specific agenda items (15, 16, and 17) on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information. The Cabinet resolved to exclude the public for these items.

Swansea Bay Sports Park – Improving the Cricket and Rugby Facilities

The Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration, Events & Tourism presented a report seeking approval to support investment in improved cricket and rugby facilities at Swansea Bay Sports Park. The Cabinet resolved that the recommendations outlined in the report be approved.

Depot Rationalisation Programme Update

The Cabinet Member for Economy, Finance & Strategy presented an update report on the progress of the depot review and sought approval to acquire a new site. The Cabinet resolved that the recommendations outlined in the report be approved.