The Swansea Council Cabinet met on Thursday 12 December 2024. The Cabinet approved a new Local Economic Delivery Plan and a revised strategy for city centre asset retention. The Cabinet also agreed to the publication of a statutory notice regarding a proposed new model for Specialist Teaching Facilities (STFs) across Swansea, which includes redesignating, expanding, and closing some facilities, with a decision on the outcome to be made at a future meeting. The Cabinet also accepted additional funding for the 20mph default speed limit rollout.

Community Assets Report

The Cabinet received the report from the Community Assets Scrutiny Inquiry Panel. It was resolved that the relevant Cabinet Member would report back to a future Cabinet meeting with a written response to the scrutiny recommendations and proposed actions.

Local Authority Governor Appointments

The Cabinet approved nominations for Local Authority (LA) Governor vacancies on several School Governing Bodies, including Brynmill Primary School, Pen Y Fro Primary School, and Cefn Hengoed Comprehensive School. Councillor R V Smith declared a Personal & Prejudicial Interest in this item.

Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring 2nd Quarter 2024/25

A report was presented outlining the financial monitoring of the 2024/25 revenue and capital budgets. The Cabinet noted the comments and variations, including heightened material uncertainties, and approved virements and the use of the Contingency fund and Inflation provision. Directors were reinforced in their need to minimise service spending, acknowledging that the budget is currently balanced by relying on anticipated reimbursement from the Welsh Government, centrally held contingency, and reserves. An indicative overspend was noted, with further actions to be confirmed in subsequent quarters.

Quarter 2 2024/25 Performance Monitoring Report

This report provided an update on the Council's performance in delivering its well-being objectives for Quarter 2 2024/25. The Cabinet noted the Council's performance and endorsed the use of this information to inform executive decisions on resource allocation and corrective actions. While the majority of corporate plan steps, success measures, and performance indicators were on track, challenges were identified in areas such as Social Services and homelessness, with several Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) missing their targets.

Local Economic Delivery Plan

The Cabinet approved the new Local Economic Delivery Plan for Swansea, which complements the existing Regional Economic Delivery Plan. This plan outlines local missions, strategic aims, and objectives through to 2030, supported by an action plan developed in consultation with the Regeneration Swansea Partnership. The plan aims to create a resilient, sustainable, enterprising, ambitious, balanced, and inclusive economy for Swansea.

New Collaboration Agreement for Regional Education Workforce (Partneriaeth)

The Cabinet approved the termination of the existing Legal Agreement for the establishment of a Partneriaeth Joint Committee, effective from 31 March 2025. A new Collaboration Agreement, effective from 1 April 2025, was also approved. This new agreement will see Swansea Council, in conjunction with Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire County Councils, collaborate to commission a regional workforce to support school improvement functions. Authority was delegated to the Director of Education, in conjunction with the Chief Legal Officer and the Cabinet Member for Education & Learning, to make any necessary amendments to the Collaboration Agreement.

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

Following a public consultation, the Cabinet considered the feedback and approved the publication of a statutory notice on the proposal to redesignate 25 STFs, change the specialism of 3 STFs, open 5 new STFs, expand 4 STFs, and close 5 STFs in schools across Swansea. A phased implementation is planned to commence in September 2025. The Cabinet will consider any objections received during the statutory notice period and determine the outcome of the proposal at its meeting on 20 March 2025. A minor amendment was made to the Welsh Medium STF designation.

Update on Swansea Council’s Progress Towards Achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2030

The Cabinet endorsed the progress made by Swansea Council during the 2023-24 financial period towards achieving its Net Zero 2030 commitment. The report highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce emissions in buildings, energy, and fleet, while acknowledging the challenges posed by resources, technology, skills, supply chains, and funding. Progress on achieving Net Zero for Swansea by 2050 and delivering on Nature Recovery was noted as progressing well.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licensing Policy

The Cabinet proposed a review of the HMO Licensing Policy for 2025, including the renewal of Additional licensing in the Castle, Uplands, St Thomas, and Waterfront wards. It was recommended that public consultation take place on the draft policy, with the results to be reported back to Council for adoption.

City Centre Ownership and Asset Retention Strategy

A revised strategy for the retention and control of the Council’s City Centre property interests was presented and approved. This strategy aims to attract inward investment and encourage private sector development while protecting the Council's financial position. The revised approach will allow for long leasehold disposals at a peppercorn rent within a defined City Centre area, subject to applicants meeting specific criteria and demonstrating clear strategic objectives. Freehold disposals will generally not be considered unless there are exceptional mitigating circumstances.

Financial Procedure Rule 7 – Update on 20mph Grant 2024/25

The Cabinet approved the receipt of additional grant funding from Welsh Government to support the implementation of the default 20mph speed limit, including the review of existing limits. The approved schemes will be added to the Council’s capital programme. The total grant awarded is £469,100, to be spent within the current financial year.

Exclusion of the Public

Cabinet resolved to exclude the public from the meeting during the consideration of specific agenda items (Items 19-24) on the grounds that their consideration would likely involve the disclosure of exempt information. The relevant paragraphs of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 were cited, and the public interest test was considered where applicable.

Selection of Preferred Bidder for HRA Housing Development Sites – Milford A and B (Penderry Ward)

The Cabinet approved the recommendations outlined in the report concerning the selection of a preferred bidder for the development of affordable housing on HRA-owned sites Milford A and B in Penderry Ward.

Disposal of Land at Mynydd Newydd Road, Penlan, Swansea

The Cabinet considered and approved the recommendations outlined in the report regarding the delegated authority for the proposed disposal of Council land declared surplus to requirements at Mynydd Newydd Road, Penlan, Swansea.

Sketty Lane Sports Development Strategy

The Cabinet approved the recommendations in the report concerning support for investment in improved rugby facilities at St Helen’s and an update on the cricket relocation.

Proposed Surrender and Re-grant of Long Lease at Tutt Head, Bracelet Bay

The Cabinet approved the recommendations in the report concerning the proposed surrender and re-grant of a Council property on a long leasehold basis at a premium exceeding the responsible officer’s delegated authority level.

FPR7 Report to Confirm Funding for Purchase of Depot Premises

The Cabinet approved the recommendations in the report, which provided an update on the availability of finance and the wider business case to enable the funding and purchase of proposed premises.