The Council meeting held on Thursday 30 January 2025 saw the approval of the Swansea Local Development Plan 2023-2038 (LDP2) Pre-Deposit Plan, which sets out the preferred strategy for land use and development in the city. Several other key decisions were made, including the adoption of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the upcoming financial year and the approval of the Pay Policy Statement for 2025-26. The meeting also addressed two Notices of Motion, one concerning compensation for women affected by changes to the state pension age and another addressing financial hardship for vulnerable residents, both of which were approved.

Swansea Local Development Plan 2023-2038 (LDP2) Pre-Deposit Plan

The Council approved the LDP2 Pre-Deposit Plan – the Preferred Strategy – for public consultation and stakeholder engagement. This plan outlines the council's strategy for land use and development up to 2038, aiming to deliver ambitious objectives. The plan proposes an ambitious level of housing and employment growth, maximising development on brownfield sites while acknowledging the need for some greenfield releases. It also facilitates transformative regeneration schemes within the Swansea central area, city waterfront, and port and docks riverside areas. A significant focus is placed on the green agenda, addressing the climate and nature emergencies and enhancing biodiversity. The plan also seeks to maximise the delivery of affordable housing. The evidence base underpinning the plan will be publicly available, and the council has updated its employment forecasting using market leaders in the field. The plan acknowledges the need for strategic site development, including residential-led sites of 400 or more homes, alongside complementary uses such as new schools and open spaces, to enable the delivery of supporting infrastructure. The council has also adjusted its delivery agreement with the Welsh Government to reflect the process undertaken so far and the extensive public engagement planned.

Notice of Motion - Financial Hardship for Many Vulnerable Residents

This motion was approved by the Council, highlighting concerns about financial hardship faced by many vulnerable residents. The discussions touched upon issues such as winter fuel payments, farming tax, and National Insurance increases for businesses. The motion called for action to address these challenges, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on those most in need.

Notice of Motion - Women's Increase in the Pension Age - Compensation

The Council unanimously approved this motion, expressing strong support for women born in the 1950s who have been affected by increases in the state pension age. Councillors highlighted the Public Service Ombudsman's finding of maladministration in the communication regarding these changes and emphasised the need for compensation. The motion also underscored the ongoing gender inequality in society, noting how women, particularly older women, have been disproportionately affected by financial losses and career breaks due to caring responsibilities. The Council urged the UK government to reconsider its decision not to provide compensation.

Adoption of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme

The Council adopted the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the upcoming financial year. This is an annual procedural requirement to ensure that the scheme continues to provide relief to those on lower incomes. While there were no significant changes to the scheme, eligibility thresholds and calculations were updated to reflect annual indexation. The scheme is estimated to provide approximately £26 million in council tax reduction, with over 17,000 households receiving a reduction to nil on their council tax liability.

Pay Policy Statement 2025-26

The Council approved its Pay Policy Statement for 2025-26. A key change proposed in the statement relates to chief officers, with advice from the Local Government Association suggesting a rationalisation of pay bands to align with the substantive scheme, reducing the number of spinal column points to five per band. This change aims to address overlaps and ensure a more appropriate salary structure. Consultation with affected staff and trade unions indicated no objections to the proposed changes.

Co-ordinated School Admission Arrangements Scheme

The Council approved the Co-ordinated School Admission Arrangements Scheme, which ensures compliance with regulations passed in June 2024. This scheme aims to simplify the process of school admissions.

Nomination of Deputy Lord Mayor 2024-2025 and Lord Mayor Elect and Deputy Lord Mayor Elect 2025-2026

Following the sad passing of Councillor Wendy Fitzgerald, Councillor Cheryl Philpott was elected as Deputy Lord Mayor for the remainder of the 2024-2025 term. Councillor Penny Matthews was nominated as Deputy Lord Mayor Elect for 2025-2026. Minor amendments to the protocol regarding these nominations were also approved.

Swansea Local Development Plan 2023-2038 (LDP2) Pre-Deposit Plan (Preferred Strategy) and Revised Delivery Agreement

The Council approved the LDP2 Pre-Deposit Plan – the Preferred Strategy – for public consultation and stakeholder engagement. This plan outlines the council's strategy for land use and development up to 2038, aiming to deliver ambitious objectives. The plan proposes an ambitious level of housing and employment growth, maximising development on brownfield sites while acknowledging the need for some greenfield releases. It also facilitates transformative regeneration schemes within the Swansea central area, city waterfront, and port and docks riverside areas. A significant focus is placed on the green agenda, addressing the climate and nature emergencies and enhancing biodiversity. The plan also seeks to maximise the delivery of affordable housing. The evidence base underpinning the plan will be publicly available, and the council has updated its employment forecasting using market leaders in the field. The plan acknowledges the need for strategic site development, including residential-led sites of 400 or more homes, alongside complementary uses such as new schools and open spaces, to enable the delivery of supporting infrastructure. The council has also adjusted its delivery agreement with the Welsh Government to reflect the process undertaken so far and the extensive public engagement planned.

Panel Performance Assessment Arrangements

The Council approved the arrangements for the Panel Performance Assessment (PPA), a peer review process mandated by the Local Government Elections Act. The assessment, scheduled for June, will review the council's effectiveness, efficiency, and governance arrangements. The WLGA organises the PPA, which provides external peer support and insights into operational effectiveness and comparability with other local authorities. The scope of the review will be finalised in discussion with group leaders.

Membership of Committees

The Council approved the membership of its various committees.

Councillor Questions

During the Councillor Questions session, discussions covered a range of topics including the e-scooter trial, parking tariffs in Mumbles, investment in schools, the redevelopment of the Debenhams building, and the proposed public sector hub. There was also a discussion regarding the guidance for home-schooled children and the potential development of a new stadium for the Ospreys at St. Helens.

Announcements

The meeting began with announcements, including tributes to the late Deputy Lord Mayor and Councillor Wendy Fitzgerald, and the brother of Councillor Holly. The Council also acknowledged citizens of Swansea who received awards in the New Year's Honours. Updates were provided on the Safer Communities Award Ceremony, the transformation of St. Mary's Church into a Minster Church, and the achievements of Oliver Treviso, who is walking the length of the Andes. The Council's Chief Executive, Martin Nicholls, is organising a Walk of Light event to raise funds for blood cancer research. The Leader of the Council, Rob Stewart, paid tribute to those who participated in Holocaust Memorial Day and announced an agreement with the first tenants for 71-72 Kingsway.