The Scrutiny Performance Panel - Service Improvement, Regeneration and Finance met on Tuesday 7 May 2024 to review the Audit Wales report on workforce, the Planning Annual Performance Report, and the Council's annual review. The panel noted positive performance in several areas but also identified opportunities for development, particularly concerning future planning and resource allocation within the workforce strategy.

Audit Wales Report Springing Forward - Workforce

The panel received an overview of the Audit Wales report on the council's workforce, presented by Councillor David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Performance, and Rachael Davies, Head of HR and Service Centre, alongside Non Jenkins from Audit Wales. The report was generally positive, highlighting that the council has a clear vision for its workforce, strengthened by its work with partners. It was noted that objectives from the first year of the workforce strategy are on track, with current efforts focusing on the second year, particularly on recruitment. The council is undertaking a development needs analysis to identify skills gaps and design interventions to address them. An update was also provided on the Strategic Equality Plan, which includes objectives for the existing workforce and aims to build staff networks across different protected characteristics. The overarching workforce plan is expected to be published later in the year.

Planning Annual Performance Report

Councillor David Hopkins and Ian Davies, Development Manager, presented the Planning Annual Performance Report. The council's performance was benchmarked positively against other Welsh authorities. The report indicated that planning fees are under review by Welsh Government, as they have not been increased since 2020. The panel heard that resources within the planning department have been under pressure, with a backlog from the pandemic still present, leading to enforcement officers being reallocated to process planning applications when necessary. The process for enforcement appeals to Welsh Government was described as lengthy, and a backlog of complaints had also delayed action and prioritisation. The percentage of member-made decisions contrary to officer advice has decreased, which was attributed to applications being more aligned with the local development plan and a reduction in large, controversial applications. Section 106 agreements were discussed, including the system for issuing invoices and monitoring delivery. It was noted that there have been no recent changes in the law regarding community benefits in Section 106 agreements, and these are assessed on a case-by-case basis. A monitoring fee is included in Section 106 agreements, but there is no specific fee for checking compliance with approved plans or conditions, although this may be addressed in the wider Welsh Government planning fee consultation.

Annual Review

The panel requested that the regular development and regeneration monitoring report be added as an agenda item once or twice a year.

Letters

The panel raised queries regarding city centre deal funding, and further information was requested.

Exclusion of the Public

The public were excluded from the meeting for a portion of the proceedings to discuss matters involving the likely disclosure of exempt information, as outlined in Paragraph 14 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Pre Decision Scrutiny - Updated Financial Procedure Rule 7 for Palace Theatre Refurbishment

This item was listed on the agenda but no details of the discussion or decision were recorded in the minutes.