The Neath Port Talbot Council met to discuss several key issues, including preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, updating the Licensing Act Policy, and taking action on flying rings at council-owned beaches. Councillors also approved revisions to the council's procedure rules and reviewed the Governance and Audit Committee's annual report.

Flying Rings Motion

Neath Port Talbot Council will support voluntary action to discourage the use of flying rings at council-owned beaches, specifically Aberavon Beach and Small Beach (Little Warren). The council also endorsed the national campaign for a UK-wide ban on flying rings and will request that the Leader of Council writes to both the Welsh Government and UK Government in support of a legislative ban. The council will promote this initiative through council media channels to raise public awareness and encourage responsible behaviour among residents and visitors. Councillor Rob Wood proposed the motion, seconded by Councillor Cen Phillips, highlighting the threat flying rings pose to marine wildlife, particularly seals. The motion aligns with the council's Section 6 Biodiversity Duty, Biodiversity Duty Plan, Local Nature Recovery Action Plan, Local Well-being Plan, and Corporate Plan.

Preventing Sexual Harassment at Work Policy

The council approved the Preventing Sexual Harassment at Work Policy to meet a new legal duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. The policy includes a clear statement of intent, definitions and examples of sexual harassment, reporting mechanisms, processes for investigation and resolution, training programmes, and monitoring and evaluation procedures. The policy applies to all employees, contractors, consultants, interns, volunteers, and any other individuals who work for or provide services to the council. It covers unwanted conduct that occurs in the course of a person's work, including at the workplace, during commutes, or at work-related social events. The policy emphasises a zero-tolerance stance towards sexual harassment, including incidents involving third parties such as customers or service users. A comprehensive training programme has been developed for all staff, including managers, and the council will recruit internal Sexual Harassment Support Officers. The estimated cost of the training programme is £16,750, funded from the Organisational Development reserve.

Licensing Act Policy 2026-2031

The council approved the start of the statutory consultation exercise for the Licensing Act Policy 2026-2031. The Licensing Act Policy must be reviewed at least every 5 years. The policy retains much of the same relevant information as the previous policy but has been restructured with additions and omissions to ensure it is accessible, unambiguous, and a useful tool for those that operate or propose to operate licensed premises within Neath Port Talbot. The consultation will include statutory consultees, interested parties, trade bodies, disability groups, drug and alcohol misuse groups, and the general public. The consultation process will last a minimum of 6 weeks, after which comments will be brought back to a meeting of the council in December 2025 for consideration.

Procedure Rules

The council approved revisions to the Council Procedure Rules, Access to Information Procedure Rules, and Executive Procedure Rules. These revisions aim to enhance clarity, streamline decision-making processes, reflect changes in legislation and guidance, and support the council's modernisation agenda. The revisions were developed following a review by the council's Modernisation Group, which was established to identify areas for improvement in the council's constitution, processes, and decision-making frameworks.

Governance and Audit Committee Annual Report 2024/25

The council noted and endorsed the Governance and Audit Committee Annual Report 2024/25, which summarises the committee's activities during the 2024/25 civic year. The report confirms the committee's performance in relation to its terms of reference, the effectiveness of the committee in meeting its purpose, and key focus areas for 2025/26. The committee's work is well supported by council officers and Audit Wales.

Establishment of a Member Equality Panel

The council approved the establishment of a Member Equality Panel to monitor the implementation of the Strategic Equality Plan and champion equality, diversity, and inclusion across the council's workforce and service delivery. The panel will have seven members drawn from each political group and will be chaired by the Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice. The panel will be supported by the Corporate Director Strategy and Corporate Services and the Head of People and Organisational Development.

Political Calculations and Changes to Committee Membership

The council considered a report on political calculations and changes to committee membership.

Other Items Discussed

• Mayor's Announcements: Councillor W. Carpenter, the Mayor, welcomed all to the meeting and notified the council of the death of Mrs Hilda Mears, former Mayor and Councillor. The Mayor also congratulated those in the community recently honoured in His Majesty The King's birthday awards: Mr Shaun Edward Tobin, Mr Alan Stephen Hubbock, and Karen Morgan.
• Leader's Announcements: There were no announcements from the Leader.
• Declarations of Interest: There were no declarations of interest.
• Public Question Time: There were no questions from the public.
• Questions from Members: Councillor Nathan Goldup-John asked about the Neath Integrated Transport Hub consultation report. Cabinet Member Wyndam F Griffiths responded that the report would be made publicly available in late August or early September.
• Urgent Items: There were no urgent items.