AGENDA
Pwyllgor PWYLLGOR CRAFFU’R ECONOMI A DIWYLLIANT
Dyddiad ac amser y cyfarfod
DYDD IAU, 13 MAI 2021, 4.30 PM
Lleoliad CYFARFOD X XXXX
Aelodaeth Cynghorydd Xxxxxxx (Cadeirydd)
Y Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxx-Xxxx, Xxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx a/xx Xxxxxx
1 Ymddiheuriadau am Absenoldeb
Derbyn ymddiheuriadau am absenoldeb.
2 Datgan Buddiannau
I’w gwneud ar ddechrau'r eitem agenda xxx sylw, yn unol â Chod Ymddygiad yr Aelodau.
3 Cofnodion (Tudalennau 5 - 14)
Cymeradwyo cofnodion y cyfarfodydd a gynhaliwyd ar 22 Chwefror 2021 ac 11 Mawrth 2021 yn gofnod cywir.
4 Gadewch i ni wneud Caerdydd Fwy Gwyrdd, yn fwy Iach ac yn Fwy Gwyllt - i ddilyn
Craffu Cyn Penderfynu
Tua Amser.
4.35 pm
5 Gwyrddach, Tecach, Cryfach: Strategaeth Xxxxx ac Adnewyddu'r Ddinasoedd - i ddilyn
Craffu Cyn Penderfynu
5.10 pm
6 Adfywio Cwr y Gamlas - i ddilyn
Craffu Cyn Penderfynu
5.40 pm
Nid yw Atodiadau 2, 3 a 4 yr adroddiad hwn i'w cyhoeddi gan eu bod yn cynnwys gwybodaeth eithriedig o'r disgrifiad a geir ym mharagraffau 14, 16 a 21 o Atodlen 12A o Ddeddf Llywodraeth Leol 1972.
7 Adfywio Llanrhymni - i ddilyn
Craffu Cyn Penderfynu
6.10 pm
Nid yw atodiadau 2 i 6 yr adroddiad hwn i'w cyhoeddi gan eu bod yn cynnwys gwybodaeth eithriedig o'r disgrifiad a geir ym mharagraffau 14, 16 a 21 o Atodlen 12A o Ddeddf Llywodraeth Leol 1972.
8 Busnes y Pwyllgor (Tudalennau 15 - 24) 6.30 pm
9 Eitemau Xxxx (os oes rhai)
10 Dyddiad y Cyfarfod Nesaf – 10 Mehefin 2021 am 4.30pm
11 Y Ffordd Ymlaen 6.35 pm
Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Cyfarwyddwr Llywodraethu a Gwasanaethau Cyfreithiol
Dyddiad: Xxxx Xxxxxx, 7 Mai 2021
Cyswllt: Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx, 02920 872434, x.xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
GWE-DARLLEDU
Caiff y cyfarfod hwn ei ffilmio i’w ddarlledu’n fyw a/neu yn olynol trwy wefan y Cyngor. Caiff yr xxxx gyfarfod ei ffilmio, heblaw am eitemau eithriedig neu gyfrinachol, a bydd y ffilm ar gael ar y wefan am 12 mis. Cedwir copi o’r recordiad yn unol â pholisi cadw data’r Cyngor.
Gall aelodau’r cyhoedd hefyd ffilmio neu recordio’r cyfarfod hwn
Ar ddechrau’r cyfarfod, bydd y Cadeirydd yn cadarnhau a gaiff y cyfarfod cyfan neu ran ohono ei ffilmio. Fel rheol, ni chaiff ardaloedd y cyhoedd eu ffilmio. Fodd bynnag, wrth fynd i’r ystafell gyfarfod a defnyddio’r ardal gyhoeddus, mae aelodau’r cyhoedd yn cydsynio i gael eu ffilmio ac y defnyddir y lluniau a recordiadau xxxx hynny o bosibl at ddibenion gwe- ddarlledu a/neu hyfforddi.
Os oes gennych gwestiynau ynghylch gwe-ddarlledu cyfarfodydd, cysylltwch â’r Gwasanaethau Pwyllgorau ac Aelodau ar 02920
872020 neu e-xxxx Gwasanethau Democrataidd
Mae'r dudalen hon yn wag yn fwriadol
ECONOMY & CULTURE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 22 FEBRUARY 2021
Present: Councillor Xxxxxxx(Chairperson)
Councillors Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxx-Xxxx, Lay, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx and Xxxxxx
1 : APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR AND COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP Noted.
2 : TERMS OF REFERENCE Noted.
3 : APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE None received.
4 : DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Xxx declared a personal interest as Chair of Cardiff Bus.
Councillor Xxxxx Xxxx-Xxxx declared a personal interest as Vice Chair of Cardiff Bus. Councillor Xxxxxxx declared a personal interest as her daughter has received a business grant.
5 : MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 3 December 2020 were agreed as a correct record.
6 : CORPORATE PLAN 2021-2024 AND BUDGETARY PROPOSALS 2021-22
The Chairperson advised that this item provided Members with an opportunity to consider those items in the draft Corporate Plan and draft Budgetary Proposals that fall within the responsibility of this Committee. Cabinet will consider these on Thursday 25th February, prior to Council on 4 March 2021.
Members had received an electronic set of documents for the meeting. The cover report was structured by Cabinet Member portfolio and the Chairperson will refer Members to the relevant paragraphs of the cover report as the meeting proceeds. As per the Agenda, Members would firstly receive a briefing on the Corporate Overview of the draft budget proposals. The budget proposals and relevant parts of the Corporate Plan will then be considered by Cabinet Member portfolio.
Members were provided with brief overviews and presentations for each area, after which the Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members;
Corporate Overview ( Cllr Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxx)
Members referred to the £67 million claims in Covid costs and asked if these had been agreed or were pending. Officers explained that 95% of the claims had been accepted and they had received the first 3 quarters claims back for both expenditure and lost income. There were no signals of risks/rejections. Welsh Government had asked that all claims be made up until the end of March then a tidy up would happen by the end of April. Officers have had to work diligently and show they are trying to keep figures down for claims.
Members asked with regard to Rents, why the Council did not follow Welsh Government guidelines. Officers explained it was due to the 49 rent weeks and that they are not operating above the WG guidelines.
Members asked if there was a potential of transfers in and out of the reserves dependant on the settlement amount. Officers explained that all things being equal it could be higher tens of thousands or lower hundred thousands; indication are that it would be minimal.
Members asked if there was any indication of reverting back to the 3 year settlement and were advised that there was no indication to extend beyond 1 year as yet although the Council continues to push for more medium/long term.
Members referred to the £204k to Youth Services in the FRM and asked which area in particular this was focussed on. Xxxx Xxxxxx explained that no areas had been identified, it would need to be used flexibly to meet the needs of young people who have become dis-engaged through the pandemic, and their needs targeted.
Into Work Services (Cllr Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx)
Members noted that no financial pressures had been identified for this area and asked if Officers were confident to manage the area within existing resources. Officers explained they have been successful in getting external funding so they were sure they would be able to scale up to meet the demand that they will sadly see in the coming months.
Members noted the amount of jobs that have been lost in the retail sector and asked what types of jobs are currently available. Officers explained there were lots of Care work, Driver, Warehouse, IT, Call Centre opportunities. There would be a need to reskill the retail staff into the emerging sectors.
Adult Learning and Cardiff Commitment (Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx) Members noted the fantastic work undertaken in the past year moving courses online and asked if there was the potential to increase the offer. Officers stated there was, they were looking at external funding, they have been able to reach more people as the digital courses are more flexible and inclusive.
Members asked for more information on UK Kickstart. Officers explained in relation to Kickstart, they are working closely with Into Work Services, Economic Development and Human Resources. There are 30 traineeships within the Council, fully funded by UK Government and Cardiff Council have committed to paying additional monies to bring them up to the living wage. We are also encouraging business and employer networks to take part in the scheme. People have to be
claiming Universal Credit to be eligible, so it was important to promote the uptake of Universal Credit too.
Members asked if Xxxxxx had had any impact and were advised that they were not seeing anything specific as yet although it would be difficult to see that data coming through in the midst of the pandemic.
Housing and Communities (Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx)
Members sought clarification on line 52 and were advised that it refers to Hubs and Libraries purchasing newspapers. The Cabinet Member explained that during lockdown they had been provided digitally and this will continue.
Economic Development (Xxxx Xxx Xxxxxx – Leader, Xxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxx) Members discussed the £50k growth, noting it was a post to support the Economic Policy Manager. Officers explained the importance of working smarter and sourcing funding, building capacity to grow capacity. It was noted that the service area had been hit hard with budget cuts in previous years and that some savings proposals had been taken out by Cabinet to keep resources in the service over the next year, to work hard at finding partnerships and using other peoples resources.
Members asked about confidence in delivering Central Railway Station and a station in Splott. The Leader explained it will enable a higher capacity of people going through Central station; Metro Central unlocks the possibility of Central Station/Cardiff Bay/Splott/St. Mellon’s. The indoor arena also comes into play here.
Culture and Leisure (Xxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxxx) Members sought clarification on why fees and charges were being increased at St David’s Hall while others were not. The Cabinet Member explained that the increase in fees was in line with other areas; they were trying to budget as close to what they would do in normal times. Members were informed that there had been successful claims from WG for loss of income for St David’s Hall.
Members noted that in the budget consultation, Culture came out as the least priority. The Cabinet Member considered that in normal years it would have been a higher priority, but this past year people have not been able to use cultural venues. He added that he believes there is a bright future for the Cultural Sector post pandemic.
Members discussed the non-inclusion of drainage works at Glenmount Park; the Cabinet Member advised that they still want to improve drainage in that area, they are talking to developers as the park has not been handed over to the Council properly as yet; the Cabinet Member committed to working with the local Xxxx Member on this issue.
Members asked about Park Rangers and employee costs and were advised that
£112k was going into employee related expenditure, increasing Rangers, having a greater presence in the parks, enforcement and engaging with the local community.
Members sought clarification on what methods were used for weed control. Officers explained that there was currently a trial whereby they were using 2 different method and 2 different products; the performance would be assessed alongside costs and
environmental impacts. The trial was being undertaken in 2 wards this season at a cost of £50k, there would be a suitability report produced in October/November.
Members wondered if there was an opportunity to grow the Allotments Team as they do a lot of important work. Officers advised that it had been a long time since the last Allotment Strategy and there was an opportunity to review it and create capacity and issues of concern.
Members noted that playground improvements were taking place across the City, all at the same time. Members asked about the strategy for around 5 years’ time when they would all need improvements at the same time. The Cabinet Member explained they will spread the programme over a 5 year period as it is more manageable for the service; it had been important to invest this year as improvements were needed right across the City.
Investment and Development (Cllr Goodway, Xxxx Xxxxxxxx)
Members noted the budget cut in relation to losing 1 FTE in Tourism and asked if this was wise when the focus should be on driving the tourism sector forward. The Cabinet Member explained that it had been one of the easier savings to make as the person was leaving their post anyway and there was some hope of private investment to replace the post. Officers added that some savings lines had already been realised, and some savings had been taken out by Cabinet for this year. The importance of finding money from other sources was stressed and it was noted that some funding had been provided by WG to market the sector post pandemic. Officers explained funding was available from the BID’s promoting the city centre funding stream and that there will be post-covid grants to promote Cardiff. Cllr Goodway stated that a coordinated marketing approach will be needed when we are able to attract people back to Cardiff.
Members discussed increasing costs for small business units and were assured that there would be no increase to existing tenants.
Members queried the performance target for 1,000 jobs created/ safeguarded, wondering whether it was too low given the number of jobs in Cardiff. Officers explained the target related specifically to jobs where the Council had played a proactive, direct role in creating/ safeguarding.
Members asked about Cardiff Parkway and a recent radio announcement about the London Link. Officers were not aware of any announcement and had spoken to the promoters a week ago and work was ongoing. Cardiff Parkway was important not just for Inter City links but also for local connectivity to East Cardiff. The Cabinet Member added that the project was not dependant on the London link, if it was not appropriate in the immediate term, he was sure demand would drive it going forward.
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
7 : URGENT ITEMS (IF ANY) None received.
8 : DATE OF NEXT MEETING - 11 MARCH 2021 AT 4.30PM VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS.
The meeting terminated at 6.45 pm
This page is intentionally left blank
ECONOMY & CULTURE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 11 MARCH 2021
Present: Councillor Xxxxxxx(Chairperson)
Councillors Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxx-Xxxx, Xxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx and Xxxxxx
9 : APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Councillor Xxxxxx
10 : DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST None received.
11 : REVIEW OF LEISURE CONTRACT WITH GLL - TO FOLLOW
The Chairperson welcomed Xxxx Xxxxxxxx – Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Xxxx Xxxxxxxx – Director of Economic Development, Xxxxx Xxxxxx – Operational Manager – Sport & Leisure, to the meeting.
The Chairperson advised that this item is to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet. The scope of the scrutiny includes the proposed variations to contract, including the reasons for these, the likely impact on service delivery, and the implications and risks for the Council.
The item contains confidential information in Appendices 1,2,5,6,8,9 and 10, so Members were requested to keep any questions and comments on these until the closed session.
The Chairperson invited Xxxx Xxxxxxxx to make a statement in which he said that it has been a challenging period for the industry as a whole, it was important to improve the offer and get investment into leisure centres, including the Cardiff Blues taking over Pentwyn Leisure Centre, where there will be community involvement and an improved facility. The Cabinet Member wished to thank the community of Pentwyn and Health Board Colleagues for their patience and support in setting up the vaccine centre. The Cabinet Member made reference to the Velodrome and the importance of inviting schools into the centres.
Members received a presentation after which the Chairperson invited questions and comments;
Members asked about removing some Leisure Centres from the contract and whether consideration had been given to the long term implications ofthis. The Cabinet Member explained that removing from the contract was different to removing facilities. The Velodrome would be removed from Maindy as a better facility was being built in the ISV. An opportunity had arisen with the Cardiff Blues and Pentwyn Leisure Centre that would improve the facilities and community offer. It is about ensuring the long term sustainable offer for Leisure Services and a boost for the surrounding areas.
Members referred to Cashless payments and asked what the implication were for those people who want to use cash. Officers advised that the majority of centres had been built in the 1980’s and had not changed very much. Where there was a chance to bring Capital Investment, there was a chance for GLL to be more efficient and competitive. Cashless had been piloted by GLL and had worked well; it would be a turn style model, which helps with monitoring numbers/usage, but cash would always remain a payment option.
Members discussed an audit review of Leisure Services and how all Members and the community could be involved while still keeping contract management information confidential. The Cabinet Member advised that there would be all Member briefing arranged and they would have an oversight of the confidential information, and sessions could be arranged for Party Groups for deep dives. Officers further explained the previous contract management via a Board who dealt with any issues that arose. Going forward, there would be mainstream performance management in line with the rest of the Council, a quarterly report where any issues are escalated.
Officers explained the difference with the Cardiff Blues in that that Council proposes the lease and they have a proposal for how they will operate the centre, it is an arrangement rather than a contract and it aligns with Council policy.
Members discussed the relocation of the velodrome, whether cycling clubs had been consulted and whether they were on board. Members noted that Maindy was very central, near the Taff Trail and used by North Cardiff cycling clubs. The Cabinet Member explained he had met with people, there had been a few concerns but not about location, more so about not wanting one club to dominate. There had been some concerns around sustainable transport to the ISV and these are being addressed. Some Club representatives had been involved in planning the facility and others had been kept informed to ensure they fed into the process. Access was a crucial point as people need to be able to get there by bicycle, so officers were looking at extending the cycle superhighway from the Bay to ISV including the redevelopment of Channel View and the bridge across the river; cycle connectivity was being designed into the plans. The new Velodrome would have better facilities, a clubhouse and should springboard the cycling clubs.
Members asked about any changes to opening hours at GLL leisure centres and Officers advised that to compete with private facilities and to meet the needs of people wanting early morning rather than late nights, it was proposing generally 6am
– 9pm.
RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting at this point during consideration of this item as the Committee discussed exempt information of the description contained in paragraph 14 and 16 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Action 1972. The public may be excluded from the meeting by resolution of the Committee pursuant to Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 during discussion of this item.
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
12 : INTERNATIONAL SPORTS VILLAGE - TO FOLLOW
The Chairperson welcomed Cllr Goodway– Cabinet Member for Investment & Development, Xxxx Xxxxxxxx – Director of Economic Development, Xxxxx Xxxxxxx – Operational Manager – Major Projects, Xx Xxxxxxxx – Project Manager to the meeting.
The Chairperson advised that this item is to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet. The scope of the scrutiny includes the proposals for a velodrome and the new development strategy, how these fit with wider Cardiff Bay regeneration plans and the implications and risks for the Council.
The item contains confidential information in Appendices 1 to 2, so Members were requested to keep any questions and comments on these until the closed session.
The Chairperson invited the Cabinet Member to make a statement in which he said that this project had been ongoing for 20 years and finally there was something in prospect that was deliverable and achievable.
Members received a presentation after which the Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members;
Members welcomed the masterplan but had questions around how it enhances biodiversity and open spaces. Officers explained they were very early CGI images at present, but the intention was to have lots of green spaces, trees, pocket parks, SUDs requirements on site, internal planting and landscaping; all addressing biodiversity issues.
Members asked if the walkway around the Bay was still a consideration and were advised that it was, it was part of the fundamental policy and would be included in any development that comes forward. Officers added that a report would come to Cabinet on the development of the waterfront area with a promenade xxx.xx Scrutiny would have sight of the report.
Members discussed the width of the ‘edge’ and the importance of having enough space for walkways and cycle ways, with buildings not being too close to the edge. The Cabinet Member explained that anything can be specified but that it costs and could affect scheme viability, the developer then calculates the residual land mass value and the contribution they can make. A report on the waterfront would be brought back to Committee.
Members sought clarity on timings and whether there would be an overlap between the Velodrome closing at Maindy and opening at ISV. Officers assured Members that the new facility would be delivered before the old one closes.
Members asked what arrangements were in place to ensure the facility is accessible to all cycling groups across the City. Members were advised that the Governing Body and cycle clubs have been engaging in the process and mainly there had been an overwhelmingly positive response. Engagement would continue as the development progresses and would also look at all encompassing provision.
Members asked what the casual usage was currently at Maindy. Officers explained that the centre offers a pay as you ride option as well as it being included in GLL membership; clubs use the facility and groups of people can book it out; it is also used for road safety provision and learning to cycle. All the cycles are currently owned by the Maindy Flyers and other clubs use them but hiring bikes out would be a necessity going forward to enable people to see if they like the sport.
Members asked about the membership options for the new velodrome but officers explained that there was no detail on that as yet; indicative work had been undertaken and would be part of the full business case workings. Members asked if it was likely to be more expensive and officers said it was about increasing income by increasing participation rather than increasing prices.
Members discussed the importance of inclusivity and officers stressed they had been working with Pedal Power to include disability cycling and the closed road circuit would enable more people to use it.
RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting at this point during consideration of this item as the Committee discussed exempt information of the description contained in paragraph 14 and 16 of Part 4 and paragraph 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Action 1972. The public may be excluded from the meeting by resolution of the Committee pursuant to Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 during discussion of this item.
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
13 : CORRESPONDENCE REPORT
This item enabled Members to receive an update on correspondence sent and received.
Members noted that the two responses that were outstanding at the time of writing the report, had now been received.
14 : URGENT ITEMS (IF ANY) None received.
15 : DATE OF NEXT MEETING - 13 MAY 2021 AT 4.30PM The meeting terminated at 7.20 pm
CYNGOR CAERDYDD CARDIFF COUNCIL
ECONOMY & CULTURE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
13 MAY 2021
COMMITTEE BUSINESS REPORT
Background
1. This report sets out a summary of the Committee’s business and sets out the following:
• A correspondence update arising from recent scrutiny meetings;
• Forward Work Plan June and July 2021; and
• ‘Capturing and Reporting the Impact of Scrutiny’ Briefing.
Correspondence update
2. Following most Committee meetings, the Chair writes a letter to the relevant Cabinet Member or officer, summing up the Committee’s comments and recommendations regarding the issues considered.
3. At the Committee meeting on 11 March 2021, Members received a report detailing the correspondence sent and received up to that meeting. Correspondence was sent following that meeting and the current position is set out below:
i. Confidential Response Received – from Councillor Goodway to the Chair’s Confidential Letter regarding Land at Xxxxx Street and Xxxxxxxxx Square, considered at Committee on 12 March 2020;
ii. Response Received – from Councillor Goodway to the Chair’s confidential letter regarding the Indoor Arena pre-decision scrutiny, considered at Committee on 16 November 2020;
iii. Confidential Response Received – from Councillor Xxxxxxxx to the Chair’s Confidential Letter regarding variations to the contract with GLL, considered at Committee on 11 March 2021;
iv. Response Received – from Councillor Goodway to the Chair’s letter regarding the ISV and Velodrome report, considered at Committee on 11 March 2021.
4. There are no responses outstanding. Copies of the public Chair’s letters and responses received can be found on the Council’s website page for the relevant Committee meeting, with a hyperlink provided at the top of the page, entitled ‘correspondence following the committee meeting’. Copies of confidential letters have been shared with Committee Members, on a confidential basis.
E&C Forward Work Plan – June/July 2021
5. As part of the Council’s response to the Wales Audit Office report ‘Overview and Scrutiny - Fit for the Future?’ (July 2018), the Head of Democratic Services has introduced publication of the Committee’s “Forward Work Plan” (FWP) on the Council’s internet site.
6. The next published Forward Work Plan covers the next two months, as details of potential Cabinet Agenda Items for September 2021 have yet to be agreed, and is set out in Appendix A. Members will have the opportunity at the meeting to raise any issues or concerns at this meeting, and to sign off for publishing on the Council’s website.
Capturing and Reporting the Impact of Scrutiny
7. Attached at Appendix B is a briefing note on ‘Capturing and Reporting the Impact of Scrutiny’. The briefing note sets out that a model has been developed for capturing the impact of the work of the five scrutiny committees. Data and evidence of scrutiny activity throughout the year is collected, supporting the Council in complying with the self-assessment requirements of the new Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021.
8. The briefing also sets out plans for a single Scrutiny Annual Report for 2020/21, which will be considered by this Scrutiny Committee in June 2021.
Way Forward
9. During the meeting, Members will have the opportunity to reflect on the correspondence update and the briefing on ‘Capturing and Reporting the Impact of Scrutiny’. Members also have the opportunity to discuss the
proposed Forward Work Plan and agree any amendments required to this, prior to approving publication on the Council’s website.
Legal Implications
11. The Scrutiny Committee is empowered to enquire, consider, review and recommend but not to make policy decisions. As the recommendations in this report are to consider and review matters there are no direct legal implications. However, legal implications may arise if and when the matters under review are implemented with or without any modifications. Any report with recommendations for decision that goes to Cabinet/Council will set out any legal implications arising from those recommendations. All decisions taken by or on behalf of the Council must (a) be within the legal powers of the Council; (b) comply with any procedural requirement imposed by law; (c) be within the powers of the body or person exercising powers on behalf of the Council; (d) be undertaken in accordance with the procedural requirements imposed by the Council e.g. Scrutiny Procedure Rules; (e) be fully and properly informed; (f) be properly motivated; (g) be taken having regard to the Council's fiduciary duty to its taxpayers; and (h) be reasonable and proper in all the circumstances.
Financial Implications
12. The Scrutiny Committee is empowered to enquire, consider, review and recommend but not to make policy decisions. As the recommendations in this report are to consider and review matters there are no direct financial implications at this stage in relation to any of the work programme. However, financial implications may arise if and when the matters under review are implemented with or without any modifications. Any report with
recommendations for decision that goes to Cabinet/Council will set out any financial implications arising from those recommendations.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee is recommended to:
i. reflect on the update on correspondence update;
ii. reflect on the ‘Capturing and Reporting the Impact of Scrutiny’ Briefing; and
iii. consider the proposed Forward Work Plan, agree any amendments required and approve for publication on the Council’s website.
XXXXXX XXXXX
Director of Governance and Legal Services 7 May 2021
Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee – Forward Work Programme May – June 2021
Subject to review due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
This document is available in Welsh / Mae’r ddogfen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg.
13 May 2021
Let’s make Cardiff Greener, Healthier and Xxxxxx
To carry out pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet on progress in implementing measures following Council passing the above motion in January 2021.
Invitees
Cabinet Member, Culture and Leisure Director of Economic Development
Greener, Fairer, Stronger: City Recovery and Renewal Strategy
To carry out pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet on the proposed strategy for enabling the recovery of Cardiff’s economy post-covid pandemic.
Invitees
Leader
Cabinet Member, Investment and Development Director of Economic Development
Canal Quarter Regeneration
To carry out pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet on proposals for the eastern quadrant of the city centre and Motorpoint Arena.
Invitees
Cabinet Member, Investment and Development Director of Economic Development
Llanrumney Regeneration
To carry out pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet on the proposed next steps in Llanrumney regeneration.
Invitees
Cabinet Member, Investment and Development Director of Economic Development
10 June 2021
Xxxxx Street Development Strategy
To carry out pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet.
Invitees
Cabinet Member, Investment and Development Director of Economic Development
Merchant Place and Xxxx’x Building Development Strategy To carry out pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet.
Invitees
Cabinet Member, Investment and Development Director of Economic Development
Disposal of freehold title of land in St Mellon’s to Linc HA To carry out pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet. Invitees
Cabinet Member, Investment and Development
Director of Economic Development
Atlantic Wharf Car Park OBC
To carry out pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet.
Invitees
Cabinet Member, Investment and Development Director of Economic Development
Castle Street Permanent Transport Scheme
To carry out pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet.
Invitees
Cabinet Member, Strategic Planning & Transport
Director of Operations, Director of Economic Development
City Centre East Canal Tender Award
To carry out pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet.
Invitees
Cabinet Member, Strategic Planning & Transport
Director of Operations, Director of Economic Development
Annual Report
For Members to receive, consider and possibly amend the Scrutiny Committees Annual Report.
Invitees
None
Work Programme
For Members to consider and agree the way forward in developing a work programme for the municipal year ahead.
Invitees
None
8 July 2021
Indoor Arena FBC and Development Agreement
To carry out pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet on the next stages of the Indoor Arena development
Invitees
Cabinet Member, Investment and Development Director of Economic Development
ISV Velodrome Procurement Ratification
To carry out pre-decision scrutiny of the report to Cabinet.
Invitees
Cabinet Member, Investment and Development Director of Economic Development
Mae'r dudalen hon yn wag yn fwriadol
Capturing and Reporting the Impact of Scrutiny
Purpose
1. To advise Members of all Scrutiny Committees of the introduction of improved scrutiny processes and ensure unified cross committee understanding and approach.
Background
2. Scrutiny members recognise that the scrutiny function enriches the decision-making of the organisation. Whilst such understanding derives from engagement and contribution to scrutiny, the value and visibility of the function within the organisation would benefit from further embedding.
3. A task and finish inquiry of the Policy Review & Performance Scrutiny Committee recently addressed the absence of a mechanism for capturing the impact of the work of all five scrutiny committees, and the value of the scrutiny function to the organisation resulting from the implementation of scrutiny recommendations.
4. A practical model has been developed that will collect data and evidence of scrutiny activity throughout the year and link with the Council’s performance framework.
5. The model supports the Council in complying with the self-assessment requirements of the new Local Government & Elections (Wales) Bill by introducing service area self-assessment of the
implementation of accepted scrutiny recommendations.
Capturing and recording scrutiny recommendations
6. Continual development of Scrutiny is a key objective for the Chairs of Scrutiny. Currently in pilot stage, the new model provides a framework and database on which a quantitative assessment of scrutiny’s impact on council services can be captured and reported to Council annually.
7. Importantly, the model extends the governance arrangements currently in place for responding to the recommendations of a scrutiny inquiry, to those generated by scrutiny committees in correspondence.
8. If a committee agrees that a recommendation(s) has emerged out of the scrutiny of a topic then it will be captured by the scrutiny officer and stated clearly in the body of the Chairs letter to the Cabinet, and for the avoidance of doubt in bold at the end of the letter. All recommendations will then form part of formal impact monitoring during the year.
9. Currently a committee can expect a formal Cabinet response to recommendations following task group inquiries. This response is in the form of ‘accept, ‘partially accept’ or ‘not accepted’.
SCRUTINY BRIEFING NOTE
In future the Cabinet will also formally respond to recommendations set out in correspondence following scrutiny committees as requiring monitoring.
10. Members are requested to be very clear in making their recommendations for capture by scrutiny officers during discussion at the Way Forward following a scrutiny committee. Wherever possible recommendations should be 'SMART' (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely). Whilst recommendations may not routinely emerge from monthly meetings, any ambiguity over whether a recommendation will be monitored as part of the scrutiny and performance impact assessment database must be avoided.
11. The model will capture quantitative impact by introducing the concept of ‘substantiveness’ as a key measure in determining the level of influence or impact that recommendations have on corporate policy.
12. If a recommendation is ‘not accepted’ then it will not be reflected in the service area action plan and cannot therefore be included in the impact assessment. Only accepted and partially accepted recommendations will be reported on.
13. Working together with the Corporate Performance Team, a pilot application of the model is underway. As of January 2021 all scrutiny recommendations generated by a committee or a task group are being monitored. The Cabinet and service areas have arrangements in place to track and report on the implementation of accepted scrutiny recommendations for presentation to all scrutiny committees 6 monthly.
Way Forward
14. Scrutiny members are advised that a unified approach to capturing and reporting on the impact of scrutiny will be delivered by:
• Recording, tracking and reporting on the implementation of accepted scrutiny recommendations generated from both committee correspondence and task group inquiries.
• Producing a single Scrutiny Annual Report for the 2020-21 municipal year, replacing the existing individual scrutiny committee annual reports, agreed by all five scrutiny committees. The report will focus on the outcomes that have been achieved and encourage public participation and engagement with Xxxxxxxx. It is anticipated that the new Scrutiny Annual Report will be presented in draft, for approval, to all Scrutiny Committees at their June meetings, prior to being submitted to Council.