Agenda item

a)    Officer presentation

b)    Committee questioning and discussion

c)     Formation of comments and recommendations

 Environment and Public Protection

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Bio-diversity introduced the report, and the Head of Environment and Public Protection gave an overview of the report.

Members questioned the Officers and Cabinet Members on the content of the report – to access a full recording of the debate and comments made please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic meetings / Cyfarfodydd democrataidd.

Comments and Recommendations:

•                The Committee requested demographic information for prosecutions for fly tipping.

•                The Committee recommended further engagement with private landlords, management companies, and estate agents to address issues related to waste management and fly tipping.

•                The Committee recommended reviewing and clarifying consultation timelines for Beechwood Park proposals to ensure opportunities for feedback before decisions are made.

•                The Committee recommended rewording the reporting of the “Percentage of businesses that were either compliant or brought into compliance during the period public protection measures” for clarity on what is being reported.

•                The Committee recommended the review of the Revenue and Capital Forecast graphs to improve consistency and clarity.

Regeneration and Economic Development

The Head of Regeneration and Economic Development gave an overview of the report.

Members questioned the Officers and Cabinet Members on the content of the report – to access a full recording of the debate and comments made please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic meetings / Cyfarfodydd democrataidd.

Comments and Recommendations:

•                The Committee requested the list of priority properties identified as unsightly or in need of attention.

•                The Committee recommended improving the robustness and clarity of head count data by more accurately tracking staff movements between departments and providing detailed reports explaining changes, including internal transfers and new positions.

•                The Committee requested the minutes of the Newport Live report. (Scrutiny Adviser to send)

Housing and Communities

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning introduced the report. The Head of Housing and Communities gave an overview of the report.

Members questioned the Officers and Cabinet Members on the content of the report – to access a full recording of the debate and comments made please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic meetings / Cyfarfodydd democrataidd.

Comments and Recommendations

•                The Committee recommended correcting the number of events and activities delivered by the Library Service in the report.

•                The Committee requested an All-Member seminar on housing processes and including housing process information in the FAQ document for reference.

•                The Committee requested assurances that the Council is effectively managing arrangements with Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) and other partnerships.

•                The Committee requested a breakdown of the numbers of vulnerable groups assisted with accommodation, including prisoners and refugees. They also requested information on whether additional funding was received for these groups.

•                The Committee requested clarity on head count numbers regarding balancing and internal transfers.

•                The Committee recommended reviewing how information on Medium-term Financial Plan savings, particularly the £372,000 Guarantor Scheme, can be captured and reported accurately. The Committee felt that this would better portray the positive work completed.

Infrastructure

The Cabinet Members for Assets and Infrastructure introduced the report. The Head of Infrastructure gave an overview of the report.

Members questioned the Officers and Cabinet Member on the content of the report – to access a full recording of the debate and comments made please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic meetings / Cyfarfodydd democrataidd.

Comments and Recommendations

•                The Committee requested clarity on head count numbers regarding internal transfers.

•                The Committee requested clarification on whether the decision on moving traffic contraventions is made by the Cabinet or the Council.

•                The Committee recommended raising public awareness about the variable bus lane times, especially in the city centre, to reduce confusion and improve traffic flow.

•                The Committee recommended considering bus routes and access to the Newport International Sports Village (NISV) to be more inclusive for all residents. The Committee requested an update on any progress regarding an additional access point to NISV.

•                The Committee recommended reviewing and improving bus stop provision near the new health centre in Ringland, ensuring adequate access for the community.