Agenda item

The Committee considered the Council’s Draft Annual Report for 2018/19 produced in accordance with the requirements of both the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009 and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. The report provided an overview of the 2018/19 performance and progress of each of the 15 Well-being Objectives. Members focussed to the following sections within the document as these were relevant to the remit of Community Scrutiny:

·         Introduction

·         WBO 2. Help children live healthy lifestyles

·         WBO 5. Tackling Poverty

·         WBO 6. Creating more jobs and growth throughout the county

·         WBO 7. Increase the availability of rented and affordable homes

·         WBO 8. Help people live healthy lives (tackling risky behaviour and obesity)

·         WBO 14. Promoting Welsh language and Culture

·         Appendices

The following questions/issues were raised on the report:-

·       Reference was made to summary page of the Key Success Measures.  It was commented that the use of smiley faces was an inappropriate symbol to denote the success of some measures.  The Corporate Policy and Partnership Manager agreed and stated that she would seek a more appropriate symbol to demonstrate the measures of success throughout the document.

·       Following several comments raised in relation to the targets, Members were of the opinion that targets needed to be more realistic or be transparent should a trend be identified in relation to a lack of improvement year on year. The Head of Leisure acknowledged that some of the targets were ambitious and that progress of some measures were primarily at grass root level which may take additional time for improvements to be realised.

·       With regard to the graph within the Well-being objective 9 which exhibited ‘the percentage of people that feel they have a sense of community’.  Praise was expressed in relation to Carmarthenshire being the 4th highest year on year % change having reduced from 73% in 2014/15 to 47.4%.  The Corporate Policy and Partnership Manager stated that the success was as a result of the Rural Task Force monitoring rural communities, which through partnership working and collaboration worked on ways to improve social inclusion.

It was commented that the recommendations from the Task and Finish review on Loneliness would feed into well-being objective 9.  Furthermore, a Member reported that an efficiency fund grant up to £5k was available for application. However, as this was a popular grant, a quick application was advised.  The Head of Leisure agreed and acknowledged the importance for Councillors and Officers to utilise any schemes that were available to them.

·       In response to a query in relation to the Café and Caravan park in Pembrey Country Park.  The Head of Leisure reported that the numerous high profile events had benefited the area and that the Café would make a significant difference to the offer in the park. The new barrier system in the carpark had experienced some teething problems and in the meantime, to assist with any issues that arise, and ensure the smooth running of entry and egress, staff had been located near the barrier, at peak times, with an intercom system in place for all other times to assist with any issues.

·       It was raised that Carmarthenshire County Council could benefit from re-introducing fishing permits utilising council assets throughout the County.  Furthermore, it was suggested that the Council could take advantage of this opportunity with minimal effort and cost. 

In response to a query regarding funding, the Head of Leisure reported that this had not been an area of focus for the department over recent years, however, agreed with the potential and that this is an area that could be explored and developed. The Head of Leisure added that it may be a case of mobilising existing resources and partnerships, as much as funding investment in the first instance.  Initial work would need to be undertaken together with key agencies, governing bodies, businesses and local clubs to develop a cohesive plan about co-ordinating such resources. 

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

6.1      to request the Head of Leisure to explore the option of co-ordinating a meeting with key agencies to explore the potential for promoting fishing opportunities across the County;

6.2      TO RECOMMEND TO THE EXECUTIVE BOARD that the Draft            Carmarthenshire County Council’s Annual Report for 2018/19 be            endorsed.