Agenda and minutes

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In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve and sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

Resolved that the Minutes of the Economy and Infrastructure Policy Development & Delivery Committee held on 10 August, 2017 be approved as a correct record.

The Director of Resources, assisted by the Software Team Leader discussed the development of the Citizen’s Card or Resident’s Discount Card which would provide Swansea and non Swansea residents a means to interact with Swansea’s online services provision and access leisure facilities. 

In response to Member questions, Officers stated that:

·       The Citizen’s Card would be available to individuals of voting age.

·       The introduction of the Citizen’s Card would link the front end website and back office and allow individuals to undertake a whole range of functions (eg reporting fly tipping, paying Council Tax, applying for vacancies). Additionally, it would also enable users to access discounts on Council and partner facilities.

·       There would be an option for the discount card to be used on a smart phone  ‘app’ or to be a physical card. 

·       The system could interface Modern.Gov with the Councillor Casework  Management System (CCMS) which would keep Councillors informed by linking information.

·       The Card would assist the Council in its management and adherence to  data protection in line with new legislation due to come into force in May 2018.  The new legislation heavily penalises organisations who do not have appropriate process and procedures in place for the management of data.

·       The Card would link with Freedom of Information (FOI) management systems that are currently being developed.

·       Information supplied by citizens will be held by relevant employees within the Authority and would not contain sensitive data.

·       Employees of the Authority, as part of their terms and conditions under Data Protection legislation, could only access information in pursuit of their job.  There would be a high level of integrity around the security of base records.

·       Citizens would be given the option to save their information or alternatively re-enter each time they access the system.

·       Suggestions for a better title would be welcomed.

·       A user group will be established with Councillors in order to improve the flow of information.

·       Despite the introduction of the Citizen’s Card, a range of options for communicating with the Council would still be offered to members of the public.

·       Set up costs would be £50,000 plus £700 per month.  Physical card costs are yet to be finalised but it is anticipated that they will not be too expensive.  It is also anticipated that many individuals will opt to use a smart phone ‘app’.

The Chair thanked the Officers for their informative presentation.

Resolved that:

1)    The Software Team Leader extend an invitation to all Councillors to be involved in the Councillor Casework Management System (CCMS) user group;

2)    The report be noted.

The City Centre Manager provided an update in respect of Wind Street Pedestrianisation.

She stated that the Scheme was initially considered some time ago when there was a possibility of European funding.  However, funds had been re-directed to another Scheme.

Representatives of the Swansea Business Improvement District (BID) within the City Centre had lobbied the Council highlighting the economic benefits that could be derived from the delivery of the Scheme. 

An evaluation undertaken by City Centre Management on behalf of  Highways had highlighted universal support.  Both businesses and residents felt it would improve the prosperity of the City and provide diversification in respect of: differing demands between the day and night time economy; increased patronage of venues by encouraging non-residents to visit the area; changes in the perception of the area; improvements to the look of the area and an increase in safety.   

During the consultation, businesses were encouraged to submit solutions to the traffic congestion and support for elderly and disabled visitors which had been identified as concerns.  

The results of the consultation was reported to the former Development CAC with the recommendation that a feasibility study should be progressed. 

The project was transferred to the City Centre Management team in July 2017.  Since the transfer wider support had been secured to undertake the feasibility study and test options for pedestrianisation.  The feasibility study would identify how the Scheme could be developed and funded.  Funding for the feasibility study has been achieved through partnership with Swansea BID and a meeting had been scheduled within the next week to formulate a plan. 

The consultation had provided a clear direction although the biggest challenge appears to be funding.  There is an option for three models, bronze, silver and gold schemes.  Consideration needs to be given to the expansive programme of regeneration planned for the City Centre and how this Scheme would fit into the context of delivering the wider programme.

In response to Member questions, the City Centre Manager stated that:

1)    The majority of Wind Street businesses have rear access for deliveries and are willing to work with the Council to identify solutions.  Businesses would benefit as the area could be diversified and become more appealing for patrons to sit outside/view outside events etc.

2)    Bronze is a basic pedestrianisation scheme, expanding what is currently in place (eg use of bollards and minimal amount of infrastructure work) and would be low cost.  Silver includes the delineation of the street scene and sets to create the impression that the area is a pedestrianised area within the existing layout.  The Gold standard is of the standard seen in big cities (Cardiff, Barcelona).

3)    DDA compliance would need to be factored into the Feasibility Study.

4)    There are currently no existing taxi ranks in Wind Street, however, the area is serviced by ranks close by.

5)    There is no clear indication of the costs associated with the bronze, silver and gold scheme which would be part of the aim of the feasibility study.

6)    Wind Street enjoys ‘Purple Flag’ status which is a badge of honour in the night-time economy and demonstrates that the area has met the required standards.  Partnership work is ongoing to change people’s perception of Wind Street and outlying areas.  Crime and anti-social behaviour statistics indicate that Wind Street is safer than it has ever been and that’s formally accredited by the Purple Flag.  The pedestrianisation of Wind Street is part of a bigger piece of work in respect of the Purple Flag and development of a long term strategy for the evening and night time economy sector. 

7)    The introduction of different types of premises have moved away from the former high volume vertical drinking establishments.  Business are looking at the needs of the consumer who demand a much more leisurely experience with a change to the street scene and ambiance of the area. 

8)    There are reservations from some premises and work will need to be undertaken to work through these issues as part of the feasibility study.

9)    All the comments received from businesses and residents are contained within a report to Development CAC should Committee Members wish to view these.

10) Short term and long term way of looking at diversification of the evening and night time economy. Short term these include activities that go on after 4pm and deliver on street events such as the upcoming Swansea Big Weekend which celebrates the evening and night-time economy and includes, street food, pop up events.  The long term way would be to improve the diversity of offer through the regeneration schemes that are being progress i.e. the Arena and development of St David’s.

The Chair thanked the City Centre Manager for her informative presentation.

Resolved that the report be noted.

The Chair sought advice from the Director of Place for work plan items.

A discussed ensued regarding the future transportation strategy; more homes and the provision of affordable housing and in the City Centre (explore links with the transport plan and affordable housing), regeneration of the river corridor (copper works).

Resolved that the Director of Place provide reports to future meetings on:

1)    Future Transportation Strategy and Housing; and

2)    the River Corridor.