Agenda and minutes

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

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

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

Resolved that the Minutes of the Poverty Reduction Policy Development Committee held on 19 December 2018 be approved and signed as a correct record.

Dr Simon Hoffman, Swansea University

Dr Simon Hoffman, Associate Professor, Swansea University provided an update presentation on Human Rights City (HRC).

He provided the background to the work he had undertaken and emphasised the need to have visible outcomes and long-term objectives.  He added that the work was mainly related to Social Rights in a Welsh context and was about engagement and participation.

He referred to the work he had undertaken on behalf of the Swansea Public Service Board, particularly the establishment of a Steering Group and Delivery Plan.  He focussed on the content of the Statement of Intent and Delivery Plan and stated that he would be happy to provide an update to a future meeting.

The Committee asked questions regarding the presentation, which were responded to accordingly.  Discussions centred around the following: -

·         Timescale in Swansea becoming a HRC;

·         The capacity required for Swansea to become a HRC;

·         How to progress matters through the Council, PSB and disadvantaged groups;

·         Linking with equalities issues / groups;

·         Examples of other cities, e.g. York;

·         The need for HRC status to work for everyone.

The Chair thanked Dr Simon Hoffman for providing the presentation.

Resolved that: -

1)    The content of the presentation be noted;

2)    Dr Simon Hoffman be invited to provide a further update at the Committee meeting scheduled for 27 March 2019.

The Chair referred to the presentation provided by Rachel Moxey at the previous meeting regarding Positive Responses to Welfare Reform Principles.  She referred to the following contained in the presentation and commented that awareness by Councillors and the public was important: -

·         Internal data use policy.

·         Financial support – those in need of reducing rent debt, reducing potential eviction (Swansea and Coastal Housing.

·         Targeting households where the third child / subsequent children who would not now receive Child Tax Credits.

·         Targeting families at risk.

·         Councillors identifying people in their Ward who they could help.

The Committee expressed concern that the Head of Poverty and Prevention was leaving the Authority shortly and sought clarity regarding the future of the post.

Resolved that: -

1)    The content of the discussions be noted;

2)    The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member to seek clarity regarding the post of Head of Poverty & Prevention.

The Chair presented an updated Work Plan 2018-2019.

The Committee discussed the following: -

·         Extended Childcare – receiving an update on progress.

·         Swansea Working and City Dealt – The joint presentation being brought forward to the February meeting.

·         Human Rights City Update – Dr Simon Hoffman providing an update to the Mach meeting.

·         High Interest Lending – Establish how much the additional publicity has worked.

·         Diverted Giving – Draft letter to be circulated to the Committee for comment / agreement.

Resolved that: -

1)    The contents of the report be noted;

2)    The Democratic Services Officer establishes who will attend the next meeting to provide an update regarding Extended Childcare;

3)    The presentation regarding the Swansea Working and City Deal be brought forward to the February meeting;

4)    Dr Simon Hoffman provides an update regarding Human Rights City at the March meeting;

5)    The draft Diverted Giving letter be circulated to the Committee for comment / agreement.