Agenda and minutes

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In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted for 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 23 November 2020 be approved and signed as a correct record.

The Chair provided the Committee with updates in respect of the following: -

·       Green Fairness Policy (GFP) – The Director of Place will be discussing the inclusion of the GFP as a section within a new Corporate Tree Policy, with the Cabinet Member for Environment Enhancement & Infrastructure Management.  A progress report will be made to a future meeting.

·       Affordable Credit Policy – Progress was slow due to workload pressures and it was hoped that a progress report would be provided shortly.

·       Corporate Debt Policy – Julian Morgans, Head of Revenues & Benefits had informed the Chair that income had not been affected but arrears had increased.  A better response had been received from the ‘friendlier’ letter and engagement had increased.  Reminder letters were being issued, there had been more referrals to Citizens Advice Bureau and increased Single Person Discount claims.  Owners of second homes would pay 100% premiums from 1 April 2021.

It was proposed that the Head of Revenues & Benefits provides an update report to a future meeting.

·       Socio-economic Duty – Further discussions would take place at a working group meeting to obtain clarity regarding the present position.  The Committee discussed the duty in more detail and the implications for the Council and residents.

·       Benefits take-up – A presentation would be provided to the Committee meeting scheduled for 22 February 2021.

·       Community Transport – Consultation regarding the new Strategy being introduced by the Welsh Government ended on 25 January 2021.  The Committee discussed the potential impact of the Strategy upon communities, and companies.  It was noted that the Economic, Environment and Infrastructure Policy Development Committee (PDC) were looking at developing a Sustainable Transport Policy and the Chair would ask the PDC to look to include Community Transport within the policy.   

·       Affordable Credit Policy – The promoting affordable credit policy was nearly ready to be circulated for consultation.

Resolved that: -

1)    the contents of the report and update be noted;

2)    a presentation be provided on benefits take-up be provided to the next scheduled meeting on 22 February 2021;

3)    the Head of Revenues & Benefits provides an update report to a future meeting in respect of the Corporate Debt Policy.