Agenda, decisions and minutes

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None.

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

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

Approved.

Resolved that the Minutes of the meeting of the Poverty Reduction Policy Development Committee held on 20 December 2021 be approved as a correct record.

Noted.

Anthony Richards, Poverty and Prevention Strategy and Development Manager provided a verbal update regarding the Promoting Affordable Credit Policy Report.  He outlined that th report had been agreed by the Cabinet Member and would be reported to Cabinet on 17 February 2022, for approval.

The Chair thanked the Officer for the update and welcomed the progress made.

Resolved that the content of the update be noted.

Noted.

The Chair provided a verbal update regarding the progress made in respect of the policy and informed the Committee that some additional minor updates were awaited from a small number of service areas.

The Poverty and Prevention Strategy and Development Manager added that engagement work with services continued regarding the collection out outstanding personal debt.  He further added that the aim was to review the policy and for service areas to align it with their working practices.

The Chair noted that the Poverty and Prevention Strategy and Development Manager had previously been given authority by the Committee to consult with the public regarding the policy.  The Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) process would be completed following the consultation exercise, which was expected to be completed by the end of February 2022.

Resolved that the contents of the update be noted.

Noted.

The Poverty and Prevention Strategy and Development Manager provided the Committee with a verbal update regarding the background and progress made in respect of Swansea Poverty Truth Commission (SPTC).

He introduced Sian Denty, Swansea Poverty Truth Commission Facilitator / Tackling Poverty Development Officer and Kay Lemon, Swansea Poverty Truth Commission Facilitator who provided a detailed update regarding SPTC.

Details discussed included the key issues / timescale; the development phase; funding; impact of the Covid Pandemic; role of Facilitators; communication / involvement of organisations; diverse range of participants involved; issues faced within communities; poverty faced by working / unemployed families; asylum seekers / refugees; outcomes for Swansea; development of themes; and progressing with an informed approach to issues.

The Chair thanked the Officers for providing the update and stated that a written report would be provided at the next scheduled meeting.

Resolved that: -

1)    The contents of the report be noted;

2)      A written report be provided at the next scheduled meeting.

Noted.

The Chair presented an updated Work Plan 2021-2022.

The Committee discussed the Work Plan for the remainder of the year, including additional topics such as the imminent increase in fuel costs; introducing a basic income to overcome poverty; Community Food Growing Policy; and the continued work to support the Swansea Poverty Truth Commission.  It was noted that a report would be presented to the next scheduled meeting.  

Resolved that: -

1)    The contents of the report be noted;

2)    Reports on Community Food Growing Policy and Swansea Poverty Truth Commission, be presented to the next scheduled meeting.