Page 47 - Neath Port Talbot Skills Report 2024

47
Neath Port Talbot Council are encountering several
challenges as it strives to serve its community
effectively.
Financial Pressures:
The council faces significant financial
challenges, with new cost pressures
amounting to approximately £30 million.
However, receiving only an additional £8.6
million from the Welsh Government. This
recurring budget gap poses a substantial
challenge.
Economic Transformation:
Despite some investment successes, many
residents still lack access to economic
opportunities. The ongoing process of
economic change remains challenging. The
Covid-19 crisis and TATA steel uncertainty
further emphasise the need to protect
jobs, businesses, and incomes. Planning for
long-term growth is essential.
Balancing Services and Tax Levels:
The council aims to protect vital services
while minimizing the impact on Council
Tax levels. For the 2024/25 budget, an
overall Council Tax increase) is
recommended.
Geographical Diversity:
Neath Port Talbot’s geography is diverse,
with a coastal corridor around Swansea
Bay and various river valleys separated by
upland plateaus and mountains. Managing
services across this varied landscape
presents unique challenges.
Economic Recovery and Investment:
The Economic Recovery Plan focuses on
revitalizing the local economy. Despite
challenges, the council aims to drive
prosperity, protect jobs, and support
businesses. TATA uncertainty highlights
the need for resilience and strategic
planning.
Many of the skills challenges facing Public
Services are highlighted within the sector
specific areas of this report, such as skills
shortage in Construction retrofitting, Health &
Social Care and Digital. Therefore, it is prudent
to understand the sector issues where there is a
cross over of skills to Public Sector.
Most job roles have seen growth since 2019 for
NPT Public Sector, most notably are the
increases of workers in Health and Social Care.
This is highly encouraging considering the
issues highlighted in recruiting such roles within
the Health and Social Care section of this report
(page 37)
Digital and IT jobs are also increasing, most
notably Programmers and Software
Development Professionals are up 44%
However, declines are seen in
Police officers (21% less) and 34% less Fire
officers
With a drive for efficiency measures needed
within the Public Services a larger requirement
will be needed for making data led decisions.
A key job role for this process is Economists and
Statisticians however NPT have 4% less people
employed in this specialism since 2019. Its vitally
important skills such as this are either recruited
for, or upskill pathways are made available for
decision making teams for the importance of
data derived decision making.
In summary, Neath Port Talbot Council grapples
with financial constraints, economic
transformation, and the need to balance
services while planning for sustainable growth
Public Sector