NEATH Port Talbot Council has reported on how it is building on its work to promote genuine equality of opportunity, tackle discrimination and create a fairer Neath Port Talbot during the first year of its Strategic Equality Plan ‘Let’s Be Fair 2024 – 2028’.
The progress is detailed in the Strategic Equality Plan Annual Report for 2024 – 2025, which outlines how the council has moved beyond policy commitments to translate strategies into outcomes.
The progress includes helping local pensioners to access almost £250,000 in additional financial support that they were entitled to but not claiming. More than 300 residents have also received support to live independently through the council’s Digital Enablement Service, helping residents to use technology to stay safe and well at home.
With financial support from the Welsh Government, Urdd Gobaith Cymru offered free tickets to local low-income families for Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr at Margam Country Park. This initiative encouraged greater arts engagement and enabled more families to experience one of Europe’s largest youth festivals, celebrating Welsh language, culture, and the talent of young people across Wales.
Councillor Simon Knoyle, Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice, said: “This first annual report shows that ‘Let’s Be Fair’ is not just a strategy on paper; it’s already making a real difference to people’s lives.
“From putting extra money into pensioners’ pockets, to ensuring our digital services are accessible to everyone, we’re focused on delivering fairness and equality in practical, meaningful ways.”
The report also highlights encouraging progress on workforce equality, including a continued reduction in the council’s mean gender pay gap, while acknowledging areas where further work is needed to ensure sustained improvement. Employee Network Groups have been established to deliver and support multiple strategy areas, including Anti-Racism, Disability Inclusion, Allyship, Black History 365 and LGBTQ+ initiatives.
Councillor Knoyle added: “Equalities, Inclusion & Diversity is a cross-cutting area of work in our corporate strategy and contributes to our wellbeing objectives across a diverse range of council services.
“It is central to our vision of a fairer, greener and more prosperous Neath Port Talbot. This report provides transparency about what we’ve achieved so far and where we will continue to focus our efforts over the coming years.”
The Strategic Equality Plan, published in September 2024, sets out Neath Port Talbot Council’s equality objectives for a four-year period. This annual report is the first formal update on progress and will be published in line with Welsh Government regulations.
