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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED: a) That the Presentation by representatives of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on the consultation 'Emergency Cover Review: Your fire and rescue service - right place, right time, right skills' be noted. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET b) That the Leader be requested to send a letter to the Welsh Government requesting that they consider allowing a precept for Fire and Rescue Authorities as opposed to a levy.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Frank Bradfield, Nia Owen, Stephen Price, Andrew Wood and Rhun ap Gareth (Chief Executive).
Councillor Paul Luckock declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 5 (Presentation by representatives of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on the consultation 'Emergency Cover Review: Your fire and rescue service - right place, right time, right skills') as his son in law is a retained fire fighter. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Luckock was able to speak and vote on the matter (but left the meeting before the vote was taken) Councillors Sharon Doleman, Chris Hughes, Gareth Jones and Austin Roberts declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 5 (Presentation by representatives of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on the consultation 'Emergency Cover Review: Your fire and rescue service - right place, right time, right skills') as they are the Council’s representatives on the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority.. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, the councillors were able to speak and vote on the matter. Whilst not a formal declaration, Councillor Sian Grady noted that she was the local Member for Conwy as consideration was being given to the closure of the fire station.
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Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: a) That the Presentation by representatives of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on the consultation 'Emergency Cover Review: Your fire and rescue service - right place, right time, right skills' be noted. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET b) That the Leader be requested to send a letter to the Welsh Government requesting that they consider allowing a precept for Fire and Rescue Authorities as opposed to a levy.
Assistant Chief Fire Officers Helen MacArthur and Stuart Millington provided Members with a presentation on the consultation 'Emergency Cover Review: Your fire and rescue service - right place, right time, right skills'. Members were shown a video and a summary of the three options which were being consulted on. Members discussed the following: • Whilst option 3, which included proposed station closures was not supported by the Chief Fire Officer, it had been included as part of the consultation as it was the most cost effective option. • The impact of the 20 mile per hour speed limit on retained fire fighters. • The North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority (NWFRA) had made their consultation as accessible as possible and had extended the deadline as a result of public feedback. • A member led working group had been established to scrutinise at all areas of spend. • Concern in respect of the NWFRA levy and the impact on council tax. • The impact of climate change on the work of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS).. • Possible opportunities for the public sector to amalgamate some administrative and financial functions in order to make savings. • It was suggested that additional costs incurred by the NWFRSe should be funded by the Welsh Government (WG). • Internal benchmarking was carried out as well as comparisons with other Fire Services. • It was not clear to the public that part of the council tax contribution included a levy for the NWFRS. • In order to provide additional funding to the NWFRS, Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) would be required to introduce further cuts and increase council tax. • A comparison of treasury management costs (currently managed by the NWFRS and previously managed by CCBC) would be provided to Members. • WG funding for Fire and Rescue Services was based on population. • Option 1 would offer a better response time during the working day. • Options for growth and costs associated with providing additional fire stations. • The makeup of senior management in comparison to other Fire & Rescue Services. • It was proposed that a letter be sent to the Welsh Government requesting that Fire and Rescue Authorities become precepting authorities. RESOLVED: a) That the Presentation by representatives of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on the consultation 'Emergency Cover Review: Your fire and rescue service - right place, right time, right skills' be noted. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET b) That the Leader be requested to send a letter to the Welsh Government requesting that they consider allowing a precept for Fire and Rescue Authorities as opposed to a levy.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.