Cabinet

The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee received a presentation from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority (NWFRA) on their Consultation ‘Emergency Cover Review: Your fire and rescue service – right place, right time, right skills’. As it was not clear to the public that part of the Council Tax contribution included a levy for NWFRA, it was requested that the Leader writes to the Welsh Government requesting that NWFRA become a precepting Authority. The Chair of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee advised that since the meeting, further information had been received from the Fire Service Union relating to NWFRA’s finances. It was suggested that the Council’s NWFRA representatives be requested to raise concerns direct with the Authority. RESOLVED- That the Leader send a letter to the Welsh Government requesting that they consider allowing a precept for Fire and Rescue Authorities as opposed to a levy.

Councillor Ifor Lloyd, one of the Council’s representatives on the Eryri National Park Authority (ENPA), provided feedback on the work of the National Park over the past year. Members thanked Councillor Lloyd for an informative update. Discussion ensued on the following:- · ENPA were not a voting member of the Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board. · In terms of improving communication and raising issues, such as housing need within the National Park, the Leader, together with the Chief Executive regularly met with their equivalent roles in the ENPA. It was suggested that before those meetings, Members that represented wards that sat within the ENPA should be contacted to raise any relevant issues.

None.

The Chief Executive advised that Safeguarding Week would take place between 13 and 24 November 2023.

Members were presented with the Forward Work Programme for the Cabinet. RESOLVED- That the Cabinet Forward Work Programme be approved.

The Leader sought approval for the action plan to implement recommendations from the Peer Review. The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 2 October 2023 and supported the recommendation. It was noted that in relation to the action in terms of streamlining the decision making process, the review in relation to the scrutiny element would be discussed by the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees. A more efficient financial system had been introduced, which improved processes. It was a credit to the Council that a Peer Review had been requested. RESOLVED- That the action plan to implement the recommendations from the Peer Review be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, as the interim Portfolio Holder for Housing, sought approval for delegated authority to acquire property as part of the Housing and Homelessness Programme. RESOLVED- That delegated authority be given to the Portfolio Holder for Finance in conjunction with the S.151 Officer to approve purchases or other transactions identified as part of the Housing and Homelessness Programme Board up to £500,000.

The Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Economy sought Cabinet’s approval to recommend to Council to charge a 100% Council Tax Premium, with an indicative Premium of 200% from 1 April 2025 for second homes and 300% for long-term empty properties of 5 years or more. The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 2 October 2023 and supported the recommendations. Discussion ensued on the following:- · It was important that the Council used every tool possible to increase affordable housing and reduce homelessness. · The work of the Empty Homes Officer was commended. · Over 50% of first-time buyers in Conwy were priced out of the housing market. · A permanent resident invested in the local economy on a full-time basis. RESOLVED- That Council approve the following: (i) To charge a 100% Council Tax Premium for both second homes and long term empty homes from April 2024. (ii) An indicative level of premium of 200% on both categories from 1 April 2025, with the introduction of an increased premium of 300% for long-term empty properties, which have been empty for 5 years or more, subject to review during 2024/2025. (Councillor Chris Cater declared a personal interest in the above agenda item as a close family member pays Council Tax on a second home within Conwy County Borough. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Councillor Cater left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.)

The Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Economy sought the adoption of the revised Conwy Destination Management Plan for 2023 – 2029. The Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 27 September 2023 and supported the recommendations. It was an excellent report and would bring businesses together. RESOLVED- That the revised Conwy Destination Management Plan for 2023-2029 be adopted.

The Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Economy requested that Cabinet approved the adoption of the Llandudno 10 year Regeneration Plan, in order to increase opportunities for funding from Welsh Government and other funders to regenerate and futureproof the town. The Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 27 September 2023 and supported the recommendation. Discussion ensued on the following:- · Town and Community Councils should be taking the lead and making forward plans for their communities. · There would be future challenges that would require consultation and engagement. · The use of volunteers to revitalise the Happy Valley area. RESOLVED- That the Llandudno 10 year Regeneration Plan be adopted to increase opportunities for funding from Welsh Government and other funders to regenerate and futureproof the town.

The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance sought approval for the Corporate Plan 2022-2027 Annual Report and Self-assessment for 2022-2023 and Summary Annual Report 2022-2023, which was outlined in appendices 1 and 3 of the report. The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 2 October 2023 and supported the recommendations. The infographics clearly demonstrated the Council Tax spend for the wide-range of services provided and the report outlined the areas for improvement. RESOLVED- That the Council be requested to approve the Corporate Plan 2022-2027 Annual Report and Self-assessment for 2022-2023 and Summary Annual Report 2022-2023, as outlined in appendices 1 and 3.

The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance sought approval for the Hybrid Working Policy. The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 2 October 2023 and supported the recommendations. The Hybrid Policy provided a flexibility for the workforce, with a focus on customer service. RESOLVED That the Hybrid Working Policy be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance sought approval for the Corporate Complaints and Compliments Annual Report 2022/23 and the Social Services Representations, Complaints and Compliments Annual Report 2022/23. The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 2 October 2023 and supported the recommendations. RESOLVED- That the Corporate Complaints and Compliments Annual Report 2022/23 and the Social Services Representations, Complaints and Compliments Annual Report 2022/23 be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Roads and Facilities – Neighbourhood and the Environment sought approval of the Biodiversity and Resilience Ecosystems and Delivery Plan. The Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 27 September 2023 and supported the recommendation. It was noted that frontline staff would be receiving biodiversity safeguarding training. Planning Policy Wales’ targeted change for biodiversity would be incorporated in the Revised Local Development Plan. RESOLVED- That the Biodiversity and Resilience Ecosystems and Delivery Plan for 2023/2026 be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Education sought approval for proposed amalgamation of Ysgol Babanod Mochdre and Ysgol Cystennin. The Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 19 September 2023 and supported the recommendations. Members were assured that the revised transitional funding methodology would support the stability of the amalgamation. RESOLVED- That the issuing of a statutory notice to formally amalgamate Ysgol Babanod Mochdre and Ysgol Cystennin as one school, following a review and approval of the revised transitional funding methodology be approved.

RESOLVED: That the Public and Press be excluded from the meeting under the provisions of Section 100A of the above Act during consideration of the following items as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act and that in all the relevant circumstances, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.