Cabinet

(link to recording) Councillor Thomas introduced the report (agenda item number 6) which provided details of the end of year performance of the Council Plan 2024/25. RESOLVED: (a) That the levels of progress and confidence in the achievement of priorities as detailed within the Council Plan 2023/28 for delivery within 2024/25 be endorsed and supported; (b) That the overall performance against Council Plan 2024/25 performance indicators/measures be endorsed and supported; and (c) That Cabinet be assured by explanations given for those areas of underperformance.

(link to recording) Councillor Thomas introduced the report (agenda item number 7) which provided details on the Mid-Plan Review of the current Council Plan 2023-2028 which considered escalating budgetary pressures, and the recommendations from Audit Wales. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the new Council Plan 2025-2030 and the Council Plan Part 2 document that outlines the actions and measures that underpin the Priorities, and Well-being objectives of the Council Plan 2025-2030 be approved.

(link to recording) Councillor Richard Jones introduced the report (agenda item number 8) which highlighted the key achievements delivered from the previous strategy, the challenges faced by the Council in the context of the changed and changing environment within which the strategy was framed and the measures that would be used to monitor progress against the five key strategic priorities. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the draft Housing Strategy 2025-2030 be noted prior to formal consultation.

(link to recording) Councillor Thomas introduced the report (agenda item number 9) and explained that there was a duty on Councils to conduct a Panel Performance Assessment once within an electoral cycle. The Panel Performance Assessment for Flintshire would be undertaken in November 2025. It was agreed that a briefing note would be provided to Members to explain the relevance of all governance documents. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the areas of focus for the Panel Performance Assessment be approved; (b) That the Scoping document for the Panel Performance Assessment prior to sharing with the WLGA be approved; (c) That the next steps and key dates around the Panel Performance Assessment be noted; and (d) That a briefing note be produced for all Members to explain the relevance of all governance documents.

(link to recording) Councillor Paul Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 10) which provided details of the revenue budget final outturn position for the Council Fund and Housing Revenue Account for the financial year 2024/25 (subject to audit). There was an amended appendix 2 which had been circulated and included on the Council’s website. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the overall report and the Council Fund contingency sum available as at 31st March, 2025 (subject to audit) be noted; (b) That the final level of balances on the Housing Revenue Account (subject to audit) be noted; and (c) That the carry forward requests be approved.

(link to recording) Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 11) which provided the first overview of the budget monitoring position for the 2025/26 financial year. The report was by exception on potential significant variances which may impact on the financial position in 2025/26. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the report and the potential financial risks on the 2025/26 budget be noted.

(link to recording) Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 12) which summarised the final outturn position for the 2024/25 financial year and changes made to the Capital Programme during the last quarter. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the overall report be approved; (b) That the carry forward adjustments be approved; and (c) That the additional allocations be approved.

(link to recording) Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 13) which provided details of the additional package of measures to tackle rate avoidance and provide elected Members with the opportunity to comment on the consultation proposals. Subject to those changes going ahead, the report sought approval to increase resources in the business rates service by 1 FTE to 2.5 FTEs. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That feedback from Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee be considered, and consider a response to the Welsh Government proposals to tackle business rate avoidance, and which is set out in the proposed response to Welsh Governments consultation, as drafted by senior officers; and (b) That subject to the consultation proposals going ahead, Cabinet support the recruitment, through a revenue bid, of an additional full time, permanent 1 FTE Revenue Officer from 2026/27 to strengthen resources to combat business rate avoidance cases and to administer the new penalty and compliance processes.

(link to recording) Councillors Banks and Palmer left the room during the discussion. Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 14) and explained that the consultation sought feedback from local authorities to inform the implementation of the changes from April 2026. Councillor Richard Jones suggested that the response should include an exemption on all local authority buildings. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That Cabinet agree the response to Welsh Government proposals to introduce differential multipliers for non-domestic rates.

(link to recording) Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 15) which provided details of the consultation and explained that the Council would allow 24 additional days over and above the revised timescales as set out in the consultation which demonstrated the Council’s commitment to provide taxpayers with even greater flexibility and supported a fairer and more sustainable collection practice. It was agreed that the response would include that more could be done across Wales, with possibly using Flintshire as a model of best practice, and also that the impact on the change to the postage system be included. The recommendation in the report was supported, with the addition of the addition into the response as detailed above. RESOLVED: That Cabinet approve a response to Welsh Government proposals on reform of the council tax recovery process (as drafted by senior officers).

(link to recording) Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 16) and explained that Welsh Government had launched a consultation proposing changes to some council tax discounts, disregards and exemptions from April 2026. The consultation also included a proposed new category of council tax exemption for refuge accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the response to the Welsh Government proposals to change some council tax discounts, disregards and exemptions be approved.

(link to recording) Councillor Christine Jones introduced the report (agenda item number 17) which provided details of the refreshed Corporate Parenting Strategy which included a co-produced ‘Pledge’ for care experienced children through the Children’s Services Forum. The Forum would have a critical role in monitoring and assessing compliance with the ‘Pledge’ to ensure a positive impact for care experienced children. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the updated Corporate Parenting Strategy be noted.

(link to recording) Councillor Christine Jones introduced the report (agenda item number 18) which provided an overview of the work undertaken in 2024-25, and outlined ongoing actions to fulfil the local authority’s statutory responsibilities under the Childcare Act 2006. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the progress and impact of the five-year Childcare Sufficiency Assessment and annual action plan be endorsed; (b) That the complimentary response from Welsh Government in relation to the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment Progress Report for 2024-25 be acknowledged; and (c) That the ongoing progress in delivering accurate and accessible information to families through the Family Intervention Service, supporting informed choices on childcare, early years education, family support, and related services, be noted.

(link to recording) Councillor Christine Jones introduced the report (agenda item number 19) which highlighted positive practice and developments as detailed in the report. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the final draft of the Social Services Director’s Annual Report 2024/25 be approved.

(link to recording) Councillor Banks left the room during the discussion. Councillor Palmer introduced the report (agenda item number 20) which set out the aims and objectives for the Service for the forthcoming year and how those would be achieved. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the Food Service Plan 2025-26 be approved.

(link to recording) Councillor Dolphin introduced the report (agenda item number 21) which provided a summary of the 2022-25 programme and its achievements and provided an update on the 2025-26 programme. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the achievements of the Shared Prosperity Fund programme 2022-2025 and the update on the 2025-2026 programme be noted.

(link to recording) Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 22) which outlined social value performance for 2024/25. The report also provided an overview of legislation that was changing public procurement practice and how those changes, along with areas identified as part of a recent review of social value, necessitated future change. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the positive performance in generating social value for the financial yar 2024/25 be endorsed; and (b) That the relevant procurement practice changes be noted and the outlined work to be undertaken during 2025/26 be supported.

(link to webcast) Councillor Richard Jones introduced the report (agenda item number 23) and explained that following Cabinet approval of charges for six schemes in June 2025, this report outlined the proposed communal heating charges for the two remaining schemes at Acacia Close and Llwyn Aled. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the changes to the current heating charges for the two schemes with communal heating be approved with all changes to take effect from 1st September 2025.

(link to recording) Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 24) and explained that the 2025 review of fees and charges had been completed in line with the Council’s Income Generation Policy. The report outlined the ongoing requirements of the annual review of fees and charges for 2025, particularly those fees and charges which were still to demonstrate that they achieved full cost recovery. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the schedule of fees and charges for implementation on 1st October 2025 be approved; (b) That it be agreed that a customer friendly version of the schedule of fees and charges be produced and published; and (c) That the Council’s Income Generation Policy be reviewed and renewed in readiness for next year

(link to recording) Councillor Eastwood introduced the report (agenda item number 25) which provided an update on the work of the working group and proposals in relation to providing more sustainable solutions. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the report be noted and endorsed; (b) That the implementation of Option 3 as the preferred method to address the terms of the Council Notice of Motion of June 2024 on Holiday Hunger be endorsed; and (c) That the role of the Holiday Hunger Working Group is to provide oversight of the procurement and development of sustainable options and, once implemented, oversight of the effectiveness and value for money. The group shall report to the Education, Youth and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee every six months.

(link to recording) Councillor Dolphin introduced the report (agenda item number 26) which summarised the Connect to Work Programme, provided an update on its development and sought approval for further development work to be done to enable its delivery in Flintshire. There was an additional fourth recommendation suggested by the Environment and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee, shown as (d) below, which was supported. It was agreed that in the response to Welsh Government consultation, reference would be made to the budget concerns in relation to the Connect to Work Programme. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the development of the Connect to Work programme be reviewed; (b) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy) in consultation with the Cabinet Member to undertake further development work on the programme, where resources allow, to enable a fully costed proposal to be brought back to Cabinet for final approval; (c) That approval be given to request that Denbighshire County Council act as the Accountable Body for North Wales for the programme and that delegated authority is given to the Chief Officer (Governance) and Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy) in consultation with the respective Cabinet Member establish a partnership agreement to govern the relationship; and (d) That the programme will need to be delivered within the existing budget.

(link to recording) Councillor Thomas introduced the report (agenda item number 27) which provided an overview of the annual performance of the Corporate Contact Centre, the service responsible for managing telephone calls to key Council services during 2024/25. The report also outlined plans to transform the Corporate Contact Centre through the introduction of modern technologies. An additional recommendation was recommended at Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee which is shown at appendix (d) below. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the annual performance of the Corporate Contact Centre 2024/25 be noted; (b) That the upcoming Strategic Transformation Programme project to modernise the Contact Centre using modern technologies be supported; (c) That Members of Cabinet and Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee be invited to visit the Contact Centre to observe the range of enquiries received by the service and (d) That a review of the pay model take place in recognition of the challenges in staff retention.

(link to recording) Councillor Banks introduced the report (agenda item number 28) which provided information on the work of the School Parking Task & Finish Group and sought support for the recommendations being put forward by the Group. In addition, to support existing Civil Parking Enforcement practices, officers would investigate the potential use of vehicle-mounted ANPR technology to enhance enforcement capabilities. There was an additional recommendation from the Environment and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee, shown as (f) below, which was supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the Committees’ recommendation that the protocol is adopted for parking issues outside schools and circulation to all schools in Flintshire, as detailed in appendix 2, be supported; (b) That the Committee’s recommendation that the matrix prioritising schools is implemented, be supported; (c) That the Committees’ recommendation that all schools be required to produce a school travel plan and that the portfolios showcase some best practice examples or provide a standard template to schools, be supported; (d) That the Committees’ recommendation that a panel be set up to assess complaints received in accordance with the criteria and determine action to be taken based on the established protocol, be supported; (e) That the intention to explore the use of vehicle-mounted ANPR technology to enhance existing Civil Parking Enforcement activities be supported; and (f) That Cabinet support that further work is required on the five minutes grace period in restricted areas and the pilot of two schools will take place following implementation of the protocol.

(link to recording) Councillor Banks introduced the report (agenda item number 29) which provided background information and sought Cabinet consideration to establishing a Task & Finish Group as proposed at the Member workshop on 4th April 2025. Two additional recommendations were suggested, shown as (b) and (c) below, which were supported. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the establishment of a Task & Finish Group to review the discretionary element of the School Transport Policy, as shown in the Terms of Reference in Appendix 1 of the report be supported; (b) That the Member who had submitted the original Notice of Motion to County Council on 4th December seeking a review of the Council’s current School Transport Policy be invited to sit on the Task & Finish Group, and Councillors Banks and Eastwood also to attend the meetings and (c) That both Cabinet Members, Councillors Banks and Eastwood to take a full role in the group.

(link to recording) Councillor Palmer introduced the report (agenda item number 30) which provided an update on the street lighting Annual Status Report for 2024/2025 and provided an overview of asset condition and performance, which would support data-driven decision-making, risk management, and strategic planning. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the performance outlined in the street lighting annual status report against the current street lighting policy be supported; and (b) That the contents of the report and the adoption of the Highway Asset Management Plan and the current arrangements and actions of the portfolio to maintain the highway network be supported.

(link to recording) Councillor Palmer introduced the report (agenda item number 31) which outlined the practicalities of the option of leasing car parking spaces for electric vehicle (EV) charging, along with the relative benefits, disadvantages and risks. Two further recommendations were suggested and approved, shown as (c) and (d) below. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the contents of the report be supported and the relative benefits, disadvantages and risks be recognised; (b) That the limitations associated with private sector interest be supported along with the recommended next steps; (c) That all future changes meet Welsh Government’s Strategy for the benefit of EV provision in the future; and (d) That the Council continues to assess other successful models of EV charging provision to identify best practice.

(link to recording) Councillor Banks introduced the report (agenda item number 32) which provided an to Members with an overview of the ongoing work to assess and implement the removal, retention, or modification of the remaining infrastructure on our cycle network—specifically chicane barriers, York-style barriers, and bollard-type posts. The report also outlined the rationale behind each proposed intervention and provided a summary of the progress to date. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the progress update and the work undertaken to increase accessibility on the active travel network in Flintshire be supported; and (b) That proposed joint public relations approach in partnership with Sustrans and Transport for Wales be supported.

(link to recording) Councillor Thomas introduced the report (agenda item number 33) which provided an update on the review, its outcomes and the changes being implemented as a result. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the information provided on the Community Chest grant and the outcome of the review be noted; and (b) That the changes being implemented as part of the review and the continuation of the Community Chest grant, as outlined within the report, be supported.

There were no members of the press or public in attendance.