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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED (i) That Council be recommended to approve the following: (a) The 2023/24 revenue budget totalling £302,901,187. (b) That a sum of £78,280,023 be raised from Council Tax which equates to £1,454.05 at band D and of that sum:- (i) £100,593 be raised as special expenses on the community areas of Acton, Caia Park, Offa and Rhosddu (£1.87), £6,008 on the community of Glyntraian (£0.11), £17,509 on the community of Llangollen Rural (£0.33) and £22,144 on the community of Chirk (£0.41) (ii) £78,133,769 be raised as general expenses (£1,451.33). (ii) That any additional funding received following publication of the Local Government Final Settlement will be applied as prescribed or used to provide additional inflation contingency cover. (iii) That the Medium Term Financial Plan outlined in Appendix 3 to report COFI/01/23 be recommended to Council. (iv) That the 2023/24 Capital Strategy (including the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement), Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Strategy as outlined in Appendix 4 and 4a be recommended to Council. Reason for decisions a) To enable the Council to determine its revenue budget for 2023/24 and set the Council Tax for the year. b) To update the Medium Term Financial Plan and to make recommendations to Council on the 2023/24 Capital, Treasury Management and Investment Strategies, including the Minimum Revenue Provision Statement.
RESOLVED – That the report be noted. Reason for decision To enable the Council to monitor performance against the Council Plan.
RESOLVED – (i) That the use of £10k for YaB (Yellow and Blue) to extend and enhance its Cost of Living Crisis support in spring 2023 be approved. (ii) That the employment in partnership of a Coordinator be approved to scope, map and establish a Cross Sector Food Partnership in Wrexham County Borough. £97,000 funding secured from Welsh Local Government Association for 12 months. (iii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To provide a timely response to this crisis and to work with partners to support those who are experiencing difficulties due to the rising cost of living. (ii) The reason for urgency is in order to provide services to respond to issues experienced by residents of the County Borough due to the cost of living crisis in a timely way and to commit and spend the funds available for this purpose in 2022/23.
RESOLVED – (i) That the progress made with the Decarbonisation Plan since the last update be noted. (ii) That the North Wales Energy Strategy be endorsed and the commencement of Local Area Energy Planning in the county be noted. Reason for decisions To enable Executive Board Members to review progress on the delivery of Wrexham Council’s Decarbonisation Plan, and further progress our commitments to tackling the Climate Emergency and Decarbonisation agenda.
RESOLVED – (i) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer Environment and Technical in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance and Performance and the Lead Member for Carbon and Climate Champion to progress the proposals, explore options and begin practical work for the purposes of delivering the Decarbonisation Plan through carbon sequestration, woodland creation and biodiversity enhancement. (ii) That updates on progress are presented through the Developing and Decarbonising our Environment Board at regular intervals. Reason for decisions (i) To enable delivery of the Council’s Decarbonisation Plan and to achieve the national target set for all public services to become net zero by 2030.
RESOLVED – (i) That Wrexham continues to use a Target Rent for each type of property applying 5% to current target rents for 2023/24. (ii) That for properties that are below the Target Rents for 2023/24 – an increase of rent of 5%. (iii) That for properties at or above the Target Rents for 2023/24 – no rent increase. (iv) That an increase of 5% for garage rent to £9.11 (48 week basis). (v) That an increase of 5% for garage plots (annual charge £60.36). (vi) That an increase of 5% for warden charge to £3.81 per week. (vii) That an increase of 5% for charges for Travellers’ plots to £95.91 and £113.48 per week for larger plots (52 week basis). (viii) That the HRA budget for 2023/24 be approved as set out in Appendix 1 to report COH/01/23. (ix) That the HRA Business Plan 2023/24 be approved for submission to Welsh Government. (x) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To set the overall rent levels of Council house dwellings for 2023/24 in accordance with the WG rent policy and ensure that the HRA operates with appropriate levels of balance. (ii) To comply with WG’s requirement to produce an annual HRA Business Plan and demonstrate that there is sufficient budget to continue to undertake planned works to ensure that all properties are maintained to the appropriate standard for tenants. (iii) This matter is to be dealt with as an urgent item in order to ensure that the revised rent is implemented with effect from April 2023. There is a requirement under Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 that two months’ notice of a rent increase is given to contract holders. Any delay in serving the notice could impact on the start date of the revised rent with a detrimental impact on the HRA for 2023/24.
RESOLVED – (i) That the Lead Member for Housing be appointed to represent the Council on PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London) for the period up to the date of the next local government elections in 2027. (ii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reason for decisions To ensure that the Council is appropriately represented on PATROL and to enable the Member to attend meetings with immediate effect.
An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor Nigel Williams.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 December 2022 be signed as a correct record.
The Leader vacated the Chair, and the Vice-Chair, Councillor David A Bithell, presided over the next items on the Agenda to enable the Leader to present Agenda items 5 and 6 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (i) That Council be recommended to approve the following: (a) The 2023/24 revenue budget totalling £302,901,187. (b) That a sum of £78,280,023 be raised from Council Tax which equates to £1,454.05 at band D and of that sum:- (i) £100,593 be raised as special expenses on the community areas of Acton, Caia Park, Offa and Rhosddu (£1.87), £6,008 on the community of Glyntraian (£0.11), £17,509 on the community of Llangollen Rural (£0.33) and £22,144 on the community of Chirk (£0.41) (ii) £78,133,769 be raised as general expenses (£1,451.33). (ii) That any additional funding received following publication of the Local Government Final Settlement will be applied as prescribed or used to provide additional inflation contingency cover. (iii) That the Medium Term Financial Plan outlined in Appendix 3 to report COFI/01/23 be recommended to Council. (iv) That the 2023/24 Capital Strategy (including the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement), Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Strategy as outlined in Appendix 4 and 4a be recommended to Council. Reason for decisions a) To enable the Council to determine its revenue budget for 2023/24 and set the Council Tax for the year. b) To update the Medium Term Financial Plan and to make recommendations to Council on the 2023/24 Capital, Treasury Management and Investment Strategies, including the Minimum Revenue Provision Statement.
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The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/01/23) to enable the Board to make a recommendation to Council on the 2023/24 Revenue Budget and Council Tax; to recommend the Medium Term Financial Plan for the period 2023/24 to Council; and to recommend the Capital Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Strategy 2023/24 to Council. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A number of Lead Members gave an update on their areas of responsibility, and the demands faced by each Department. Collectively, Members welcomed additional funding into services such as public transport, road repairs, school budgets, social care and housing repairs. A detailed debate ensued, and the following points were noted: · Clarification sought regarding a review of the funding formula. Officers advised that Welsh Government continually review the formula within the overall settlement, and whilst there was an intention to do a full review, that would inevitable come with a series of challenges and would take some time to implement. · Confirmation that boosting public transport was one of the Council’s priorities, and the Lead Member gave assurances that he would be working with Officers in the Transport Department to determine how best to allocate money in that area. · Confirmation that the increase of Fire Levy costs of 9.90% were considerably higher for 2022/23 than for the next two years, which was a concern to a number of Members. · Acknowledgement that rising costs for things such as energy and pay needed to be reflected in the budget. RESOLVED (i) That Council be recommended to approve the following: (a) The 2023/24 revenue budget totalling £302,901,187. (b) That a sum of £78,280,023 be raised from Council Tax which equates to £1,454.05 at band D and of that sum:- (i) £100,593 be raised as special expenses on the community areas of Acton, Caia Park, Offa and Rhosddu (£1.87), £6,008 on the community of Glyntraian (£0.11), £17,509 on the community of Llangollen Rural (£0.33) and £22,144 on the community of Chirk (£0.41) (ii) £78,133,769 be raised as general expenses (£1,451.33). (ii) That any additional funding received following publication of the Local Government Final Settlement will be applied as prescribed or used to provide additional inflation contingency cover. (iii) That the Medium Term Financial Plan outlined in Appendix 3 to report COFI/01/23 be recommended to Council. (iv) That the 2023/24 Capital Strategy (including the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement), Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Strategy as outlined in Appendix 4 and 4a be recommended to Council. Reason for decisions a) To enable the Council to determine its revenue budget for 2023/24 and set the Council Tax for the year. b) To update the Medium Term Financial Plan and to make recommendations to Council on the 2023/24 Capital, Treasury Management and Investment Strategies, including the Minimum Revenue Provision Statement.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the report be noted. Reason for decision To enable the Council to monitor performance against the Council Plan.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (CE/62/22) to provide Members with a summary update on progress against the Council Plan as at quarter two 2022/23. The Lead Member presented the report and responded to questions accordingly. A discussion ensued, and the following matters were raised: · Recognition of the progress made by all Departments across the Council. · Suggestion that whilst a number of action plans were in place, we weren’t yet in a position to be able to test that the required outcomes were being achieved. · Acknowledgement that Wrexham were the second best Authority in Wales with secondary school attendance of 89%, but it was noted that there was evidence to suggest that attendance levels below 95% negatively impacted GCSE results. · Suggestion that future reports include comparative data between quarter one and quarter two performance. RESOLVED – That the report be noted. Reason for decision To enable the Council to monitor performance against the Council Plan.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Mark Pritchard, resumed Chair of the Meeting from this point in the proceedings.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the use of £10k for YaB (Yellow and Blue) to extend and enhance its Cost of Living Crisis support in spring 2023 be approved. (ii) That the employment in partnership of a Coordinator be approved to scope, map and establish a Cross Sector Food Partnership in Wrexham County Borough. £97,000 funding secured from Welsh Local Government Association for 12 months. (iii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To provide a timely response to this crisis and to work with partners to support those who are experiencing difficulties due to the rising cost of living. (ii) The reason for urgency is in order to provide services to respond to issues experienced by residents of the County Borough due to the cost of living crisis in a timely way and to commit and spend the funds available for this purpose in 2022/23.
The Lead Member for Housing and the Lead Member for Corporate Services submitted a report (COEP/13/23) asking Members to approve the proposed use of funds available to the Council to support residents of the County Borough in accessing a range of information and services to help with pressures associated with the cost of living crisis. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A discussion ensued and the following matters were raised: · Further information sought regarding the cost of living drop in sessions that had been taking place in libraries across the County Borough. · Confirmation that there was further funding which still needed to be prioritised, but it was noted that Officers were still on phase 2 of the Warm Hub Grant application, and it was therefore important to ensure that money was still available before it was allocated elsewhere. The Lead Member assured the Board that an update on this would be presented to the next meeting of the Cost of Living Crisis Working Group. RESOLVED – (i) That the use of £10k for YaB (Yellow and Blue) to extend and enhance its Cost of Living Crisis support in spring 2023 be approved. (ii) That the employment in partnership of a Coordinator be approved to scope, map and establish a Cross Sector Food Partnership in Wrexham County Borough. £97,000 funding secured from Welsh Local Government Association for 12 months. (iii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To provide a timely response to this crisis and to work with partners to support those who are experiencing difficulties due to the rising cost of living. (ii) The reason for urgency is in order to provide services to respond to issues experienced by residents of the County Borough due to the cost of living crisis in a timely way and to commit and spend the funds available for this purpose in 2022/23.
Part of an issue followed across 5 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the progress made with the Decarbonisation Plan since the last update be noted. (ii) That the North Wales Energy Strategy be endorsed and the commencement of Local Area Energy Planning in the county be noted. Reason for decisions To enable Executive Board Members to review progress on the delivery of Wrexham Council’s Decarbonisation Plan, and further progress our commitments to tackling the Climate Emergency and Decarbonisation agenda.
The Lead Member for Housing submitted a report (COET/02/23) to update Members on work to tackle the climate change and carbon emergency, outline progress with the Decarbonisation agenda, and seek endorsement of the North Wales Energy Strategy following recent endorsement by the Economic Ambition Board. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued and the following points were raised: · Importance of recognising how to take forward the North Wales Energy Strategy locally. · Confirmation that work was ongoing with the Planning Department. · Importance of engaging with Community Councils, and confirmation by the Lead Member that they had been invited to apply for funding in order to assist them in becoming carbon neutral. · Recognition that in order to achieve targets within the local energy plan, additional funding would need to be provided by Welsh Government. RESOLVED – (i) That the progress made with the Decarbonisation Plan since the last update be noted. (ii) That the North Wales Energy Strategy be endorsed and the commencement of Local Area Energy Planning in the county be noted. Reason for decisions To enable Executive Board Members to review progress on the delivery of Wrexham Council’s Decarbonisation Plan, and further progress our commitments to tackling the Climate Emergency and Decarbonisation agenda.
Part of an issue followed across 5 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer Environment and Technical in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance and Performance and the Lead Member for Carbon and Climate Champion to progress the proposals, explore options and begin practical work for the purposes of delivering the Decarbonisation Plan through carbon sequestration, woodland creation and biodiversity enhancement. (ii) That updates on progress are presented through the Developing and Decarbonising our Environment Board at regular intervals. Reason for decisions (i) To enable delivery of the Council’s Decarbonisation Plan and to achieve the national target set for all public services to become net zero by 2030.
The Lead Member for Housing submitted a report (COET/01/23) seeking approval for repurposing land near Fenns Bank and Bronington to enable the restoration of peat land and additional carbon sequestration through woodland creation with associated nature supporting interventions. RESOLVED – (i) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer Environment and Technical in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance and Performance and the Lead Member for Carbon and Climate Champion to progress the proposals, explore options and begin practical work for the purposes of delivering the Decarbonisation Plan through carbon sequestration, woodland creation and biodiversity enhancement. (ii) That updates on progress are presented through the Developing and Decarbonising our Environment Board at regular intervals. Reason for decisions (i) To enable delivery of the Council’s Decarbonisation Plan and to achieve the national target set for all public services to become net zero by 2030.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That Wrexham continues to use a Target Rent for each type of property applying 5% to current target rents for 2023/24. (ii) That for properties that are below the Target Rents for 2023/24 – an increase of rent of 5%. (iii) That for properties at or above the Target Rents for 2023/24 – no rent increase. (iv) That an increase of 5% for garage rent to £9.11 (48 week basis). (v) That an increase of 5% for garage plots (annual charge £60.36). (vi) That an increase of 5% for warden charge to £3.81 per week. (vii) That an increase of 5% for charges for Travellers’ plots to £95.91 and £113.48 per week for larger plots (52 week basis). (viii) That the HRA budget for 2023/24 be approved as set out in Appendix 1 to report COH/01/23. (ix) That the HRA Business Plan 2023/24 be approved for submission to Welsh Government. (x) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To set the overall rent levels of Council house dwellings for 2023/24 in accordance with the WG rent policy and ensure that the HRA operates with appropriate levels of balance. (ii) To comply with WG’s requirement to produce an annual HRA Business Plan and demonstrate that there is sufficient budget to continue to undertake planned works to ensure that all properties are maintained to the appropriate standard for tenants. (iii) This matter is to be dealt with as an urgent item in order to ensure that the revised rent is implemented with effect from April 2023. There is a requirement under Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 that two months’ notice of a rent increase is given to contract holders. Any delay in serving the notice could impact on the start date of the revised rent with a detrimental impact on the HRA for 2023/24.
The Lead Member for Housing submitted a report (COH/01/23) seeking agreement on the budget for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2023/24, approve the resulting rent levels and for Members to approve the HRA Business Plan 2023/24 for submission to Welsh Government. The Lead Member presented the report and responded to questions accordingly. The following points were highlighted during the debate: · Concern at the length of time a property was void for, which impacted on the loss of rental income, and the demand for social housing. · The Lead Member acknowledged that void properties needed to be turned around quicker, but it was noted that over the last two years, the number of empty properties had reduced from 520 to 294. The Homes and Environment Scrutiny were looking into this in more detail, including a report on a revised structure within the Housing Department. · Confirmation that the budget for ensuring properties met the Welsh Housing Quality Standard would need to be revised due to the increased costs in materials. · Acknowledgement that there was an ongoing issue regarding phosphates, and that any planning application that would increase phosphates in the water supply would not be taken forward. This was having a negative impact on the building of new houses as these schemes could not progress unless there was mitigation in place to deal with the phosphates. RESOLVED – (i) That Wrexham continues to use a Target Rent for each type of property applying 5% to current target rents for 2023/24. (ii) That for properties that are below the Target Rents for 2023/24 – an increase of rent of 5%. (iii) That for properties at or above the Target Rents for 2023/24 – no rent increase. (iv) That an increase of 5% for garage rent to £9.11 (48 week basis). (v) That an increase of 5% for garage plots (annual charge £60.36). (vi) That an increase of 5% for warden charge to £3.81 per week. (vii) That an increase of 5% for charges for Travellers’ plots to £95.91 and £113.48 per week for larger plots (52 week basis). (viii) That the HRA budget for 2023/24 be approved as set out in Appendix 1 to report COH/01/23. (ix) That the HRA Business Plan 2023/24 be approved for submission to Welsh Government. (x) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To set the overall rent levels of Council house dwellings for 2023/24 in accordance with the WG rent policy and ensure that the HRA operates with appropriate levels of balance. (ii) To comply with WG’s requirement to produce an annual HRA Business Plan and demonstrate that there is sufficient budget to continue to undertake planned works to ensure that all properties are maintained to the appropriate standard for tenants. (iii) This matter is to be dealt with as an urgent item in order to ensure that the revised rent is implemented with effect from April 2023. There is a requirement under Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 that two months’ notice of a rent increase is given to contract holders. Any delay in serving the notice could impact on the start date of the revised rent with a detrimental impact on the HRA for 2023/24.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Lead Member for Housing be appointed to represent the Council on PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London) for the period up to the date of the next local government elections in 2027. (ii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reason for decisions To ensure that the Council is appropriately represented on PATROL and to enable the Member to attend meetings with immediate effect.
The Lead Member for Community Safety and Partnerships submitted a report (COGC/07/23) asking Members to consider the appointment of a Member to represent the Council on PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London). RESOLVED – (i) That the Lead Member for Housing be appointed to represent the Council on PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London) for the period up to the date of the next local government elections in 2027. (ii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reason for decisions To ensure that the Council is appropriately represented on PATROL and to enable the Member to attend meetings with immediate effect.
Part of an issue followed across 3 meetings
RESOLVED - That the press and public be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following items as it is likely that, if they were present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).