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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED - That Members support the 2022/23 Quarter 3 budgetary forecast position for the year. Reason for decision To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address budget pressures.
RESOLVED – (i) That the rolling programme for 2022/23 to 2024/25 as detailed in appendices 2 and 3 to report COFI/07/23 be approved. (ii) That the Quarter 3 Treasury Management Activity in Appendix 4 be noted. Reasons for decisions (i) This report follows an earlier monitoring report in October in compliance with Financial Regulation 3.13 that requires that the Chief Officer Finance & ICT monitors and reports to Members on the Capital Programme. (ii) Local Authorities are required under the Local Government Act 2003 to comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance. The indicators presented in Appendix 4 fulfil the requirements of the Code.
RESOLVED – (i) That the Terms of Reference that include the membership of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group be approved. (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. The reason for urgency is in order to establish the appropriate arrangements to begin invite applications to the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund in a timely manner to maximise opportunity to commit and spend the 2022/23 allocation. Reason for decisions To create the process required to ensure Wrexham maximises the potential enabled via the monies it secures under the Shared Prosperity Fund by commissioning well, establishing good relations with the region and local partners in order to develop high quality projects, and ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of the funding.
RESOLVED – (i) That the Trust be supported to deliver its ‘Stori Brymbo’ vision. (ii) That approval be given to sign up to the Co-operation Agreement and that Councillor Paul Rogers be nominated to represent the Council at the Co-operation Group. (iv) That the Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration be nominated to serve as a Trustee on the Board of the new Trust. (v) That the appropriate Head of Service be given approval to support the Trust as detailed in the request in paragraph 2.8 of report COEP/15/23. Reason for decisions The Trust’s proposals support a range of Council Plan priorities, having potential to bring a wide range of benefits to Wrexham, particularly in respect of heritage, tourism, and regeneration. The Council’s support will enhance the contribution these proposals can make. The Council’s support to help the Trust manage grant funders’ claims arrangements will allow the Trust to deliver proposals within their existing resources. The proposals rely on continued support and confidence from a number of principal funders including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund and the Welsh Government; in addition to the landowners interest in the Trust delivering its vision. The Funders and the Landowner place significant value on the involvement and endorsement of the Council.
RESOLVED - That the revised SACRE constitution be approved. Reasons for decision (i) The SACRE constitution requires revisions as it does not fully reflect current educational legislation and practice, which includes the constitution of an additional Standing Advisory Council (SAC) on Religion, values and ethics (the new name for Religious education in the Curriculum for Wales). (ii) Based on the significant number of Hindus living in the UK, Wales and locally in Wrexham (evident in the 2021 Census), it is deemed appropriate by the SACRE to have a place on group A for a representative from the Hindu faith, alongside the Christian denominations, the Islamic Cultural Centre and Wrexham Humanists.
RESOLVED – (i) Wrexham Council removed all provision for Post 16 transport as part of a budget plan in April 2015 (Report No HHPPE/51/15). The Executive Board note the Welsh Government’s future plans to undertake a wholesale review of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 and to avoid the potential for abortive works, Officers await the publication of the wider national Policy Review prior to any further work being undertaken. (ii) That, noting the concerns of the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee on 8 December 2022, the Chair of Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee be invited to prepare a report relating to items raised at this meeting for consideration at a future Executive Board meeting. (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. Reason for decisions To ensure any assistance with the provision of post-16 school transport can be provided whilst findings of the Welsh Government's review of the existing Learner Travel Measure (Wales) 2008 is awaited.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 24 January 2023 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 to 7 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That Members support the 2022/23 Quarter 3 budgetary forecast position for the year. Reason for decision To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address budget pressures.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/06/23) to inform Members of the Council’s 2022/23 current budgetary position for the first nine months of the 2022/23 financial year, including the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued, and the following points were raised: · Clarification sought regarding the pay award, which was being funded from corporate reserves and incorporated into the budget assumptions for 2023/24. · Concern that there was a surplus of £409k in Education and Early Intervention, and the impact that would that have on Children’s Services. Officers advised that the additional surplus was primarily due to grant awards within the year, so was not an underlying position. It was also noted that within Children’s Social Care, there were also costs included for out of county education placements. · Importance of ensuring that Departments supported each other in order to meet the needs of the children in Wrexham. RESOLVED - That Members support the 2022/23 Quarter 3 budgetary forecast position for the year. Reason for decision To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address budget pressures.
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Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the rolling programme for 2022/23 to 2024/25 as detailed in appendices 2 and 3 to report COFI/07/23 be approved. (ii) That the Quarter 3 Treasury Management Activity in Appendix 4 be noted. Reasons for decisions (i) This report follows an earlier monitoring report in October in compliance with Financial Regulation 3.13 that requires that the Chief Officer Finance & ICT monitors and reports to Members on the Capital Programme. (ii) Local Authorities are required under the Local Government Act 2003 to comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance. The indicators presented in Appendix 4 fulfil the requirements of the Code.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/07/23) to review the 2022/23 – 2024/25 Capital Programme position as at the end of quarter 3 2022/23 and Treasury Management Activity. RESOLVED – (i) That the rolling programme for 2022/23 to 2024/25 as detailed in appendices 2 and 3 to report COFI/07/23 be approved. (ii) That the Quarter 3 Treasury Management Activity in Appendix 4 be noted. Reasons for decisions (i) This report follows an earlier monitoring report in October in compliance with Financial Regulation 3.13 that requires that the Chief Officer Finance & ICT monitors and reports to Members on the Capital Programme. (ii) Local Authorities are required under the Local Government Act 2003 to comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance. The indicators presented in Appendix 4 fulfil the requirements of the Code.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Terms of Reference that include the membership of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group be approved. (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. The reason for urgency is in order to establish the appropriate arrangements to begin invite applications to the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund in a timely manner to maximise opportunity to commit and spend the 2022/23 allocation. Reason for decisions To create the process required to ensure Wrexham maximises the potential enabled via the monies it secures under the Shared Prosperity Fund by commissioning well, establishing good relations with the region and local partners in order to develop high quality projects, and ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of the funding.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COEP/14/23) asking Members to agree to the Terms of Reference which include the organisations invited to form the Wrexham Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group as a consultation body that forms a key part of the bid approval process for administering the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A number of questions were asked, and a debate ensued as follows: · Clarification sought regarding the membership of the Group and the possibility of MPs needing to declare personal interests which may reduce their ability to lobby. Officers confirmed that MPs would not be decision makers, so this would not be an issue. Guidance stated that local MPs must be invited, but were not required to attend meetings, and their role could be advisory. · Confirmation that whilst trade unions hadn’t been specifically approached to join the Group, they were able to be involved in an advisory capacity. RESOLVED – (i) That the Terms of Reference that include the membership of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group be approved. (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. The reason for urgency is in order to establish the appropriate arrangements to begin invite applications to the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund in a timely manner to maximise opportunity to commit and spend the 2022/23 allocation. Reason for decisions To create the process required to ensure Wrexham maximises the potential enabled via the monies it secures under the Shared Prosperity Fund by commissioning well, establishing good relations with the region and local partners in order to develop high quality projects, and ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of the funding.
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 Trust be supported to deliver its ‘Stori Brymbo’ vision. (ii) That approval be given to sign up to the Co-operation Agreement and that Councillor Paul Rogers be nominated to represent the Council at the Co-operation Group. (iv) That the Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration be nominated to serve as a Trustee on the Board of the new Trust. (v) That the appropriate Head of Service be given approval to support the Trust as detailed in the request in paragraph 2.8 of report COEP/15/23. Reason for decisions The Trust’s proposals support a range of Council Plan priorities, having potential to bring a wide range of benefits to Wrexham, particularly in respect of heritage, tourism, and regeneration. The Council’s support will enhance the contribution these proposals can make. The Council’s support to help the Trust manage grant funders’ claims arrangements will allow the Trust to deliver proposals within their existing resources. The proposals rely on continued support and confidence from a number of principal funders including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund and the Welsh Government; in addition to the landowners interest in the Trust delivering its vision. The Funders and the Landowner place significant value on the involvement and endorsement of the Council.
The Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration submitted a report (COEP/15/23) asking Members to consider the request from Brymbo Heritage Trust to provide support in delivering the Stori Brymbo vision. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A detailed discussion then ensued, and the following points were raised: · Importance of ensuring the project needed to be handled and managed sensitively in order to succeed. · Assurance sought by the local Member that there should be scrutiny of expenditure by the Trust. · Confirmation that the business plan would be reviewed twice a year. RESOLVED – (i) That the Trust be supported to deliver its ‘Stori Brymbo’ vision. (ii) That approval be given to sign up to the Co-operation Agreement and that Councillor Paul Rogers be nominated to represent the Council at the Co-operation Group. (iv) That the Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration be nominated to serve as a Trustee on the Board of the new Trust. (v) That the appropriate Head of Service be given approval to support the Trust as detailed in the request in paragraph 2.8 of report COEP/15/23. Reason for decisions The Trust’s proposals support a range of Council Plan priorities, having potential to bring a wide range of benefits to Wrexham, particularly in respect of heritage, tourism, and regeneration. The Council’s support will enhance the contribution these proposals can make. The Council’s support to help the Trust manage grant funders’ claims arrangements will allow the Trust to deliver proposals within their existing resources. The proposals rely on continued support and confidence from a number of principal funders including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund and the Welsh Government; in addition to the landowners interest in the Trust delivering its vision. The Funders and the Landowner place significant value on the involvement and endorsement of the Council.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the revised SACRE constitution be approved. Reasons for decision (i) The SACRE constitution requires revisions as it does not fully reflect current educational legislation and practice, which includes the constitution of an additional Standing Advisory Council (SAC) on Religion, values and ethics (the new name for Religious education in the Curriculum for Wales). (ii) Based on the significant number of Hindus living in the UK, Wales and locally in Wrexham (evident in the 2021 Census), it is deemed appropriate by the SACRE to have a place on group A for a representative from the Hindu faith, alongside the Christian denominations, the Islamic Cultural Centre and Wrexham Humanists.
The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COEEI/02/23) to seek approval for the revised Wrexham Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education constitution driven by the requirement to constitute a Standing Advisory Council on Religion, Values and Ethics. RESOLVED - That the revised SACRE constitution be approved. Reasons for decision (i) The SACRE constitution requires revisions as it does not fully reflect current educational legislation and practice, which includes the constitution of an additional Standing Advisory Council (SAC) on Religion, values and ethics (the new name for Religious education in the Curriculum for Wales). (ii) Based on the significant number of Hindus living in the UK, Wales and locally in Wrexham (evident in the 2021 Census), it is deemed appropriate by the SACRE to have a place on group A for a representative from the Hindu faith, alongside the Christian denominations, the Islamic Cultural Centre and Wrexham Humanists.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) Wrexham Council removed all provision for Post 16 transport as part of a budget plan in April 2015 (Report No HHPPE/51/15). The Executive Board note the Welsh Government’s future plans to undertake a wholesale review of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 and to avoid the potential for abortive works, Officers await the publication of the wider national Policy Review prior to any further work being undertaken. (ii) That, noting the concerns of the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee on 8 December 2022, the Chair of Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee be invited to prepare a report relating to items raised at this meeting for consideration at a future Executive Board meeting. (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. Reason for decisions To ensure any assistance with the provision of post-16 school transport can be provided whilst findings of the Welsh Government's review of the existing Learner Travel Measure (Wales) 2008 is awaited.
The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COEEI/07/23) to respond to the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee’s recommendation made at their meeting held on 8 December 2022. The Lead Member introduced the report and moved some amended recommendations to await the Welsh Government review of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008, prior to any further work being undertaken. A discussion ensued and the following points were noted: · Timescales were imperative as pupils decided which School they would attend early in the New Year, and transport was usually a factor. · Importance of ensuring that Officers continued to liaise with Headteachers regarding school transport provision. · Acknowledgement that there would be significant costs required to introduce post 16 transport. · Confirmation that in order to amend the policy, an extensive consultation period was required which enabled all stakeholders to engage. These consultations needed to be made in term time which ensured that parents had enough opportunity to respond to any suggested changes. RESOLVED – (i) Wrexham Council removed all provision for Post 16 transport as part of a budget plan in April 2015 (Report No HHPPE/51/15). The Executive Board note the Welsh Government’s future plans to undertake a wholesale review of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 and to avoid the potential for abortive works, Officers await the publication of the wider national Policy Review prior to any further work being undertaken. (ii) That, noting the concerns of the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee on 8 December 2022, the Chair of Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee be invited to prepare a report relating to items raised at this meeting for consideration at a future Executive Board meeting. (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. Reason for decisions To ensure any assistance with the provision of post-16 school transport can be provided whilst findings of the Welsh Government's review of the existing Learner Travel Measure (Wales) 2008 is awaited.
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 15 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).