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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 Agenda Item 8 – Rhosddu Road be brought forward for consideration at this time.
RESOLVED – That the commissioning of a feasibility study to explore and make recommendations on the future use of the Rhosddu Road site with a consideration for social housing be approved. Reason for decision To provide Members with a clear and transparent review of the potential future uses of the whole of the site, which could include a provision for much needed social housing.
RESOLVED – (i) That the 2022 - 2027 Welsh Language Promotional Strategy be approved ahead of publishing on the corporate website. (ii) That the contents of the evaluation of the 2016 – 2021 Welsh Language Promotional Strategy be noted ahead of publishing on the corporate website. (iii) That all Members and staff be encouraged to achieve a minimum of Level 1 Welsh Language proficiency by 2027. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the Council carries out its duties with regard to the promotion of Welsh language and culture as outlined in its Welsh Language Standards. (ii) To enable the Welsh Language Promotional Strategy 2022 -2027 to be published on its website as required by the Language Commissioner in accordance with Standard 145 together with the evaluation of the previous strategy (2016 – 2021) in accordance with Standard 146. (iii) To ensure that all Members and staff have the opportunity to learn Welsh and increase its usage both in the community and across council services.
RESOLVED - That the Flintshire and Wrexham Public Services Board’s Well-being Plan (2023 – 2028) be approved. Reason for decision To enable the PSB organisations to move to the delivery phase of the plan.
RESOLVED - That the Prevention and Early Help Strategy be approved. Reasons for decision (i) The Prevention and Early Help Strategy is an important document as it embodies the commitment of all partners in Wrexham who work with children, young people and families to focus on supporting them at the earliest opportunity within the five priority areas identified within the strategy. (ii) WCBC is one of many partners who will be signed up to the Prevention and Early Help Strategy and holds responsibility for the co-ordination and administration of the strategy and its action plan. (iii) To ensure that the commitment to maintaining Prevention and Early Help provision remains paramount within the Council and across Partner organisations and that together every effort is made to maximise the resources that support these activities. (iv) In time, the strategy aims to evidence a reduction in the pressure on complex and specialist services.
RESOLVED – (i) That the recommendations from the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group be approved for applications to progress to the next stage of the SPF process and submit a Stage 2 Application Form, which gives a more detailed overview of the project. Should they pass the due diligence checks following the Stage 2 application then progress to receiving funding. (ii) That the reserve list of applications be approved. Should recommended projects not be able to go ahead for any reason and funds are available to reallocate, these should be allocated to the reserve list in ranking order. (iii) That the Executive Board receive a report back on the outcome of the Stage 2 process. (iv) That the Executive Board receive six monthly reports to monitor progress and ensure funds are being spent appropriately. (v) That this matter is 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 consider the applications that have been through the technical assessment and have been recommended by the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group to progress to the next stage of the SPF process and submit a stage 2 application. (ii) The reason for urgency is in order to provide feedback to the applicants to progress to Stage 2 of the application process which is a time limited process in order to ensure SPF funds are distributed as soon as possible.
An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 18 April 2023 be signed as a correct record.
Members were reminded of their responsibility, under Paragraph 11 of the Members’ Code of Conduct, to declare any interests in relation to any of the business to be transacted at this meeting. The following declaration was made: Agenda Item 5 - Welsh Language Promotional Strategy 2022-2027 Councillor Marc Jones – Personal - Volunteer board member, Saith Seren Welsh Language Centre The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon. Agenda Items 9 and 12 – Shared Prosperity Fund Applications Councillors Hugh Jones and Paul Roberts – Personal - One of the areas of land is owned by a Member of Rossett Community Council which they are also Members of. The Councillors remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion and voting thereon. Councillor Nigel Williams – Personal - Council nominated Member of some of the organisations being discussed. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion and voting thereon. Councillor John Pritchard – Personal and prejudicial – Chair of Trustees of the local Village Hall (which could benefit) and has association as part of his duties with an applicant. The Councillor withdrew from the meeting for these items taking no part in the discussion and voting thereon. Councillor Phil Wynn – Personal and prejudicial – Is a supporter of an SPF application made in the name of the Wrexham Warehouse project. The Councillor withdrew from the meeting for these items taking no part in the discussion and voting thereon.
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.
The council hasn't recorded attendance for this meeting.
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Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That Agenda Item 8 – Rhosddu Road be brought forward for consideration at this time.
RESOLVED – That Agenda Item 8 – Rhosddu Road be brought forward for consideration at this time.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the commissioning of a feasibility study to explore and make recommendations on the future use of the Rhosddu Road site with a consideration for social housing be approved. Reason for decision To provide Members with a clear and transparent review of the potential future uses of the whole of the site, which could include a provision for much needed social housing.
The Lead Member for Housing submitted a report (COH/18/23) seeking Members’ agreement to commission a feasibility study to demonstrate the future potential uses for the Rhosddu Road site, to include vacant land (at the site of the former Centre 67), Greenacres, the Cunliffe Centre and Springfield Sheltered Accommodation. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued and the following points were raised: · Suggestion that the waiting list should be reviewed as it currently included tenants who wished to transfer to a different property and therefore didn’t accurately reflect those in priority need. · Assurances sought by the local Member that the site would include 100% social housing, or social housing plus a replacement for the Cunliffe Centre. RESOLVED – That the commissioning of a feasibility study to explore and make recommendations on the future use of the Rhosddu Road site with a consideration for social housing be approved. Reason for decision To provide Members with a clear and transparent review of the potential future uses of the whole of the site, which could include a provision for much needed social housing.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the 2022 - 2027 Welsh Language Promotional Strategy be approved ahead of publishing on the corporate website. (ii) That the contents of the evaluation of the 2016 – 2021 Welsh Language Promotional Strategy be noted ahead of publishing on the corporate website. (iii) That all Members and staff be encouraged to achieve a minimum of Level 1 Welsh Language proficiency by 2027. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the Council carries out its duties with regard to the promotion of Welsh language and culture as outlined in its Welsh Language Standards. (ii) To enable the Welsh Language Promotional Strategy 2022 -2027 to be published on its website as required by the Language Commissioner in accordance with Standard 145 together with the evaluation of the previous strategy (2016 – 2021) in accordance with Standard 146. (iii) To ensure that all Members and staff have the opportunity to learn Welsh and increase its usage both in the community and across council services.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 129 above) The Lead Member for Environment submitted a report (COGC/42/2023) seeking approval for the Council’s Welsh Language Promotional Strategy 2022-2027 prior to it being published on the Council’s website. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued, and the following points were raised: · Confirmation by some Group Leaders that their Members would be encouraged to take up a Welsh Language course. · Suggestion that the Independent Group join the Welsh Language Forum in order to provide representation from all political groups, and help embed the Welsh language across the Authority. · Recognition of the advantages that hosting the Eisteddfod will bring with regards to the Welsh language. · Acknowledgement that Wrexham Football Club had positively impacted on the Welsh Language. · Suggestion that staff and Members should be encouraged to achieve a minimum of Level 1 Welsh Language proficiency by 2027. RESOLVED – (i) That the 2022 - 2027 Welsh Language Promotional Strategy be approved ahead of publishing on the corporate website. (ii) That the contents of the evaluation of the 2016 – 2021 Welsh Language Promotional Strategy be noted ahead of publishing on the corporate website. (iii) That all Members and staff be encouraged to achieve a minimum of Level 1 Welsh Language proficiency by 2027. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the Council carries out its duties with regard to the promotion of Welsh language and culture as outlined in its Welsh Language Standards. (ii) To enable the Welsh Language Promotional Strategy 2022 -2027 to be published on its website as required by the Language Commissioner in accordance with Standard 145 together with the evaluation of the previous strategy (2016 – 2021) in accordance with Standard 146. (iii) To ensure that all Members and staff have the opportunity to learn Welsh and increase its usage both in the community and across council services.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the Flintshire and Wrexham Public Services Board’s Well-being Plan (2023 – 2028) be approved. Reason for decision To enable the PSB organisations to move to the delivery phase of the plan.
The Lead Member for Community Safety and Partnerships submitted a report (CE/14/23) to approve the Flintshire and Wrexham Public Services Board’s Well-being Plan (2023-2028) which is a statutory requirement on Wrexham County Borough Council, as set out by the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. RESOLVED - That the Flintshire and Wrexham Public Services Board’s Well-being Plan (2023 – 2028) be approved. Reason for decision To enable the PSB organisations to move to the delivery phase of the plan.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the Prevention and Early Help Strategy be approved. Reasons for decision (i) The Prevention and Early Help Strategy is an important document as it embodies the commitment of all partners in Wrexham who work with children, young people and families to focus on supporting them at the earliest opportunity within the five priority areas identified within the strategy. (ii) WCBC is one of many partners who will be signed up to the Prevention and Early Help Strategy and holds responsibility for the co-ordination and administration of the strategy and its action plan. (iii) To ensure that the commitment to maintaining Prevention and Early Help provision remains paramount within the Council and across Partner organisations and that together every effort is made to maximise the resources that support these activities. (iv) In time, the strategy aims to evidence a reduction in the pressure on complex and specialist services.
The Lead Member for Children’s Services and the Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COSC/11/23) submitted a report to request support for the Prevention and Early Help Strategy. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued and the following points were highlighted: · Importance of ensuring that there was good attendance at the Prevention and Early Help (PEH) Partnership. · Confirmation that an exercise was currently under way to recruit a Partnerships Officer. · Clarification sought with regards to how Members could view service plans for both Adults and Children’s Services. RESOLVED - That the Prevention and Early Help Strategy be approved. Reasons for decision (i) The Prevention and Early Help Strategy is an important document as it embodies the commitment of all partners in Wrexham who work with children, young people and families to focus on supporting them at the earliest opportunity within the five priority areas identified within the strategy. (ii) WCBC is one of many partners who will be signed up to the Prevention and Early Help Strategy and holds responsibility for the co-ordination and administration of the strategy and its action plan. (iii) To ensure that the commitment to maintaining Prevention and Early Help provision remains paramount within the Council and across Partner organisations and that together every effort is made to maximise the resources that support these activities. (iv) In time, the strategy aims to evidence a reduction in the pressure on complex and specialist services.
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 9 and 12 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the recommendations from the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group be approved for applications to progress to the next stage of the SPF process and submit a Stage 2 Application Form, which gives a more detailed overview of the project. Should they pass the due diligence checks following the Stage 2 application then progress to receiving funding. (ii) That the reserve list of applications be approved. Should recommended projects not be able to go ahead for any reason and funds are available to reallocate, these should be allocated to the reserve list in ranking order. (iii) That the Executive Board receive a report back on the outcome of the Stage 2 process. (iv) That the Executive Board receive six monthly reports to monitor progress and ensure funds are being spent appropriately. (v) That this matter is 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 consider the applications that have been through the technical assessment and have been recommended by the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group to progress to the next stage of the SPF process and submit a stage 2 application. (ii) The reason for urgency is in order to provide feedback to the applicants to progress to Stage 2 of the application process which is a time limited process in order to ensure SPF funds are distributed as soon as possible.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 129 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COEP/25/23) asking Members to consider the recommendations from the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group for the projects to proceed to the Stage 2 application process and be considered for SPF funding. The Lead Member presented the report, and in doing so wished to pay tribute to those individuals and organisations who had submitted applications. A debate ensued and the following points were highlighted: · Clarification sought regarding the membership of the Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group. · Confirmation that the Council submitted 50 applications. · As host authority, Cyngor Gwynedd Council would administer the UKSPF funding and would therefore need to be satisfied that the correct process had been followed. RESOLVED – (i) That the recommendations from the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group be approved for applications to progress to the next stage of the SPF process and submit a Stage 2 Application Form, which gives a more detailed overview of the project. Should they pass the due diligence checks following the Stage 2 application then progress to receiving funding. (ii) That the reserve list of applications be approved. Should recommended projects not be able to go ahead for any reason and funds are available to reallocate, these should be allocated to the reserve list in ranking order. (iii) That the Executive Board receive a report back on the outcome of the Stage 2 process. (iv) That the Executive Board receive six monthly reports to monitor progress and ensure funds are being spent appropriately. (v) That this matter is 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 consider the applications that have been through the technical assessment and have been recommended by the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group to progress to the next stage of the SPF process and submit a stage 2 application. (ii) The reason for urgency is in order to provide feedback to the applicants to progress to Stage 2 of the application process which is a time limited process in order to ensure SPF funds are distributed as soon as possible.
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).