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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 the 2022/23 Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report be approved. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the Council carries out its duties with regard to the Welsh language as outlined in its Welsh Language Standards. (ii) To enable the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report for 2022/23 to be published on its website as required by the Language Commissioner in accordance with Standards 158, 164 and 170.
RESOLVED - That the Executive Board continue to support reviewed policy documents, namely the Highway Safety Inspection Policy (Appendix 1 to report COET/17/23) and the Highways Winter Maintenance Policy (Appendix 2). Reason for decision As part of the continual review of service under the Council Plan Priority for Improving the Environment, this report highlights the importance of these policy documents and their continued use in the current format.
RESOLVED - (i) That the renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog fouling and dog control which covers the County Borough, as set out in Appendix 1 to report COET/19/23, be approved. (ii) That the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog fouling and dog control covering the County Borough commences on 1 October 2023 until 30 September 2026. Reason for decisions To ensure public land is kept free from dog fouling and that dog owners act responsibly to keep dogs under control in public areas.
RESOLVED – (i) That the Director’s Report for 2022/23 be approved and the improvement priorities for 2023/24 be published in September 2023. (ii) That Members support Officers in progressing the improvement priorities. Reason for decisions The Annual ‘Director’s Report’ is intended to provide a clear picture of the performance of Social Services in Wrexham. Its publication will ensure requirements placed upon the Statutory Director of Social Services are fulfilled under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act regulations. It will also enable Regulators to use the report to assist in determining the inspection programme for Social Services in Wrexham.
RESOLVED – That the Prevent, Channel and Modern Slavery policies be approved. Reasons for decisions (i) Safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk is a high priority for the Council. (ii) The Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 set out a number of statutory duties and responsibilities on Local Authorities. These policies set out the systems, procedures and actions by which the Local Authority will be assured that it is fulfilling its duties.
RESOLVED - (i) That Councillors Michael Morris and Jeremy Newton be appointed onto the Planning Policy Panel. (ii) That Councillor Hugh Jones be appointed onto the Corporate Land and Buildings Strategy Group. (iii) That Group Leaders provide further names of nominated Councillors for the remainder of the vacant seats, as detailed in report COGC/79/23, to the Chief Officer Governance & Customer within three weeks. Reason for decisions To agree the appointment of Members to the vacant seats on Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels and Working Groups in accordance with the Constitution.
RESOLVED - That Members note the 2023/24 budgetary forecast for the year based on the position as at 31 July. Reason for decision To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address the budget pressures forecast.
RESOLVED – (i) That the Executive Board, in consideration of the views of the elected Members who attended the All Member Workshop, does not support either of the options being consulted on, and responds to the consultation as set out in Appendix 1 to report CE/24/23. (ii) That the Executive Board calls on the Fire Authority to maintain the current levels of emergency cover within the County Borough of Wrexham. (iii) That all Councillors are reminded they can respond individually to the consultation survey by 30 September, which is available at www.northwalesfire.gov.wales (iv) That these matters be dealt with as urgent items of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution due to the necessity to respond to the consultation by the set deadline of 30 September 2023 (v) That the response also includes reference to the options as presented not providing value for money, and seeks assurance that the Fire and Rescue Authority will keep the Council informed if any other options are progressed. (vi) That Council be recommended to approve the response to the consultation at its Meeting on 27 September 2023 as an urgent item of business. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the views of Members that have been raised during the workshop and endorsed by Executive Board, are shared with the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority in response to their consultation (ii) To meet the deadline for submission of the response by 30 September 2023
RESOLVED – (i) That the Chief Officer Economy & Planning (in consultation with the Lead Member for Organisation – Finance & Performance), be authorised to continue with the development of this project as outlined in 2.7 table 1 of report COEP/52/23 before RIBA stage 3, and agree that Officer time is provided from the Council’s Regeneration Team to achieve the project aims. (ii) Following the development work in table 1 2.7 there will be a clear pause to allow us to assess the viability of this project in order to make an informed decision to invest in RIBA Stage 3. We will present this back to the Executive Board for full consideration. (iii) That a public consultation exercise be undertaken on the options for the re-development and future use of Wrexham Memorial Hall. Reason for decisions (i) To support the Wrexham Memorial Hall Project (ii) To allow further work to be undertaken to ascertain the viability of this project.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 July 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 12 – WCBC Response to Fire and Rescue Service Emergency Cover Review 2023 Councillor Marc Jones – Personal – Member of the Fire Authority The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the 2022/23 Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report be approved. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the Council carries out its duties with regard to the Welsh language as outlined in its Welsh Language Standards. (ii) To enable the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report for 2022/23 to be published on its website as required by the Language Commissioner in accordance with Standards 158, 164 and 170.
The Lead Member for Environment submitted a report (COGC/115/22) asking Members to approve the Council’s Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report for 2022/23 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 discussion ensued and the following points were noted: · Confirmation that there had been a slight delay in the annual being published. · Importance of ensuring that all staff were made aware of the tools that were available to them, in particular the Welsh language proof reading package which was available for all staff to download from the Software Centre. · Clarification sought with regards to the number of Welsh speaking staff being employed. · Confirmation that a Welsh Speaking Swimming Teacher had recently been appointed, and swimming lessons at Waterworld were expected to commence in November. RESOLVED - That the 2022/23 Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report be approved. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the Council carries out its duties with regard to the Welsh language as outlined in its Welsh Language Standards. (ii) To enable the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report for 2022/23 to be published on its website as required by the Language Commissioner in accordance with Standards 158, 164 and 170.
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Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the Executive Board continue to support reviewed policy documents, namely the Highway Safety Inspection Policy (Appendix 1 to report COET/17/23) and the Highways Winter Maintenance Policy (Appendix 2). Reason for decision As part of the continual review of service under the Council Plan Priority for Improving the Environment, this report highlights the importance of these policy documents and their continued use in the current format.
The Lead Member for Environment submitted a report (COET/17/23) asking Members to approve the Highway Safety Inspection Policy and to note the summary of the Streetscene Winter Service operations and arrangements. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. The following points were highlighted during the debate: · Confirmation by the Lead Member that the Environment Department would be starting a programme of replenishing salt bins soon in preparation for the colder weather. It was acknowledged that timing of this programme was important as the bins were sometimes emptied for use on private driveways, but the Department used forecasting to ensure they had the right equipment and resources at the right time. · Explanation of the process undertaken for carrying out pot hole repairs. · Confirmation that a change in legislation, or a change in Council procedure would trigger an in-depth review of the policy. RESOLVED - That the Executive Board continue to support reviewed policy documents, namely the Highway Safety Inspection Policy (Appendix 1 to report COET/17/23) and the Highways Winter Maintenance Policy (Appendix 2). Reason for decision As part of the continual review of service under the Council Plan Priority for Improving the Environment, this report highlights the importance of these policy documents and their continued use in the current format.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog fouling and dog control which covers the County Borough, as set out in Appendix 1 to report COET/19/23, be approved. (ii) That the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog fouling and dog control covering the County Borough commences on 1 October 2023 until 30 September 2026. Reason for decisions To ensure public land is kept free from dog fouling and that dog owners act responsibly to keep dogs under control in public areas.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance and the Lead Member for Environment submitted a report (COET/19/23) to seek approval to renew the current Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog fouling and dog control that covers the County Borough for a further three years (2023 – 2026). The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. Collectively Members highlighted the importance of ensuring that dog owners should clean up after their dog, but sadly it was acknowledged that some owners were irresponsible. It was agreed that it was very unusual for Enforcement Officers to witness irresponsible behaviour which made it difficult to prosecute. RESOLVED - (i) That the renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog fouling and dog control which covers the County Borough, as set out in Appendix 1 to report COET/19/23, be approved. (ii) That the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog fouling and dog control covering the County Borough commences on 1 October 2023 until 30 September 2026. Reason for decisions To ensure public land is kept free from dog fouling and that dog owners act responsibly to keep dogs under control in public areas.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Director’s Report for 2022/23 be approved and the improvement priorities for 2023/24 be published in September 2023. (ii) That Members support Officers in progressing the improvement priorities. Reason for decisions The Annual ‘Director’s Report’ is intended to provide a clear picture of the performance of Social Services in Wrexham. Its publication will ensure requirements placed upon the Statutory Director of Social Services are fulfilled under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act regulations. It will also enable Regulators to use the report to assist in determining the inspection programme for Social Services in Wrexham.
The Lead Member for Children’s Services and the Lead Member for Adult Social Care submitted a report (COSC/18/2023) to provide Members with a draft version of the Social Services Director’s Report for 2022/23 for their consideration. The Lead Member for Adult Social Care presented the report and drew Members’ attention to the main points contained within it. He referenced the following: · The role of a carer was extremely challenging. · Confirmation that Officers worked closely with the third sector, particularly around generating grant funding. · Acknowledgement that there were changes and improvements still needing to be made within Children’s Services, but it was pleasing to note that the Department were feeling more confident about supporting families, monitoring children on the child protection register and becoming confident in discharging children from the register. · Confirmation that savings had been identified through transferring agency staff to employed staff. RESOLVED – (i) That the Director’s Report for 2022/23 be approved and the improvement priorities for 2023/24 be published in September 2023. (ii) That Members support Officers in progressing the improvement priorities. Reason for decisions The Annual ‘Director’s Report’ is intended to provide a clear picture of the performance of Social Services in Wrexham. Its publication will ensure requirements placed upon the Statutory Director of Social Services are fulfilled under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act regulations. It will also enable Regulators to use the report to assist in determining the inspection programme for Social Services in Wrexham.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the Prevent, Channel and Modern Slavery policies be approved. Reasons for decisions (i) Safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk is a high priority for the Council. (ii) The Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 set out a number of statutory duties and responsibilities on Local Authorities. These policies set out the systems, procedures and actions by which the Local Authority will be assured that it is fulfilling its duties.
The Lead Member for Adult Social Care and the Lead Member for Children’s Services submitted a report (COSC/21/23) asking Members to approve the draft policies on Modern Slavery, Channel and Prevent. RESOLVED – That the Prevent, Channel and Modern Slavery policies be approved. Reasons for decisions (i) Safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk is a high priority for the Council. (ii) The Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 set out a number of statutory duties and responsibilities on Local Authorities. These policies set out the systems, procedures and actions by which the Local Authority will be assured that it is fulfilling its duties.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That Councillors Michael Morris and Jeremy Newton be appointed onto the Planning Policy Panel. (ii) That Councillor Hugh Jones be appointed onto the Corporate Land and Buildings Strategy Group. (iii) That Group Leaders provide further names of nominated Councillors for the remainder of the vacant seats, as detailed in report COGC/79/23, to the Chief Officer Governance & Customer within three weeks. Reason for decisions To agree the appointment of Members to the vacant seats on Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels and Working Groups in accordance with the Constitution.
The Lead Member for Corporate Services submitted a report (COGC/79/23) asking Members to consider the appointment of Members to the vacant seats on Statutory and Non-Statutory Groups which fall to be reconstituted by the Executive Board. RESOLVED - (i) That Councillors Michael Morris and Jeremy Newton be appointed onto the Planning Policy Panel. (ii) That Councillor Hugh Jones be appointed onto the Corporate Land and Buildings Strategy Group. (iii) That Group Leaders provide further names of nominated Councillors for the remainder of the vacant seats, as detailed in report COGC/79/23, to the Chief Officer Governance & Customer within three weeks. Reason for decisions To agree the appointment of Members to the vacant seats on Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels and Working Groups in accordance with the Constitution.
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 11 to 18 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That Members note the 2023/24 budgetary forecast for the year based on the position as at 31 July. Reason for decision To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address the budget pressures forecast.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/21/23) to inform Members of the Council’s 2023/24 current budgetary position as at 31 July 2023, including the Housing Revenue Account. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued, and the following topics were discussed: · Acknowledgment that Officers had been working extremely hard to deliver savings. · Clarification sought regarding trade union consultation. · Suggestion that Scrutiny had a huge role to play with regards to budget monitoring and identifying savings. · Confirmation that an All Member Budget Workshop was taking place on 3 October. · Update from the Lead Member that the settlement wouldn’t be announced until 19 December, which was later than usual. · Uncertainty around grant funding, particularly those which funded certain posts. · Confirmation that progress was being made on the in-year budget planning, and work on next year’s budget was also progressing. · Confirmation that in terms of staff pay, the report set out assumptions based on what the current pay offer was. RESOLVED - That Members note the 2023/24 budgetary forecast for the year based on the position as at 31 July. Reason for decision To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address the budget pressures forecast.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Executive Board, in consideration of the views of the elected Members who attended the All Member Workshop, does not support either of the options being consulted on, and responds to the consultation as set out in Appendix 1 to report CE/24/23. (ii) That the Executive Board calls on the Fire Authority to maintain the current levels of emergency cover within the County Borough of Wrexham. (iii) That all Councillors are reminded they can respond individually to the consultation survey by 30 September, which is available at www.northwalesfire.gov.wales (iv) That these matters be dealt with as urgent items of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution due to the necessity to respond to the consultation by the set deadline of 30 September 2023 (v) That the response also includes reference to the options as presented not providing value for money, and seeks assurance that the Fire and Rescue Authority will keep the Council informed if any other options are progressed. (vi) That Council be recommended to approve the response to the consultation at its Meeting on 27 September 2023 as an urgent item of business. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the views of Members that have been raised during the workshop and endorsed by Executive Board, are shared with the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority in response to their consultation (ii) To meet the deadline for submission of the response by 30 September 2023
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 28 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (CE/24/23) asking Members to consider the Council’s response to the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority’s Emergency Cover Review Consultation. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. Member asked questions which were responded to accordingly, and the following points were highlighted during the debate: · Concern that if the proposals went ahead, lives would be put at risk. · Confirmation that the consultation period had been extended to 30 September 2023. · Importance of noting that all Councils had explored and delivered a shared delivery model, but this was not referenced in the consultation. · Suggestion that options 4 and 5 should be explored further. · Concern that option 2 was ultimately linked to terms and conditions of fire and rescue service staff and that redundancy notices would be a way of forcing changes to shift patterns. · Importance of making it clear that option 3 did not provide value for money. · Importance of ensuring that if any other options were progressed then we should be kept informed. · Request that today’s recommendations be considered at Full Council. RESOLVED – (i) That the Executive Board, in consideration of the views of the elected Members who attended the All Member Workshop, does not support either of the options being consulted on, and responds to the consultation as set out in Appendix 1 to report CE/24/23. (ii) That the Executive Board calls on the Fire Authority to maintain the current levels of emergency cover within the County Borough of Wrexham. (iii) That all Councillors are reminded they can respond individually to the consultation survey by 30 September, which is available at www.northwalesfire.gov.wales (iv) That these matters be dealt with as urgent items of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution due to the necessity to respond to the consultation by the set deadline of 30 September 2023 (v) That the response also includes reference to the options as presented not providing value for money, and seeks assurance that the Fire and Rescue Authority will keep the Council informed if any other options are progressed. (vi) That Council be recommended to approve the response to the consultation at its Meeting on 27 September 2023 as an urgent item of business. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the views of Members that have been raised during the workshop and endorsed by Executive Board, are shared with the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority in response to their consultation (ii) To meet the deadline for submission of the response by 30 September 2023
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Chief Officer Economy & Planning (in consultation with the Lead Member for Organisation – Finance & Performance), be authorised to continue with the development of this project as outlined in 2.7 table 1 of report COEP/52/23 before RIBA stage 3, and agree that Officer time is provided from the Council’s Regeneration Team to achieve the project aims. (ii) Following the development work in table 1 2.7 there will be a clear pause to allow us to assess the viability of this project in order to make an informed decision to invest in RIBA Stage 3. We will present this back to the Executive Board for full consideration. (iii) That a public consultation exercise be undertaken on the options for the re-development and future use of Wrexham Memorial Hall. Reason for decisions (i) To support the Wrexham Memorial Hall Project (ii) To allow further work to be undertaken to ascertain the viability of this project.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COEP/52/23) advising Members of the outcome of a Feasibility Study to consider options for the re-development and future use of Wrexham Memorial Hall, and to seek approval for progression to the next stage of design. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. Collectively Members welcomed the proposals contained within the report and highlighted the benefits they would bring. It was suggested that a public consultation exercise should be undertaken to enable all parties to express their reviews with regards to the re-development and future use of the Memorial Hall. RESOLVED – (i) That the Chief Officer Economy & Planning (in consultation with the Lead Member for Organisation – Finance & Performance), be authorised to continue with the development of this project as outlined in 2.7 table 1 of report COEP/52/23 before RIBA stage 3, and agree that Officer time is provided from the Council’s Regeneration Team to achieve the project aims. (ii) Following the development work in table 1 2.7 there will be a clear pause to allow us to assess the viability of this project in order to make an informed decision to invest in RIBA Stage 3. We will present this back to the Executive Board for full consideration. (iii) That a public consultation exercise be undertaken on the options for the re-development and future use of Wrexham Memorial Hall. Reason for decisions (i) To support the Wrexham Memorial Hall Project (ii) To allow further work to be undertaken to ascertain the viability of this project.
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).
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Mark Pritchard, resumed Chair of the Meeting from this point in the proceedings.