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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 2023/24 budgetary forecast for the year based on the Quarter 2 position be noted. 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 – That the rolling programme for 2023/224 to 2024/25 as detailed in appendices 2 and 3 to report COFI/23/23 be approved. Reason for decision This report follows an earlier monitoring report in July in compliance with Financial Regulation 3.13 that requires that the Chief Officer Finance & ICT monitors and reports to Members on the Capital Programme.
RESOLVED – That the Treasury Management Semi-Annual Review 2023-24 report be noted. Reason for decision To comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code and Code of Practice on Treasury Management.
RESOLVED – (i) That the recommendations from the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group for the allocation of Multiply funding, to channel the remaining £2,281,471 to administer and create a key fund for numeracy activities targeting people aged 19+ 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. Reason for decisions To consider the recommendations by the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group to utilise the remaining funds in the Multiply theme of the Shared Prosperity Fund. The reason for urgency is in order to open the application window for the key fund which is a time limited process in order to ensure SPF funds are distributed as soon as possible.
RESOLVED - (i) That the grant of a 21 year lease at a nominal rent of £1 per annum of the land shown in Appendix 1 to report COH/19/23 to Abenbury Community Council otherwise be authorised on terms and conditions to be negotiated by the Chief Officer Housing, in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance & Performance. (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to advertise the intention to dispose of the land shown cross hatched in Appendix 1, forming part of an open space pursuant to Section 123 (2A) Local Government Act 1972. (iii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be required to report to the Executive Board on any objection received to the intended disposal of the site forming part of the open space but that in the absence of objection the land is disposed of as set out in the report. Reason for decisions To ensure there is a plan in place for the future of the site which can be progressed.
RESOLVED – (i) That the grant of a 50 year lease of the land shown in Appendix 1 to report COH/49/23 be authorised to Gwersyllt Park Cricket Club at a nominal rent of £1 per annum otherwise on terms and conditions including determination of boundaries to be negotiated by the Chief Officer Housing, in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance & Performance. The lease to include consent for the Cricket Club to re-develop the site with a new pavilion in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant and planning consent. (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to advertise the intention to dispose of the land shown cross hatched in Appendix 1, forming part of an open space pursuant to Section 123 (2A) Local Government Act 1972. (iii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be required to report to the Executive Board on any objection received to the intended disposal of the site forming part of the open space but that in the absence of objection the land is disposed of as set out in the report. (iv) That the Chief Officer Housing be authorised to liaise with Gwersyllt Park Cricket club that it concurrently surrenders the lease dated 13 October 2016. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure there is a plan in place for the future development of the site which can be progressed. (ii) To enable the cricket club to explore and secure new funding streams for the improvement of the existing facilities for the benefit of the cricket club and local community.
RESOLVED – That the report and Annual Letter be endorsed and the Council’s performance within be noted. Reason for decision To enable Members to review the Council’s performance in responding to customer complaints.
RESOLVED - That the important work undertaken by the North Wales Regional Partnership Board be noted, together with the progress reported in the Annual Report for 2022/23 on the work areas being taken forward regionally. Reason for decision As a Statutory Partner with the Regional Partnership Board it is incumbent on us to consider the work of the Partnership Board on a yearly basis.
RESOLVED – (i) That Officers be given delegated authority to consult with all relevant parties regarding a permanent increase in capacity at St Mary’s VA CIW Primary School, Brymbo, Wrexham LL11 5DA. (ii) That Executive Board Members receive a further report in due course which will detail Officer’s response to the consultation and seek their approval for a preferred way forward. Reasons for decisions (i) The Council have a duty to ensure that the children and young people of Wrexham are being afforded the education and learning opportunities they deserve, which includes providing suitable learning environments and meeting the demand for school places. (ii) To improve the condition and suitability of the education estate (iii) To develop sustainable learning environments (iii) To support the community served by St Mary’s CIW VA, Brymbo school
RESOLVED – (i) That the Elected Member and Workforce Travel Plan be approved in order to implement actions with immediate effect. (ii) That the corporate and departmental actions outlined in report COET/21/23 be endorsed, and that Members receive an update on progress towards defined targets in April 2024. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure a ‘one Council’ approach to travelling for Council-business. (ii) To make significant changes for the benefit of health and wellbeing, and decarbonisation. (iii) To monitor progress with the actions contained within the Plan.
An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor Rob Walsh.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 19 September 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 declarations were made: Agenda Item 5 – 2023/24 Quarter 2 Revenue Budget Update Councillors, David A Bithell, Brian Cameron, Dana Davies, Hugh Jones, Beverley Parry-Jones, John Pritchard, Graham Rogers and Phil Wynn – Personal and Prejudicial – LEA School Governor. The Councillors remained in the meeting and claimed an exemption under Paragraph 12(2) of the Members’ Code of Conduct taking part in the discussion and in the case of Executive Board Members, voting thereon. Councillor Andy Gallanders – Personal and Prejudicial – LEA School Governor, and a Town Centre Business owner. The Councillor remained in the meeting and claimed an exemption under Paragraph 12(2) of the Members’ Code of Conduct taking part in the discussion thereon. Agenda Item 10 – Gwersyllt Park Cricket Club, Park Wall Road, Gwersyllt, Wrexham, LL11 4DA Councillor Tina Mannering – Personal – Appointed by Wrexham County Borough Council onto the Gwersyllt Park Cricket Club Management Committee as a Local Member. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon. Agenda Item 13 - Proposal to consult permanently increasing the capacity at St Mary's CIW VA, Brymbo from 154 to 210 with a potential to increase further to 315 if required Councillor Gary Brown – Personal - One of the Council’s nominated Trustees of the Wrexham Parochial Foundation which would be potentially grant aiding the new school capital project. Also a former Governor of the current school and parent of a recent ex pupil of the school. Also employed by the Brymbo Heritage Trust who share some of the aims that the proposal does in terms of regenerating the former Brymbo Steelworks site. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon. Councillor Phil Wynn – Personal - One of the Council’s nominated Trustees of the Wrexham Parochial Foundation which would be potentially grant aiding the new school capital project. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking 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.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.
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 10 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the 2023/24 budgetary forecast for the year based on the Quarter 2 position be noted. Reason for decision To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address the budget pressures forecast.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 47 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/27/23) to inform Members of the current budgetary position for the second quarter of the 2023/24 financial year, including the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). A discussion ensued and the following points were highlighted during the debate: · Confirmation that early predictions were made that pressures would be carried forward in relation to pay increases and a rise to inflation. It was hoped that the pressures would be addressed by the end of the year. · Update from Officers regarding measures put in place to mitigate pressures, and that so far, approximately 50% of those measures had been delivered. · Confirmation that there was still an amount of joint funding contributions to be recovered, and invoices had recently been issued in relation to those. · Confirmation that any unpaid invoices would form part of the Authority’s bad debt position at the end of the year. · Updated on a licensed deficit plan, and confirmation that a report would be presented to Executive Board as soon as plans were in place by the school to repay the deficit. · Recognition that if interventions to reduce expenditure were not successful, there would be a significant budget pressure next year. · Confirmation that structures within Ty Pawb were being reviewed, and a temporary appointment had recently been made into one of the significant roles within Ty Pawb. · Update regarding funding for pupils with additional learning needs. Members were advised that Officers were committed to maximising the best use of resources in what was a very challenging area. RESOLVED - That the 2023/24 budgetary forecast for the year based on the Quarter 2 position be noted. 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 – That the rolling programme for 2023/224 to 2024/25 as detailed in appendices 2 and 3 to report COFI/23/23 be approved. Reason for decision This report follows an earlier monitoring report in July in compliance with Financial Regulation 3.13 that requires that the Chief Officer Finance & ICT monitors and reports to Members on the Capital Programme.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/23/23) to review the 2023/24 – 2024/25 Capital Programme position as at the end of quarter 2, 2023/24. RESOLVED – That the rolling programme for 2023/224 to 2024/25 as detailed in appendices 2 and 3 to report COFI/23/23 be approved. Reason for decision This report follows an earlier monitoring report in July in compliance with Financial Regulation 3.13 that requires that the Chief Officer Finance & ICT monitors and reports to Members on the Capital Programme.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the Treasury Management Semi-Annual Review 2023-24 report be noted. Reason for decision To comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code and Code of Practice on Treasury Management.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/24/23) to review the Semi-Annual Treasury Management activity for 2023/24. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points for consideration. A short debate ensued and Members were advised that in terms of borrowing, one lender had exercised the option in September to move to a higher rate of interest which the Authority had since bought out of. The cost of that debt was now higher but it resulted in avoiding the lender option. It was noted that the Council’s credit rating remained unchanged at A+. RESOLVED – That the Treasury Management Semi-Annual Review 2023-24 report be noted. Reason for decision To comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code and Code of Practice on Treasury Management.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the recommendations from the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group for the allocation of Multiply funding, to channel the remaining £2,281,471 to administer and create a key fund for numeracy activities targeting people aged 19+ 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. Reason for decisions To consider the recommendations by the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group to utilise the remaining funds in the Multiply theme of the Shared Prosperity Fund. The reason for urgency is in order to open the application window for the key fund which is a time limited process in order to ensure SPF funds are distributed as soon as possible.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COEP/60/23) asking Members to consider the recommendations from the ‘Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group’ to utilise the remaining funds in the ‘Multiply’ theme of the Shared Prosperity Fund. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. During the debate, the following points were noted: · Confirmation that there was strict criteria to be adhered to for the Multiply funding. · Confirmation that the Stakeholder Group agreed that a key fund should be opened to allow smaller amounts of money to be made available for the delivery of small projects. · Confirmation by Officers that successful applicants were paid on a quarterly basis, and some had been paid already. RESOLVED – (i) That the recommendations from the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group for the allocation of Multiply funding, to channel the remaining £2,281,471 to administer and create a key fund for numeracy activities targeting people aged 19+ 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. Reason for decisions To consider the recommendations by the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group to utilise the remaining funds in the Multiply theme of the Shared Prosperity Fund. The reason for urgency is in order to open the application window for the key fund which is a time limited process in order to ensure SPF funds are distributed as soon as possible.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the grant of a 21 year lease at a nominal rent of £1 per annum of the land shown in Appendix 1 to report COH/19/23 to Abenbury Community Council otherwise be authorised on terms and conditions to be negotiated by the Chief Officer Housing, in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance & Performance. (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to advertise the intention to dispose of the land shown cross hatched in Appendix 1, forming part of an open space pursuant to Section 123 (2A) Local Government Act 1972. (iii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be required to report to the Executive Board on any objection received to the intended disposal of the site forming part of the open space but that in the absence of objection the land is disposed of as set out in the report. Reason for decisions To ensure there is a plan in place for the future of the site which can be progressed.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COH/19/23) asking Members to consider a request from Abenbury Community Council for a lease of the site of the former Abenbury Community Centre, Bridge Road, Pentre Maelor, Wrexham, LL13 9PT. RESOLVED - (i) That the grant of a 21 year lease at a nominal rent of £1 per annum of the land shown in Appendix 1 to report COH/19/23 to Abenbury Community Council otherwise be authorised on terms and conditions to be negotiated by the Chief Officer Housing, in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance & Performance. (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to advertise the intention to dispose of the land shown cross hatched in Appendix 1, forming part of an open space pursuant to Section 123 (2A) Local Government Act 1972. (iii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be required to report to the Executive Board on any objection received to the intended disposal of the site forming part of the open space but that in the absence of objection the land is disposed of as set out in the report. Reason for decisions To ensure there is a plan in place for the future of the site which can be progressed.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the grant of a 50 year lease of the land shown in Appendix 1 to report COH/49/23 be authorised to Gwersyllt Park Cricket Club at a nominal rent of £1 per annum otherwise on terms and conditions including determination of boundaries to be negotiated by the Chief Officer Housing, in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance & Performance. The lease to include consent for the Cricket Club to re-develop the site with a new pavilion in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant and planning consent. (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to advertise the intention to dispose of the land shown cross hatched in Appendix 1, forming part of an open space pursuant to Section 123 (2A) Local Government Act 1972. (iii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be required to report to the Executive Board on any objection received to the intended disposal of the site forming part of the open space but that in the absence of objection the land is disposed of as set out in the report. (iv) That the Chief Officer Housing be authorised to liaise with Gwersyllt Park Cricket club that it concurrently surrenders the lease dated 13 October 2016. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure there is a plan in place for the future development of the site which can be progressed. (ii) To enable the cricket club to explore and secure new funding streams for the improvement of the existing facilities for the benefit of the cricket club and local community.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 47 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COH/49/23) asking Members to consider a request from Gwersyllt Park Cricket Club for a surrender of the existing lease dated 13 October 2016, and for the grant of a longer term lease for a 50 year term of the land and buildings known as Gwersyllt Cricket Club, Park Wall Road, Gwersyllt, Wrexham, LL11 4DA. RESOLVED – (i) That the grant of a 50 year lease of the land shown in Appendix 1 to report COH/49/23 be authorised to Gwersyllt Park Cricket Club at a nominal rent of £1 per annum otherwise on terms and conditions including determination of boundaries to be negotiated by the Chief Officer Housing, in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance & Performance. The lease to include consent for the Cricket Club to re-develop the site with a new pavilion in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant and planning consent. (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to advertise the intention to dispose of the land shown cross hatched in Appendix 1, forming part of an open space pursuant to Section 123 (2A) Local Government Act 1972. (iii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be required to report to the Executive Board on any objection received to the intended disposal of the site forming part of the open space but that in the absence of objection the land is disposed of as set out in the report. (iv) That the Chief Officer Housing be authorised to liaise with Gwersyllt Park Cricket club that it concurrently surrenders the lease dated 13 October 2016. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure there is a plan in place for the future development of the site which can be progressed. (ii) To enable the cricket club to explore and secure new funding streams for the improvement of the existing facilities for the benefit of the cricket club and local community.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Mark Pritchard, resumed Chair of the Meeting from this point in the proceedings.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the report and Annual Letter be endorsed and the Council’s performance within be noted. Reason for decision To enable Members to review the Council’s performance in responding to customer complaints.
The Lead Member for Corporate Services submitted a report (COGC/93/23) to inform the Executive Board of the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales (“the Ombudsman” Annual Letter 2022/23 as required by the Ombudsman. RESOLVED – That the report and Annual Letter be endorsed and the Council’s performance within be noted. Reason for decision To enable Members to review the Council’s performance in responding to customer complaints.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the important work undertaken by the North Wales Regional Partnership Board be noted, together with the progress reported in the Annual Report for 2022/23 on the work areas being taken forward regionally. Reason for decision As a Statutory Partner with the Regional Partnership Board it is incumbent on us to consider the work of the Partnership Board on a yearly basis.
The Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care and the Lead Member for Children’s Services submitted a report (COSC/18/23) to provide information to partners with regard to the North Wales Regional Partnership Board and its activities during 2022/23. RESOLVED - That the important work undertaken by the North Wales Regional Partnership Board be noted, together with the progress reported in the Annual Report for 2022/23 on the work areas being taken forward regionally. Reason for decision As a Statutory Partner with the Regional Partnership Board it is incumbent on us to consider the work of the Partnership Board on a yearly basis.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That Officers be given delegated authority to consult with all relevant parties regarding a permanent increase in capacity at St Mary’s VA CIW Primary School, Brymbo, Wrexham LL11 5DA. (ii) That Executive Board Members receive a further report in due course which will detail Officer’s response to the consultation and seek their approval for a preferred way forward. Reasons for decisions (i) The Council have a duty to ensure that the children and young people of Wrexham are being afforded the education and learning opportunities they deserve, which includes providing suitable learning environments and meeting the demand for school places. (ii) To improve the condition and suitability of the education estate (iii) To develop sustainable learning environments (iii) To support the community served by St Mary’s CIW VA, Brymbo school
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 47 above) The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COEEI/18/23) to seek approval to begin a period of consultation relating to a permanent increase in capacity at St. Mary’s VA CIW Primary School, Brymbo. A discussion ensued and the Lead Member responded to questions accordingly. During the debate, the following points were raised: · Importance of ensuring that consideration was given to future proofing the school, particularly in relation to the large housing development schemes that were taking place in the nearby area · Clarification sought regarding the point of entry at the new school for existing pupils. · Confirmation that currently, a lower birth rate was being experienced, and assurances were provided by the Lead Member that there would be enough capacity at the school should there be an increase in the birth rate. · Importance of ensuring that the views of all consultees were taken into consideration. · Collectively, Members reiterated the importance of ensuring that all figures were accurate in order to avoid over-subscription. RESOLVED – (i) That Officers be given delegated authority to consult with all relevant parties regarding a permanent increase in capacity at St Mary’s VA CIW Primary School, Brymbo, Wrexham LL11 5DA. (ii) That Executive Board Members receive a further report in due course which will detail Officer’s response to the consultation and seek their approval for a preferred way forward. Reasons for decisions (i) The Council have a duty to ensure that the children and young people of Wrexham are being afforded the education and learning opportunities they deserve, which includes providing suitable learning environments and meeting the demand for school places. (ii) To improve the condition and suitability of the education estate (iii) To develop sustainable learning environments (iii) To support the community served by St Mary’s CIW VA, Brymbo school
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Elected Member and Workforce Travel Plan be approved in order to implement actions with immediate effect. (ii) That the corporate and departmental actions outlined in report COET/21/23 be endorsed, and that Members receive an update on progress towards defined targets in April 2024. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure a ‘one Council’ approach to travelling for Council-business. (ii) To make significant changes for the benefit of health and wellbeing, and decarbonisation. (iii) To monitor progress with the actions contained within the Plan.
The Lead Member for Housing submitted a report (COET/21/23) to present the ‘Elected Member and Workforce Travel Plan’ which encourages consideration of the need to travel and how to make more environmentally responsible decisions about methods of business travel. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued and the following points were noted: · Importance of encouraging other Authorities to host Meetings online. · Update by Officers regarding electric vehicle charging points. · Importance of balancing time management against workload and travel time between offices. · Consideration needed to be given to disabilities and impairments impacted by the type of travel being used. RESOLVED – (i) That the Elected Member and Workforce Travel Plan be approved in order to implement actions with immediate effect. (ii) That the corporate and departmental actions outlined in report COET/21/23 be endorsed, and that Members receive an update on progress towards defined targets in April 2024. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure a ‘one Council’ approach to travelling for Council-business. (ii) To make significant changes for the benefit of health and wellbeing, and decarbonisation. (iii) To monitor progress with the actions contained within the Plan.
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).