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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED – (i) That a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee using a foundation model be established. (ii) That the proposal to name the organisation Wrexham Community and Culture Trust/Ymddiriedolaeth Cymunedol a Diwylliannol Wrecsam be supported, with the plan to develop a public-facing name in the early part of next year. Reason for decisions By supporting the recommendations set out in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.2 of this report, the Council will have in place a robust governance structure for an independent City of Culture delivery organisation which will also allow that organisation to continue to support the cultural and creative potential of the people of Wrexham after 2029.
RESOLVED - That Members endorse the Open Space Strategy. Reason for decision To implement the ‘Open Space Strategy’ that sets out Wrexham County Borough Council’s ambitions for, and approach to the variety of open spaces within our management across the county borough.
RESOLVED – (i) That the measures noted in Appendix 2 to report COFI/33/23, contributing £1.5m to the budget position in 2024/25, be approved. (ii) That the creation of a change and efficiency board in line with the terms of reference attached as Appendix 3 be approved. (iii) That a review of discretionary service provision, to be informed by service business assessments and progressed through the board (above), aiming to identify savings of up to 30% be approved. (iv) 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 approve the first set of items and the creation of an additional board structure to support the delivery of a balanced budget for 2024/25 and beyond.
RESOLVED - (i) That the Head of Environment and Technical in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance and Performance be authorised to undertake the necessary statutory legal consultation required for the implementation of the charges from 1 April 2024 as detailed in Appendix A. (ii) That the opportunities to improve effective management of car parks at entry and exit points be explored. Reasons for decisions (i) To provide additional sources of revenue income while ensuring, as far as is practicable, minimal impact on the delivery of statutory frontline services. (ii) To ensure a tariff and charging structure is in place that reflects the demands for parking in the city centre for the benefit of residents, visitors and local businesses. (iii) To encourage (along with other measures) individuals to consider alternative, more sustainable transport modes. (iv) To ensure that all statutory and operational matters are dealt with in a proactive and timely manner.
RESOLVED - That Council be recommended to approve the Self-Assessment 2022/23 for publication. Reason for decision To enable the council to comply with its statutory reporting requirements and to provide a public self-assessment to identify improvements and actions the council will undertake to secure improved outcomes for Wrexham County Borough.
RESOLVED - (i) To appoint the Lead Member for Children’s Services to represent the Council on the National Joint Committee for the National Adoption Service and Foster Wales for the period up to the date of the next local government elections in 2027. (ii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reason for decisions To ensure that the Council is appropriately represented on the National Joint Committee for the National Adoption Service and Foster Wales and to enable the Member to attend meetings with immediate effect.
RESOLVED – (i) That the Cost of Living Member and Officer Working Group’s recommendations to the use of funds to provide the intervention(s) listed in paragraph 4.6 of report COEP/81/23 be approved. (ii) That the Chief Officer Finance and ICT, in conjunction with the Chief Officer Economy and Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member Housing be authorised to enter into negotiations with Wrexham Food Bank to agree the detailed services and outcomes to be funded, in alignment with the purposes of the Direct Food Support Grant. (iii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To provide a timely response to this crisis and to work with partners to support those who are experiencing difficulties due to the rising cost of living. (ii) The reason for urgency is in order to provide services to respond to issues experienced by residents of the County Borough due to the cost of living crisis in a timely way and to commit and spend the funds available for this purpose in 2023/24.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 14 November 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 8 – Re-introduction of Car Park Charges in City Centre Car Parks Councillor Andy Gallanders – Personal – Town centre business owner The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee using a foundation model be established. (ii) That the proposal to name the organisation Wrexham Community and Culture Trust/Ymddiriedolaeth Cymunedol a Diwylliannol Wrecsam be supported, with the plan to develop a public-facing name in the early part of next year. Reason for decisions By supporting the recommendations set out in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.2 of this report, the Council will have in place a robust governance structure for an independent City of Culture delivery organisation which will also allow that organisation to continue to support the cultural and creative potential of the people of Wrexham after 2029.
The Lead Member for Environment submitted a report (COEP/53/23) to update Members on the activities of the Interim Board for the City of Culture delivery organisation for Wrexham and to present its proposed permanent governance structure. The Lead Member introduced the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued and the following points were raised: · Clarification sought regarding the disposal of property, although it was noted that there were currently no properties associated with the charity. · Confirmation that every issue would need to be determined/voted on by a majority of the current trustees. RESOLVED – (i) That a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee using a foundation model be established. (ii) That the proposal to name the organisation Wrexham Community and Culture Trust/Ymddiriedolaeth Cymunedol a Diwylliannol Wrecsam be supported, with the plan to develop a public-facing name in the early part of next year. Reason for decisions By supporting the recommendations set out in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.2 of this report, the Council will have in place a robust governance structure for an independent City of Culture delivery organisation which will also allow that organisation to continue to support the cultural and creative potential of the people of Wrexham after 2029.
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.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That Members endorse the Open Space Strategy. Reason for decision To implement the ‘Open Space Strategy’ that sets out Wrexham County Borough Council’s ambitions for, and approach to the variety of open spaces within our management across the county borough.
The Lead Member for Environment submitted a report (COET/26/23) asking Members to approve the Open Space Strategy and support its use to define the way open space is managed for residents and visitors of Wrexham. RESOLVED - That Members endorse the Open Space Strategy. Reason for decision To implement the ‘Open Space Strategy’ that sets out Wrexham County Borough Council’s ambitions for, and approach to the variety of open spaces within our management across the county borough.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
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 7 to 10 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the measures noted in Appendix 2 to report COFI/33/23, contributing £1.5m to the budget position in 2024/25, be approved. (ii) That the creation of a change and efficiency board in line with the terms of reference attached as Appendix 3 be approved. (iii) That a review of discretionary service provision, to be informed by service business assessments and progressed through the board (above), aiming to identify savings of up to 30% be approved. (iv) 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 approve the first set of items and the creation of an additional board structure to support the delivery of a balanced budget for 2024/25 and beyond.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/33/23) asking Members to approve the first set of measures and processes to deliver a balanced budget in 2024/25 and to begin planning for future years. The Lead Member presented the report and a debate ensued. Members asked a series of questions, and the following points were highlighted during the discussion: · Acknowledgement that difficult decisions would negatively impact on services and jobs. · Clarification sought in relation to the Council Tax projected income. · Further information requested regarding the review of the Council Tax premium, and what would be involved during that process. · Concerns regarding the commercial rent review, and the importance of ensuring that this wouldn’t have a negative impact on charitable organisations. · Importance of monitoring the impact of vacancy management on staff. RESOLVED – (i) That the measures noted in Appendix 2 to report COFI/33/23, contributing £1.5m to the budget position in 2024/25, be approved. (ii) That the creation of a change and efficiency board in line with the terms of reference attached as Appendix 3 be approved. (iii) That a review of discretionary service provision, to be informed by service business assessments and progressed through the board (above), aiming to identify savings of up to 30% be approved. (iv) 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 approve the first set of items and the creation of an additional board structure to support the delivery of a balanced budget for 2024/25 and beyond.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the Head of Environment and Technical in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance and Performance be authorised to undertake the necessary statutory legal consultation required for the implementation of the charges from 1 April 2024 as detailed in Appendix A. (ii) That the opportunities to improve effective management of car parks at entry and exit points be explored. Reasons for decisions (i) To provide additional sources of revenue income while ensuring, as far as is practicable, minimal impact on the delivery of statutory frontline services. (ii) To ensure a tariff and charging structure is in place that reflects the demands for parking in the city centre for the benefit of residents, visitors and local businesses. (iii) To encourage (along with other measures) individuals to consider alternative, more sustainable transport modes. (iv) To ensure that all statutory and operational matters are dealt with in a proactive and timely manner.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 70 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COET/28/23) to seek approval for the re-introduction of car parking charges in all Council operated city centre car parks (except Ty Pawb) where charges apply and the “free after 11am” initiative has been in place since October 2020. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued and the following points were raised: · Concern regarding the impact on residential areas as people may choose to park on nearby streets rather than pay to park. · Confirmation that options for effectively managing the entrance and exit points of car parks were being explored, including the possibility of installing barriers that would allow visitors to pay for the length of time they had visited for. · Suggestion that Scrutiny may wish to look at the effectiveness of free car parking after 11am. · Clarification sought regarding the possibility of introducing free car parking at 5pm to support the evening economy. RESOLVED - (i) That the Head of Environment and Technical in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance and Performance be authorised to undertake the necessary statutory legal consultation required for the implementation of the charges from 1 April 2024 as detailed in Appendix A. (ii) That the opportunities to improve effective management of car parks at entry and exit points be explored. Reasons for decisions (i) To provide additional sources of revenue income while ensuring, as far as is practicable, minimal impact on the delivery of statutory frontline services. (ii) To ensure a tariff and charging structure is in place that reflects the demands for parking in the city centre for the benefit of residents, visitors and local businesses. (iii) To encourage (along with other measures) individuals to consider alternative, more sustainable transport modes. (iv) To ensure that all statutory and operational matters are dealt with in a proactive and timely manner.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That Council be recommended to approve the Self-Assessment 2022/23 for publication. Reason for decision To enable the council to comply with its statutory reporting requirements and to provide a public self-assessment to identify improvements and actions the council will undertake to secure improved outcomes for Wrexham County Borough.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (CE/31/23) to provide Members with the opportunity to review the draft Self-Assessment report prior to its submission to Council on 13 December. RESOLVED - That Council be recommended to approve the Self-Assessment 2022/23 for publication. Reason for decision To enable the council to comply with its statutory reporting requirements and to provide a public self-assessment to identify improvements and actions the council will undertake to secure improved outcomes for Wrexham County Borough.
Part of an issue followed across 4 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) To appoint the Lead Member for Children’s Services to represent the Council on the National Joint Committee for the National Adoption Service and Foster Wales for the period up to the date of the next local government elections in 2027. (ii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reason for decisions To ensure that the Council is appropriately represented on the National Joint Committee for the National Adoption Service and Foster Wales and to enable the Member to attend meetings with immediate effect.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COGC/117/23) asking the Board to consider the appointment of a Member to represent the Council on the National Joint Committee for the National Adoption Service and Foster Wales. RESOLVED - (i) To appoint the Lead Member for Children’s Services to represent the Council on the National Joint Committee for the National Adoption Service and Foster Wales for the period up to the date of the next local government elections in 2027. (ii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reason for decisions To ensure that the Council is appropriately represented on the National Joint Committee for the National Adoption Service and Foster Wales and to enable the Member to attend meetings with immediate effect.
Part of an issue followed across 3 meetings
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Mark Pritchard, resumed Chair of the Meeting from this point in the proceedings.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Cost of Living Member and Officer Working Group’s recommendations to the use of funds to provide the intervention(s) listed in paragraph 4.6 of report COEP/81/23 be approved. (ii) That the Chief Officer Finance and ICT, in conjunction with the Chief Officer Economy and Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member Housing be authorised to enter into negotiations with Wrexham Food Bank to agree the detailed services and outcomes to be funded, in alignment with the purposes of the Direct Food Support Grant. (iii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To provide a timely response to this crisis and to work with partners to support those who are experiencing difficulties due to the rising cost of living. (ii) The reason for urgency is in order to provide services to respond to issues experienced by residents of the County Borough due to the cost of living crisis in a timely way and to commit and spend the funds available for this purpose in 2023/24.
The Lead Member for Housing and the Lead Member for Corporate Services submitted a report (COEP/81/23) asking Members to agree the proposed use of funds available to the Council to support residents of the County Borough in accessing a range of information and services to help with pressures associated with the cost of living crisis. RESOLVED – (i) That the Cost of Living Member and Officer Working Group’s recommendations to the use of funds to provide the intervention(s) listed in paragraph 4.6 of report COEP/81/23 be approved. (ii) That the Chief Officer Finance and ICT, in conjunction with the Chief Officer Economy and Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member Housing be authorised to enter into negotiations with Wrexham Food Bank to agree the detailed services and outcomes to be funded, in alignment with the purposes of the Direct Food Support Grant. (iii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To provide a timely response to this crisis and to work with partners to support those who are experiencing difficulties due to the rising cost of living. (ii) The reason for urgency is in order to provide services to respond to issues experienced by residents of the County Borough due to the cost of living crisis in a timely way and to commit and spend the funds available for this purpose in 2023/24.
Part of an issue followed across 5 meetings
RESOLVED - That the press and public be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following items as it is likely that, if they were present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 14 and 15 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).