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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 the workplace transport fleet review be supported in line with the corporate transformation change and efficiency programme. (ii) That the Chief Officer Environment & Technical, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing with responsibility for Strategic Transport, be given delegated authority to develop of a Council-wide Workplace Transport Strategy. (iii) That the actions to reduce travel expenditure across the Council be noted and the introduction of pool vehicles in the City centre for all department use be supported. (iv) That the North Wales Healthy Travel Charter be adopted. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure we have a resilient, safe and efficient strategy covering our workplace transport requirements. (ii) Provide assurance that all professional and commercial fleet transport requirements are delivered in the most cost effective manner. (ii) To deliver a Workplace Travel Strategy that will ensure consistency in operation and management of our travel requirements and flag the milestones and next steps to deliver against our financial and ecological challenges.
RESOLVED – (i) That the Flood Risk Management Strategy be endorsed (ii) That Members receive a review on its progress in 2 years. Reasons for decisions To implement the ‘Flood Risk Management Strategy’ that sets out Wrexham County Borough Council’s ambitions to prioritise flood risk management works in the areas of highest risk over the next 10 years.
RESOLVED – (i) That the Chief Officer Housing be authorised to negotiate and conclude the terms and conditions and grant of a 25 year lease to Gwersyllt Community Council, of the Peace Garden (as shown edged red on Appendix 1 to report COH/12/24) in consultation with the Lead Member and the Local Member. (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to publish notice of the Council’s intention to dispose of the land by way of a 25 year lease (as shown edged red on Appendix 1) forming informal public open space in accordance with Section 123 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972. (iii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to report to the Executive Board on any objections received to the intended disposal of the site forming informal public open space but that in the absence of objections the land is disposed of as set out in the report. Reasons for decisions To enable the Council to enter into a lease with Gwersyllt Community Council for the Peace Garden for a 25 year term. This will enable Gwersyllt Community Council to renovate the site and to ensure that a long-term maintenance schedule for the benefit of the local community is in place. It will relieve WCBC from ongoing maintenance costs.
RESOLVED – (i) That the consultation feedback contained in this report and in the post consultation document (Appendix 2 to report COEEI/06/24) be noted. (ii) That Officers be authorised to proceed to Statutory Notices (Appendix 1 to report COEEI/06/24) regarding the proposal to increase pupil capacity at St. Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo. 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. (iv) To support the community served by St. Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo. (v) We are required to publish Statutory Notices and conduct a 28 day statutory objection period. The Statutory Notices will be published on or before Monday 29 April 2024 and conclude by Friday 7 June 2024.
RESOLVED – (i) That the organisations listed in the proposed initial membership and structure of the interim Wrexham Town Board as outlined in section 4.9 of report COEP/37/24 be retrospectively approved; with a further report to follow to confirm the Wrexham Boundary Map within Wrexham Town Centre and any subsequent changes to the list of named individuals members of the Wrexham Town Board, reflecting the need to ensure it is community-led; and no more than two elected members at any one time. (ii) That the Chief Officer Economy & Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member for Economy & Regeneration and Lead Member for Finance & Performance, be authorised to identify appropriate resources to support the Town Board in the development of the Long-Term Plan for Towns’ 10 year delivery plan. (iii) 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 allow additional time to finalise the membership of the community-led, Town Board, clarifying the Council’s position on the proportion of elected representatives; and in light of a wish to see the involvement of other stakeholders, such as the armed forces and heritage interests. (ii) To progress the implementation of the Long Term Plan for Towns programme. (iii) The reason for urgency is to ratify the draft Town Board Membership submitted to the UK Government by its hard-deadline of 1 April 2024.
RESOLVED – (i) That the establishment of a Change Programme as detailed in report COFI/16/24 be supported, along with the resourcing requirements to the deliver the Programme. (ii) That update reports on progress will be made to the Executive Board periodically. Reason for decisions To establish a mechanism to support the delivery of services and to support the delivery of a financially sustainable position over the next two years.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 12 March 2024 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 – Workplace Transport Review Councillor Steve Joe Jones – Personal – Son works for Wrexham County Borough Council. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon. Agenda Item 13 – Brymbo Heritage Trust Councillor Paul Rogers – Personal – Member of Co-operation Group. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon. Councillor Nigel Williams – Personal – Sits on the Brymbo Heritage Trust Board through being appointed by Wrexham County Borough Council as Lead Member. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion and voting thereon.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the workplace transport fleet review be supported in line with the corporate transformation change and efficiency programme. (ii) That the Chief Officer Environment & Technical, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing with responsibility for Strategic Transport, be given delegated authority to develop of a Council-wide Workplace Transport Strategy. (iii) That the actions to reduce travel expenditure across the Council be noted and the introduction of pool vehicles in the City centre for all department use be supported. (iv) That the North Wales Healthy Travel Charter be adopted. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure we have a resilient, safe and efficient strategy covering our workplace transport requirements. (ii) Provide assurance that all professional and commercial fleet transport requirements are delivered in the most cost effective manner. (ii) To deliver a Workplace Travel Strategy that will ensure consistency in operation and management of our travel requirements and flag the milestones and next steps to deliver against our financial and ecological challenges.
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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(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 119 above) The Lead Member for Housing submitted a report (COET/15/24) to provide Members with an update on the workplace transport across the organisation. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. He responded to a question regarding staff wellbeing and confirmed that every Department has a responsibility to ensure that staff are trained accordingly on equipment provided with them, including the use of electric charging facilities and vehicles. RESOLVED – (i) That the workplace transport fleet review be supported in line with the corporate transformation change and efficiency programme. (ii) That the Chief Officer Environment & Technical, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing with responsibility for Strategic Transport, be given delegated authority to develop of a Council-wide Workplace Transport Strategy. (iii) That the actions to reduce travel expenditure across the Council be noted and the introduction of pool vehicles in the City centre for all department use be supported. (iv) That the North Wales Healthy Travel Charter be adopted. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure we have a resilient, safe and efficient strategy covering our workplace transport requirements. (ii) Provide assurance that all professional and commercial fleet transport requirements are delivered in the most cost effective manner. (ii) To deliver a Workplace Travel Strategy that will ensure consistency in operation and management of our travel requirements and flag the milestones and next steps to deliver against our financial and ecological challenges.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Flood Risk Management Strategy be endorsed (ii) That Members receive a review on its progress in 2 years. Reasons for decisions To implement the ‘Flood Risk Management Strategy’ that sets out Wrexham County Borough Council’s ambitions to prioritise flood risk management works in the areas of highest risk over the next 10 years.
The Lead Member for Environment submitted a report (COET/14/24) to present the final version of the Flood Risk Management Strategy for approval to become the strategy for the next ten years. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A discussion ensued and the following points were raised: · Recognition that climate change was having a huge impact on flooding. · Officers welcomed the opportunity to work more closely with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). · Confirmation that whilst some of the data contained in the report was five years old, it was the only information that was available. As soon as NRW released the next set of data, Officers would be able to provide an updated report. · Importance of ensuring that flooding solutions would improve situations and not create new issues within the community. · Clarification sought regarding the possible removal of water pumps in Worthenbury. Officers had raised concerns in relation to this with NRW, but no decision had been taken by NRW regarding their removal. · Recognition that country lanes were also affected by flooding, and that some of the issues were as a result of landowners not clearing ditches. Officers confirmed that they did liaise with landowners about issues such as this in order to encourage them to keep ditches/drains clear as it benefitted all parties. Furthermore, Officers agreed to issue a letter to landowners in order to resolve some of the problems. RESOLVED – (i) That the Flood Risk Management Strategy be endorsed (ii) That Members receive a review on its progress in 2 years. Reasons for decisions To implement the ‘Flood Risk Management Strategy’ that sets out Wrexham County Borough Council’s ambitions to prioritise flood risk management works in the areas of highest risk over the next 10 years.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Chief Officer Housing be authorised to negotiate and conclude the terms and conditions and grant of a 25 year lease to Gwersyllt Community Council, of the Peace Garden (as shown edged red on Appendix 1 to report COH/12/24) in consultation with the Lead Member and the Local Member. (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to publish notice of the Council’s intention to dispose of the land by way of a 25 year lease (as shown edged red on Appendix 1) forming informal public open space in accordance with Section 123 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972. (iii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to report to the Executive Board on any objections received to the intended disposal of the site forming informal public open space but that in the absence of objections the land is disposed of as set out in the report. Reasons for decisions To enable the Council to enter into a lease with Gwersyllt Community Council for the Peace Garden for a 25 year term. This will enable Gwersyllt Community Council to renovate the site and to ensure that a long-term maintenance schedule for the benefit of the local community is in place. It will relieve WCBC from ongoing maintenance costs.
The Lead Member for Environment submitted a report (COH/12/24) seeking approval to grant a 25 year lease to Gwersyllt Community Council of the site known as The Peace Garden, Old Mold Road, Gwersyllt. RESOLVED – (i) That the Chief Officer Housing be authorised to negotiate and conclude the terms and conditions and grant of a 25 year lease to Gwersyllt Community Council, of the Peace Garden (as shown edged red on Appendix 1 to report COH/12/24) in consultation with the Lead Member and the Local Member. (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to publish notice of the Council’s intention to dispose of the land by way of a 25 year lease (as shown edged red on Appendix 1) forming informal public open space in accordance with Section 123 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972. (iii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to report to the Executive Board on any objections received to the intended disposal of the site forming informal public open space but that in the absence of objections the land is disposed of as set out in the report. Reasons for decisions To enable the Council to enter into a lease with Gwersyllt Community Council for the Peace Garden for a 25 year term. This will enable Gwersyllt Community Council to renovate the site and to ensure that a long-term maintenance schedule for the benefit of the local community is in place. It will relieve WCBC from ongoing maintenance costs.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the consultation feedback contained in this report and in the post consultation document (Appendix 2 to report COEEI/06/24) be noted. (ii) That Officers be authorised to proceed to Statutory Notices (Appendix 1 to report COEEI/06/24) regarding the proposal to increase pupil capacity at St. Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo. 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. (iv) To support the community served by St. Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo. (v) We are required to publish Statutory Notices and conduct a 28 day statutory objection period. The Statutory Notices will be published on or before Monday 29 April 2024 and conclude by Friday 7 June 2024.
The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COEEI/06/24) to provide feedback on the recent consultation relating to the proposal to increase pupil capacity at St. Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points within it. A debate ensued and Members asked a number of questions. During the discussion, the following points were raised: · Reassurances sought that subject to the land transfer proceeding, Officers would do their best to deliver the school as soon as possible as it was acknowledged that increasing numbers on the existing site was not ideal. · Officers advised that their aim was to open the new school from September 2026 but it couldn’t be guaranteed due to the in depth process that needed to be undertaken. RESOLVED – (i) That the consultation feedback contained in this report and in the post consultation document (Appendix 2 to report COEEI/06/24) be noted. (ii) That Officers be authorised to proceed to Statutory Notices (Appendix 1 to report COEEI/06/24) regarding the proposal to increase pupil capacity at St. Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo. 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. (iv) To support the community served by St. Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo. (v) We are required to publish Statutory Notices and conduct a 28 day statutory objection period. The Statutory Notices will be published on or before Monday 29 April 2024 and conclude by Friday 7 June 2024.
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 to 13 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the organisations listed in the proposed initial membership and structure of the interim Wrexham Town Board as outlined in section 4.9 of report COEP/37/24 be retrospectively approved; with a further report to follow to confirm the Wrexham Boundary Map within Wrexham Town Centre and any subsequent changes to the list of named individuals members of the Wrexham Town Board, reflecting the need to ensure it is community-led; and no more than two elected members at any one time. (ii) That the Chief Officer Economy & Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member for Economy & Regeneration and Lead Member for Finance & Performance, be authorised to identify appropriate resources to support the Town Board in the development of the Long-Term Plan for Towns’ 10 year delivery plan. (iii) 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 allow additional time to finalise the membership of the community-led, Town Board, clarifying the Council’s position on the proportion of elected representatives; and in light of a wish to see the involvement of other stakeholders, such as the armed forces and heritage interests. (ii) To progress the implementation of the Long Term Plan for Towns programme. (iii) The reason for urgency is to ratify the draft Town Board Membership submitted to the UK Government by its hard-deadline of 1 April 2024.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COEP/37/24) asking Members to agree the proposal for the creation of a Town Board, in order to secure the Long-Term Plan for Towns programme in Wrexham, which includes funding of £20m over the next 10 years. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A discussion ensued and the following points were raised: · Members welcomed the report and the opportunity for community organisations to be involved. Given the success that the Football Club were having with regards to international marketing, it was hoped that they would also be included. · Confirmation that Town Centre Councillors would be updated on progress. · Confirmation that the funding for this project could not be spent in rural areas, but the Lead Member advised that a significant amount of levelling up funding had been awarded to rural projects. RESOLVED – (i) That the organisations listed in the proposed initial membership and structure of the interim Wrexham Town Board as outlined in section 4.9 of report COEP/37/24 be retrospectively approved; with a further report to follow to confirm the Wrexham Boundary Map within Wrexham Town Centre and any subsequent changes to the list of named individuals members of the Wrexham Town Board, reflecting the need to ensure it is community-led; and no more than two elected members at any one time. (ii) That the Chief Officer Economy & Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member for Economy & Regeneration and Lead Member for Finance & Performance, be authorised to identify appropriate resources to support the Town Board in the development of the Long-Term Plan for Towns’ 10 year delivery plan. (iii) 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 allow additional time to finalise the membership of the community-led, Town Board, clarifying the Council’s position on the proportion of elected representatives; and in light of a wish to see the involvement of other stakeholders, such as the armed forces and heritage interests. (ii) To progress the implementation of the Long Term Plan for Towns programme. (iii) The reason for urgency is to ratify the draft Town Board Membership submitted to the UK Government by its hard-deadline of 1 April 2024.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the establishment of a Change Programme as detailed in report COFI/16/24 be supported, along with the resourcing requirements to the deliver the Programme. (ii) That update reports on progress will be made to the Executive Board periodically. Reason for decisions To establish a mechanism to support the delivery of services and to support the delivery of a financially sustainable position over the next two years.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/16/24) for Members to consider the establishment of a Council change programme to support service delivery and financial sustainability over the next two years. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued and the following points were raised: · Recognition that there were difficult times ahead, and it was going to be important for Councillors of all parties to work together. · Importance of noting that a private consultant would be not be engaged in this work, and instead it was a partnership from the public sector framework. · Members highlighted the important role that Scrutiny would have in this programme of change. · Suggestion that if Members had any ideas about funding and efficiency then they should speak to the relevant Lead Member and Chief Officers. It was noted that when staff were appointed to the programme, there would be further communications to elected Members explaining how they could feed into the process. RESOLVED – (i) That the establishment of a Change Programme as detailed in report COFI/16/24 be supported, along with the resourcing requirements to the deliver the Programme. (ii) That update reports on progress will be made to the Executive Board periodically. Reason for decisions To establish a mechanism to support the delivery of services and to support the delivery of a financially sustainable position over the next two years.
Part of an issue followed across 4 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 Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).