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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 Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2023/24 be noted. (ii) That the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2024/25 be noted. Reason for decision To comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code and Code of Practice on Treasury Management.
RESOLVED – (i) That the capital outturn for 2023/24 be noted. (ii) That the quarter 1 programme for 2024/25, as detailed in appendices 1, 2 and 3 of report COFI/22/24, be approved. Reason for decisions This report follows an earlier monitoring report in February 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 – (i) That the 2024/25 budgetary forecast position for the year based on the Quarter 1 position be noted. (ii) That a School Transport Task and Finish Group be established, and an update report be brought back to Executive Board in 6 months. 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 progress of work on the Investment Zone be noted and that the Council, Flintshire Council and the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee work together at risk through the required Gateways outlined over the next 6 months, to secure the funding of £160m over the next 10 years. (ii) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer Economy & Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member Finance & Performance, to sign off key documents and resourcing required within current levels of budgeted resource to undertake this work. (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 ensure that the application (Gateways) process required to secure the £160m investment earmarked by the UK Government for the Flintshire & Wrexham Investment Zone continues to completion. (ii) The reason for urgency is to ensure that work on the Investment Zone Gateway 2 is completed and Gateways 3-5 are maximised in time to engage with the incoming UK Government, when pre-election period restrictions are lifted.
RESOLVED - That the changes to the Annual Leave Policy be approved. Reason for decisions (i) To expand an employee’s choice and flexibility around their overall reward package. (ii) To reduce cost to the Council where high cost agency workers are used for frontline roles when backfilling employees on annual leave.
RESOLVED – (i) That Wrexham County Borough Council sign up to the Young Carers Covenant developed by the Carers Trust. (ii) To continue our work with schools regarding the promotion and recognition of the Young Carer ID cards, progressing transition work stream as young carers become adult carers and the action group for young carers. (iii) To set up a Young Carers Covenant Group to ensure all Departments across the Council implement the Covenant. (iv) That Executive Board review progress regarding the implementation of the Carers Covenant in Wrexham in 12 months. Reason for decisions To show our commitment to supporting young carers in Wrexham.
RESOLVED – (i) That the Chief Officer Environment & Technical and the Chief Officer for Housing and Assets, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change, be given delegated authority to undertake all necessary preparatory works to allow the parking area at Ruthin Road Housing Site to be opened as deemed necessary as a public parking area including for football matches or large events. (ii) That a further report be submitted to the Executive Board following the statutory consultation processes and to consider future charging regimes. Reason for decisions To provide additional parking provision to supplement the existing City Centre parking especially given the continued success of the Wrexham Football Club ensuring that there is adequate parking provision to cater for a growing number of supporters and visitors to the City and County Borough.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 June 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 6 – 2023/24 Capital Programme Outturn and 2024/25 Quarter 1 Programme Update Councillors David A Bithell and Dana Davies – Personal – School Governor. 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, and in the case of the Executive Board Member, voting thereon. Agenda Item 7 – 2024/25 Quarter 1 Revenue Budget Update Councillor Brian Cameron – Personal - School Governor. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon. Agenda Item 11 – Car Park Proposals – Ruthin Road Housing Depot Councillor Andy Gallanders – Personal - Town Centre Business Owner. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon.
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 9 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
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.
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Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2023/24 be noted. (ii) That the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2024/25 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/23/24) to present the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for the financial year ended 31 March 2024 and the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2024/25. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A discussion ensued and the importance of ensuring continual monitoring of how the capital programme is financed was highlighted. It was recognised that long term borrowing would be required at some point in the future, but at a time when it was financially appropriate. RESOLVED - (i) That the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2023/24 be noted. (ii) That the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2024/25 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 capital outturn for 2023/24 be noted. (ii) That the quarter 1 programme for 2024/25, as detailed in appendices 1, 2 and 3 of report COFI/22/24, be approved. Reason for decisions This report follows an earlier monitoring report in February in compliance with Financial Regulation 3.13 that requires that the Chief Officer Finance & ICT monitors and reports to Members on the Capital Programme.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 12 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/22/24) to advise Members of the 2023/24 Capital Programme outturn and to review the 2024/25 Capital Programme position as at the end of quarter 1 2024/25. During the debate, it was noted that grants awarded last year had been re-profiled and carried forward to 2024/25. RESOLVED – (i) That the capital outturn for 2023/24 be noted. (ii) That the quarter 1 programme for 2024/25, as detailed in appendices 1, 2 and 3 of report COFI/22/24, be approved. Reason for decisions This report follows an earlier monitoring report in February 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 – (i) That the 2024/25 budgetary forecast position for the year based on the Quarter 1 position be noted. (ii) That a School Transport Task and Finish Group be established, and an update report be brought back to Executive Board in 6 months. 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 12 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/21/24) to inform Members of the Council’s 2024/25 current budgetary position for the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, including the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued and the following points were highlighted during the discussion: · Officers were confident that whilst it would be difficult to balance the Social Care end of year budget, it would be achievable. The aim was to provide looked after children with a placement that was the most local, and most suitable for their needs. To assist with this, Members were advised that there were certain residential properties within the County Borough that would shortly be available, together with a further home due to be opened in Rhostyllen. The Lead Member for Children’s and Family Services advised that a report on the Social Care Budget was due to be presented to the Safeguarding, Communities and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee at their Meeting in September. · Confirmation that the School Budget Forum had met recently, and Financial Officers were working with Schools to submit their licensed deficit plans. So far, 25 schools had submitted an application, compared to the 14 applications previously, which highlighted the consequence of the pressures Schools were under. · Concern with regards to the increase of children presenting with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). The Lead Member advised that as part of the Change Programme work, ALN would be looked at, particular with regards to bringing more provision into the County Borough, which would be an improvement for those learners who currently have to travel out of County. · Concern that ALN would have an impact on Children’s Services, and the importance of lobbying for additional funding was highlighted. RESOLVED – (i) That the 2024/25 budgetary forecast position for the year based on the Quarter 1 position be noted. (ii) That a School Transport Task and Finish Group be established, and an update report be brought back to Executive Board in 6 months. 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 progress of work on the Investment Zone be noted and that the Council, Flintshire Council and the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee work together at risk through the required Gateways outlined over the next 6 months, to secure the funding of £160m over the next 10 years. (ii) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer Economy & Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member Finance & Performance, to sign off key documents and resourcing required within current levels of budgeted resource to undertake this work. (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 ensure that the application (Gateways) process required to secure the £160m investment earmarked by the UK Government for the Flintshire & Wrexham Investment Zone continues to completion. (ii) The reason for urgency is to ensure that work on the Investment Zone Gateway 2 is completed and Gateways 3-5 are maximised in time to engage with the incoming UK Government, when pre-election period restrictions are lifted.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COEP/59/24) to provide an overview of the proposed Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone and to seek support for the approach necessary to complete the Gateway process that will enable the Investment Zone to be implemented. RESOLVED - (i) That the progress of work on the Investment Zone be noted and that the Council, Flintshire Council and the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee work together at risk through the required Gateways outlined over the next 6 months, to secure the funding of £160m over the next 10 years. (ii) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer Economy & Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member Finance & Performance, to sign off key documents and resourcing required within current levels of budgeted resource to undertake this work. (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 ensure that the application (Gateways) process required to secure the £160m investment earmarked by the UK Government for the Flintshire & Wrexham Investment Zone continues to completion. (ii) The reason for urgency is to ensure that work on the Investment Zone Gateway 2 is completed and Gateways 3-5 are maximised in time to engage with the incoming UK Government, when pre-election period restrictions are lifted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the changes to the Annual Leave Policy be approved. Reason for decisions (i) To expand an employee’s choice and flexibility around their overall reward package. (ii) To reduce cost to the Council where high cost agency workers are used for frontline roles when backfilling employees on annual leave.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance and the Lead Member for Corporate Services submitted a joint report (CE/15/24) to seek approval for an amendment to the Annual Leave policy concerning the ability of employees being able to “sell” back annual leave. Members welcomed the report and noted that further guidance would be issued to staff, particularly in relation to whether there would be any pension implications to staff choosing to sell their leave. RESOLVED - That the changes to the Annual Leave Policy be approved. Reason for decisions (i) To expand an employee’s choice and flexibility around their overall reward package. (ii) To reduce cost to the Council where high cost agency workers are used for frontline roles when backfilling employees on annual leave.
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 Wrexham County Borough Council sign up to the Young Carers Covenant developed by the Carers Trust. (ii) To continue our work with schools regarding the promotion and recognition of the Young Carer ID cards, progressing transition work stream as young carers become adult carers and the action group for young carers. (iii) To set up a Young Carers Covenant Group to ensure all Departments across the Council implement the Covenant. (iv) That Executive Board review progress regarding the implementation of the Carers Covenant in Wrexham in 12 months. Reason for decisions To show our commitment to supporting young carers in Wrexham.
The Lead Member for Children’s Services and the Lead Member for Education submitted a joint report (CSSO/18/24) to outline the Young Carers Covenant and to get agreement to sign the covenant as a Council. RESOLVED – (i) That Wrexham County Borough Council sign up to the Young Carers Covenant developed by the Carers Trust. (ii) To continue our work with schools regarding the promotion and recognition of the Young Carer ID cards, progressing transition work stream as young carers become adult carers and the action group for young carers. (iii) To set up a Young Carers Covenant Group to ensure all Departments across the Council implement the Covenant. (iv) That Executive Board review progress regarding the implementation of the Carers Covenant in Wrexham in 12 months. Reason for decisions To show our commitment to supporting young carers in Wrexham.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Chief Officer Environment & Technical and the Chief Officer for Housing and Assets, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change, be given delegated authority to undertake all necessary preparatory works to allow the parking area at Ruthin Road Housing Site to be opened as deemed necessary as a public parking area including for football matches or large events. (ii) That a further report be submitted to the Executive Board following the statutory consultation processes and to consider future charging regimes. Reason for decisions To provide additional parking provision to supplement the existing City Centre parking especially given the continued success of the Wrexham Football Club ensuring that there is adequate parking provision to cater for a growing number of supporters and visitors to the City and County Borough.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 12 above) The Lead Member to Housing and Climate Change submitted a report (COET/25/24) to review the use of Ruthin Road Housing Depot car park site for potential weekend match day parking. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued and the following points were noted: · Confirmation that the majority of people residing on Mold Road would be in favour of a residential parking scheme for match days being introduced. · Suggestion that local businesses be approached to gauge whether they would be interested in providing extra parking facilities on match days. · Confirmation that any income generated at the Ruthin Road Housing Depot would fund the Housing Revenue Account. · Importance of ensuring that staff parking at Ruthin Road wasn’t negatively impacted as a result of football matches taking place during the week. RESOLVED – (i) That the Chief Officer Environment & Technical and the Chief Officer for Housing and Assets, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change, be given delegated authority to undertake all necessary preparatory works to allow the parking area at Ruthin Road Housing Site to be opened as deemed necessary as a public parking area including for football matches or large events. (ii) That a further report be submitted to the Executive Board following the statutory consultation processes and to consider future charging regimes. Reason for decisions To provide additional parking provision to supplement the existing City Centre parking especially given the continued success of the Wrexham Football Club ensuring that there is adequate parking provision to cater for a growing number of supporters and visitors to the City and County Borough.
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).
The Leader vacated the Chair, and the Vice-Chair, Councillor David A Bithell, presided over the next item on the Agenda to enable the Leader to present Agenda item 16 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)