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The Executive Board considered reports on the revenue budget, capital programme, treasury management and the Welsh language, a twinning visit, and several school proposals. It noted the Quarter 1 revenue forecast and the treasury report, approved the capital programme outturn and the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report, and supported a Members' delegation to Germany. It also agreed to proceed with new specialist provision in Plas Madoc, lower admission numbers at three primary schools, and a change of status at Ysgol Cae'r Gwenyn.
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors John Pritchard and Nigel Williams.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 June 2025 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 11 – Councillor Dana Davies – Personal and Prejudicial (as an LA appointed 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 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 reports 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.
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 note and support the 2025/26 budgetary forecast position for the year based on the Quarter 1 position. Reason for decisions To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address the budget pressures forecast
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/25/25) to inform Members of the Council’s 2025/26 current budgetary position for the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, including the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). Presenting the report the Lead Member thanked Officers and Lead Members for their hard work to date with the budget to date. He reported that the current budgetary position was a gross projected budget pressure of £2.8m. Although specific service pressures were forecast, the position did not currently assume use of the budget mitigation reserve. During debate Members asked questions in respect of pressures arising from school transport and ALN and the work of the change programme in helping to meet budget pressures. RESOLVED – That Members note and support the 2025/26 budgetary forecast position for the year based on the Quarter 1 position. Reason for decisions To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address the budget pressures forecast
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the Capital Programme outturn, as detailed in appendices 1 and 1a to report COFI/26/25, be approved. (ii) That the Quarter 1 and future years’ programme as detailed in appendices 2 and 2a be approved. Reason for decisions This report follows an earlier monitoring report in March 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/26/25) to advise Members of the 2024/25 Capital Programme Outturn and to review the 2025/26 and future years’ capital programme position as at the end of Quarter 1 2025/26. Presenting the report the Lead Member highlighted the significant investment being made and the wide range of projects benefitting from the programme. He thanked Officers for the work undertaken in preparing the programme and during debate responded to Members’ questions. RESOLVED - (i) That the Capital Programme outturn, as detailed in appendices 1 and 1a to report COFI/26/25, be approved. (ii) That the Quarter 1 and future years’ programme as detailed in appendices 2 and 2a be approved. Reason for decisions This report follows an earlier monitoring report in March in compliance with Financial Regulation 3.13 that requires that the Chief Officer Finance & ICT monitors and reports to Members on the Capital Programme.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2024/25 be noted. (ii) That the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2025/26 be noted. Reason for decisions 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/27/25) to present the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for the financial year ended 31 March 2025 and the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2025/26. Questions were asked in respect of underlying assumptions and forecasts. Officers explained that the Finance department received regular updates and real time information which allowed it to monitor and respond to risk if required. RESOLVED - (i) That the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2024/25 be noted. (ii) That the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2025/26 be noted. Reason for decisions To comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code and Code of Practice on Treasury Management.
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 2024/25 Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report be approved. Reasons for decision (i) To ensure that the Council carries out its duties with regard to the Welsh language as outlined in its Welsh Language Standards. (ii) To enable the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report for 2024/25 to be published on its website as required by the Welsh Language Commissioner in accordance with Standards 158, 164 and 170.
The Lead Member for Strategic Planning and Public Protection submitted a report (COGC/52/25) to seek Executive Board approval for the Council’s Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report for 2024/25 prior to it being published on the Council’s website. Presenting the report the Lead Member highlighted the progress being made in respect of the Welsh language. RESOLVED - That the 2024/25 Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report be approved. Reasons for decision (i) To ensure that the Council carries out its duties with regard to the Welsh language as outlined in its Welsh Language Standards. (ii) To enable the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report for 2024/25 to be published on its website as required by the Welsh Language Commissioner in accordance with Standards 158, 164 and 170.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the make-up of the delegation and associated costs be supported by the Council. (ii) That the Twinning arrangements currently in place be reviewed. Reasons for decisions (i) The twinning programme has been an established and recognised Council commitment and it is important to maintain this relationship. (ii) It is an opportunity to share the positive progress of Wrexham from a Business, Cultural and Sporting perspective.
The Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism submitted a report (CE/09/25) to agree the composition of, and support a Members’ delegation to visit Märkischer Kreis, Germany to help celebrate the 50 year history of the city between the 4th and 7th of September 2025. The Deputy Leader presented the report on behalf of the Lead Member for Economy, Business and Investment and answered questions. It was requested that consideration be given to opportunities for community and youth groups to also take part. RESOLVED – (i) That the make-up of the delegation and associated costs be supported by the Council. (ii) That the Twinning arrangements currently in place be reviewed. Reasons for decisions (i) The twinning programme has been an established and recognised Council commitment and it is important to maintain this relationship. (ii) It is an opportunity to share the positive progress of Wrexham from a Business, Cultural and Sporting perspective.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the consultation feedback contained in the post consultation feedback report (Appendix 2 to report COEEI/21/25) regarding the proposal to establish a new provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in Hampden Way, Plas Madoc, LL14 3US be noted. (ii) That Officers be given approval to proceed to Statutory Notice (Appendix 1) regarding the proposal. (iii) That a further report be presented to Executive Board in November 2025 which will detail feedback from the objection period and seek approval for a preferred way forward. Reasons for decisions (i) To facilitate the creation of a new provision for pupils with additional learning needs and ensure there are appropriate and sufficient school places within the County Borough for pupils with additional learning needs. (ii) To assist the Council in its 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 monitoring the demand for school places. (iii) To improve the suitability and viability of the school estate. (iv) To develop sustainable learning environments.
The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COEEI/21/25) to provide Executive Board with feedback on the recent consultation relating to the proposal to establish a new provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in Hampden Way, Plas Madoc, Wrexham, LL14 3US and to seek approval to publish the relevant Statutory Notice (Appendix 1) and the consultation feedback report (Appendix 2). It was noted that the Local Member was in support of the proposal. Responding to a Member question, the officer agreed to provide information to all Members in respect of the level of resource provision in schools across Wrexham. RESOLVED - (i) That the consultation feedback contained in the post consultation feedback report (Appendix 2 to report COEEI/21/25) regarding the proposal to establish a new provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in Hampden Way, Plas Madoc, LL14 3US be noted. (ii) That Officers be given approval to proceed to Statutory Notice (Appendix 1) regarding the proposal. (iii) That a further report be presented to Executive Board in November 2025 which will detail feedback from the objection period and seek approval for a preferred way forward. Reasons for decisions (i) To facilitate the creation of a new provision for pupils with additional learning needs and ensure there are appropriate and sufficient school places within the County Borough for pupils with additional learning needs. (ii) To assist the Council in its 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 monitoring the demand for school places. (iii) To improve the suitability and viability of the school estate. (iv) To develop sustainable learning environments.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That Officers be given approval to proceed with the proposals to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at 3 primary schools: Acton Park CP, Wat’s Dyke CP and Barker’s Lane CP with effect from September 2026. Reasons for decisions (i) The Council has 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 monitoring the demand for school places. (ii) To improve the suitability and viability of the school estate. (iii) To develop sustainable learning environments.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 11 above) The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COEEI/18/25) to provide the Executive Board with outcomes of the recent statutory objection period relating to the proposal to consult on reducing the Published Admission Number (PAN) at 3 primary schools: Acton Park CP, Wat’s Dyke CP and Barker’s Lane CP with effect from September 2026. Also, to seek approval to proceed with the proposals as published in the Statutory Notices (Appendices 1, 2, 3). RESOLVED - That Officers be given approval to proceed with the proposals to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at 3 primary schools: Acton Park CP, Wat’s Dyke CP and Barker’s Lane CP with effect from September 2026. Reasons for decisions (i) The Council has 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 monitoring the demand for school places. (ii) To improve the suitability and viability of the school estate. (iii) To develop sustainable learning environments.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That Officers be given approval to proceed with the proposal to change the status of Ysgol Cae’r Gwenyn from a mainstream nursery school to a primary special school and to change the age range from 3-4 to 3-7, with effect from 1 September 2025. Reasons for decisions (i) The Council has 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 monitoring the demand for school places. (ii) To improve the suitability and viability of the school estate. (iii) To develop sustainable learning environments.
The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COEEI/19/25) to provide the Executive Board with the outcomes of the recent statutory objection period relating to the proposal to consult on changing the status of Ysgol Cae’r Gwenyn from a mainstream nursery school to a primary special school, and changing the age range from 3-4 to 3-7 with effect from September 2025. Also, to seek approval to proceed with the proposal as published in the Statutory Notice (Appendix 1). RESOLVED - That Officers be given approval to proceed with the proposal to change the status of Ysgol Cae’r Gwenyn from a mainstream nursery school to a primary special school and to change the age range from 3-4 to 3-7, with effect from 1 September 2025. Reasons for decisions (i) The Council has 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 monitoring the demand for school places. (ii) To improve the suitability and viability of the school estate. (iii) To develop sustainable learning environments.
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).