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The Executive Board met on 12 May 2026 and made decisions on six substantive items. It agreed to proceed with closing Froncysyllte Community Primary School from 31 August 2026, or sooner if pupil numbers fall to zero, after receiving one objection. It approved arrangements for the Local Growth Fund and agreed that officers should consult on a new special school in Gwersyllt.
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Rob Walsh and Nigel Williams.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 14 April 2026 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 8. Councillor David A Bithell – Personal and Prejudicial – Family member works at a school with the Dee Valley Federation of Schools The Councillor withdrew from the meeting for this item taking no part in the discussion and voting thereon. Councillor Phil Wynn – Personal only – A family member previously attended a school within the Dee Valley Federation of Schools The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion and voting 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 Asset Management. (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.
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The Lead Member for Finance and Asset Management submitted a report (COEP/33/26) for Members to consider and approve the arrangements for administering and monitoring the UK Government Local Growth Fund. The Lead Member reminded Members that the Local Growth Fund was the main successor to the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) with a total of £547 million allocated to Wales over three years between 2026/27 and 2028/29. During debate assurance was sought regarding the security of the funding following the recent change to Welsh Government and it was requested that Members be kept updated should any issues arise. (i) That the proposal for Cyngor Gwynedd to continue to act as the lead body within the region for the Local Growth Fund during this transition period making best use of existing and proven structures and processes be approved. (ii) That delegated authority be given to the Interim Chief Officer for Economy and Planning to provide input into Wrexham’s priorities for the regional local growth fund investment plan and allocation methodology to enable the funding to be drawn down from Welsh Government. (iii) That the Council led projects that are deliverable within this financial year (2026-2027) be prioritised for approval funding given the short timescales for delivery and the large capital percentage (70%). (iv) That delegated authority for project selection be given to the Interim Chief Officer for Economy and Planning, in agreement with the Leader and Deputy Leader, as outlined in paragraph 4.9 of report COEP/33/26. (v) That this matter is being 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 funding allocated to WCBC from the Local Growth Fund is allocated and distributed in a timely manner to strategic council led projects that can deliver positive outcomes for the county borough in a short timescale. (ii) To mitigate against having to return any funds to Welsh Government to redistribute in following years, where there is no guarantee at present that any underspend would be allocated back to the relevant county to spend.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the staff listed in Appendix 1 to report COFI/13/26 be authorised to appear on the Council’s behalf. Reason for decision To enable officers to represent the Council at various proceedings.
The Lead Member for Finance and Asset Management submitted a report (COFI/13/26) to approve the list of officers authorised to appear on behalf of the Authority in the Magistrates Court, Valuation Tribunals, Appeals Service and County Court. RESOLVED - That the staff listed in Appendix 1 to report COFI/13/26 be authorised to appear on the Council’s behalf. Reason for decision To enable officers to represent the Council at various proceedings.
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 Executive Board continue to support reviewed policy documents, namely the Highway Safety Inspection Policy (Appendix 1) and the Highway Winter Service Policy (Appendix 2). Reason for decision This is a light touch policy review with minor changes to the policies. Based on the performance to date we will continue to follow the policies in their current format.
The Lead Member for Environmental Service submitted a report (COET/11/26) to present the Highway Safety Inspection Policy update and a summary of the Environment and Technical Department’s Streetscene Winter Service operations and arrangements to Members of the Executive Board. Presenting the report the Lead Member provided background to the policies and drew Members attention to the main policy drivers, risks and resources. Members paid tribute to the Environmental Services staff who provided these valuable services. Debate centred around the annual walked inspection on all roads where there is a carriageway and footway present, the introduction of ‘hot boxes’, dropped kerbs and disability access, salt bins, the use of technology to assist inspections and the level of staff resources. Requested that information relating to reactive works in ward areas be shared with local Members. RESOLVED - That the Executive Board continue to support reviewed policy documents, namely the Highway Safety Inspection Policy (Appendix 1) and the Highway Winter Service Policy (Appendix 2). Reason for decision This is a light touch policy review with minor changes to the policies. Based on the performance to date we will continue to follow the policies in their current format.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the feedback contained in the Objection Report (Appendix 2 to report COEEI/09/26) regarding proposals to consult on the Dee Valley Federation of Schools be noted. (ii) That Officers be given approval to proceed with the proposal to close Froncysyllte Community Primary School with effect from 31 August 2026, or sooner should pupil numbers fall to zero. Reasons for decisions (i) To explore options available to the Dee Valley Federation of schools and ensure sustainability in the immediate future. (ii) To provide the most effective and efficient education services for pupils. (iii) To ensure that the Council complies with its duty to monitor the demand for school places and ensure viability of the school estate.
(Member declarations of interest in respect of this matter are listed under Minute 117 above) The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COEEI/09/26) to provide the Executive Board with outcomes of the recent statutory objection period relating to the proposal to consult on the Dee Valley Federation of Schools and to seek approval to proceed with the proposal as published in the Statutory Notice. During debate the Local Member provided background information and paid tribute to the Head Teacher. RESOLVED - (i) That the feedback contained in the Objection Report (Appendix 2 to report COEEI/09/26) regarding proposals to consult on the Dee Valley Federation of Schools be noted. (ii) That Officers be given approval to proceed with the proposal to close Froncysyllte Community Primary School with effect from 31 August 2026, or sooner should pupil numbers fall to zero. Reasons for decisions (i) To explore options available to the Dee Valley Federation of schools and ensure sustainability in the immediate future. (ii) To provide the most effective and efficient education services for pupils. (iii) To ensure that the Council complies with its duty to monitor the demand for school places and ensure viability of the school estate.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That Officers be given approval to consult with the relevant parties regarding the proposal to establish a new provision in Gwersyllt for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). (ii) That Executive Board Members receive a further report in September 2026 which will detail feedback from the consultation and seek their 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/10/26) to seek approval from the Executive Board to begin a period of consultation to establish a new special school in Gwersyllt. Presenting the report the Lead Member highlighted the benefits of the proposal both to the learner and the Authority. During debate tribute was paid to Education officers for the work undertaken. The Chief Officer confirmed that the footprint of the building was appropriate for the proposed number of pupils. Clarification was sought regarding ALN funding given the increasing demand for specialist school places for pupils with additional learning needs. RESOLVED - (i) That Officers be given approval to consult with the relevant parties regarding the proposal to establish a new provision in Gwersyllt for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). (ii) That Executive Board Members receive a further report in September 2026 which will detail feedback from the consultation and seek their 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 - (i) That the updates in relation to the proposal to establish a new provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in Hampden Way, Plas Madoc, LL14 3US with effect from September 2026 be noted. (ii) That Executive Board Members recognise the appropriation of the car park area at the former Opportunities Centre, Hampden Way, Plas Madoc, LL14 3US from the Economy & Planning Department to the Education Department on terms and conditions to be negotiated by the Chief Officer Housing and Chief Officer Economy & Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member for Assets and the Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism. (iii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer formally document the appropriation of the car park area (marked as ‘Communal Area’ in green on Plan No.8/176/5 at Appendix 1 to report COEEI/11/26). 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 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/11/26) to provide the Executive Board with an update on establishing a new specialist provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in Hampden Way, Plas Madoc, Wrexham, LL14 3US. The report also requested that Executive Board Members recognise the appropriation of the car park area of the former Opportunities Centre, Hampden Way, Plas Madoc, LL14 3US (marked as ‘Communal Area’ in green on Plan No.8/176/5 at Appendix 1) from the Economy & Planning Department to the Education Department on terms and conditions to be negotiated by the Chief Officer Housing and Chief Officer Economy & Planning, the Lead Member for Assets and the Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism. Officers undertook to circulate the corrected impact assessment document outside of the meeting. RESOLVED - (i) That the updates in relation to the proposal to establish a new provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in Hampden Way, Plas Madoc, LL14 3US with effect from September 2026 be noted. (ii) That Executive Board Members recognise the appropriation of the car park area at the former Opportunities Centre, Hampden Way, Plas Madoc, LL14 3US from the Economy & Planning Department to the Education Department on terms and conditions to be negotiated by the Chief Officer Housing and Chief Officer Economy & Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member for Assets and the Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism. (iii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer formally document the appropriation of the car park area (marked as ‘Communal Area’ in green on Plan No.8/176/5 at Appendix 1 to report COEEI/11/26). 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 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.