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The Executive Board met on 7 July 2026. It agreed to market the former Lodge Community Centre for sale by auction, after considering 60 objections. It also approved the Welsh Language Annual Report, noted the 2025/26 capital and treasury outturns and the first-quarter budget forecast, and agreed coach parking charges at Wrexham Museum.
The Leader welcomed and congratulated the newly elected Members Councillors Jon Billington, Richie Everall and Pol Wong on their success following the recent County Borough local By-Election.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 9 June 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 declaration was made: Agenda Item 14 Councillors David A Bithell, Steve Joe Jones, Paul Pemberton and Fred Roberts – Personal – Community Council Member The Councillors remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon. Agenda Item 18 Councillor Nigel Williams – Personal – Trust Member The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon.
In accordance with section 5.8.16 of the Council’s Constitution a member of the public submitted a question. The Lead Member for Finance and Asset Management responded accordingly.
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.
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Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That Agenda Items 8 and 12 be brought forward.
RESOLVED – That Agenda Items 8 and 12 be brought forward.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the objections attached to report COGC/46/26 at Appendix 3 be considered. (ii) That the Chief Officer Housing and Assets in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance and Asset Management and the Local Members be authorised to dispose of the surplus property known as the Lodge Community Centre shown in plan 06-98-1 (Appendix 1) by way of marketing through traditional methods for a six-month period prior to a public auction. Reason for Decisions To obtain support for a course of action to dispose of surplus property, generate a cost saving and capital receipt for the Council
The Lead Member for Finance and Asset Management submitted a report (COGC/46/26) to consider objections received to the proposed disposal of Lodge Community Centre, Broughton Road, Lodge, Brymbo which forms part of an open space. The Monitoring Officer explained the reason for the report being submitted to the Board today and the statutory process that had been followed. She summarised the key themes set out in the objections received and reminded Members that the proposed disposal only related to the former community centre footprint and associated hard standing. RESOLVED – (i) That the objections attached to report COGC/46/26 at Appendix 3 be considered. (ii) That the Chief Officer Housing and Assets in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance and Asset Management and the Local Members be authorised to dispose of the surplus property known as the Lodge Community Centre shown in plan 06-98-1 (Appendix 1) by way of marketing through traditional methods for a six-month period prior to a public auction. Reason for Decisions To obtain support for a course of action to dispose of surplus property, generate a cost saving and capital receipt for the Council
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the 2025/26 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 2025/26 to be published on its website as required by the Language Commissioner in accordance with Standards 158, 164 and 170.
The Lead Member for Strategic Planning and Public Protection submitted a report (COGC/59/26) to seek Executive Board approval for the Council’s Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report for 2025/26. RESOLVED – That the 2025/26 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 2025/26 to be published on its website as required by the Language Commissioner in accordance with Standards 158, 164 and 170.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Capital Programme outturn as detailed in Appendices 1 and 1a be noted and 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 Asset Management submitted a report (COFI/22/26) to advise Members of the 2025/26 Capital Programme Outturn and to review the 2026/27 and future years’ capital programme position as at the end of Quarter 1 2026/27. Presenting the report the Lead Member highlighted that, with previously agreed allocations, the highways related elements of the capital programme in 2026/27 would be increased to just over £10m. RESOLVED – (i) That the Capital Programme outturn as detailed in Appendices 1 and 1a be noted and 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.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2025/26 be noted. (ii) That the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2026/27 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 Asset Management submitted a report (COFI/23/26) to present the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for the financial year ended 31 March 2026 and the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2026/27. Noted that in Table 3 Borrowing Position on page 47 of the report, the net movement figure for Public Works Loan Board is £28.8m, rather than £2.88m. RESOLVED – (i) That the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2025/26 be noted. (ii) That the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2026/27 be noted. Reason for Decisions To comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code and Code of Practice on Treasury Management.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That The 2026/27 budgetary forecast position for the year based on the Quarter 1 position be noted and supported. Reason for Decision 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 Asset Management submitted a report (COFI/21/26) to inform Members of the Council’s 2026/27 current budgetary position for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, including the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). RESOLVED - That The 2026/27 budgetary forecast position for the year based on the Quarter 1 position be noted and supported. 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 – That the Executive Board: (i) Confirm their support for the introduction of a new coach parking area and a new Off Street Parking Place Order (OSPPO) and the levy of coach parking charges for the proposed coach parking. (ii) Revoke existing Off street Parking Place Order for existing car parking spaces on boundary to museum site and replace with the new OSPPO. (iii) Authorise the Chief Officer Environment & Technical in consultation with the Chief Officer Economy & Planning & Chief Officer for Finance & ICT to undertake the necessary legal consultation required for the implementation of the charges from 1 April 2027. (iv) Agree that the coach parking fees be retained by the Economy & Planning Department to support the future maintenance required for the site and new planting areas. Coach parking fees are: Up to 4 Hours : £4 4-6 Hours : £6.00 Over 6 Hours : £10.00 (until Midnight) Reasons for Decisions (i) Wrexham Museum: Regent Street Gateway Corridor is a key strategic area identified in the Council’s Placemaking Plan. Providing coach parking will add value to the new investment in the regenerated Museum facility as a national visitor attraction, which now includes the Football Museum of Wales, creating a community asset and learning hub supported by increasing accessibility for educational visits from local schools. (ii) The Off Street Parking Place Order is the legal mechanism for the coach parking highways works to realise the ambitions of the Placemaking Plan regarding the coach parking on St. Mark’s Road. (iii) To deliver effective management of the coach parking at entry and exit points on St. Marks Road to support an estimated 80,000 visitors per year.
The Lead Member for Finance and Asset Management submitted a report (COEP/48/26) to seek Executive Board approval for the proposal to introduce coach parking facilities and revise the existing Off Street Parking Place Order to enable coach charging to support Wrexham Museum: Regent Street Gateway Corridor for Wrexham’s Football Museum of Wales and Wrexham Museum. Presenting the report the Lead Member expressed his thanks to the Welsh Government for grant funding which had secured the acquisition and redevelopment of the site. RESOLVED – That the Executive Board: (i) Confirm their support for the introduction of a new coach parking area and a new Off Street Parking Place Order (OSPPO) and the levy of coach parking charges for the proposed coach parking. (ii) Revoke existing Off street Parking Place Order for existing car parking spaces on boundary to museum site and replace with the new OSPPO. (iii) Authorise the Chief Officer Environment & Technical in consultation with the Chief Officer Economy & Planning & Chief Officer for Finance & ICT to undertake the necessary legal consultation required for the implementation of the charges from 1 April 2027. (iv) Agree that the coach parking fees be retained by the Economy & Planning Department to support the future maintenance required for the site and new planting areas. Coach parking fees are: Up to 4 Hours : £4 4-6 Hours : £6.00 Over 6 Hours : £10.00 (until Midnight) Reasons for Decisions (i) Wrexham Museum: Regent Street Gateway Corridor is a key strategic area identified in the Council’s Placemaking Plan. Providing coach parking will add value to the new investment in the regenerated Museum facility as a national visitor attraction, which now includes the Football Museum of Wales, creating a community asset and learning hub supported by increasing accessibility for educational visits from local schools. (ii) The Off Street Parking Place Order is the legal mechanism for the coach parking highways works to realise the ambitions of the Placemaking Plan regarding the coach parking on St. Mark’s Road. (iii) To deliver effective management of the coach parking at entry and exit points on St. Marks Road to support an estimated 80,000 visitors per year.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the updated position regarding the proposed relocation of the Cunliffe Day Service and the continued requirement to identify a fit for purpose facility be noted. (ii) That the transfer of Acton Resource Centre from Economy and Planning to Social Care to support the delivery and future operation of the specialist Day Service and associated provision be approved. (iii) That the development of a revised proposal for Acton Resource Centre, including the exploration of an extension and phased approach to enable relocation and co-location of community use, informed by feedback to date and further targeted engagement be supported. (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. Reasons for Decisions (i) To ensure the Council can continue to meet the needs of individuals with complex needs by providing a modern, safe and suitable Day Service for those people requiring centre-based care and support. (ii) To enable the progression of a balanced and sustainable solution that considers both specialist service requirements and the needs of the local community, informed by further engagement and evidence. (iii) To enable the project to move quickly with the procurement exercise for Phase One of works at Acton Resource centre. There is a risk that any delay could impact on the ability to complete the works within this financial year, which could impact on availability of funding. In addition, any delay would have an impact on the overall project timeline for housing development scheme for Rhosddu Road.
The Lead Member for Finance and Asset Management submitted a report (COSC/31/26) to provide an updated position on the proposed relocation of the Day Service. This follows previous reports to Executive Board: Rhosddu Road Development Report COH/39/24 on 17 September 2026 and Rhosddu Road Development Proposals COH/02/25 on 21 May 2025. On behalf of the Chair of the Safeguarding Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee Councillor Wellens drew Members’ attention to the Committee’s recommendations and provided an overview of the Committee’s sentiments. During debate reference was made to the importance of continued consultation with the Acton community and transition arrangements for services and an assurance was given regarding the commitment to delivering the community element of the project. RESOLVED – (i) That the updated position regarding the proposed relocation of the Cunliffe Day Service and the continued requirement to identify a fit for purpose facility be noted. (ii) That the transfer of Acton Resource Centre from Economy and Planning to Social Care to support the delivery and future operation of the specialist Day Service and associated provision be approved. (iii) That the development of a revised proposal for Acton Resource Centre, including the exploration of an extension and phased approach to enable relocation and co-location of community use, informed by feedback to date and further targeted engagement be supported. (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. Reasons for Decisions (i) To ensure the Council can continue to meet the needs of individuals with complex needs by providing a modern, safe and suitable Day Service for those people requiring centre-based care and support. (ii) To enable the progression of a balanced and sustainable solution that considers both specialist service requirements and the needs of the local community, informed by further engagement and evidence. (iii) To enable the project to move quickly with the procurement exercise for Phase One of works at Acton Resource centre. There is a risk that any delay could impact on the ability to complete the works within this financial year, which could impact on availability of funding. In addition, any delay would have an impact on the overall project timeline for housing development scheme for Rhosddu Road.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the implementation of 100% Council Tax discount introduced for Foster Carers and the current position for retaining and increasing WCBC Foster Carers be noted. Reasons for Decision (i) Continuing with current incentives allows WCBC Fostering Services to remain on equal footing within the highly competitive fostering market and to deliver sufficient volumes of fostering support by 2030. WCBC will remain one of the leading authority for financially supportive incentives in Wales which is not just in relation to council tax deduction but linked with the current Champion Foster Carers, which has being of national interest, where we have shared good practice with our partners in Powys, Conwy, Cheshier West, to name a few. The support offered is not just financial with the offer of out of hours support, and therapeutic worker input are other major positives to fostering in Wrexham. (ii) All incentives are aimed to highlight that Wrexham has an attractive offer for prospective foster carers. The objective to support further enquiries and increase in, WCBC foster carers. Our marketing approach is clear on the difference WCBC can offer to and IFA arrangement. (iii) The incentives have contributed to support recruitment of foster carers in the context of a number of current foster carers reaching retirement age, this is detailed further within the report.
The Lead Member for Children’s and Family Services submitted a report (COSC/28/26) to provide an overview of fostering activity of the last year, and review any impact of the agreed 100% Council Tax discount. RESOLVED – That the implementation of 100% Council Tax discount introduced for Foster Carers and the current position for retaining and increasing WCBC Foster Carers be noted. Reasons for Decision (i) Continuing with current incentives allows WCBC Fostering Services to remain on equal footing within the highly competitive fostering market and to deliver sufficient volumes of fostering support by 2030. WCBC will remain one of the leading authority for financially supportive incentives in Wales which is not just in relation to council tax deduction but linked with the current Champion Foster Carers, which has being of national interest, where we have shared good practice with our partners in Powys, Conwy, Cheshier West, to name a few. The support offered is not just financial with the offer of out of hours support, and therapeutic worker input are other major positives to fostering in Wrexham. (ii) All incentives are aimed to highlight that Wrexham has an attractive offer for prospective foster carers. The objective to support further enquiries and increase in, WCBC foster carers. Our marketing approach is clear on the difference WCBC can offer to and IFA arrangement. (iii) The incentives have contributed to support recruitment of foster carers in the context of a number of current foster carers reaching retirement age, this is detailed further within the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That approval be given for officers to proceed with the proposals to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at Ysgol Maes y Mynydd CP from 51 to 45 and Penygelli CP from 45 to 30 with effect from September 2027. Reasons for Decision (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/13/26) to provide the Executive Board with outcomes of the recent statutory objection period relating to the proposals to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at 2 primary schools: Ysgol Maes y Mynydd CP and Penygelli CP with effect from September 2027. In addition, to seek approval to proceed with the proposals as published in the Statutory Notices. RESOLVED – That approval be given for officers to proceed with the proposals to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at Ysgol Maes y Mynydd CP from 51 to 45 and Penygelli CP from 45 to 30 with effect from September 2027. Reasons for Decision (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 the work undertaken by Rhos Community Council to date be acknowledged the Rhosllanerchrugog Placemaking Plan, as presented at Appendix 1 to report COEP/46/26 be supported. Reasons for Decision (i) To indicate support for the Placemaking activity that has been undertaken in Rhosllanerchrugog, which is consistent with the Council’s previously agreed approach to Placemaking in the county borough. (ii) Indicating Council support will be advantageous to the Community Council as it considers its next steps for delivery of the Rhosllanerchrugog Placemaking Plan.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 13 above) The Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism submitted a report (COEP/46/26) to provide the Executive Board with the opportunity to receive and consider its response to the new Rhosllanerchrugog Placemaking Plan. Local Members thanked officers for their guidance and acknowledged the work undertaken by Owen Davies consultants and the community council clerk. RESOLVED – That the work undertaken by Rhos Community Council to date be acknowledged the Rhosllanerchrugog Placemaking Plan, as presented at Appendix 1 to report COEP/46/26 be supported. Reasons for Decision (i) To indicate support for the Placemaking activity that has been undertaken in Rhosllanerchrugog, which is consistent with the Council’s previously agreed approach to Placemaking in the county borough. (ii) Indicating Council support will be advantageous to the Community Council as it considers its next steps for delivery of the Rhosllanerchrugog Placemaking Plan.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the council’s mileage reimbursement rate be increased to 55p per mile for employees and Elected Members using their own vehicle for the first 10,000 business miles per annum, backdated to 6 April 2026. (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. Reasons for Decisions (i) To align with HMRC rates to ensure employees and Elected Members are appropriately reimbursed for business travel costs. (ii) The reason for urgency is to allow the change to be implemented as soon as possible
The Lead Member for Corporate and Customer Services submitted a report (CE/11/26) to seek approval from Executive Board to increase the casual mileage rate in line with HM Revenue & Custom. RESOLVED – (i) That the council’s mileage reimbursement rate be increased to 55p per mile for employees and Elected Members using their own vehicle for the first 10,000 business miles per annum, backdated to 6 April 2026. (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. Reasons for Decisions (i) To align with HMRC rates to ensure employees and Elected Members are appropriately reimbursed for business travel costs. (ii) The reason for urgency is to allow the change to be implemented as soon as possible
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).