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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Cabinet held on 11 July 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED: That the Cabinet Forward Work Programme be approved.
RESOLVED: a) That the minutes of the Conwy Harbour Advisory Committee held on 5 July 2023 be noted. b) That the Harbour Reserves should be used for the functions of Conwy Harbour and not be directed to any other Services at this time.
RESOLVED: That the following be agreed and approved for the Conwy Key Funds: a) The terms of reference, criteria and delegation process for the Key Funds. b) Authority is delegated to the Section Head for Economic Development to approve Conwy Key Fund applications up to £25,000 with project approvals to be reported to the Conwy UKSPF Local Partnership Panel. c) Authority is delegated to the Head of Finance to approve Conwy Key Fund applications for UKSPF up to £100,000 with project approvals to be reported to the Conwy UKSPF Local Partnership Panel. d) Authority is delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development to approve Conwy Key Fund applications between £100,000 to £249,999 following recommendations by the Conwy UKSPF Local Partnership Panel. e) That the Community and Voluntary Support Conwy are approved as the applicant for the Conwy Voluntary Sector Capacity Building Key Fund and will manage the fund going forwards. f) That the Conwy UKSPF Local Partnership Panel is consulted on any allocation or reallocation of Conwy UKSPF (including the Multiply adult numeracy programme) and is distributed based on an assessment of need, with approval from the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development. Note: Councillors Mike Priestley and Elizabeth Roberts declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the above agenda item as they are trustees for Community and Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC). As the interest was prejudicial, Councillors Priestley and Roberts left the meeting whilst this matter was discussed and voted upon.
RESOLVED: That Motorhome visitor facilities in Conwy are provided by the private sector and the economic benefit currently does not justify additional provision by the Council.
RESOLVED: (a) That the Home to School Transport Policy be reviewed and that approval be given for consultation to be undertaken on all elements of non-statutory/discretionary home to school transport. (b) That following consultation, the revised Home to School Transport Policy be submitted to democracy for adoption.
RESOLVED: a) That the latest financial assessment of the estimated budgetary position for 2023/24 be received and noted. b) That an instruction is issued to services and budget holders to slow and pause expenditure in year to contain the shortfall in funding that the Council faces. c) That the virements for the disaggregation of the recruitment drag budget and minor service realignments be approved.
RESOLVED: a) That the updated Reserves and Balances Policy set out in Appendix 2 be approved. b) That the recommendation within the Reserves and Balances Policy, that the Council aims to hold general fund reserve balances at 5% of the net revenue budget, be endorsed. c) That the release of £1.062m from service reserves, to be added to the pay pressures reserve, be supported. d) That Cabinet Members individually speak to Heads of Service regarding the earmarked reserves, set out in Appendix 3, to provide a view on whether the level and purpose of individual earmarked service and corporate reserves are appropriate. e) That Cabinet Members individually speak to Heads of Service as to whether the plans for the use of certain service reserves are of priority, or whether the funds can be re-prioritised to support other activity, including service transformation. f) That Cabinet Members individually speak to Heads of Service as to whether to manage certain service risks corporately and therefore consolidate some earmarked service reserves into a corporate reserve. g) That the earmarked reserves set out in Appendix 3 be approved.
RESOLVED: (a) That the key findings and recommendations of the Llandudno Holiday Accommodation Zone Study be approved recognising the implications for policy changes and that the draft policy changes in the Replacement Local Development Plan be agreed. (b) That the Llandudno Holiday Accommodation Zone Study be approved as part of the Replacement Local Development Plan evidence base. (c) That delegated authority be given to the Head of Regulatory and Housing to make minor changes to the Llandudno Holiday Accommodation Zone Study, following consultation.
RESOLVED: (a) That the monitoring indicator to monitor the concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation be approved, as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report. (b) That the limit on the number of occupiers be managed via housing enforcement and licensing, and not planning policy. (c) That the requirement of a management plan be managed via housing enforcement and licensing, and not planning policy. (d) That the key findings and recommendations of the Houses in Multiple Occupation further research paper be noted recognising the implications for policy changes and potential risks for the Replacement Local Development Plan. (e) That the Houses in Multiple Occupation Study be approved as part of the Replacement Local Development Plan evidence base and the proposed new policy. (f) That delegated authority be given to the Head of Regulatory and Housing to make minor changes to the Houses in Multiple Occupation Study and Policy, following consultation.
RESOLVED: (a) That the key findings and recommendations of the Replacement Local Development Plan and Social Care background paper be noted, recognising the implications for policy changes. (b) That the Replacement Local Development Plan and Social Care background paper be approved as part of the evidence base and the proposed policy approach. (c) That delegated authority be given to the Head of Regulatory and Housing to make minor changes to the Replacement Local Development Plan and Social Care background paper, following consultation.
RESOLVED: That the Towyn and Kinmel Bay Place Plan is formally adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance.
RESOLVED: That Officers be authorised to consult on the proposed Order with the Chief Officer of Police, the local policing body, and appropriate community representatives as required by the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.
RESOLVED: That the fees for Foster Care cases be raised as follows: · 1 Child – increased from £234.62 to £250.08 per week · 2 Children – increased from £275.42 to £375.12 per week (£250.08 + £125.04) · 3 Children – increased from £326.43 to £625.20 per week (£250.08 + £250.08 + £125.04)
RESOLVED: That the Director of Social Care’s Annual Report for 2022/2023 be approved and that the Local Authority’s improvement journey in providing services to people in the area be supported.
RESOLVED: That the Public and Press be excluded from the meeting under the provisions of Section 100A of the above Act during consideration of the following items as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act and that in all the relevant circumstances, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
An apology for absence was received from Councillor Chris Cater.
Councillors Mike Priestley and Elizabeth Roberts declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 9 (i) UK Shared Prosperity Fund - Conwy Key Funds, as they are trustees for Community and Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC). As the interest was prejudicial, Councillors Priestley and Roberts left the meeting whilst this matter was discussed and voted upon.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Cabinet held on 11 July 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The minutes of the Cabinet held on 11 July 2023 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Cabinet held on 11 July 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The Leader provided an update in respect of the Chief Executive’s appraisal. Clear and measurable targets had been set which would be circulated to all Members and a 6 monthly review would take place in January 2024.
The Chief Executive made reference to his recent appraisal and extended his thanks to the panel for their professionalism and to the Strategic Leadership Team and Senior Management Team for their continued support. A consultation on the service structure would end on 1 September 2023 and proposals would be presented to democracy in due course.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Cabinet Forward Work Programme be approved.
Members were presented with the Forward Work Programme for the Cabinet. RESOLVED: That the Cabinet Forward Work Programme be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: a) That the minutes of the Conwy Harbour Advisory Committee held on 5 July 2023 be noted. b) That the Harbour Reserves should be used for the functions of Conwy Harbour and not be directed to any other Services at this time.
The Minutes of the Conwy Harbour Advisory Committee were presented and approval was sought for the following recommendation: That the Harbour Reserves should not be directed to any other services and should be protected and used for the function of Conwy Harbour. Members made reference to the pause and review of general spending and the difficult financial position faced by the Council. It was confirmed that use of reserves was subject to approval. RESOLVED: a) That the minutes of the Conwy Harbour Advisory Committee held on 5 July 2023 be noted. b) That the Harbour Reserves should be used for the functions of Conwy Harbour and not be directed to any other Services at this time.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the following be agreed and approved for the Conwy Key Funds: a) The terms of reference, criteria and delegation process for the Key Funds. b) Authority is delegated to the Section Head for Economic Development to approve Conwy Key Fund applications up to £25,000 with project approvals to be reported to the Conwy UKSPF Local Partnership Panel. c) Authority is delegated to the Head of Finance to approve Conwy Key Fund applications for UKSPF up to £100,000 with project approvals to be reported to the Conwy UKSPF Local Partnership Panel. d) Authority is delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development to approve Conwy Key Fund applications between £100,000 to £249,999 following recommendations by the Conwy UKSPF Local Partnership Panel. e) That the Community and Voluntary Support Conwy are approved as the applicant for the Conwy Voluntary Sector Capacity Building Key Fund and will manage the fund going forwards. f) That the Conwy UKSPF Local Partnership Panel is consulted on any allocation or reallocation of Conwy UKSPF (including the Multiply adult numeracy programme) and is distributed based on an assessment of need, with approval from the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development. Note: Councillors Mike Priestley and Elizabeth Roberts declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the above agenda item as they are trustees for Community and Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC). As the interest was prejudicial, Councillors Priestley and Roberts left the meeting whilst this matter was discussed and voted upon.
The Leader presented a report on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund - Conwy Key Funds and highlighted key points in the report. Members were supportive of the fund, which would support local businesses and community groups. It was confirmed that recruitment of additional staff would assist with project delivery by the deadline of December 2024. The Member Development and Information Forum would receive a presentation in respect of accessing and promoting the fund. RESOLVED: That the following be agreed and approved for the Conwy Key Funds: a) The terms of reference, criteria and delegation process for the Key Funds. b) Authority is delegated to the Section Head for Economic Development to approve Conwy Key Fund applications up to £25,000 with project approvals to be reported to the Conwy UKSPF Local Partnership Panel. c) Authority is delegated to the Head of Finance to approve Conwy Key Fund applications for UKSPF up to £100,000 with project approvals to be reported to the Conwy UKSPF Local Partnership Panel. d) Authority is delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development to approve Conwy Key Fund applications between £100,000 to £249,999 following recommendations by the Conwy UKSPF Local Partnership Panel. e) That the Community and Voluntary Support Conwy are approved as the applicant for the Conwy Voluntary Sector Capacity Building Key Fund and will manage the fund going forwards. f) That the Conwy UKSPF Local Partnership Panel is consulted on any allocation or reallocation of Conwy UKSPF (including the Multiply adult numeracy programme) and is distributed based on an assessment of need, with approval from the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development. Note: Councillors Mike Priestley and Elizabeth Roberts declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the above agenda item as they are trustees for Community and Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC). As the interest was prejudicial, Councillors Priestley and Roberts left the meeting whilst this matter was discussed and voted upon.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Motorhome visitor facilities in Conwy are provided by the private sector and the economic benefit currently does not justify additional provision by the Council.
The Leader, together with the Cabinet Members for Environment, Road and Facilities (ERF) Infrastructure and Neighbourhood and the Environment presented the Motorhome Visitor Strategy Report - Stage 1. The report did not provide overwhelming evidence that justified the need for the Local Authority to provide facilities, however results of Gwynedd Council’s pilot programme would be taken into consideration. RESOLVED: That Motorhome visitor facilities in Conwy are provided by the private sector and the economic benefit currently does not justify additional provision by the Council.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: (a) That the Home to School Transport Policy be reviewed and that approval be given for consultation to be undertaken on all elements of non-statutory/discretionary home to school transport. (b) That following consultation, the revised Home to School Transport Policy be submitted to democracy for adoption.
The Cabinet Member for Education presented Members with a report on proposals to consult on some discretionary elements of the Home to School Transport Policy. The Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 18 July 2023 and had requested that Cabinet supported an alternative recommendation as follows: That the Home to School Transport Policy be reviewed and that approval be given for consultation to be undertaken on all elements of non-statutory/discretionary home to school transport. The following was discussed: • Increasing costs were not sustainable. • It was suggested that transport to Welsh language schools should not be considered as part of the review. • There was a duty to review all areas of the budget. RESOLVED: (a) That the Home to School Transport Policy be reviewed and that approval be given for consultation to be undertaken on all elements of non-statutory/discretionary home to school transport. (b) That following consultation, the revised Home to School Transport Policy be submitted to democracy for adoption.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: a) That the latest financial assessment of the estimated budgetary position for 2023/24 be received and noted. b) That an instruction is issued to services and budget holders to slow and pause expenditure in year to contain the shortfall in funding that the Council faces. c) That the virements for the disaggregation of the recruitment drag budget and minor service realignments be approved.
The Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits presented Members with the Quarter 1 Monitoring Report for the Revenue Budget 2023/2024. Members were advised that there was already a significant budgetary pressure in the current financial year as a result of continued pay and price inflationary pressures, rising interest rates and other increasing demands on services. The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 21 August 2023 and supported the recommendations. RESOLVED: a) That the latest financial assessment of the estimated budgetary position for 2023/24 be received and noted. b) That an instruction is issued to services and budget holders to slow and pause expenditure in year to contain the shortfall in funding that the Council faces. c) That the virements for the disaggregation of the recruitment drag budget and minor service realignments be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: a) That the updated Reserves and Balances Policy set out in Appendix 2 be approved. b) That the recommendation within the Reserves and Balances Policy, that the Council aims to hold general fund reserve balances at 5% of the net revenue budget, be endorsed. c) That the release of £1.062m from service reserves, to be added to the pay pressures reserve, be supported. d) That Cabinet Members individually speak to Heads of Service regarding the earmarked reserves, set out in Appendix 3, to provide a view on whether the level and purpose of individual earmarked service and corporate reserves are appropriate. e) That Cabinet Members individually speak to Heads of Service as to whether the plans for the use of certain service reserves are of priority, or whether the funds can be re-prioritised to support other activity, including service transformation. f) That Cabinet Members individually speak to Heads of Service as to whether to manage certain service risks corporately and therefore consolidate some earmarked service reserves into a corporate reserve. g) That the earmarked reserves set out in Appendix 3 be approved.
The Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits presented a report, which highlighted the level of both general and earmarked reserves of the Council as at 31 March 2023. In addition, the Council’s Reserves and Balances Policy had been updated in respect of the recommended level of reserves that should be held by the Council. The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 21 August 2023 and supported the recommendations. RESOLVED: a) That the updated Reserves and Balances Policy set out in Appendix 2 be approved. b) That the recommendation within the Reserves and Balances Policy, that the Council aims to hold general fund reserve balances at 5% of the net revenue budget, be endorsed. c) That the release of £1.062m from service reserves, to be added to the pay pressures reserve, be supported. d) That Cabinet Members individually speak to Heads of Service regarding the earmarked reserves, set out in Appendix 3, to provide a view on whether the level and purpose of individual earmarked service and corporate reserves are appropriate. e) That Cabinet Members individually speak to Heads of Service as to whether the plans for the use of certain service reserves are of priority, or whether the funds can be re-prioritised to support other activity, including service transformation. f) That Cabinet Members individually speak to Heads of Service as to whether to manage certain service risks corporately and therefore consolidate some earmarked service reserves into a corporate reserve. g) That the earmarked reserves set out in Appendix 3 be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: (a) That the key findings and recommendations of the Llandudno Holiday Accommodation Zone Study be approved recognising the implications for policy changes and that the draft policy changes in the Replacement Local Development Plan be agreed. (b) That the Llandudno Holiday Accommodation Zone Study be approved as part of the Replacement Local Development Plan evidence base. (c) That delegated authority be given to the Head of Regulatory and Housing to make minor changes to the Llandudno Holiday Accommodation Zone Study, following consultation.
The Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services presented the Llandudno Holiday Accommodation Study, which reviewed the policy in respect of the appropriate level of serviced accommodation for tourism in Llandudno (Policy TOU/3 Holiday Accommodation Zone (HAZ)). The Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 26 July 2023 and supported the recommendations. RESOLVED: (a) That the key findings and recommendations of the Llandudno Holiday Accommodation Zone Study be approved recognising the implications for policy changes and that the draft policy changes in the Replacement Local Development Plan be agreed. (b) That the Llandudno Holiday Accommodation Zone Study be approved as part of the Replacement Local Development Plan evidence base. (c) That delegated authority be given to the Head of Regulatory and Housing to make minor changes to the Llandudno Holiday Accommodation Zone Study, following consultation.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: (a) That the monitoring indicator to monitor the concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation be approved, as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report. (b) That the limit on the number of occupiers be managed via housing enforcement and licensing, and not planning policy. (c) That the requirement of a management plan be managed via housing enforcement and licensing, and not planning policy. (d) That the key findings and recommendations of the Houses in Multiple Occupation further research paper be noted recognising the implications for policy changes and potential risks for the Replacement Local Development Plan. (e) That the Houses in Multiple Occupation Study be approved as part of the Replacement Local Development Plan evidence base and the proposed new policy. (f) That delegated authority be given to the Head of Regulatory and Housing to make minor changes to the Houses in Multiple Occupation Study and Policy, following consultation.
The Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services presented a report, which included further research in respect to the new policy approach for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) for the Replacement Local Development Plan, following the Cabinet decision on 10 January 2023. The Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 26 July 2023 and supported the recommendations. The following was discussed: • Concern in respect of the capacity of the Council’s HMO Licensing Section to manage the number of occupants. • It was suggested that the proposals for no more than 10% of all residential properties within a 50m radius being HMOs was not a large enough area. • It was confirmed that the Council’s HMO Licensing Section and Rent Smart Wales would enforce minimum standards. RESOLVED: (a) That the monitoring indicator to monitor the concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation be approved, as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report. (b) That the limit on the number of occupiers be managed via housing enforcement and licensing, and not planning policy. (c) That the requirement of a management plan be managed via housing enforcement and licensing, and not planning policy. (d) That the key findings and recommendations of the Houses in Multiple Occupation further research paper be noted recognising the implications for policy changes and potential risks for the Replacement Local Development Plan. (e) That the Houses in Multiple Occupation Study be approved as part of the Replacement Local Development Plan evidence base and the proposed new policy. (f) That delegated authority be given to the Head of Regulatory and Housing to make minor changes to the Houses in Multiple Occupation Study and Policy, following consultation.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: (a) That the key findings and recommendations of the Replacement Local Development Plan and Social Care background paper be noted, recognising the implications for policy changes. (b) That the Replacement Local Development Plan and Social Care background paper be approved as part of the evidence base and the proposed policy approach. (c) That delegated authority be given to the Head of Regulatory and Housing to make minor changes to the Replacement Local Development Plan and Social Care background paper, following consultation.
The Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services presented a background paper that would accompany the Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP), which assessed the social care needs (land use only), updated the policy approach for care homes, and made recommendations for linked policy areas. The Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 26 July 2023 and supported the recommendations. The following was discussed: • It was confirmed that planning conditions and section 106 agreements would be utilised to ensure that new care homes gave priority to Conwy County Borough residents. • Delivery of appropriate housing for the elderly was recognised by Social Housing providers who were providing adaptable properties, this would also be recognised as part of the Council’s Housing Policy. RESOLVED: (a) That the key findings and recommendations of the Replacement Local Development Plan and Social Care background paper be noted, recognising the implications for policy changes. (b) That the Replacement Local Development Plan and Social Care background paper be approved as part of the evidence base and the proposed policy approach. (c) That delegated authority be given to the Head of Regulatory and Housing to make minor changes to the Replacement Local Development Plan and Social Care background paper, following consultation.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Towyn and Kinmel Bay Place Plan is formally adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance.
The Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services presented a report which sought to adopt the Towyn and Kinmel Bay Place Plan as Supplementary Planning Guidance, following recent consultation as agreed by Cabinet in February 2023. Members were supportive of the report but were mindful of the need to consider flood risk and climate change. RESOLVED: That the Towyn and Kinmel Bay Place Plan is formally adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Officers be authorised to consult on the proposed Order with the Chief Officer of Police, the local policing body, and appropriate community representatives as required by the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services presented a report, which sought approval to consult on the Proposed Dog Control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) 2023. The following was discussed: • The increasing number of complaints in respect of dog fouling and in particular in areas accessed by children. • The need to publicise and encourage the use of dog parks. • The disturbance of migratory birds at Rhos Point. RESOLVED: That Officers be authorised to consult on the proposed Order with the Chief Officer of Police, the local policing body, and appropriate community representatives as required by the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the fees for Foster Care cases be raised as follows: · 1 Child – increased from £234.62 to £250.08 per week · 2 Children – increased from £275.42 to £375.12 per week (£250.08 + £125.04) · 3 Children – increased from £326.43 to £625.20 per week (£250.08 + £250.08 + £125.04)
The Cabinet Member for Children, Family and Safeguarding presented proposals to increase the fees for Conwy’s Foster Carers alongside increasing the support given to them, which would enable the Service to increase capacity within Conwy’s in-house Foster Carer Service. The Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 19 July 2023 and supported the recommendations. RESOLVED: That the fees for Foster Care cases be raised as follows: · 1 Child – increased from £234.62 to £250.08 per week · 2 Children – increased from £275.42 to £375.12 per week (£250.08 + £125.04) · 3 Children – increased from £326.43 to £625.20 per week (£250.08 + £250.08 + £125.04)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Director of Social Care’s Annual Report for 2022/2023 be approved and that the Local Authority’s improvement journey in providing services to people in the area be supported.
The Cabinet Member for Children, Family and Safeguarding, together with the Cabinet Member for Integrated Adult and Community Services, presented the Director of Social Care’s Annual Report for 2022/2023. The report provided information on the areas of new development and evaluated performance in relation to achieving Social Care duties. The Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 19 July 2023 and supported the recommendations. RESOLVED: That the Director of Social Care’s Annual Report for 2022/2023 be approved and that the Local Authority’s improvement journey in providing services to people in the area be supported.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Public and Press be excluded from the meeting under the provisions of Section 100A of the above Act during consideration of the following items as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act and that in all the relevant circumstances, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
RESOLVED: That the Public and Press be excluded from the meeting under the provisions of Section 100A of the above Act during consideration of the following items as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act and that in all the relevant circumstances, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
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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