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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED: a) That the Quarter 1 Performance Report and updated Portfolio Risk Register be noted. b) That the North Wales Economic Ambition Board Annual Report 2024/2024 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the update on Funding to Conwy Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and the additional services provided as a result of the significant, multiple awards of Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) funding be noted. Note: Councillor Frank Bradfield declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the above item as he is a trustee. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Councillor Bradfield left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Cheryl Carlisle and Gareth Jones.
Councillor Chris Hughes declared a personal interest in agenda item 6i (Strategic Equality Plan Annual Report 2023-2024) as he is a member of an organisation referenced within the report. As the declaration was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Hughes remained in the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon. Councillor Frank Bradfield declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 7a (Funding to Conwy Citizens Advice Bureau - CAB) as he is a trustee of CAB. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Councillor Bradfield left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
None.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: a) That the Quarter 1 Performance Report and updated Portfolio Risk Register be noted. b) That the North Wales Economic Ambition Board Annual Report 2024/2024 be noted.
Note: Hedd Vaughan-Evans (Head of Operations) and David Mathews (Land and Property Programme Manager) for Ambition North Wales were in attendance for this item. The Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Economy introduced the quarterly update on progress of the North Wales Growth Deal and the North Wales Economic Ambition Board Annual Report 2023/2024. The Head of Operations together with the Land and Property Programme Manager for Ambition North Wales provided Members with a presentation, which included details of investments, 2023-2024 milestones, new Growth Deal projects, development of the local broadband fund and the proposed transfer of the portfolio management office to the Corporate Joint Committee. The following was discussed: • Significant investment had been received from private sector investors. • National investment was required for upgrading Broadband in North Wales and work was taking place, which sought to accelerate the work. • The remit of the Growth Deal included the creation of long standing, high value jobs. • It was confirmed that the Llandudno/Rhyl Tidal Lagoon Project had never formed part of the growth deal due to the level of funding required. However a letter of support was provided. · Reference was made to the Working Group which was set up to look at lobbying the Government. The Chief Executive would request a progress update. • Investment was currently marked as red within the portfolio performance, as a significant target had been set and would remain a priority area until 50% of funding had been secured. • The Head of Economy and Culture advised that positive meetings had taken place in respect of the Kinmel Studios Project and that a new business case would be submitted before the end of the year. • The consenting risk had been increased, as it had been underestimated. • It was confirmed that there were no data centres within the Growth Deal due to limited resources and that any discussions with multinational companies would need to be initiated by UK Government. RESOLVED: a) That the Quarter 1 Performance Report and updated Portfolio Risk Register be noted. b) That the North Wales Economic Ambition Board Annual Report 2024/2024 be noted.
The Cabinet Member for Audit, Policy and Performance introduced the Strategic Equality Plan (SEP) Annual Report 2023-2024 and the Head of People and Performance highlighted key points from within the report. The plan provided a progress update on the work undertaken in Conwy to achieve its equality objectives. A progress report on actions taken in relation to the UNISON Anti-racism Charter was also provided. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • Members were encouraged to attend the ‘out and about’ events held by Conwy Libraries which explored LGBTQ+ history along with the reimagining Congo House / African Institute exhibition at Colwyn Bay library. • Whilst the SEP had always formed part of the Corporate Plan (Priority 8), there was an emphasis on equalities within all areas of the plan. • It was confirmed that the core goals of the SEP were to increase equality and diversity and reference was made to the Inclusive Conwy Plan. · Reports were produced in respect of complaints, information which could identify an individual was redacted. · The anti-harassment policy was being reviewed. • Newly appointed staff were required to complete equality, diversity and inclusion training. The training also formed part of the Member induction programme. • Equality and diversity was embedded within the recruitment process and procedures were in place in order to reduce barriers for those with protected characteristics. • A Councillor said they had been subject to bullying by Senior Officers and Members. It was noted that processes were in place for staff and Elected Members in respect of reporting bullying. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That the Strategic Equality Plan Annual Report 2023-2024 be approved. Note: Councillor Chris Hughes declared a personal interest in the above agenda item as he is a member of an organisation reference in the report. As the declaration was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Hughes remained in the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
The Cabinet Member for Audit, Policy and Performance introduced the Employment Monitoring Report for 2023-2024 and the Head of People and Performance highlighted key points from within the report. The report provided a snapshot of employment data for permanent, fixed term and casual staff. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • Whilst there had been a slight increase in the number of employees, this figure included grant funded roles, maternity cover and there had been a reduction in the use of agency workers. - Whilst there had been a review of grades and hours, which had resulted in the removal of some posts from the HR system, there had been an increase in demand within Social Care and Housing. • The number of grievances recorded in the report were those that had reached a formal level. Support was provided to employees who raised concerns. • Mandatory training was monitored and data shared with relevant boards and Services. Current figures would be shared with members. • It was confirmed that all services were looking at where they could reduce posts and whilst frontline services were important, corporate functions such as legal and accountancy were also vital to the running of frontline services. • In response to concerns raised in respect of the low number of LGBTQ+ employees, it was advised that there was a reliance on information being declared. - Staff were encouraged to complete the Equality Monitoring Survey. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That the Employment Monitoring Report 2023-2024 be approved for publication.
The Cabinet Member for Audit, Policy and Performance introduced the Workforce Dashboard - end of year update 2023/2024 and the Head of People and Performance highlighted key points from within the report. Whilst there was a high level of absence related to stress, not all stress was work related. An officer working group had been established along with a wellbeing communications plan and the attendance policy was being reviewed. Members welcomed the report. RECOMMENDEDTO CABINET: That the actions being undertaken to manage staff attendance be endorsed.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the update on Funding to Conwy Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and the additional services provided as a result of the significant, multiple awards of Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) funding be noted. Note: Councillor Frank Bradfield declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the above item as he is a trustee. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Councillor Bradfield left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy introduced a report on funding to Conwy Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and the Head of Finance highlighted key points from within the report. This report provided an update on how the Shared Prosperity Funding (SPF) awarded to Conwy CAB had been utilised following the withdrawal of funding from Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC). The following was discussed: · CCBC continued to offer support to CAB, such as the use of office space at Coed Pella. · Whilst some of the SPF funding was earmarked, part of the monies could be utilised for back office functions. · It was confirmed that the Welfare Rights Team could provide support to those seeking to claim pension credits following the withdrawal of the winter fuel allowance and that work was being done to identify those who may be eligible. · It was suggested that consideration be given to reinstating funding to CAB in future if they did not receive alternative funding and that discussions should take place with other services in order to ensure the continuation of assistance for vulnerable residents. RESOLVED: That the update on Funding to Conwy Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and the additional services provided as a result of the significant, multiple awards of Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) funding be noted. Note: Councillor Frank Bradfield declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the above item as he is a trustee. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Councillor Bradfield left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
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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