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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 meeting of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 1 June 2026 be approved and signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED: That the Forward Work Programme for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined Forward Work Programme be approved.
RESOLVED: That the External Regulatory Report – The Building Blocks? Capital Planning in Councils in Wales and associated action plan be noted and referred to the Governance and Audit Committee for consideration.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Frank Bradfield, Charlie McCoubrey, Angie O’Grady and Andrew Wood.
None.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 1 June 2026 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The minutes of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 1 June 2026 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 1 June 2026 be approved and signed as a correct record.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Forward Work Programme for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined Forward Work Programme be approved.
The Scrutiny Lead Officer presented Members with the individual Forward Work Programme (FWP) for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined FWP. The waste transfer station project report was currently being reviewed and would be presented to democracy in due course. The Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Planning would circulate information to Members prior to the Budget Working Groups which had been arranged for November 2026. RESOLVED: That the Forward Work Programme for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined Forward Work Programme be approved.
The Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Governance Services introduced the Performance Self-Assessment from October 2025 to March 2026, and the Strategy, Performance and Engagement Manager highlighted key points from within the report. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: · The in-year Council Tax collection rate, at approximately 95%, was in line with the national position and the Council was collecting the level anticipated. Support was available for residents experiencing difficulty in making payments. · Considerable work had been undertaken to understand the reasons for the low completion rate for mandatory safeguarding training. - The process for collecting data across the Authority had not been consistent, with schools recording training completion on a separate system. - A new training system was being explored. - Staff had a six-month probationary period in which to complete the training and consideration was being given to reducing the timescale. - The completion figure for office-based staff would be circulated to Members for information and included within future reports. - It was suggested that in person training be considered. · Whilst concerns were raised in respect of the financial implications of staff absence and turnover, it was confirmed that absence rates were improving and staff turnover was in line with other local authorities. - · Recruitment within the Environment, Roads and Facilities (ERF) service was challenging due to working conditions and rates of pay. · Staff survey analysis had been delayed due to the Panel Performance Assessment. · Reference within the report to Cabinet approval for the disposal of Conwy Civic Hall and nearby Council owned land would be reviewed and rephrased if necessary. · Housing need and demand had continued to grow, however due to a number of variables, it was difficult to provide a definitive list of waiting times. - A Housing Strategy was in place and was reported annually to Overview and Scrutiny. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That Cabinet recommend to Council the approval of the Performance Self-Assessment October 2025 to March 2026.
The Leader introduced the Panel Performance Assessment (PPA) report and draft response, and the Chief Executive highlighted key points from within the report. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • Whilst the urgency of the response was appreciated, it was suggested that costed transformation projects were required, with a focus on streamlining processes. • The Leader had met with Town and Community Council clerks to discuss possible closer working arrangements and a medium-term plan. · The Stakeholder Survey formed part of the public engagement process and public interaction with staff had generally been positive, although outcomes were not always favourable. · Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) Here to Listen roadshows were intended to provide an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions and Local Members were welcome to discuss issues with the Leader at any time. · Whilst community work was ongoing, volunteering had decreased since the Covid-19 pandemic. - CCBC had links with Community and Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC). - A good relationship was in place with Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) - A staff skills audit was being carried out to gain an insight into what additional skills existing staff may have.. • The newly appointed Head of Innovation and Transformation would work with all departments to identify opportunities to improve processes. • A scrutiny review had been undertaken and as part of the PPA recommendations and some changes had been implemented. - It was suggested that the requirement to submit scrutiny topic selection forms could be resource intensive. · It was acknowledged that communication with the public could be improved, and that officers should ensure Local Members were informed of issues affecting their wards. · It was suggested that, whilst the Well-being of Future Generations Act was important, consideration should also be given to the wellbeing of current generations. · Other reports and plans would provide opportunities for scrutiny of proposed transformational change. · Concern was expressed that the management response had not clearly identified priorities and that the underlying principle should reflect the urgency of the current position. It was proposed and seconded that an informal meeting of all Members be arranged to consider and discuss the Panel Performance Assessment Action Plan. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: a) That the Panel Performance Assessment and draft Management Response be recommended to Council for approval. b) That an informal meeting of all Members be arranged to consider and discuss the Panel Performance Assessment Action Plan.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the External Regulatory Report – The Building Blocks? Capital Planning in Councils in Wales and associated action plan be noted and referred to the Governance and Audit Committee for consideration.
The Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Planning introduced the ‘Building Blocks? Capital Planning in Councils in Wales’ external regulatory report, and the Head of Finance highlighted key points. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • The Wales Pension Partnership was considering potential investment in infrastructure projects, which would be subject to a rigorous assessment process and based on securing a return on investment. Further guidance would be sought in relation to potential projects and the applicable assessment criteria. · Work was being undertaken to provide a more comprehensive forward look at capital commitments, including ongoing maintenance and running costs. · Whilst the action plan should respond to the Audit Wales report, it could also be expanded to address the Council’s own requirements. · Condition data was available in respect of the school estate and work was being progressed to develop a consolidated register. - A backlog maintenance register was in place, with works prioritised according to need. - It was hoped that the newly elected Welsh Government may provide additional funding. RESOLVED: That the External Regulatory Report – The Building Blocks? Capital Planning in Councils in Wales and associated action plan be noted and referred to the Governance and Audit Committee for consideration.
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