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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 meetings of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 3 October 2022 and 17 October 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Informal Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Chairs and Vice-Chairs held on 3 October 2022 and 7 November 2022 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Governance and Audit Committee held on 26 September 2022 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Conwy Opportunities Board held on 4 October 2022 be noted.
RESOLVED: a) That discussions take place with the Chair of the Asset Management Task and Finish Group, the County Valuer and Asset Manager, Leader and Deputy Leader in order to agree on how to proceed with the Asset Management Task and Finish Group. Financial Resilience Task and Finish Group The Strategic Director – Finance and Resources provided an overview and highlighted the following: • The Group had met once. • Budget Working Groups had been arranged which would replace the work of the Task and Finish Group. • The Budget Working Groups would continue to meet periodically. Members discussed the following: • Assurance was sought that the Budget Working Groups would meet throughout the year, as opposed to meeting only in respect of the budget setting process. - In response, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources confirmed that meetings would be held throughout the year as there were several areas to be discussed and explored. RESOLVED: b) That the Budget Working Groups replace the work of the Financial Resilience Task and Finish Group. Play Provision Task and Finish Group The Flood Risk and Infrastructure Manager and the Project Manager provided an overview and highlighted the following: • The Task and Finish Group was established in 2019 in order to review the adequacy of play provision within the County. • A report with recommendations was produced in 2021, however recommendations were not agreed. • It had been agreed to commission an external report. • Work was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic, however, consultations were now being undertaken. Councillor Harry Saville (Chair of the Play Provision Task and Finish Group), was not present at the meeting, however he had provided some written comments which included the following points: • The Task and Finish Group considered a wide range of issues relating to funding the ongoing maintenance of playground equipment, and the sort of equipment that should be provided. • Since being established, Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) significantly increased the playground maintenance capital budget, and whilst this budget never reached the full amount to fund steady maintenance of the Council’s playgrounds, many of the problems initially identified were resolved. • If there was still appetite to explore wider issues, the Task and Finish Group could be transferred to either the Economy and Place or Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committees. Members discussed the following: • Members acknowledged the importance of play provision, however, financial constraints had to be taken into consideration. • It was suggested that reports in respect of play provision be received by the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee as and when appropriate. • Reference was made to nature based play areas which required less maintenance. - Concern was raised in respect of accessibility for disabled children. • It was suggested that Town and Community Councils consider taking responsibility for play areas. - Cost implications could be a barrier in large areas, due to costs associated with maintenance, risk assessments and insurance. RESOLVED: c) That the Play Provision Task and Finish Group be disbanded. Tourism Task and Finish Group The Strategic Director – Economy and Place provided an overview and highlighted the following: • The Task and Finish Group had been established as Wales was awarded the legislative capability for charging a tourism tax. • Since the establishment of the Group, Welsh Government (WG) had actively pursued the implementation of a tourism tax and CCBC had been involved in workshops. • The remit of the Group was no longer relevant and it was suggested that a new Task and Finish Group be established once a decision had been reached by WG in respect of implementation of a tourism tax. Councillor Harry Saville (Vice-Chair of the Tourism Tax Task and Finish Group), was not present at the meeting, however he had provided some written comments which included the following points: • WG had carried out significant policy development work on a tourism tax, identifying that it would be a levy on overnight visitor stays. • The WG were consulting on the details of how the levy would be implemented. • In future, a Working Group would be a more appropriate vehicle for scrutiny members to engage with the issue RESOLVED: d) That the Tourism Tax Task and Finish Group be disbanded and that an appropriate Task and Finish Group or Working Group be established when required.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Kay Redhead and Harry Saville.
Councillors Chris Cater, Sian Grady and Trystan Lewis all declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 9(iii) (Council Tax Premiums on Long-term empty homes and Second Homes), as they or a close family member all pay Council Tax on a second home or long-term empty home within Conwy County Borough. As the interest was considered prejudicial, they all left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon. Councillor Gareth Jones declared a personal interest in agenda item 9(iii) (Council Tax Premiums on Long-term empty homes and Second Homes), as he is the Chair of a Housing Association. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Jones was able to speak and vote on the matter.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 3 October 2022 and 17 October 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The minutes of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 3 October 2022 and 17 October 2022 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 3 October 2022 and 17 October 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Informal Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Chairs and Vice-Chairs held on 3 October 2022 and 7 November 2022 be noted.
The minutes of the Informal Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs held on 3 October, 2022 and 7 November, 2022 were submitted for information. The Chair referred Members to minute 118 and the worsening economic landscape, likely overspend position and acknowledgement that all Members of the Council had a collective responsibility to impart the message that difficult decisions would need to be taken to alleviate the situation. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Informal Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Chairs and Vice-Chairs held on 3 October 2022 and 7 November 2022 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Governance and Audit Committee held on 26 September 2022 be noted.
The minutes of the Governance and Audit Committee meeting held on 26 September 2022 were submitted. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Governance and Audit Committee held on 26 September 2022 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Conwy Opportunities Board held on 4 October 2022 be noted.
The minutes of the Conwy Opportunities Board held on 4 October 2022 were submitted. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Conwy Opportunities Board held on 4 October 2022 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: a) That discussions take place with the Chair of the Asset Management Task and Finish Group, the County Valuer and Asset Manager, Leader and Deputy Leader in order to agree on how to proceed with the Asset Management Task and Finish Group. Financial Resilience Task and Finish Group The Strategic Director – Finance and Resources provided an overview and highlighted the following: • The Group had met once. • Budget Working Groups had been arranged which would replace the work of the Task and Finish Group. • The Budget Working Groups would continue to meet periodically. Members discussed the following: • Assurance was sought that the Budget Working Groups would meet throughout the year, as opposed to meeting only in respect of the budget setting process. - In response, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources confirmed that meetings would be held throughout the year as there were several areas to be discussed and explored. RESOLVED: b) That the Budget Working Groups replace the work of the Financial Resilience Task and Finish Group. Play Provision Task and Finish Group The Flood Risk and Infrastructure Manager and the Project Manager provided an overview and highlighted the following: • The Task and Finish Group was established in 2019 in order to review the adequacy of play provision within the County. • A report with recommendations was produced in 2021, however recommendations were not agreed. • It had been agreed to commission an external report. • Work was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic, however, consultations were now being undertaken. Councillor Harry Saville (Chair of the Play Provision Task and Finish Group), was not present at the meeting, however he had provided some written comments which included the following points: • The Task and Finish Group considered a wide range of issues relating to funding the ongoing maintenance of playground equipment, and the sort of equipment that should be provided. • Since being established, Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) significantly increased the playground maintenance capital budget, and whilst this budget never reached the full amount to fund steady maintenance of the Council’s playgrounds, many of the problems initially identified were resolved. • If there was still appetite to explore wider issues, the Task and Finish Group could be transferred to either the Economy and Place or Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committees. Members discussed the following: • Members acknowledged the importance of play provision, however, financial constraints had to be taken into consideration. • It was suggested that reports in respect of play provision be received by the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee as and when appropriate. • Reference was made to nature based play areas which required less maintenance. - Concern was raised in respect of accessibility for disabled children. • It was suggested that Town and Community Councils consider taking responsibility for play areas. - Cost implications could be a barrier in large areas, due to costs associated with maintenance, risk assessments and insurance. RESOLVED: c) That the Play Provision Task and Finish Group be disbanded. Tourism Task and Finish Group The Strategic Director – Economy and Place provided an overview and highlighted the following: • The Task and Finish Group had been established as Wales was awarded the legislative capability for charging a tourism tax. • Since the establishment of the Group, Welsh Government (WG) had actively pursued the implementation of a tourism tax and CCBC had been involved in workshops. • The remit of the Group was no longer relevant and it was suggested that a new Task and Finish Group be established once a decision had been reached by WG in respect of implementation of a tourism tax. Councillor Harry Saville (Vice-Chair of the Tourism Tax Task and Finish Group), was not present at the meeting, however he had provided some written comments which included the following points: • WG had carried out significant policy development work on a tourism tax, identifying that it would be a levy on overnight visitor stays. • The WG were consulting on the details of how the levy would be implemented. • In future, a Working Group would be a more appropriate vehicle for scrutiny members to engage with the issue RESOLVED: d) That the Tourism Tax Task and Finish Group be disbanded and that an appropriate Task and Finish Group or Working Group be established when required.
As requested by Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs, a steer was requested in respect of the future of the following Task and Finish Groups: Asset Management Task and Finish Group The Chair of the Task and Finish Group, Councillor Andrew Wood provided an overview and highlighted the following: • The Group had been established at the request of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee. • Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the Group had not completed its work. • Alternative uses in respect of Bodlondeb had not yet been explored. • There was a £21m repairs backlog to be addressed. • Due to officer pressures it was suggested that initial discussions take place between the County Valuer and Asset Manager, Leader and the Deputy Leader in respect of the future work of the Task and Finish Group. • The Group would welcome an opportunity to report back to the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Members discussed the following: • It was suggested that the closure of Bodlondeb be explored and that local members be included in any discussions. - In response, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits confirmed that work was progressing in respect of Bodlondeb and that options would be presented to Members in due course. • A review of assets was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic. • It was suggested that Town and Community Council buildings required a review. - In response, the Head of Law and Governance advised that a review had commenced, however there were some complexities. • Due to the current financial climate it was agreed that downsizing and optimising of the Group was required, however it was felt that democratic input was essential. • The Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits raised concern in respect of officer time and the importance that work was not duplicated. • The importance of ensuring that buildings were energy efficient. RESOLVED: a) That discussions take place with the Chair of the Asset Management Task and Finish Group, the County Valuer and Asset Manager, Leader and Deputy Leader in order to agree on how to proceed with the Asset Management Task and Finish Group. Financial Resilience Task and Finish Group The Strategic Director – Finance and Resources provided an overview and highlighted the following: • The Group had met once. • Budget Working Groups had been arranged which would replace the work of the Task and Finish Group. • The Budget Working Groups would continue to meet periodically. Members discussed the following: • Assurance was sought that the Budget Working Groups would meet throughout the year, as opposed to meeting only in respect of the budget setting process. - In response, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources confirmed that meetings would be held throughout the year as there were several areas to be discussed and explored. RESOLVED: b) That the Budget Working Groups replace the work of the Financial Resilience Task and Finish Group. Play Provision Task and Finish Group The Flood Risk and Infrastructure Manager and the Project Manager provided an overview and highlighted the following: • The Task and Finish Group was established in 2019 in order to review the adequacy of play provision within the County. • A report with recommendations was produced in 2021, however recommendations were not agreed. • It had been agreed to commission an external report. • Work was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic, however, consultations were now being undertaken. Councillor Harry Saville (Chair of the Play Provision Task and Finish Group), was not present at the meeting, however he had provided some written comments which included the following points: • The Task and Finish Group considered a wide range of issues relating to funding the ongoing maintenance of playground equipment, and the sort of equipment that should be provided. • Since being established, Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) significantly increased the playground maintenance capital budget, and whilst this budget never reached the full amount to fund steady maintenance of the Council’s playgrounds, many of the problems initially identified were resolved. • If there was still appetite to explore wider issues, the Task and Finish Group could be transferred to either the Economy and Place or Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committees. Members discussed the following: • Members acknowledged the importance of play provision, however, financial constraints had to be taken into consideration. • It was suggested that reports in respect of play provision be received by the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee as and when appropriate. • Reference was made to nature based play areas which required less maintenance. - Concern was raised in respect of accessibility for disabled children. • It was suggested that Town and Community Councils consider taking responsibility for play areas. - Cost implications could be a barrier in large areas, due to costs associated with maintenance, risk assessments and insurance. RESOLVED: c) That the Play Provision Task and Finish Group be disbanded. Tourism Task and Finish Group The Strategic Director – Economy and Place provided an overview and highlighted the following: • The Task and Finish Group had been established as Wales was awarded the legislative capability for charging a tourism tax. • Since the establishment of the Group, Welsh Government (WG) had actively pursued the implementation of a tourism tax and CCBC had been involved in workshops. • The remit of the Group was no longer relevant and it was suggested that a new Task and Finish Group be established once a decision had been reached by WG in respect of implementation of a tourism tax. Councillor Harry Saville (Vice-Chair of the Tourism Tax Task and Finish Group), was not present at the meeting, however he had provided some written comments which included the following points: • WG had carried out significant policy development work on a tourism tax, identifying that it would be a levy on overnight visitor stays. • The WG were consulting on the details of how the levy would be implemented. • In future, a Working Group would be a more appropriate vehicle for scrutiny members to engage with the issue RESOLVED: d) That the Tourism Tax Task and Finish Group be disbanded and that an appropriate Task and Finish Group or Working Group be established when required.
The Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits introduced the Revised Capital Programme 2022/2023 – Quarter Two Monitoring Report, which outlined the mid-year financial activity on the total capital programme for the Council for 2022/2023. The Strategic Director – Finance and Resources highlighted the following points from the report: • The total capital programme now stood at £144.836m. This was made up of the £107.019m, as set out in the Cabinet report (9 August 2022) , £35.261m for schemes previously approved (mainly Coastal Risk Management Programme funding (CRMP)), now amalgamated into the overall programme and £2.556m (net) in amendments to the capital programme since the last report. • Approval was sought for revisions to the overall capital programme (Appendix 1). Due to their nature, a number of larger schemes were profiled over more than one financial year. As a result, the overall programme was split between the 2022/2023 programme of £65.723m and future year’s activity of £79.113m (Appendix 2). • Projects in the current capital programme, that had yet to commence, would be considered alongside new capital programme projects, in order to review priorities and the affordability of all the projects. This would be undertaken through the Capital Programme Group, with input from all Members. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: · It was queried what impact a reduction in the Capital Budget would have on projects that spanned several years. - In response, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources advised that it was likely that Welsh Government (WG) would reduce the capital allocation. - Some projects, such as those under the Coastal Risk Management Programme (CRMP) or Sustainable Communities for Learning may need to be reduced. · It was suggested that all capital expenditure be stopped unless covered by a grant or unless there was a revenue gain. - In response, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources advised that it had been agreed by Cabinet not to start any new capital schemes without approval. - Schemes where a contractual commitment had been made would be required to continue. - Schemes that would assist with revenue pressures would be prioritised. · Reference was made to Ysgol Sant Elfod as modernisation of the school had been delayed and was having an impact on staff morale. - In response, the Cabinet Member for Education advised that this would be discussed at the Social Care and Education Capital Programme Board on 22 November, 2022. · It was suggested that funding be taken advantage of, especially CRMP funding which was 85%. - In response, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources advised that Welsh WG provided 85% to meet borrowing costs, however, it was not clear whether consideration would be given to rising interest rates. · Concern was raised in respect of the impact of not delivering coastal defence schemes for Abergele and Pensarn. - In response, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits advised that all business cases would be considered individually. It was proposed that all capital expenditure be paused unless a contractual agreement was in place, essential repairs and maintenance were required or there was a revenue benefit and that each scheme be reviewed individually. Whilst the above proposal was not seconded, it was confirmed that this would be implemented as well as the review of existing schemes. A further proposal (which was seconded) was made as follows: The importance of taking advantage of all available funding in respect of the delivery of future capital schemes be noted. Following a vote it was: RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: a) That the net additions of £2.556m, and sources of funding, to the total capital programme as set out in Appendix 1 of the committee report be approved. b) That the total capital programme of £144.836m detailed in Appendix 2 of the committee report which is split into the 2022/23 programme of £65.723m and £79.113m for future years be noted. c) That the mid-year capital outturn position for 2022/2023 be noted. d) That the importance of taking advantage of all available funding in respect of the delivery of future capital schemes be noted.
The Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits introduced the Revenue budget for 2022/2023 – Quarter Two Monitoring Report, which provided details of the revenue activity for the second quarter of the financial year, a forecast to the year end, as well as other relevant information available at this time. The position had worsened since the first quarter despite close monitoring, with estimated budgetary pressures of £10m for this financial year. The Strategic Director – Finance and Resources highlighted the following points from the report: · The Council’s overspend was as a result of higher pay awards than had been budgeted for, inflationary pressure relating to fuel and energy, and increased demand for services particularly in relation to looked after children and homelessness. · Whilst the Council had established earmarked reserves to assist in dealing with some of the pressures, the worsening in year position alongside the significantly worsening outlook for the following financial year, meant that urgent remedial action was required to minimise the use of reserves. · The Strategic Director Finance and Resources had instructed budget holders to consider a range of measures to contain spend in year. This approach was endorsed by Cabinet at its meeting on 8 November 2022. · In addition to addressing the resource shortfall, so as to allow the Council to set a balanced budget in 2023/2024, work was also being undertaken to address key cost pressures such as looked after children, in order to alleviate the overall position. · As part of the Autumn Statement, £1.2bn had been allocated to Wales over a 2 year period. - Clarification would be provided as part of the provisional settlement which was due to be announced on 14 December, 2022. · There was a risk that in due course, some Ukrainian refugees welcomed into Conwy, could become homeless as sponsor relationships came to an end. - Welsh Government (WG) had confirmed that Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) would receive £10,500 per person for those who had arrived under the Homes for Ukraine visa routes. - There was also additional funding for schools to support additional costs incurred in meeting the needs of arriving Ukrainian children. - Any surplus income could be used to support additional homelessness costs if they arose. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: · Following a meeting with WG, the Leader confirmed that all Local Authorities were facing similar pressures. - Officer time was valuable and consideration would be given to pausing non-essential work such as Corporate Joint Committees. - Regulators were utilising standards that were not suitable for the current climate. - Careful consideration should be given to any financial decisions especially in respect of long term consequences. · Concern was raised that £1m had been transferred from the homelessness budget and it was queried as to whether this would be reinstated. - In response, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources confirmed that a virement had been approved as the monies had already been paid, therefore the transfer was a correction. - Homelessness demand had continued to rise and the budget would be overspent, therefore, this would be funded from balances. · A list of non-performing assets and associated costs was requested. - In response, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources was anticipating that non-performing assets would form part of budget proposals. - Work had begun in respect of scrutinising building costs and the possibility of reducing the number of buildings utilised. · It was queried as to whether solutions such as merging back office functions with other Local Authorities was being considered. - In response, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources advised that all options were being explored. - The total budget of all services (excluding Social Care and Environment Roads and Facilities) totalled £25m. - Front line services needed to be protected, however, in order to balance the budget, these services were required to contribute to efficiency savings. · It was suggested that information be provided to staff and the public in respect of the financial difficulties faced by the Council and measures that were being taken to address the situation. - In response, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits advised that details would be discussed during the Budget Working Groups and that the provisional settlement in December, 2022 would help clarify the situation, - As the full extent of the situation was not yet known, accurate information could not be shared with staff in respect of possible job risks. - The Strategic Director – Finance and Resources advised that staff and Trade Unions had been informed of the financial situation. - A request for staff voluntary redundancy had not been circulated as it may not result in redundancies from relevant service areas, and redundancies of long serving staff could be costly. · It was suggested that consulting with residents in respect of budgetary reductions be revisited. - In response, the Leader advised that public consultation would be difficult due to timescales. - No meaningful feedback had been received by Local Authorities who had undertaken such consultations. · In respect of placements for looked after children and the homeless, concern was raised in relation to the costs of placements outside of Conwy County. - It was requested that the number of looked after children and homeless families within Conwy County be provided ahead of the relevant budget working group. - In response, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources advised that work had begun in respect of revenue pressures associated with looked after children and the homeless. - In-county solutions were being explored. · It was queried as to whether consideration had been given to closure of the Mochdre Council Offices and relocating staff to Coed Pella. - In response, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources advised that discussions had commenced in respect of the future of the Mochdre office. · It was queried as to whether information in respect of finances for individual services over the last 5 years was available. - In response, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources advised that the information was available and would be circulated to Members. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: a) That the latest financial assessment of the estimated budgetary position for 2022/2023 be noted. b) That the significant uncertainties underpinning the financial assessment and the potential implications for future years’ budgets be noted.
The Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits introduced a report on Council Tax Premiums on Long-term Empty Homes and Second Homes. On 21 October 2022, the Affordable Housing (Council Tax Premium) Working Group met to review the indicative levels of premium on long-term empty homes and second homes for 2023/2024, as set by Council at its meeting on 9 December 2021. The Group also considered the indicative level of premiums for 2024/2025. 801 responses had been received in respect of the public consultation, which was held between 24 August 2022 and 3 October 2022. The Chair of the Working Group, Councillor Andrew Wood made reference to the following: • The Working Group had reached the same conclusion for premiums in 2022/2023 and 2023/2024. • The impact on rural towns, villages and schools had been considered. • The impact of second home owners registering their property as a business in order to pay business rates had been considered and figures for 2023/2024 would be considered by the Working Group in respect of premiums for 2024/2025. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • The risk to small rural communities with no employment opportunities was queried. - In response, the Chair of the Working Group advised that the proposed premiums were the same as those set by other Local Authorities. - Rural communities had been considered and the Working Group had reached the same conclusions for two consecutive years. - There were increasing opportunities to work from home. - Local people were moving away from rural communities due to a lack of affordable housing. • Concern was raised in respect of National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR). - In response, the Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance advised that Welsh Government (WG) had introduced policies to address NNDR issues and that additional evidence was to be provided in respect of registering a property as a holiday let. • It was suggested that data could be utilised to introduce different premiums within different areas. - In response, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources advised that clarification would be required in respect of legislation. - Introducing differing premiums would be difficult to administer. - The Head of Law and Governance advised that proposed changes to planning legislation relating to ‘hyper local’ models could address housing issues or may result in moving the issues elsewhere. • The percentage of second homes within a community (Penmachno 37%, Dolwyddelan 48% and Capel Curig 60%) impacted upon the Welsh Language. - A reduction in second homes within a community did not affect the economy as a permanent resident would contribute on a more regular basis. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: a) That a 50% Council Tax Premium for both second homes and long-term empty homes be charged from April 2023. b) That an indicative level of 100% premium on both long-term empty homes and second homes from 1 April 2024 be recommended (subject to review during 2023/2024). c) That the advice of the Section 151 Officer below be noted: That the funding from the premium continues to be used to support the Housing budget. Should members support an increase in either premium, or choose to allocate the monies elsewhere other that into the Housing Services budget, then there will be a consequential budget pressure that will need to be funded from elsewhere in setting the 2023/24 budget. (Note: Councillors Chris Cater, Sian Grady and Trystan Lewis all declared a personal interest in the above item, as they or a close family member all pay Council Tax on a second home or long-term empty home within Conwy County Borough. As the interest was considered prejudicial, they all left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon. Councillor Gareth Jones declared a personal interest in the above item, as he is the Chair of a Housing Association. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Jones was able to speak and vote on the matter.)
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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