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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 Cabinet held on 8 November 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED- (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.
RESOLVED- (a) That the net additions of £2.556m, and sources of funding, to the total capital programme, as set out in Appendix 1, be approved. (b) That the total capital programme of £144.836m, detailed in Appendix 2, which was split into the 2022/2023 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 available funding in respect of the delivery of future capital schemes be noted.
RESOLVED- (a) That it be recommended to Council that a 50% Council Tax Premium for both second homes and long-term empty homes be charged from April 2023. (b) That it be recommended to Council 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 it be recommended to Council 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 Services budget. Should Members support an increase in either premium, or choose to allocate the monies elsewhere, other than into the Housing Services budget, then there would be a consequential budget pressure that would need to be funded from elsewhere in setting the 2023/2024 budget. (Councillor Chris Cater declared a personal interest in the above item, as a close family member owned a second property within the Conwy County Borough. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Councillor Cater left the meeting whilst the item was discussed.)
RESOLVED- (a) That the principle of submitting to the Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme be approved and delegated authority be given to the Head of Regulatory and Housing Service, in consultation with Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory, to: (i) identify appropriate properties that mitigate the significant need the Council is facing; and (ii) submit a Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme grant application. (b) That due to the nature and urgency of securing funding, the report be exempt from call-in.
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 item as it involved 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 Goronwy Edwards.
Councillor Chris Cater declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 7 (iii) (Council Tax Premiums on Long-term empty homes and Second Homes), as a close family member owned a second property in Conwy County Borough. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Councillor Cater left the meeting whilst the item was discussed.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED- That the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 8 November 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 8 November 2022 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED- That the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 8 November 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The Leader announced that Iwan Davies, Chief Executive, would be leaving the post on 25 November 2022. Mr Davies had served the Council for 29 years, 11 of those as the Chief Executive. The Leader was grateful for the time and effort Mr Davies had spent supporting new Members, and had always provided sage advice. As a result of his composure, dedication and level-headedness, Mr Davies had steered the Council through the pandemic calmly and effectively. It had been an honour and privilege to have worked alongside Mr Davies
The Chief Executive thanked the Leader for his kind words. It had been a privilege to have been the Chief Executive of Conwy and to have worked alongside so many committed people, including Cabinet Members, Leaders and Officers. It was the right time for a new Chief Executive with renewed energy and determination. Mr Davies wished the Council as a whole, the Leader, new Chief Executive, Mr Rhun ap Gareth and colleagues all the very best.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED- (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 presented a 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 report indicated that the Council was facing significant budgetary pressure in the current financial year, which was as a result of the significant increase in pay and price inflationary pressure, as well as other increasing demands on services. The position had worsened since the first quarter despite close monitoring, with estimated budgetary pressures of £10m for this financial year. As with households in Conwy, the cost of living crisis also affected the Council’s finances. Essentially, the overspending 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. None of these pressures were within the Council’s control. 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, now meant that urgent remedial action needed to be taken to minimise the use of reserves. This would temporarily strengthen the Council’s resilience going into the challenging times ahead and better allow the Council to set a balanced budget in 2023/2024, as the potential resources shortfall was estimated at £30.5m. As a result of the above, all budget holders had been instructed to consider a number of measures to contain spend within budget in 2022/2023. It was important that Members appreciated that this may impact on service provision for the remainder of the year, although essential services would continue. The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 21 November 2022 and supported the recommendations. The Leader stated that the report detailed the budgetary challenges faced by Conwy; many of which were out of the control of the Council. It was right that steps were being taken to mitigate the pressures for 2023/2024 and a Budget Working Group had been established to review where savings could be achieved. RESOLVED- (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.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED- (a) That the net additions of £2.556m, and sources of funding, to the total capital programme, as set out in Appendix 1, be approved. (b) That the total capital programme of £144.836m, detailed in Appendix 2, which was split into the 2022/2023 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 available funding in respect of the delivery of future capital schemes be noted.
The Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits presented a report, which outlined the mid-year financial activity on the total capital programme for the Council for 2022/2023. The total capital programme now stood at £144.836m. This was made up of the £107.019m, as set out in the 9 August 2022 Cabinet report, £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. The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 21 November 2022 and supported the recommendations, with an additional recommendation to note the importance of taking advantage of available funding in respect of the delivery of future capital schemes, which was supported by the Cabinet Member. RESOLVED- (a) That the net additions of £2.556m, and sources of funding, to the total capital programme, as set out in Appendix 1, be approved. (b) That the total capital programme of £144.836m, detailed in Appendix 2, which was split into the 2022/2023 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 available funding in respect of the delivery of future capital schemes be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED- (a) That it be recommended to Council that a 50% Council Tax Premium for both second homes and long-term empty homes be charged from April 2023. (b) That it be recommended to Council 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 it be recommended to Council 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 Services budget. Should Members support an increase in either premium, or choose to allocate the monies elsewhere, other than into the Housing Services budget, then there would be a consequential budget pressure that would need to be funded from elsewhere in setting the 2023/2024 budget. (Councillor Chris Cater declared a personal interest in the above item, as a close family member owned a second property within the Conwy County Borough. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Councillor Cater left the meeting whilst the item was discussed.)
The Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits advised Members that 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. A number of options and the potential implications were considered by the Working Group in making its recommendations. The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 21 November 2022 and supported the recommendations to increase the Council Tax Premium to 50% from 2023, with an indicative level of 100% for 2024/2025. Discussion ensued as follows:- · The Premium was welcomed, especially in areas with high levels of second homes, including the rural areas. · A Member of the Working Group stated that the Welsh Government changes to the legislation for holiday lets had provided the confidence to increase the premiums. Thanks were extended to the Members of the Working Group, who had considered all the available information, including the consultation responses and equalities impact assessment, before making their recommendations. RESOLVED- (a) That it be recommended to Council that a 50% Council Tax Premium for both second homes and long-term empty homes be charged from April 2023. (b) That it be recommended to Council 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 it be recommended to Council 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 Services budget. Should Members support an increase in either premium, or choose to allocate the monies elsewhere, other than into the Housing Services budget, then there would be a consequential budget pressure that would need to be funded from elsewhere in setting the 2023/2024 budget. (Councillor Chris Cater declared a personal interest in the above item, as a close family member owned a second property within the Conwy County Borough. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Councillor Cater left the meeting whilst the item was discussed.)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED- (a) That the principle of submitting to the Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme be approved and delegated authority be given to the Head of Regulatory and Housing Service, in consultation with Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory, to: (i) identify appropriate properties that mitigate the significant need the Council is facing; and (ii) submit a Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme grant application. (b) That due to the nature and urgency of securing funding, the report be exempt from call-in.
The Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory requested approval for the principle of submitting suitable properties to the Welsh Government Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme (TACP). A further report would be brought to democracy with details of the properties that had been identified and proposals for the operating and management arrangements. The objective of the TACP was to support social landlords to increase the supply of affordable housing at pace, to help alleviate some of the pressures faced in relation to homelessness. The number of people accessing temporary accommodation was increasing at an alarming rate, which was having a significant impact on the homelessness budget. Further to the above, it was noted that there were currently 82 children being housed in bed and breakfast accommodation, with an increasing demand on the housing register, from 60 per year to 540 in just over a 2 year period. It was proposed that applications to the TACP were to purchase properties to be used as interim accommodation and/or social rented accommodation. _ Discussion ensued as follows:- · The TACP could also be used to repair and ensure that houses were up to standard. · As the TACP provided 80% of the funding, it was questioned how the Council would fund the additional 20%. Members were advised that borrowing would be required for the 20%, however, this would be off-set by the savings made from the homelessness budget. Currently it cost the Council £15k per year to house an individual in bed and breakfast accommodation. · It was noted that private landlords were selling properties for a number of reasons, including increased mortgage costs. For residents facing eviction by a private landlord, they were encouraged to call Conwy Housing Solutions, as there were a number of support schemes available to assist them. · The Affordable Housing Board was currently in the process of seeking resolutions to enable the development of the Ty Mawr site in Llysfaen. · The selling of social housing by Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) had been raised with the RSLs to ensure that those properties were financially viable. · There had been a lack of investment in infrastructure throughout the UK for a number of years, including social housing. · Work was being undertaken with various teams across Services in relation to Council owned properties, which could be used for housing. · It was noted that the Police and Crime Commissioner would be reviewing which properties within the police estate could be disposed and used for housing. · Vulnerable families, with multiple needs, facing eviction could experience increased difficulties in being housed. · In relation to a development in Pensarn, it was noted that schemes and properties would require planning permission, if their use was being changed; including the scheme in Penmaenmawr. · Cartrefi Conwy had been formed and the Council’s housing stock transferred, as it could draw down funding to invest in housing, that the Council was unable to access. · As part of the ‘pause and review’ of services, additional staff could be identified to support the scheme, as increasing affordable housing was a priority. RESOLVED- (a) That the principle of submitting to the Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme be approved and delegated authority be given to the Head of Regulatory and Housing Service, in consultation with Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory, to: (i) identify appropriate properties that mitigate the significant need the Council is facing; and (ii) submit a Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme grant application. (b) That due to the nature and urgency of securing funding, the report be exempt from call-in.
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 item as it involved 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 item as it involved 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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