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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 Council held on 13 July 2023 and 27 July 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED: That the Annual Report of the Governance and Audit Committee - Chair's Report be noted.
RESOLVED: That the UNISON Anti-Racism Charter be adopted.
RESOLVED: a) That Conwy County Borough Council declares a Nature Emergency. b) That the Nature Emergency declared by Welsh Government be recognised and that the commitment to addressing the crisis at a local level be affirmed. c) That a commitment is made to provide biodiversity training for all staff involved in land management, the development of land or the development of policy that impacts land use. d) That, subject to the inclusion of reporting on chemical usage, the Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan be implemented fully, with clear targets and timelines, to protect and enhance our local natural environment. e) That residents, businesses, and organisations be called on to support these efforts and contribute to creating a more sustainable community. f) That a further commitment be made to providing biodiversity training for all Elected Members and that for the benefit of all future Elected Members, biodiversity and climate training will form part of member’s induction training following election to the Council. g) That a Biodiversity Champion be appointed to champion biodiversity within the Council.
RESOLVED: a) That the revised Section 106 Spending Protocol be adopted and that officers look to create a front facing register of Section 106 money available and potential spend. b) That the Draft Section 106 Protocol be amended to require details of available Section 106 balances to be published quarterly. Minute 136 – Member Development Strategy 2022-2027 RESOLVED: (a) That the Member Development Strategy for 2022/2027 be approved. (b) That the proposal to continue with a Members’ Personal Development Review based on the Welsh Local Government Association’s guidance be supported. (c) That the following be designated as the ‘suitably qualified person’ to undertake Member Personal Development Reviews: Role To be interviewed by: Leader Chair of the Council or Head of Democratic Services Cabinet Member Leader or Head of Democratic Services Chair/Vice-Chair of the Council Chair of the Democratic Services Committee or Head of Democratic Services Chairs/Vice-Chairs Scrutiny Committees Political Group Leaders or Head of Democratic Services Chairs/Vice-Chairs Regulatory and other Committees Relevant Portfolio Holder or Head of Democratic Services Other Members Political Group Leader or Head of Democratic Services, or a minimum requirement to complete an annual questionnaire (d) That the Head of Democratic Services arranges appropriate training for the ‘suitably qualified person’ listed in Resolution c) above. Minute 137 - Member Training and Development Programme 2023/2024 Members were requested to approve an additional recommendation that Cyber Security training would be mandatory for lay members who had been issued with a Council IT device. RESOLVED: (a) That the Member Training and Development Programme for 2023/2024 be approved. (b) That the following training modules be mandatory for Members: - Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence - Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk - Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015 (The Wales We Want) - General Data Protection Regulations and the Data Protection Act 20219 - Equalities - Cyber Security (also for lay members issued with a Council IT device) (c) That the Democratic Services Committee receives update reports on Members’ attendance at training and development events on an annual basis. Minute 311 – Planning Protocol The following was discussed: • The time allowed for public speaking at the Planning Committee, which was currently 3 minutes. • Speakers were aware of the 3 minute time limit and were able to prepare accordingly. • Most speakers finished before the allocated 3 minutes. • Members received information during site visits. • It was suggested that as a speaker may not be used to public speaking, that the time should be increased. Therefore, it was proposed and seconded that the time allowed for speakers at the Planning Committee be increased to 5 minutes. Following a vote it was: RESOLVED: a) That the maximum time of 3 minutes for speakers at the Planning Committee remain. b) That the revised Planning Protocol and scheme of delegation be approved.
RESOLVED: That Councillor Paul Luckock be appointed to the Democratic Services Committee.
RESOLVED: That the Council does not initiate a consultation exercise conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021, on a proposal to change the Council’s voting system to the Single Transferable Vote.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 7 September 2023 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the Standards Committee’s annual report for the year 2022/2023 be received and noted.
RESOLVED: a) That Maggie Griffiths be appointed to the Standards Committee until the 19 October 2029. b) That William Glyn Roberts be appointed to the Standards Committee until the 19 October 2029. c) That Noela Jones be thanked for acting as Lay Person on the Interview Panel. d) That Anne Mellor be thanked for her work as an Independent Member of the Standards Committee.
RESOLVED: That the Corporate Plan annual report and self-assessment for 2022-2023 and summary annual report for 2022-2023, as outlined in appendices 1 and 3 of the Council report be approved.
RESOLVED: That the following be approved: · To charge a 100% Council Tax Premium for both second homes and long term empty homes from April 2024. · An indicative level of premium of 200% on both categories from 1 April 2025, with the introduction of an increased premium of 300% for long term empty properties which have been empty for 5 years or more, subject to review during 2024/2025. Note: Councillors Chris Cater, Sian Grady, Abdul Khan, Trystan Lewis, Susan Shotter and Jacob Williams 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.
RESOLVED: That the Council continues not to apply a discount in respect of second homes and holiday homes and long term unoccupied and unfurnished properties in the prescribed Classes A, B and C for the financial year 2024/2025. Note: Councillors Chris Cater, Sian Grady, Abdul Khan, Trystan Lewis, Susan Shotter and Jacob Williams 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.
RESOLVED: a) That the compulsory Polling District and Polling Places Review to commence on 19 October 2023, in line with the outline timetable and process described in the report be approved. b) That the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) be authorised to take the necessary measures as soon as possible to give effect to parliamentary constituency changes, ensuring that the register reflects existing and new constituencies, until the boundaries are fully in force. c) That the ERO be authorised to take the necessary measures to give effect to any new or amended polling districts on completion of the polling district review, ensuring that the register reflects existing and new boundaries, until the boundaries are fully in force. d) That the power to designate polling places in accordance with section 18 and 18B of the Representation of the People Act 1983 be delegated to the Chief Executive, being the ERO and Returning Officer, [such power to be exercised in consultation with local elected members and only where a decision is required at short notice and it is not possible to await a decision of Council].
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Keith Eeles, Mandy Hawkins, Dave Jones, Gail Jones, Angie O’Grady, Elizabeth Roberts and Geoff Stewart.
Councillors Chris Cater, Sian Grady, Abdul Khan, Trystan Lewis, Susan Shotter and Jacob Williams all declared a personal interest in Agenda Items 15 (Council Tax Premiums on Long-term empty homes and Second Homes) and 16 (Level of Council Tax discount for second homes and holiday homes and long term unoccupied and unfurnished properties for 2024/2025) 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 items were discussed and voted upon.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings of Council held on 13 July 2023 and 27 July 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The minutes of the meetings of Council held on 13 July 2023 and 27 July 2023 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings of Council held on 13 July 2023 and 27 July 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The Chair made the following announcements: • Sympathies were extended to citizens of Gaza and Israel. • Congratulations were extended to local residents who had been successful in the National Eisteddfod of Wales which took place in Boduan in August, 2023. • Conwy Youth Service had achieved the gold Quality Mark for Youth Work in Wales and would be invited to attend the December, 2023 meeting of Council. • Welsh learners who had successfully passed their exams would also be invited to attend the Council meeting in December 2023 to receive their certificates. • A turf cutting event took place in July 2023 for the Bwthyn Y Ddôl children’s assessment centre in Eirias, Colwyn Bay. • The Chair hosted his Civic Sunday Service on 15 October 2023 at St Mary’s Church, Llanfairtalhaiarn. The theme of the service was Mental Health and presentations were given by Conwy Mind and Councillor Gwennol Ellis who was a volunteer with the rural support network Tir Dewi. • Conwy Mind would be the Chair’s charity of the year with several fundraising events planned. £680 had already been raised during the Civic Service. The Leader made the following announcements: • Members had received a presentation from the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) regarding the Welsh Government Funding Formula. • There was some disparity between Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) and neighbouring authorities in respect of per capita funding. • Whilst CCBC provided a significant amount of care for the elderly, this did not attract additional funding as the care was mostly provided to those under the age of 85. • Lobbying in respect of a review of the funding formula would continue. The Chief Executive made the following announcements: • Thanks were extended to Members and officers who had been very supportive during his first year as Chief Executive of the Council. • The post of Head of Strategic Housing had gone out to advert.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Annual Report of the Governance and Audit Committee - Chair's Report be noted.
The Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee presented his annual report for 2022/2023. Thanks were extended to the Lay Members who provided valuable contributions to the Governance and Audit Committee. RESOLVED: That the Annual Report of the Governance and Audit Committee - Chair's Report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the UNISON Anti-Racism Charter be adopted.
Councillor Chris Cater presented a notice of motion requesting Conwy County Borough Council to adopt the UNISON Anti-Racism Charter. By adopting this charter, Conwy County Borough Council would show they were making a commitment to tackling the disparities which existed between different groups. Members discussed the following: • The notice of motion was welcomed. • It was confirmed that the Charter listed clear commitments in respect of leadership, organisation and auditing processes. • Reference was made to a notice of motion submitted in 2020 in respect of adopting a definition of antisemitism which was not brought forward for discussion and it was felt that racism experienced by all minority groups should be considered. • Councillor Cathy Augustine had represented the Council at the all Wales Anti-Racism Summit in May 2023. RESOLVED: That the UNISON Anti-Racism Charter be adopted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: a) That Conwy County Borough Council declares a Nature Emergency. b) That the Nature Emergency declared by Welsh Government be recognised and that the commitment to addressing the crisis at a local level be affirmed. c) That a commitment is made to provide biodiversity training for all staff involved in land management, the development of land or the development of policy that impacts land use. d) That, subject to the inclusion of reporting on chemical usage, the Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan be implemented fully, with clear targets and timelines, to protect and enhance our local natural environment. e) That residents, businesses, and organisations be called on to support these efforts and contribute to creating a more sustainable community. f) That a further commitment be made to providing biodiversity training for all Elected Members and that for the benefit of all future Elected Members, biodiversity and climate training will form part of member’s induction training following election to the Council. g) That a Biodiversity Champion be appointed to champion biodiversity within the Council.
Councillor Chris Hughes presented a notice of motion requesting that Conwy County Borough Council declared a Nature Emergency. Members discussed the following: · It was suggested that Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) should promote and encourage activities that preserved and encouraged nature as it would benefit future generations. · It was suggested that the word ‘emergency’ implied that an immediate response was required. · It was suggested that declaring a nature emergency was in direct conflict with some of the Councils’ work such as building sea defences and building housing on Greenfield sites. · The work of farmers in respect of nature and biodiversity should be noted. · Small acts such as litter picking and seed bombing would have a positive impact. · It was important that the Council made a statement of intent. · Cost and resource implications should be considered. · Central Government had reduced some measures in respect of the climate emergency. · It should be ensured that biodiversity measures were considered in respect of future building projects. · It was confirmed that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and the Royal Society of the Protection of Birds (RSPB) had been consulted in respect of fireworks held at Eirias Park. · It was proposed that reporting of chemical usage be included within the Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan as this had been agreed by the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee in August 2022 (minute 254 refers) RESOLVED: a) That Conwy County Borough Council declares a Nature Emergency. b) That the Nature Emergency declared by Welsh Government be recognised and that the commitment to addressing the crisis at a local level be affirmed. c) That a commitment is made to provide biodiversity training for all staff involved in land management, the development of land or the development of policy that impacts land use. d) That, subject to the inclusion of reporting on chemical usage, the Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan be implemented fully, with clear targets and timelines, to protect and enhance our local natural environment. e) That residents, businesses, and organisations be called on to support these efforts and contribute to creating a more sustainable community. f) That a further commitment be made to providing biodiversity training for all Elected Members and that for the benefit of all future Elected Members, biodiversity and climate training will form part of member’s induction training following election to the Council. g) That a Biodiversity Champion be appointed to champion biodiversity within the Council.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: a) That the revised Section 106 Spending Protocol be adopted and that officers look to create a front facing register of Section 106 money available and potential spend. b) That the Draft Section 106 Protocol be amended to require details of available Section 106 balances to be published quarterly. Minute 136 – Member Development Strategy 2022-2027 RESOLVED: (a) That the Member Development Strategy for 2022/2027 be approved. (b) That the proposal to continue with a Members’ Personal Development Review based on the Welsh Local Government Association’s guidance be supported. (c) That the following be designated as the ‘suitably qualified person’ to undertake Member Personal Development Reviews: Role To be interviewed by: Leader Chair of the Council or Head of Democratic Services Cabinet Member Leader or Head of Democratic Services Chair/Vice-Chair of the Council Chair of the Democratic Services Committee or Head of Democratic Services Chairs/Vice-Chairs Scrutiny Committees Political Group Leaders or Head of Democratic Services Chairs/Vice-Chairs Regulatory and other Committees Relevant Portfolio Holder or Head of Democratic Services Other Members Political Group Leader or Head of Democratic Services, or a minimum requirement to complete an annual questionnaire (d) That the Head of Democratic Services arranges appropriate training for the ‘suitably qualified person’ listed in Resolution c) above. Minute 137 - Member Training and Development Programme 2023/2024 Members were requested to approve an additional recommendation that Cyber Security training would be mandatory for lay members who had been issued with a Council IT device. RESOLVED: (a) That the Member Training and Development Programme for 2023/2024 be approved. (b) That the following training modules be mandatory for Members: - Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence - Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk - Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015 (The Wales We Want) - General Data Protection Regulations and the Data Protection Act 20219 - Equalities - Cyber Security (also for lay members issued with a Council IT device) (c) That the Democratic Services Committee receives update reports on Members’ attendance at training and development events on an annual basis. Minute 311 – Planning Protocol The following was discussed: • The time allowed for public speaking at the Planning Committee, which was currently 3 minutes. • Speakers were aware of the 3 minute time limit and were able to prepare accordingly. • Most speakers finished before the allocated 3 minutes. • Members received information during site visits. • It was suggested that as a speaker may not be used to public speaking, that the time should be increased. Therefore, it was proposed and seconded that the time allowed for speakers at the Planning Committee be increased to 5 minutes. Following a vote it was: RESOLVED: a) That the maximum time of 3 minutes for speakers at the Planning Committee remain. b) That the revised Planning Protocol and scheme of delegation be approved.
The minutes of the meetings of the Democratic Services Committees held on 10 July 2023 and 11 September 2023 were presented. The Chair of the Democratic Services Committee drew Members’ attention to the following items as the Council was requested to approve the recommendations within those minutes: Minute 133 – Section 106 Spending Protocol Members were requested to approve an additional recommendation from the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee (minute 435 refers). RESOLVED: a) That the revised Section 106 Spending Protocol be adopted and that officers look to create a front facing register of Section 106 money available and potential spend. b) That the Draft Section 106 Protocol be amended to require details of available Section 106 balances to be published quarterly. Minute 136 – Member Development Strategy 2022-2027 RESOLVED: (a) That the Member Development Strategy for 2022/2027 be approved. (b) That the proposal to continue with a Members’ Personal Development Review based on the Welsh Local Government Association’s guidance be supported. (c) That the following be designated as the ‘suitably qualified person’ to undertake Member Personal Development Reviews: Role To be interviewed by: Leader Chair of the Council or Head of Democratic Services Cabinet Member Leader or Head of Democratic Services Chair/Vice-Chair of the Council Chair of the Democratic Services Committee or Head of Democratic Services Chairs/Vice-Chairs Scrutiny Committees Political Group Leaders or Head of Democratic Services Chairs/Vice-Chairs Regulatory and other Committees Relevant Portfolio Holder or Head of Democratic Services Other Members Political Group Leader or Head of Democratic Services, or a minimum requirement to complete an annual questionnaire (d) That the Head of Democratic Services arranges appropriate training for the ‘suitably qualified person’ listed in Resolution c) above. Minute 137 - Member Training and Development Programme 2023/2024 Members were requested to approve an additional recommendation that Cyber Security training would be mandatory for lay members who had been issued with a Council IT device. RESOLVED: (a) That the Member Training and Development Programme for 2023/2024 be approved. (b) That the following training modules be mandatory for Members: - Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence - Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk - Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015 (The Wales We Want) - General Data Protection Regulations and the Data Protection Act 20219 - Equalities - Cyber Security (also for lay members issued with a Council IT device) (c) That the Democratic Services Committee receives update reports on Members’ attendance at training and development events on an annual basis. Minute 311 – Planning Protocol The following was discussed: • The time allowed for public speaking at the Planning Committee, which was currently 3 minutes. • Speakers were aware of the 3 minute time limit and were able to prepare accordingly. • Most speakers finished before the allocated 3 minutes. • Members received information during site visits. • It was suggested that as a speaker may not be used to public speaking, that the time should be increased. Therefore, it was proposed and seconded that the time allowed for speakers at the Planning Committee be increased to 5 minutes. Following a vote it was: RESOLVED: a) That the maximum time of 3 minutes for speakers at the Planning Committee remain. b) That the revised Planning Protocol and scheme of delegation be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Councillor Paul Luckock be appointed to the Democratic Services Committee.
The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance presented a report which sought approval to appoint Councillor Paul Luckock to the Democratic Services Committee. RESOLVED: That Councillor Paul Luckock be appointed to the Democratic Services Committee.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Council does not initiate a consultation exercise conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021, on a proposal to change the Council’s voting system to the Single Transferable Vote.
The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance presented a report on the Single Transferable Vote (STV). Council was requested to consider the recommendation from the Democratic Services Committee not to initiate a consultation exercise conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, on a proposal to change the Council’s voting system to the Single Transferable Vote. The following was discussed: • Costs associated with a consultation would be a minimum of £30k and maximum of £100k, staff time and resources should also be considered. • The STV system could reduce the number of Independent Elected Members. • The STV system would require a review of electoral boundaries, which would result in larger multi-member wards, possibly resulting in the loss of ‘local connection’ with some of the communities represented. • It was suggested that public engagement and involvement in democracy was important and voters should be consulted. • It was also suggested that the Welsh Government should consult on STV. • It was confirmed that a decision on STV was required 3 years prior to a local election. RESOLVED: That the Council does not initiate a consultation exercise conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021, on a proposal to change the Council’s voting system to the Single Transferable Vote.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 7 September 2023 be noted.
The minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 7 September 2023 were submitted for information. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 7 September 2023 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Standards Committee’s annual report for the year 2022/2023 be received and noted.
The Monitoring Officer presented the Annual Report of the Standards Committee for 2022/2023. RESOLVED: That the Standards Committee’s annual report for the year 2022/2023 be received and noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: a) That Maggie Griffiths be appointed to the Standards Committee until the 19 October 2029. b) That William Glyn Roberts be appointed to the Standards Committee until the 19 October 2029. c) That Noela Jones be thanked for acting as Lay Person on the Interview Panel. d) That Anne Mellor be thanked for her work as an Independent Member of the Standards Committee.
The Monitoring Officer presented a report which sought approval to appoint two independent Members to the Standards Committee. An interview panel consisting of the Chair of the Standards Committee, the Town and Community Council representative and a Lay Person interviewed two candidates who were both recommended for appointment. RESOLVED: a) That Maggie Griffiths be appointed to the Standards Committee until the 19 October 2029. b) That William Glyn Roberts be appointed to the Standards Committee until the 19 October 2029. c) That Noela Jones be thanked for acting as Lay Person on the Interview Panel. d) That Anne Mellor be thanked for her work as an Independent Member of the Standards Committee.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Corporate Plan annual report and self-assessment for 2022-2023 and summary annual report for 2022-2023, as outlined in appendices 1 and 3 of the Council report be approved.
The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance presented the Corporate Plan 2022-2027 annual report and self-assessment 2022-2023. The following was discussed: • Recognition of excellent achievements during a challenging time. • There had been a reduction in the percentage of municipal waste that had been recycled and it was suggested that recycling centre booking systems be amended to enable multiple bookings for those with a large amount of waste. • Concern in respect of Welsh Water discharging sewage along coastlines. • The Peer Review had highlighted issues in respect of the length of some reports and the number of Committees considering the same reports. RESOLVED: That the Corporate Plan annual report and self-assessment for 2022-2023 and summary annual report for 2022-2023, as outlined in appendices 1 and 3 of the Council report be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the following be approved: · To charge a 100% Council Tax Premium for both second homes and long term empty homes from April 2024. · An indicative level of premium of 200% on both categories from 1 April 2025, with the introduction of an increased premium of 300% for long term empty properties which have been empty for 5 years or more, subject to review during 2024/2025. Note: Councillors Chris Cater, Sian Grady, Abdul Khan, Trystan Lewis, Susan Shotter and Jacob Williams 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.
The Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Economy sought approval for the Council to charge a 100% Council Tax Premium, with an indicative Premium of 200% from 1 April 2025 for second homes and 300% for long-term empty properties of 5 years or more. The following was discussed: • It was confirmed that the aim of the increase to the premium was to address the current housing crisis and not for financial reasons. • Regulations in respect of holiday homes were changing, with a requirement to let for 182 days which could be problematic within a seasonal destination. • It was confirmed that it was a Valuation Office decision in respect of whether a property paid Council Tax or National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR), an appeals process was also in place. • It was suggested that an increase in housing stock was required. • It was confirmed that the Empty Homes Team held data in respect of properties that were privately owned and owned by Registered Social Landlords and that discussions in respect of empty properties were ongoing. • Second home owners paid Council Tax but did not utilise Council Services as much as residents, therefore it was suggested that a 50% premium be considered. RESOLVED: That the following be approved: · To charge a 100% Council Tax Premium for both second homes and long term empty homes from April 2024. · An indicative level of premium of 200% on both categories from 1 April 2025, with the introduction of an increased premium of 300% for long term empty properties which have been empty for 5 years or more, subject to review during 2024/2025. Note: Councillors Chris Cater, Sian Grady, Abdul Khan, Trystan Lewis, Susan Shotter and Jacob Williams 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.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Council continues not to apply a discount in respect of second homes and holiday homes and long term unoccupied and unfurnished properties in the prescribed Classes A, B and C for the financial year 2024/2025. Note: Councillors Chris Cater, Sian Grady, Abdul Khan, Trystan Lewis, Susan Shotter and Jacob Williams 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.
The Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Economy sought approval for the Council to continue not to apply a discount in respect of second homes and holiday homes and long term unoccupied and unfurnished properties in the prescribed Classes A, B and C for the financial year 2024/2025. RESOLVED: That the Council continues not to apply a discount in respect of second homes and holiday homes and long term unoccupied and unfurnished properties in the prescribed Classes A, B and C for the financial year 2024/2025. Note: Councillors Chris Cater, Sian Grady, Abdul Khan, Trystan Lewis, Susan Shotter and Jacob Williams 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.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: a) That the compulsory Polling District and Polling Places Review to commence on 19 October 2023, in line with the outline timetable and process described in the report be approved. b) That the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) be authorised to take the necessary measures as soon as possible to give effect to parliamentary constituency changes, ensuring that the register reflects existing and new constituencies, until the boundaries are fully in force. c) That the ERO be authorised to take the necessary measures to give effect to any new or amended polling districts on completion of the polling district review, ensuring that the register reflects existing and new boundaries, until the boundaries are fully in force. d) That the power to designate polling places in accordance with section 18 and 18B of the Representation of the People Act 1983 be delegated to the Chief Executive, being the ERO and Returning Officer, [such power to be exercised in consultation with local elected members and only where a decision is required at short notice and it is not possible to await a decision of Council].
The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance presented a report which sought approval for the compulsory Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places. RESOLVED: a) That the compulsory Polling District and Polling Places Review to commence on 19 October 2023, in line with the outline timetable and process described in the report be approved. b) That the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) be authorised to take the necessary measures as soon as possible to give effect to parliamentary constituency changes, ensuring that the register reflects existing and new constituencies, until the boundaries are fully in force. c) That the ERO be authorised to take the necessary measures to give effect to any new or amended polling districts on completion of the polling district review, ensuring that the register reflects existing and new boundaries, until the boundaries are fully in force. d) That the power to designate polling places in accordance with section 18 and 18B of the Representation of the People Act 1983 be delegated to the Chief Executive, being the ERO and Returning Officer, [such power to be exercised in consultation with local elected members and only where a decision is required at short notice and it is not possible to await a decision of Council].
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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