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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 21 August 2023, 30 August 2023 and 4 September 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the informal meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Chairs and Vice-Chairs held on 21 August 2023 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Conwy Opportunities Board held on 21 August 2023 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the Forward Work Programme for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined FWP be approved.
RESOLVED: That the Workwise end of project report be noted.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Anne McCaffrey, Harry Saville and Andrew Wood.
Councillors Chris Cater, Sian Grady and Trystan Lewis all declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 13(i) (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. Whilst Councillor Chris Hughes declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 13(i) (Council Tax Premiums on Long-term empty homes and Second Homes), as he was in the process of selling his mother’s home and left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon, (Note: Councillor Hughes was later advised by the Monitoring Officer that he did not have a prejudicial interest in the item.)
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 21 August 2023, 30 August 2023 and 4 September 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The minutes of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committees held on 21 August 2023, 30 August 2023 and 4 September 2023 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 21 August 2023, 30 August 2023 and 4 September 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the informal meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Chairs and Vice-Chairs held on 21 August 2023 be noted.
The minutes of the informal meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Chairs and Vice-Chairs meeting held on 21 August 2023 were submitted. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the informal meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Chairs and Vice-Chairs held on 21 August 2023 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Conwy Opportunities Board held on 21 August 2023 be noted.
The minutes of the Conwy Opportunities Board held on 22 August 2023 were submitted. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Conwy Opportunities Board held on 21 August 2023 be noted.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Forward Work Programme for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined FWP be approved.
Members were presented with the individual Forward Work Programme (FWP) for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined FWP. Members were advised that, with the agreement of the Chair and Vice-Chair a report on the Ysgol Nant Y Coed Site had been removed from the FWP. During the summer, a public partner resolved not to proceed with Ysgol Nant Y Coed as their preferred site, and were now focusing their attention elsewhere, which would be presented to democracy in due course. There was now an option for the former Ysgol Nant y Coed site to come forward for housing and could be transferred to a Registered Social Landlord for the provision of much needed affordable housing; a report would be presented to Cabinet in the next few months. Whilst Officers were going to meet with Local Members regarding the options for the site, there was some concern expressed that they had not be informed of the change in direction for the site. The Leader would discuss further with relevant Officers. RESOLVED: That the Forward Work Programme for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined FWP be approved.
The Leader introduced a report on the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) Peer Review and associated action plan and the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources highlighted key points from within the report. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • The financially orientated peer review was undertaken by the WLGA and as Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) paid an annual subscription to the WLGA, there had been no additional costs associated with the peer review. • The peer review process was set by the WLGA and feedback had been provided. • there was a need for more engagement with Town and Community Councils, to assist the budget setting process • A Communications Group had been established and met on a fortnightly basis. • Transformation was an ongoing process, which required input from officers and Members. It was proposed to hold corporate visioning sessions with Cabinet and the Senior Management Team. • Whilst the action plan included the development of a balanced 3 year Medium Term Financial Plan, it was suggested that this be a longer term plan. • Budget working groups were reviewing areas where savings could be made. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That the action plan to implement the recommendations from the peer review be approved.
The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance introduced a report on the Hybrid Working Policy and the Corporate Organisation Development Manager highlighted key points from within the report. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • Whilst the policy set out the core principles of the approach to hybrid working and was dependent on business and customer need, Members highlighted the importance of face to face customer service, especially for those that were vulnerable and those unable to access online support. • It was confirmed that the policy did not apply to all members of staff as some job roles could not be carried out remotely. • Hybrid working helped to reduce the spread of illness. • Whilst interaction and team development was important, home working was also beneficial, and allowed staff to attend meeting remotely. • Multi-location meetings reduced the need for unnecessary travel and mileage claims. • In general, staff worked longer hours when working from home. • Staff capacity issues were not related to home working. • There was an expectation that all staff attended an office for part of the working week. • The Council followed Welsh Government (WG) guidelines in respect of Covid-19. • The policy included the need for employees to be aware of their working environment, particularly ensuring that sensitive information could not be seen or heard by others. • General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), Cyber Security and Display Screen Equipment (DSE) training was provided to all staff and covered home working; completion rates were monitored. • Whilst stress was currently the most common reason for staff absence, this was a complex are and included personal issues such as bereavement, as well as but not exclusively work related stress. • The hybrid working policy was not a replacement for childcare. • Listing within the minutes whether Members attended multi-location meetings in person or remotely allowed for transparency. However, the issue would be raised with the Head of Democratic Services as to why there was a differentiation. • Whilst a proposal was made requesting a report on the impact of hybrid working in respect of some public facing roles, the proposal was later withdrawn. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That the Hybrid Working Policy be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Workwise end of project report be noted.
The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance introduced the Workwise end of project and project Closure report and the Head of Neighbourhood Services highlighted key points from within the report. RESOLVED: That the Workwise end of project report be noted.
The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance introduced the Corporate Plan 2022-2027 annual report and self-assessment 2022-2023 and the Corporate Performance and Improvement Manager highlighted key points from within the report. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • In respect of a suggestion that social care thresholds should be amended due to demand, it was confirmed that thresholds had been reviewed in line with statutory regulations and that raising thresholds would not reduce costs. • Whilst the attendance of vulnerable learners and specifically those entitled to Free School Meals (FSM) remained below that of their non-FSM peers, Conwy’s gap was 5% lower than the national average and the attendance of learners entitled to FSM in Conwy was more than 6% above the national average. • It was confirmed that there had been a focus on delivering effective attendance guidance and support for schools in managing attendance and utilising data effectively to prioritise areas of work. • Within children’s services, different way of working were being explored along with a review of thresholds. • The demand for mental health services was not being met and the Council was unable to subsidise support from the third sector. • The annual report and self-assessment was a statutory requirement. A framework had been established which would assist with future reports. It was proposed and seconded that the wording in paragraph 3.9.2.4 be amended as follows: These combined pressures will mean that we need to review our current strategic priorities and assess their deliverability. Following a vote the above proposal was lost and it was: RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That the Corporate Plan 2022-2027 annual report and self-assessment for 2022-2023 and summary annual report 2022-2023 be approved, as outlined in appendices 1 and 3.
The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy introduced a report on Council Tax Premiums on Long-term empty homes and Second Homes and the Head of Finance highlighted key points from within the report. In line with the Constitution, Mr Aled Owen had requested to speak against the recommendations within the report and was able to address the Committee as follows: • There was little evidence that second homes were the main cause of high house prices as opposed to buyers moving to these areas to reside there (From Second homes: Developing new policies in Wales by Dr Simon Brooks and Senedd Report ‘Second and Holiday Homes and the Land Use Planning System). • Examples of properties recently sold in Cwm Penmachno, which had not been bought by local residents. • Findings from the 2018 housing needs survey that there were 160 second homes, holiday lets or empty properties in Bro Machno. However, only 13 local people were unsuccessful in buying due to price or lack of appropriate house type. • Many residents in Cwm Penmachno had owned their second homes for 60 years, saving the community from dereliction after closure of the quarry. • There was support for 300% premium on long term empty homes and measures to limit the number of future second homes through the planning system. • An objection to measures that were unfair and didn’t acknowledge the past positives provided by second home owners. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • Whilst it was acknowledged that second home owners contributed to the local community and some Members were uncomfortable levying such premiums, consideration had to be given to the current housing crisis and financial difficulties faced by the Council. • It was suggested that a tourism tax be considered. • It was confirmed that the aim of the increase to the premium was to address the current housing crisis and not for financial reasons. • It was confirmed that the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) determined whether a property paid Council Tax or National Non-Domestic Rates. • The impact of holiday homes using Council services, such as waste collection. • The benefits to the economy of full time residents. • The detrimental impact of holiday homes on the Welsh language. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That Council approve the following: · 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. Councillors Chris Cater, Sian Grady and Trystan Lewis all declared a personal interest in the above Agenda 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. Whilst Councillor Chris Hughes declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 13(i) (Council Tax Premiums on Long-term empty homes and Second Homes) and left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon, , Councillor Hughes was later advised by the Monitoring Officer that he did not have a prejudicial interest in the item.
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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