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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 Informal Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs held on 6 November 2023 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Conwy Opportunities Board held on 20 November 2023 be noted.
An apology for absence was received from Councillor Trystan Lewis.
None.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Informal Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs held on 6 November 2023 be noted.
The minutes of the Informal Meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs meeting held on 6 November 2023 were submitted for information. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Informal Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs held on 6 November 2023 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Conwy Opportunities Board held on 20 November 2023 be noted.
The minutes of the Conwy Opportunities Board held on 20 November 2023 were submitted for information. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Conwy Opportunities Board held on 20 November 2023 be noted.
None.
The Leader introduced a report on the Local Government Budget for 2024/2025 and the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources highlighted key points from within the report. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • In response to concerns raised regarding costs associated with the school estate, the Cabinet Member for Education advised that 6 schools had closed over the last few years and that 20% of schools shared a headteacher. • As an increase in nursery pupil numbers was expected over the next few years it was important to ensure that there was adequate capacity and that additional pressure was not put on the home to school transport service. • Whilst school statistics would be considered, any proposed changes would need to take into account the impact on both urban and rural communities and , the Welsh language. • It was felt that better communication was needed with the public in respect of pressures such as staff shortages, which was impacting on waiting times for services, especially within social care. • The Chief Executive advised that all Welsh Councils were facing financial difficulties and that difficult decisions would need to be taken in respect of the 2024/2025 budget. • Members were encouraged to alert relevant departments of vulnerable residents. • Longer term solutions were being considered in order to develop a transformation programme. • Whilst progress was being made in respect of asset management, there was further potential to generate income from empty buildings. • The Strategic Director – Finance and Resources confirmed that business cases would be categorised to highlight those that were essential and non-essential. • It was confirmed that, if Social Care and Education were protected with lower budget reductions of 5%, then other services could face greater reductions of approximately 20%. • It was suggested that all non-statutory services be reconsidered. • In response to concerns raised in respect of recent non-essential spend, the Leader advised that the 4G pitch at Parc Eirias was a spend to save exercise, which had increased community use. Money spent on consultancy in respect of Bodlondeb would assist with a possible future sale, which would generate income. • It was suggested that Councillors should work together to consider the budget as Councils, who issued a Section 114 Notice did not receive additional funding and cuts would be made to services with no consideration to the impact on residents. • Concern was expressed in respect of the cost of living crisis facing residents and the impact of a possible Council Tax increase. • The Cabinet Member for Environment, Roads and Facilities (ERF) – Infrastructure outlined the impact of the pause on spend for ERF. • The Strategic Director - Finance and Resources confirmed that Heads of Service had been asked to reduce spend in the current financial year and that any underspend would be returned to central balances. • Whilst services currently held their own earmarked reserves, it was suggested that consideration be given to holding the reserves centrally. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: a) That the outline budgetary position for 2024/2025 be noted and that consideration be given to the potential choices in recommending a balanced budget to Council on 29 February 2024. b) That the assumptions relating to pay pressures as outlined in paragraphs 5.5 to 5.18 of the report, which have been adopted in preparing the indicative budget be noted and approved. c) That the risks identified in section 9 within Appendix 1 of the report be noted and accepted.
The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance introduced the Job Evaluation Policy and the Head of People and Performance highlighted key points from within the report. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • In response to concerns that evaluation of jobs did not consider Welsh language requirements, it was confirmed that a recognised scheme was followed and whilst bilingualism was not one of the factors considered, reference could be made to it within the policy. • It was confirmed that full time agency workers received the same rate of pay as those employed by Conwy County Borough Council. Clarification would be sought in respect of agency workers on contracted hours such as domiciliary care workers. • A timeframe had been introduced for appeals. • It was confirmed that regular meetings took place with Trade Unions in respect of job evaluation.. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That the Job Evaluation Policy be approved.
The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance introduced the Standby Policy and the Head of People and Performance highlighted key points from within the report. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • It was confirmed that 63 standby arrangements were in place. • In response to a suggestion that 7 day working should be considered within social care, it was advised that emergency duty team arrangements were in place. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That the draft Standby Policy be approved.
The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance introduced a report, which sought approval for consultation on the Draft Strategic Equality Plan (SEP) 2024-2028 and the Head of People and Performance highlighted key points from within the report. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • It was confirmed that policies were in place to deal with all matters relating to conduct and that statistics were shared as part of the annual employment monitoring report. • A member suggested that the Council may not have adequate resources in future in order to produce such comprehensive reports. • The Head of People and Performance advised that there was no time limit in respect of mediation relating to staff allegations, however, mediation was not appropriate in all cases and could be refused by the employee. • Reference was made to the low number of employees who had reported they were lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ). RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That the public consultation on the draft Strategic Equality Plan for 2024/2028, together with the equality objectives and supporting action plan be approved.
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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