Cabinet

The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.

1. Minutes of the Cabinet

   RESOLVED- That the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 12 October 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.

2. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service Consultation 'Emergency Cover Review: Your fire and rescue service - right place, right time, right skills'

   RESOLVED- That the Leader send a letter to the Welsh Government requesting that they consider allowing a precept for Fire and Rescue Authorities as opposed to a levy.

3. Review the Cabinet Forward Work Programme

   RESOLVED- That the Cabinet Forward Work Programme be approved.

4. Peer Review

   RESOLVED- That the action plan to implement the recommendations from the Peer Review be approved.

5. Delegation to Acquire Property as part of the Housing and Homelessness Programme

   RESOLVED- That delegated authority be given to the Portfolio Holder for Finance in conjunction with the S.151 Officer to approve purchases or other transactions identified as part of the Housing and Homelessness Programme Board up to £500,000.

6. Council Tax Premiums on Long Term Empty Homes and Second Homes

   RESOLVED- That Council approve the following: (i) To charge a 100% Council Tax Premium for both second homes and long term empty homes from April 2024. (ii) 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. (Councillor Chris Cater declared a personal interest in the above agenda item as a close family member pays Council Tax on a second home within Conwy County Borough. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Councillor Cater left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.)

7. Revised Conwy Destination Management Plan 2023-2029

   RESOLVED- That the revised Conwy Destination Management Plan for 2023-2029 be adopted.

8. Llandudno 10 Year Regeneration Plan

   RESOLVED- That the Llandudno 10 year Regeneration Plan be adopted to increase opportunities for funding from Welsh Government and other funders to regenerate and futureproof the town.

9. Corporate Plan 2022-2027 Annual Report and Self-assessment 2022-2023

   RESOLVED- That the Council be requested to approve the Corporate Plan 2022-2027 Annual Report and Self-assessment for 2022-2023 and Summary Annual Report 2022-2023, as outlined in appendices 1 and 3.

10. Hybrid Working Policy

    RESOLVED That the Hybrid Working Policy be approved.

11. Corporate and Social Services Complaints and Compliments Annual Reports 2022/23

    RESOLVED- That the Corporate Complaints and Compliments Annual Report 2022/23 and the Social Services Representations, Complaints and Compliments Annual Report 2022/23 be approved.

12. Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan

    RESOLVED- That the Biodiversity and Resilience Ecosystems and Delivery Plan for 2023/2026 be approved.

13. Consultation Report on the Proposed Amalgamation of Ysgol Babanod Mochdre and Ysgol Cystennin

    RESOLVED- That the issuing of a statutory notice to formally amalgamate Ysgol Babanod Mochdre and Ysgol Cystennin as one school, following a review and approval of the revised transitional funding methodology be approved.

14. Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to 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 items as it involves 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.

1. 1

   Apologies for absence

   Minute

   Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Penny Andow and Goronwy Edwards and Amanda Hughes (Strategic Director – Finance and Resources) and Jenny Williams (Strategic Director – Social Care and Education).

2. 2

   Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct

   Minute

   Councillor Chris Cater declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 12 (a) (Council Tax Premiums on Long Term Empty Homes and Second Homes), as a close family member pays Council Tax on a second home within Conwy County Borough. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Councillor Cater left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.

3. 3

   Urgent matters

   Minute

   None.

4. 4

   Minutes of the Cabinet

   Decision as recorded

   RESOLVED- That the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 12 October 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.

   Minute

   The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 12 October 2023 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED- That the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 12 October 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.

   Papers: Minutes , 12/09/2023 Cabinet
5. 5.a

   North Wales Fire and Rescue Service Consultation 'Emergency Cover Review: Your fire and rescue service - right place, right time, right skills'

   Decision as recorded

   RESOLVED- That the Leader send a letter to the Welsh Government requesting that they consider allowing a precept for Fire and Rescue Authorities as opposed to a levy.

   Minute

   The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee received a presentation from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority (NWFRA) on their Consultation ‘Emergency Cover Review: Your fire and rescue service – right place, right time, right skills’. As it was not clear to the public that part of the Council Tax contribution included a levy for NWFRA, it was requested that the Leader writes to the Welsh Government requesting that NWFRA become a precepting Authority. The Chair of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee advised that since the meeting, further information had been received from the Fire Service Union relating to NWFRA’s finances. It was suggested that the Council’s NWFRA representatives be requested to raise concerns direct with the Authority. RESOLVED- That the Leader send a letter to the Welsh Government requesting that they consider allowing a precept for Fire and Rescue Authorities as opposed to a levy.

   Papers: Minutes , 21/09/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee
6. 6

   To receive feedback from Members on Outside Bodies (Eryri National Park Authority)

   Minute

   Councillor Ifor Lloyd, one of the Council’s representatives on the Eryri National Park Authority (ENPA), provided feedback on the work of the National Park over the past year. Members thanked Councillor Lloyd for an informative update. Discussion ensued on the following:- · ENPA were not a voting member of the Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board. · In terms of improving communication and raising issues, such as housing need within the National Park, the Leader, together with the Chief Executive regularly met with their equivalent roles in the ENPA. It was suggested that before those meetings, Members that represented wards that sat within the ENPA should be contacted to raise any relevant issues.

7. 7

   Announcements by the Leader

   Minute

   None.

8. 8

   Announcements by the Chief Executive

   Minute

   The Chief Executive advised that Safeguarding Week would take place between 13 and 24 November 2023.

9. 9

   Review the Cabinet Forward Work Programme

   Decision as recorded

   RESOLVED- That the Cabinet Forward Work Programme be approved.

   Minute

   Members were presented with the Forward Work Programme for the Cabinet. RESOLVED- That the Cabinet Forward Work Programme be approved.

   Papers: FWP - eng, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee
10. 10.a

    Peer Review

    Decision as recorded

    RESOLVED- That the action plan to implement the recommendations from the Peer Review be approved.

    Minute

    The Leader sought approval for the action plan to implement recommendations from the Peer Review. The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 2 October 2023 and supported the recommendation. It was noted that in relation to the action in terms of streamlining the decision making process, the review in relation to the scrutiny element would be discussed by the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees. A more efficient financial system had been introduced, which improved processes. It was a credit to the Council that a Peer Review had been requested. RESOLVED- That the action plan to implement the recommendations from the Peer Review be approved.

    Papers: FROSC 021023 Peer Review, Appendix 1 - Conwy Financial Peer Review - Final Version, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Appendix 2 - Peer Review Action Plan, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee
11. 11.a

    Delegation to Acquire Property as part of the Housing and Homelessness Programme

    Decision as recorded

    RESOLVED- That delegated authority be given to the Portfolio Holder for Finance in conjunction with the S.151 Officer to approve purchases or other transactions identified as part of the Housing and Homelessness Programme Board up to £500,000.

    Minute

    The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, as the interim Portfolio Holder for Housing, sought approval for delegated authority to acquire property as part of the Housing and Homelessness Programme. RESOLVED- That delegated authority be given to the Portfolio Holder for Finance in conjunction with the S.151 Officer to approve purchases or other transactions identified as part of the Housing and Homelessness Programme Board up to £500,000.

    Papers: Delegation for Acquisition.D4.15.9.23 RRG, Appendix 1 Printed minutes 21022023 1000 Cabinet, Appendix 2 HQAA Project Brief v6, Appendix 3 H&H Programme Brief v3, Appendix 4 Scheme of Delegation to Officers, Appendix 5 Disposal-and-Acquisition-Policy, Appendix 6 Contract-procedure-rules-2019
12. 12.a

    Council Tax Premiums on Long Term Empty Homes and Second Homes

    Decision as recorded

    RESOLVED- That Council approve the following: (i) To charge a 100% Council Tax Premium for both second homes and long term empty homes from April 2024. (ii) 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. (Councillor Chris Cater declared a personal interest in the above agenda item as a close family member pays Council Tax on a second home within Conwy County Borough. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Councillor Cater left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.)

    Minute

    The Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Economy sought Cabinet’s approval to recommend to 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 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 2 October 2023 and supported the recommendations. Discussion ensued on the following:- · It was important that the Council used every tool possible to increase affordable housing and reduce homelessness. · The work of the Empty Homes Officer was commended. · Over 50% of first-time buyers in Conwy were priced out of the housing market. · A permanent resident invested in the local economy on a full-time basis. RESOLVED- That Council approve the following: (i) To charge a 100% Council Tax Premium for both second homes and long term empty homes from April 2024. (ii) 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. (Councillor Chris Cater declared a personal interest in the above agenda item as a close family member pays Council Tax on a second home within Conwy County Borough. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Councillor Cater left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.)

    Papers: AFFORDABLE HOUSING (COUNCIL TAX PREMIUM) WORKING GROUP REPORT 2023(004), 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Affordable Housing Council Tax Premium Working Group Meeting 14.8.2023, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Appendix 1a, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Appendix 3a, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Appendix 4a, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Appendix 5a, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Appendix 6a, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Appendix 7a EIA, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Apendix 2, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Appendix 3, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, COUNCIL TAX PREMIUMS REPORT (002) (003), 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee
13. 12.b

    Revised Conwy Destination Management Plan 2023-2029

    Decision as recorded

    RESOLVED- That the revised Conwy Destination Management Plan for 2023-2029 be adopted.

    Minute

    The Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Economy sought the adoption of the revised Conwy Destination Management Plan for 2023 – 2029. The Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 27 September 2023 and supported the recommendations. It was an excellent report and would bring businesses together. RESOLVED- That the revised Conwy Destination Management Plan for 2023-2029 be adopted.

    Papers: Destination Conwy Report Cabinet 2023-10-10 tracked changes, 27/09/2023 Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Destination Conwy Management Plan FINAL DRAFT, 27/09/2023 Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Destination Conwy Sub Group membership list, 27/09/2023 Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee
14. 12.c

    Llandudno 10 Year Regeneration Plan

    Decision as recorded

    RESOLVED- That the Llandudno 10 year Regeneration Plan be adopted to increase opportunities for funding from Welsh Government and other funders to regenerate and futureproof the town.

    Minute

    The Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Economy requested that Cabinet approved the adoption of the Llandudno 10 year Regeneration Plan, in order to increase opportunities for funding from Welsh Government and other funders to regenerate and futureproof the town. The Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 27 September 2023 and supported the recommendation. Discussion ensued on the following:- · Town and Community Councils should be taking the lead and making forward plans for their communities. · There would be future challenges that would require consultation and engagement. · The use of volunteers to revitalise the Happy Valley area. RESOLVED- That the Llandudno 10 year Regeneration Plan be adopted to increase opportunities for funding from Welsh Government and other funders to regenerate and futureproof the town.

    Papers: Llandudno Regen Plan Cabinet Report 2023-10-10 tracked changes (002) FINAL, 27/09/2023 Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Llandudno 10 Year Regeneration Plan Vision Document Final 20220811, 27/09/2023 Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Llandudno 10 Year Regeneration Plan Delivery Plan Final 20220811, 27/09/2023 Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Annex 1 Llandudno 10 Year Regeneration Delivery Programme - FINAL, 27/09/2023 Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Llandudno 10 Year Regeneration Plan Supplementary Technical Report Final 20220811, 27/09/2023 Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee
15. 13.a

    Corporate Plan 2022-2027 Annual Report and Self-assessment 2022-2023

    Decision as recorded

    RESOLVED- That the Council be requested to approve the Corporate Plan 2022-2027 Annual Report and Self-assessment for 2022-2023 and Summary Annual Report 2022-2023, as outlined in appendices 1 and 3.

    Minute

    The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance sought approval for the Corporate Plan 2022-2027 Annual Report and Self-assessment for 2022-2023 and Summary Annual Report 2022-2023, which was outlined in appendices 1 and 3 of the report. The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 2 October 2023 and supported the recommendations. The infographics clearly demonstrated the Council Tax spend for the wide-range of services provided and the report outlined the areas for improvement. RESOLVED- That the Council be requested to approve the Corporate Plan 2022-2027 Annual Report and Self-assessment for 2022-2023 and Summary Annual Report 2022-2023, as outlined in appendices 1 and 3.

    Papers: Committee report - Corporate plan annual report and SA 2022-23 v01, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Corporate Plan Annual Report Appendix 1 ENG Full Report FINAL, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Self assessment 2022-23 evidence template v04, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Summary Annual Report 2022-23 v02, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee
16. 13.b

    Hybrid Working Policy

    Decision as recorded

    RESOLVED That the Hybrid Working Policy be approved.

    Minute

    The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance sought approval for the Hybrid Working Policy. The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 2 October 2023 and supported the recommendations. The Hybrid Policy provided a flexibility for the workforce, with a focus on customer service. RESOLVED That the Hybrid Working Policy be approved.

    Papers: Hybrid Working Policy - Covering Report V5, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, APP 1 Hybrid Working Policy V10 Eng, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Eng App2, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Equalities Impact Assessment V11
17. 13.c

    Corporate and Social Services Complaints and Compliments Annual Reports 2022/23

    Decision as recorded

    RESOLVED- That the Corporate Complaints and Compliments Annual Report 2022/23 and the Social Services Representations, Complaints and Compliments Annual Report 2022/23 be approved.

    Minute

    The Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance sought approval for the Corporate Complaints and Compliments Annual Report 2022/23 and the Social Services Representations, Complaints and Compliments Annual Report 2022/23. The Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 2 October 2023 and supported the recommendations. RESOLVED- That the Corporate Complaints and Compliments Annual Report 2022/23 and the Social Services Representations, Complaints and Compliments Annual Report 2022/23 be approved.

    Papers: Committee Report- Corporate Social Care Complaints, 18/09/2023 Governance and Audit Committee, Appendix A, 18/09/2023 Governance and Audit Committee, Appendix B, 18/09/2023 Governance and Audit Committee, Appendix C, 18/09/2023 Governance and Audit Committee, Appendix D, 18/09/2023 Governance and Audit Committee
18. 14.a

    Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan

    Decision as recorded

    RESOLVED- That the Biodiversity and Resilience Ecosystems and Delivery Plan for 2023/2026 be approved.

    Minute

    The Cabinet Member for Environment, Roads and Facilities – Neighbourhood and the Environment sought approval of the Biodiversity and Resilience Ecosystems and Delivery Plan. The Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 27 September 2023 and supported the recommendation. It was noted that frontline staff would be receiving biodiversity safeguarding training. Planning Policy Wales’ targeted change for biodiversity would be incorporated in the Revised Local Development Plan. RESOLVED- That the Biodiversity and Resilience Ecosystems and Delivery Plan for 2023/2026 be approved.

    Papers: Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan Cabinet Report Final, 27/09/2023 Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan23_26 final, 27/09/2023 Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan_Integrated-impact-assessmentV1.0, 27/09/2023 Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee
19. 15.a

    Consultation Report on the Proposed Amalgamation of Ysgol Babanod Mochdre and Ysgol Cystennin

    Decision as recorded

    RESOLVED- That the issuing of a statutory notice to formally amalgamate Ysgol Babanod Mochdre and Ysgol Cystennin as one school, following a review and approval of the revised transitional funding methodology be approved.

    Minute

    The Cabinet Member for Education sought approval for proposed amalgamation of Ysgol Babanod Mochdre and Ysgol Cystennin. The Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on 19 September 2023 and supported the recommendations. Members were assured that the revised transitional funding methodology would support the stability of the amalgamation. RESOLVED- That the issuing of a statutory notice to formally amalgamate Ysgol Babanod Mochdre and Ysgol Cystennin as one school, following a review and approval of the revised transitional funding methodology be approved.

    Papers: Cabinet Report Ysgol Babanod Mochdre and Ysgol Cystennin Amalgamation Consultation, 19/09/2023 Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Appendix A - Consultation Report - Proposed Amalgamation - Mochdre, 19/09/2023 Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee, MOCHDRE Equality Impact Assessment v2, 19/09/2023 Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee
20. 16

    Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to Information)

    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 items as it involves 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.

    Minute

    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 items as it involves 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.

    Papers: Exemption Form, 19/09/2023 Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Exemption form, 02/10/2023 Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Exemption_

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.

• Aaron Wynne, Committee MemberPlaid Cymru a’r Blaid WerddPresent
• Charlie McCoubrey, LeaderGrŵp Annibynnol Cyntaf Conwy/Conwy First Independent GroupPresent
• Cheryl Carlisle, County CouncillorConservativeIn attendance
• Chris Cater, Committee MemberGrŵp Annibynnol Cyntaf Conwy/Conwy First Independent GroupPresent
• Chris Hughes, County CouncillorLabourIn attendance
• Elizabeth Roberts, Committee MemberPlaid Cymru a’r Blaid WerddPresent
• Emily Owen, Committee MemberLabourRecorded
• Geoff Stewart, Committee MemberGrŵp Annibynnol Cyntaf Conwy/Conwy First Independent GroupPresent
• Goronwy O. Edwards, Committee MemberGrŵp Annibynnol Sir Conwy / Conwy County Independent GroupSent apologies
• Ifor Lloyd, County CouncillorGrŵp Annibynnol Cyntaf Conwy/Conwy First Independent GroupIn attendance
• Jo Nuttall, County CouncillorConservativeIn attendance
• Julie Fallon, Committee MemberGrŵp Annibynnol Cyntaf Conwy/Conwy First Independent GroupPresent
• Kay Redhead, County CouncillorGrŵp Annibynnol Cyntaf Conwy/Conwy First Independent GroupIn attendance
• Mike Priestley, County CouncillorGrŵp Annibynnol Cyntaf Conwy/Conwy First Independent GroupIn attendance
• Nigel Smith, Committee MemberGrŵp Annibynnol Cyntaf Conwy/Conwy First Independent GroupPresent
• Penny Andow, Committee MemberHeb ei Alinio / Non-alignedSent apologies
• Samantha Louise Cotton, County CouncillorConservativeIn attendance
• Sian Grady, County CouncillorGrŵp Annibynnol Sir Conwy / Conwy County Independent GroupIn attendance

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