Wrthi'n llwytho
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RESOLVED- That subject to the above amendment, the minutes of the meetings of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 21 February 2022 and 7 March 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings of the Conwy Opportunity Board held on 15 March 2022 and 19 April 2022 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee Terms of Reference be noted.
RESOLVED- That the Forward Plan for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved.
RESOLVED: a) That Councillor Sian Grady be appointed to the Conwy Civic Hall Project. b) That Councillor Dave Jones be appointed to the Corporate Health and Safety Programme. c) That Councillor Nigel Smith be appointed to the Renewal Programme. d) That Councillor Paul Luckock be appointed to the Mochdre Commerce Parc Project.
RESOLVED That a Welsh Standard progress report be presented to the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee in 6 months’ time. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That the Welsh Standards Annual Report be approved for publication on the Council’s website before 30 June 2022 (according to the requirements of the Welsh Language Standards).
RESOLVED: That the Work Welsh Scheme's Evaluation Report 2021-2022 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the quarterly update on progress of the North Wales Growth Deal be noted.
The Chair welcomed all to the meeting and extended her thanks to the previous Chair of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Austin Roberts for his excellent work. It was proposed and seconded that both Councillor Dave Jones and Councillor Harry Saville be nominated as Vice-Chair of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Following a vote is was: RESOLVED: That Councillor Harry Saville be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Gareth Jones and Andrew Wood.
None.
None.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED- That subject to the above amendment, the minutes of the meetings of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 21 February 2022 and 7 March 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The minutes of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 21 February 2022 and 7 March 2022 were submitted for approval. In respect of the minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2022, it was noted that under minute 952 (To report activities and results of the review of education funding task and finish group) that the figure cut from individual school budgets was £14m and not £4m, as follows: - Concerns in relation to school funding had intensified further, with approximately £14m having been cut from individual schools budgets. RESOLVED- That subject to the above amendment, the minutes of the meetings of the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 21 February 2022 and 7 March 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings of the Conwy Opportunity Board held on 15 March 2022 and 19 April 2022 be noted.
The minutes of the meetings of the Conwy Opportunities Board held on 15 March 2022 and 19 April 2022 were submitted. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings of the Conwy Opportunity Board held on 15 March 2022 and 19 April 2022 be noted.
None.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee Terms of Reference be noted.
Members were presented with the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee Terms of Reference which had been approved by Council on 19 May, 2022. RESOLVED: That the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee Terms of Reference be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED- That the Forward Plan for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved.
The Scrutiny and Committee Services Officer presented Members with the individual Forward Work Programme (FWP) for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined FWP. The following was highlighted: • A list of programmes and projects reporting to the Committee would be updated once Elected Member representatives had been appointed. • Programmes and Projects - an update report would be provided to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on a six monthly or annual basis. • The Scrutiny and Committee Services Officer would liaise with Scrutiny Chairs and Vice-Chairs in order to schedule final reports from relevant Task and Finish Groups. • Over the next few months, the Committee would consider various finance reports, including the outturn for 2021/2022 Revenue Budget and Capital Programme, an update on the reserves and balances and the annual report on the Corporate Plan. • Members would also consider the new Corporate Plan for 2022/2027 following the consultation process. The following was discussed: • Concern was raised that the Additional Learning Needs and Social Inclusion funding models progress report was not due to be presented until April 2023, as this was in the next financial year. - The Scrutiny and Committee Services Officer would discuss with Officers. • It was confirmed that relevant Programme and Project update reports would be scheduled within the FWP in due course. RESOLVED- That the Forward Plan for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: a) That Councillor Sian Grady be appointed to the Conwy Civic Hall Project. b) That Councillor Dave Jones be appointed to the Corporate Health and Safety Programme. c) That Councillor Nigel Smith be appointed to the Renewal Programme. d) That Councillor Paul Luckock be appointed to the Mochdre Commerce Parc Project.
Nominations were sought for representatives to sit on the following Programme and Project Boards; • Conwy Civic Hall Project • Corporate Health and Safety Programme • Renewal Programme • Mochdre Commerce Parc Project RESOLVED: a) That Councillor Sian Grady be appointed to the Conwy Civic Hall Project. b) That Councillor Dave Jones be appointed to the Corporate Health and Safety Programme. c) That Councillor Nigel Smith be appointed to the Renewal Programme. d) That Councillor Paul Luckock be appointed to the Mochdre Commerce Parc Project.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That a Welsh Standard progress report be presented to the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee in 6 months’ time. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That the Welsh Standards Annual Report be approved for publication on the Council’s website before 30 June 2022 (according to the requirements of the Welsh Language Standards).
The Welsh Language and Translation Services Manager presented the Welsh Standards' Annual Report. The monitoring report assessed the Council’s performance against its Welsh Language Standards during 2021-2022. The following points were highlighted: · The Annual Report did not reflect the whole picture in terms of the Council’s Welsh language/bilingual provision as many other strategies such as More Than Just Words, Welsh in Education Strategic Plan and the Promoting Welsh Strategy also contributed significantly towards this provision. • Achievements during 2021-2022 included: - The amalgamation of two Welsh Language Policies. - A Welsh Language Steering Group was established in order to discuss matters relating to the Welsh language within the Council. - The Welsh Promotion and Development Officer had continued to develop contacts within primary schools. - The amount of work undertaken by the translation department continued to increase. - Simultaneous translation had been provided for virtual and hybrid meetings. - Welsh lessons for staff had continued. - The ‘Sgwrsio’ (Speaking Welsh in the Workplace Scheme) was established in 2021. - A ‘Cymraeg i Bawb – Conwy’ Facebook page was created in January 2022 in order to promote and celebrate the Welsh language within Conwy County. • Future development plans included; - Activities in the community; - Activities with schools; and - The development of a Welsh in Education Website. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • Thanks were extended to the Welsh Language Team for their excellent work. • The importance of enhancing Welsh culture and language in non-Welsh speaking areas of the County. • It was positive that the Council was supportive of the Welsh language. • It was proposed that a progress report on the actions be presented in 6 months’ time. RESOLVED That a Welsh Standard progress report be presented to the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee in 6 months’ time. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That the Welsh Standards Annual Report be approved for publication on the Council’s website before 30 June 2022 (according to the requirements of the Welsh Language Standards).
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the Work Welsh Scheme's Evaluation Report 2021-2022 be noted.
The Welsh Language and Translation Services Manager presented the Work Welsh Scheme's Evaluation Report 2021-2022. Work Welsh was a programme designed to strengthen Welsh language skills in the workplace. The scheme was funded by Welsh Government as a specific programme to strengthen Welsh skills in the workplace throughout Wales and offered fully funded appropriate, flexible training. The following points were highlighted: • The Council was in receipt of investment from the National Centre for Learning Welsh in order to develop Council staff’s Welsh language skills. • Menna Morris, an experienced tutor with the Centre’s course provider, Learn Welsh North West, had been working full time with the Council as part of the scheme since May 2019. • Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, lessons had been on-line since the end of March 2020. - Guidance was awaited from the Renewal Team in relation to resuming face to face training. • Learners had progressed well at all levels. • The Sgwrsio (Speaking Welsh at Work) scheme had been successful and would be offered to more learners. • Feedback received from learners would be evaluated. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • Thanks were extended to the Welsh Language and Translation Services Manager and her team for their hard work and dedication to the Welsh Language and for enabling translation facilities at meetings and assisting with the increase in the number of Welsh speaking staff. • The positive impact of Welsh language lessons both for staff and within the community. • The support shown by the Council to the Welsh language was positive. • Congratulations were extended to those who took part in the recent Urdd Eisteddfod. • The Welsh in Education Strategic Plan outlined plans for embedding the Welsh language and culture within schools. • It was queried whether the Council could continue with the scheme should funding be withdrawn. - In response, the Welsh Language and Translation Services Manager advised that a business case had been submitted so that the scheme could continue should funding cease. • Resources were not always available in Welsh for those sitting exams. • The ‘Sgwrsio’ scheme was invaluable, as many learners did not have the confidence to speak Welsh. - The Welsh Language and Translation Services Manager advised that Councillors would be invited to join the ‘Sgwrsio’ scheme and to enrol courses. RESOLVED: That the Work Welsh Scheme's Evaluation Report 2021-2022 be noted.
The Corporate Performance and Improvement Manager presented a report on the Workwise 2020 Framework. The Workwise Framework was first approved as part of the Modernisation Programme in 2015. This framework had now been updated (Workwise 2020), to reflect new ways of working as a result of changes implemented due to Covid-19. The following points were highlighted: · Key aspects of the hybrid model included; - Councillors and office based staff being able to work from home and attend the office (or other hub location) weekly (subject to business need). - Residents and customers would have greater flexibility in how they accessed services. - A hybrid meeting system for Councillors to join democratic meetings remotely or attend the Chamber in person. • The framework aimed to proactively address; - The Council’s commitment to achieving carbon net zero by 2030. - The Wales Transport Strategy action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing car use and commuting mileage. - The Council’s financial pressures by generating savings. - Feedback from Councillors and staff which showed support for this way of working. · The anticipated benefits of the Workwise 2020 Project, which included: - Improved customer service through greater flexibility and choice in how residents and customers accessed services. - Reduction in print consumables and postage costs. - Reduction in business mileage costs. - Reduction in sickness absence levels. - Increased number of applicants relating to recruitment of staff. - Improved engagement and attendance of Members. - Improved access to hybrid training. - Improved well-being of staff (work life balance). · Programme objectives included developing a Workwise 2020 Framework that detailed the core principles for Service Delivery, Human Resources, Information Technology, Building Management and Democracy. · A desk ratio of 5.5 per 10 staff had been proposed following staff engagement. · From 25 April 2022, the amber plus phase was introduced in line with the removal of restrictions in workplaces by Welsh Government. - Reasonably practicable measures had been implemented in line with a building specific risk assessment. · Under the green phase, which would be introduced in July, 2022 Covid-19 control measures would no longer be enforced within offices. · Extensive engagement had taken place prior to amending the Workwise 2020 Framework. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: · It was queried as to whether a reduction in the desk to staff ratio would encourage staff to work from home. - In response, the Corporate Performance and Improvement Manager advised that office capacity was monitored regularly. - Offices had been busier during the amber phase but had not been at capacity. - Meeting spaces and breakout rooms were available. - Line managers were responsible for encouraging staff to attend the office. · It was queried whether productivity was being monitored. - In response, the Corporate Performance and Improvement Manager advised that Managers were receiving training in respect of agile teams. - In general, productivity had improved. · The importance of customer service, ongoing monitoring and flexibility of the Framework. · Concern in relation to access to Council offices for vulnerable members of the public. · The challenges facing young families and carers in relation to caring responsibilities. - Flexible working hours had assisted and it was hoped that the extended bandwidths would be retained. · The impact that working from home could have in respect of mental health, especially as a result of a lack of interaction with colleagues. - The Corporate Performance and Improvement Manager advised that the intention was for staff to have a balance of home and office working. - An equalities impact assessment had been undertaken and the negative impact of hybrid working had been considered. - Workshops had been held for staff which included specific workshops for younger members of staff and disabled staff. - Staff were able to request to work from an office during the Covid-19 pandemic. · It was positive that a customer contact management system was being considered. · The Renewal Programme Board provided regular updates to the Finance and Recourses Overview and Scrutiny Committee which could include an update on the impact of the framework on the customer experience. · The impact of the increasing cost of living, especially heating and petrol costs. · The benefits of home working should be retained, however it was important that the corporate culture and staff relationships were not lost. · Trade Unions had been consulted in respect of the Framework and had been fully supportive. · A step by step approach would be the most suitable approach. · Staff wellbeing and public accessibility was a priority. · It was suggested that more in person meetings and team working was required and an option similar to a pre-pandemic way of working should be considered to take account of the some of the concerns highlighted. - Workwise had changed significantly since it was first introduced and was now better suited to the workforce and customers. - It was noted that the proposed approach of a hybrid way of working would need to be ‘lived’ and adapted to take account of the experience gained and any impact on service delivery. Whilst it was proposed that the report be noted l, this proposal was withdrawn following assurance that the concerns raised by the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee be considered by Cabinet. It was noted that any significant changes to the Framework would be reported to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. RECCOMENDED TO CABINET: a) That the Workwise 2020 Framework be approved. b) That the project team be authorised to implement the Workwise 2020 Framework. c) That authority be given to the Strategic Leadership Team and Senior Management Team to adapt the Framework as experience is gained.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the quarterly update on progress of the North Wales Growth Deal be noted.
Note: Alwen Williams (Portfolio Director - North Wales Economic Ambition Board) was in attendance for this item. The Strategic Director, Economy and Place presented a quarterly update on progress of the North Wales Growth Deal. The purpose of the report was to present the Quarter 4 (January-March 2022) Growth Deal report and updated Portfolio Risk Register. Members were provided with an overview of the North Wales Growth Deal. The following points were highlighted: • The North Wales Growth Deal was a portfolio of five programmes to be delivered over 15 years which would drive economic growth across the region. • Five programmes were focussed on key strategic themes: Energy, Digital, Land and Property, Advanced Manufacturing and Agrifood and Tourism. • Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) was the lead for the Agrifood and Tourism programme • The five programmes of the Growth Deal included 14 projects, which had been carefully designed and developed with stakeholders to address specific market failures and barriers to economic growth. • The investment within the Growth Deal consisted of a combined total of £240 million from UK and Welsh Government, matched with investment from the Private Sector. • The Growth Deal was delivered by the Portfolio Management Office on behalf of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board with support from a Portfolio Board of Executive Officers. • The Strategic Director for Economy and Place was CCBC’s representative on the Growth Deal Portfolio Board and the Leader represented CCBC on the Ambition Board. • Progress reports were presented to Overview and Scrutiny Committees on a quarterly basis. The following was highlighted in relation to the North Wales Growth Deal – Quarter 4 Performance Report: • An award of funding letter for 2021-2022 was received and signed in March 2022, confirming the next instalment of Growth Deal funding of £20.45m. • The Digital Signal Processing Centre (DSP) received approval in December 2021 and had officially moved into the delivery phase. • Two projects had successfully completed their gateway assurance reviews during the quarter. • During Quarter 4, five of the projects were reporting as ’red’ for a variety of reasons. - Each of these Projects was being closely monitored with mitigating actions being developed and implemented to address their specific challenges. Members thanked the Strategic Director, Economy and Place for the comprehensive presentation. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • The Agrifood and Tourism project would be significant for Conwy County and Members were happy to provide any support that was required. • It was suggested that a further Growth Deal presentation be provided to Members as part of a future Member Development and Information Forum. • It was queried whether opportunities in the renewable energy sector due to the energy crisis and the Ukraine war were being explored. - In response, the Portfolio Director advised that renewable energy had always been a priority sector for the Growth Deal. - The Morlais project would allow global innovators to trial projects in North Wales. - The Smart Local Energy Programme would work alongside communities to achieve sustainable energy production. - Investors were seeking opportunities in this sector. • It was queried as to how likely it was that private sector investment could be obtained given the economic climate. - In response, the Portfolio Director advised that it would be a challenge, however capital investment was available. - Investors were seeking big programmes to invest in and some within the Growth Deal may be too small. - Investment would need to fit in with the vision for sustainable development, values and legacy. • It was queried as to whether Welsh Government and the UK government were offering support. - Contact had been made with the Department for Trade and Industry. • It was queried whether The North Wales Growth deal had a presence in London. - In response, the Portfolio Director advised that there had not been much engagement due to the pandemic. - It was hoped that the Growth Deal could work with the Confederation of British Industry in order to run events and create networking opportunities. • It was queried whether, if the Bodelwyddan site did not progress as a key strategic site, Abergele South East could be considered. - In response, the Portfolio Director advised that if a project was not suitable for development then a horizon scanning questionnaire would be completed. - The Strategic Director – Economy and Place advised that Conwy’s Strategic Planning Policy Manager was engaging with the Land and Property Programme Manager in regard to Conwy County sites that could be considered for future funding opportunities. • Concern was raised in relation to agricultural land being purchased for tree planting by large companies in order to offset their carbon footprint. - The Strategic Director- Economy and Place advised that there had been no discussion in relation to tree planting. - The aim of the Agrifood and Tourism Programme was to support local businesses. RESOLVED: That the quarterly update on progress of the North Wales Growth Deal be noted.
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