Wrthi'n llwytho
Y penderfyniadau fel y mae cofnodion y cyngor yn eu cofnodi. Bydd crynodeb mewn iaith glir yn dilyn pan fydd wedi'i ysgrifennu.
RESOLVED- That the minutes of the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 20 December, 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – North held on 8 January, 2024 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the forward work programme for the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined forward work programme be approved, subject to the amendments highlighted above.
RESOLVED: That the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee note the Colwyn Bay Regeneration Programme Board Progress Report.
None.
Councillor Bernice McLoughlin declared a personal interest in Agenda item 11(i) - Changes to library opening hours, subject to public consultation as she used to be a trustee of Kinmel Bay Library. As the interest was considered prejudicial Councillor McLoughlin left the meeting whilst the matter was being discussed.
None.
Councillor Louise Emery, lead petitioner, presented a petition calling on Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) to use its powers to consult with the public and listen over which roads should be exempted from the new default 20mph speed limit. In line with the Constitution, Councillor Emery was able to address the Committee and made reference to the following: · The importance of listening to residents of Conwy County and making some changes to the roads that have been reduced to 20mph. · The daily impact the Welsh Government (WG) legislation was having on residents’ lives e.g. carers, going to work/school, pharmacy delivers, waste and recycling and loss of bus services. · It was acknowledged that some areas around town/village centres and schools should be 20mph, but not roads that linked communities together. · Very little consultation with the public. · Lee Waters MS (Deputy Minister for Climate Change) was about to review the 20mph speed limit implementation, which was encouraging. · Reference was also made to CCBC’s recent statement on the 20mph limit review, but disappointment was expressed that Conwy residents were being encouraged to contact the Council’s Traffic Team as opposed to seeking views via a public consultation. · Funding opportunities from Welsh Government for the consultation. In response, the Cabinet Member for Environment, Roads and Facilities – Infrastructure drew Members attention to his statement in response to the WG’s recent announcement regarding the review of guidance for road exemptions and confirmed that CCBC did respond to the original WG consultation. In addition it was noted that all representations received would be listened to and taken into consideration. A meeting with Carolyn Thomas (MS), North Wales cabinet members and officials, Transport for Wales and Arriva had been arranged to discuss a practical solution that could be fed into the WG review. Members discussed the following: · The financial implications of undertaking a public consultation, particularly in the current financial climate. · The principles and effectiveness of a public consultation, which would need to be based on the criteria issued by WG. · The need for a simple and meaningful way of engaging with members of the public e.g. alternative methods of communicating with CCBC e.g. phone / e-mail or liaising direct with Councillors. · It was noted that funding had been made available by WG for a consultation when the 20 mph policy was introduced, was there funding still available? · CCBC was already compiling a list of roads where concerns had been raised. · It was suggested that further discussion takes place between the lead petitioner, Cabinet Member and officers regarding a way forward. The Chair highlighted that, in the meantime, there were tools in place for members of the public/road users to contact CCBC and raise any concerns regarding a speed limit on a particular road being changed from 20mph to 30mph, or from 30mph to 20mph. RECOMMENDATION TO CABINET: (a) That following the Welsh Government (WG) review of the 20mph speed limit guidance and exception criteria, Cabinet be requested to look further into conducting a public consultation, based on the WG revised guidance. (b) That, an assessment of the effectiveness versus the costs associated with undertaking a public consultation be established and that officers ascertain if there is any WG funding available to assist with the consultation.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED- That the minutes of the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 20 December, 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The minutes of the meeting of the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 20 December, 2023 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED- That the minutes of the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 20 December, 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – North held on 8 January, 2024 be noted.
The minutes of the meeting of the Local Area Forum (LAF) – North held on 8 January, 2024 were presented for information. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – North held on 8 January, 2024 be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the forward work programme for the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined forward work programme be approved, subject to the amendments highlighted above.
The Scrutiny and Committee Services Officer presented the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme (FWP), together with the combined FWP. Members were advised of the following: · An update on Conwy’s Economic Growth Strategy had been deferred until April 2024. · The RLDP Population and Housing Growth report, together with the RLDP Health Impact and Education report had been moved to the meeting on 20/03/2024. · The Flood Risk Strategy report had been scheduled for 17/04/2024. · An update on the Ash Dieback Project had been scheduled for 22/05/2024, along with the Notice of Motion, which had been referred by Council in relation to the planting of Urban Trees. RESOLVED: That the forward work programme for the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined forward work programme be approved, subject to the amendments highlighted above.
None.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee note the Colwyn Bay Regeneration Programme Board Progress Report.
The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy introduced a progress report in relation to the Colwyn Regeneration Programme Board, the Head of Environment, Roads and Facilities provided an overview and the Project Managers of the following projects gave a brief overview of the work achieved to date: · Colwyn Bay Waterfront Phase 2b (Rhos on Sea) · Coastal Defence Work (Old Colwyn) · Colwyn Bay Investment and Recovery Project · TRI Housing Renewal Phase 3b · Community Project Investment Fund/Community Project Scheme Members welcomed the informative updates, praised the work and dedication of the teams involved in the projects and went on to discuss the following: • Reference was made to the Colwyn Bay Investment and Recovery Plan and in particular the Active Travel proposals to remove some highway parking, which were considered detrimental to local businesses, those people with disabilities, the elderly and carers etc. Members looked forward to the Active Travel consultation responses being presented to democracy. In response, Members were informed that the consultation responses would be taken on board and where practical to do so, changes would be made in line with the criteria. • Colwyn Bay was the most deprived ward in Conwy County and whilst the improvements were welcome, a Local Ward Member felt strongly that there was still further work to be done in the area. • Local businesses had concerns regarding lack of footfall, the future of Colwyn Bay market and planning constraints in relation to large vacant buildings and their uses. RESOLVED: That the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee note the Colwyn Bay Regeneration Programme Board Progress Report.
The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, with interim responsibility for Housing Services, introduced the report, which sought approval for the adoption of the Adaptations Policy following a period of public consultation, and the Housing Strategy Manager provided the detail. Appendix 2 of the report summarised the responses received during the consultation period, which had now ended. The Draft Adaptations Policy had two key amendments: i) The removal of the means test for small and medium adaptations. ii) The introduction of grant conditions for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) costing in excess of £10,000. In scrutinising the report, Members made reference to the following: · The cost of adaptations for social housing tenants being met by Registered Social Landlords (RSLs). It was noted that RSLs had ‘other’ funding streams that they could access, rather than needing to utilise Council funding. · Financial implications – there were concerns as to additional expenditure to the Authority as a result of the new policy and removal of means testing for DFG adaptations. · The impact of the new policy on service demand and waiting time. · The implications on receiving Welsh Government funding, should means testing not be removed from the policy. In response, Members were advised that, it was Welsh Government’s expectation that Authorities would agree to remove the means test for small and medium cost adaptations on a voluntary basis, and its removal was a condition of the Authority being able to claim the Enable ‘uplift’ funding (currently £74,578 per annum) in future years. RECOMMENDATION TO CABINET: That the Adaptations Policy be adopted.
The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure with interim responsibility for Housing Services introduced a report seeking approval to consult on changes to library opening hours and the Section Head: Culture, Libraries and Information provided the detail. In scrutinising the report, reference was made to the following: · Members recognised how important library resources were within communities, particularly in rural areas. Conwy County residents were passionate about their libraries and it was important not to underestimate the value of the service. · Whilst the options presented (option A - one closed day per week or option B - later opening and earlier closing (compressed days) were considered unpalatable, given the current financial situation the options proposed were considered more preferable than to advocate for the closure of a library service. · The Culture and Information Service was commended for proposing cuts in order to protect the future of libraries. The options presented would enable the service to expand in better financial times. · Raising Council Tax to meet the costs of keeping libraries open at the present level. · Libraries were considered safe spaces and played a vital role for those of all ages. · Explore further options for co-location, similar to the Conwy Culture Centre and Llanrwst Library projects. RECOMMENDATION TO CABINET: That Cabinet approve for public consultation options A and B for reduction in opening hours in Libraries as follows: · Option A - one closed day per week. · Option B - later opening and earlier closing (compressed days). Note: Councillor Bernice McLoughlin declared a personal interest in the above item as she used to be a trustee of Kinmel Bay Library. As the interest was considered prejudicial Councillor McLoughlin left the meeting whilst the matter was being discussed.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
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