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RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting be confirmed as a correct record.
RESOLVED: That the financial implications of the Welsh Local Government Provisional Settlement and the remaining work which needs to be completed prior to agreeing a set of recommendations for Council to set a legal and balanced budget on 17th February (which will be subject to prior consideration and comment by Overview and Scrutiny Committees) be noted.
RESOLVED: (a) That the performance summaries for each Council Plan Objective be endorsed; and (b) That Cabinet be assured that there are adequate actions to improve the areas of improvement identified.
RESOLVED: That the procurement of a new financial system with a potential 19 year contract duration be authorised.
RESOLVED: (a) That the Welsh Government’s Suicide Prevention and Self-hard Strategy (2025-2035) be noted and the adoption of the Strategy be supported; and (b) That the development of a Council-wide action plan under the six objectives for us to deliver on the national strategy at a local level and embed suicide and self-harm risk and safety into existing policies and practices be supported, to include: I. Raising awareness about the support available through the communications around the new strategy II. Identifying priority staff groups to receive suicide and self-harm training III. Promoting a wider regional approach through the Public Services Board and Regional Leadership Board and North Wales Suicide and Self-harm Prevention Forum to develop a regional action plan
RESOLVED: (a) That the report and estimated financial impact on the 2025/26 budget be noted; (b) That the measures being put in place to improve the financial position by the end of the financial year be noted; and (c) That the request for change of use for balances and reserves be approved.
RESOLVED: That the draft Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2025-26 be recommended to County Council on 27th January for approval.
RESOLVED: That the progress made in the Corporate Self-Assessment Improvement Plan be acknowledged and endorsed.
RESOLVED: (a) That the findings set out in the Public Interest Report for the reasons in the report be accepted; (b) That Cabinet welcome that the recommendations contained at paragraph 54 of the report have been completed • Within 1 month of the date of this report the Council should: a) Acknowledge and apologies to Miss Y for the failings identified in the report. b) In addition to the offer of £500 already made by the Council, to offer Miss Y a further financial redress payment of £1,258. This comprises £1,008 for losses of furniture and possessions and £250 for the distress caused to her by the failings identified in the report, making total redress of £1,758. c) Ensure officers from the Housing and Communities department are reminded of the requirement to fully and accurately complete paperwork. d) Contact Miss Y to obtain details of any outstanding work to her current home and provide her with a schedule of works detailing when these will be completed. (c) Cabinet accept the recommendations at paragraph 55 and note that they are already partially completed ii. Within 3 months of the date of this report the Council should: e) Develop a process to ensure that repeated repair requests are identified, recorded and escalated for further investigation ensuring a holistic approach is taken to repair requests. f) Develop guidance on the circumstances in which Tenant Liaison Officers should be allocated, ensuring it also undergoes an Equality Impact Assessment prior to implementation. g) Develop a more specific decant policy that sets out the actions the Council will take, and the responsibilities of both the Council and the Contract Holder. h) Review policies and procedures for conducting and accurately recording pre-letting inspections.
RESOLVED: That the contents of the report be endorsed, and housing assets be supported to continue to manage mould and condensation service requests, along with the Housing Disrepair (HDR) protocol, ensuring the obligations placed upon the Council are met.
RESOLVED: That the ongoing work to manage the impacts of welfare reform and the cost-of-living crisis on some of the most vulnerable residents be endorsed.
RESOLVED: That the latest financial position for 2025/26 rent collections be acknowledged.
RESOLVED: (a) That the current financial position in relations to the shortfall in income for garden waste collections be noted; and (b) That the different options be considered and the proposed increase to the subscription charge for garden waste collections for the 2026 season as outlined below, along with an extension to the collection seasons from next year, be approved: i) Increase the online subscription rate to match the higher rate and have one single rate only at £38.00 ii) Provide a monthly collection service in December, January and February each year, commencing from December 2026
RESOLVED: That the report be noted and approval given for the removal of the highway improvement scheme listed in the report, which no longer formed part of the Council’s transport priorities as defined within the recent approved Regional Transport Plan for North Wales.
RESOLVED: (a) That the establishment of the Investment Zone SME Manufacturing Grant be approved in line with the initial criteria and processes outlined in the report; (b) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer (Place and Growth) in liaison with the Section 151 Officer and the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Transformation, Growth and Place to launch the grant and establish approval processes and management and monitoring arrangements for its successful operation; and (c) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer (Place and Growth) in liaison with the Section 151 Officer and the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Transformation, Growth and Place to review and vary the criteria and delivery arrangements for the grant to ensure its continued effectiveness in delivering positive outcomes for Flintshire communities.
RESOLVED: (a) That the Council engage with Holywell Town Council and Mold Town Council with a view to them taking over the markets by March 2026; (b) If no agreement was reached by March 2026 both markets (Holywell Street Market and Mold Car Boot Sale) would be closed; and (c) Consideration be given to the Holywell Street Market holding periodic markets.
RESOLVED: That the work being undertaken to meet the Council’s biodiversity duty be supported and the new Action Plan and Welsh Government report be agreed.
RESOLVED: (a) That the proposal to outsource the management of the roundabout sponsorship scheme to Outdo be approved; and (b) That the draft roundabout sponsorship policy be approved.
RESOLVED: That the progression model of support be reviewed and the approach as the guiding framework for supported living accommodation for adults with a learning disability be endorsed.
RESOLVED: (a) That the recommissioning proposal is supported and accepted in order to progress with internal and external commissioning; (b) That officers are supported in the shift towards a more collaborative and flexible approach, which supports partnership working and shared outcomes whilst utilising the strengths of internal services, supported by external commissioning; (c) That the Flintshire outcomes for Families First be endorsed as follows: • Parents, children and young people have their needs met effectively by playing a key role in shaping and delivering the support they need • Parents, children and young people receive the right help at the right time, preventing challenges from escalating into a crisis • Parents, children and young people confidently maintain strong, positive relationships (d) That the strategic and operational need to upskill staff with a range of specialisms across the Families First Partnership, which will not only help ensure that the journey through Families First is more efficient and effective, but also create a highly skilled and resilient workforce within Flintshire County Council be supported.
RESOLVED: That the progress achieved in implementing the Reconnect programme be formally acknowledged and the reintegration of children from out-of-county residential placements where this is assessed as a safe and appropriate transition, aligned to a child’s needs, be endorsed.
RESOLVED: (a) That the initiatives aimed at expanding in-house general fostering households be approved. This work aims to increase local placements for children and reduce dependency on high-cost Independent Agency Fostering; (b) That the outcomes of the Mockingbird programme in Flintshire be evaluated, and the schemes expansion to build a resilient, flexible cohort of foster carers through peer support and networked care be endorsed; (c) That the implementation of the ‘Lleol’ initiative as part of the Reconnect scheme, designed to enable children looked after to return to local residential services and transition smoothly from residential care to foster placements be supported; and (d) That the plan to increase the Special Guardianship service be endorsed so more children looked after remain with connected carers under arrangements that promote stability and continuity of care.
RESOLVED: (a) That the outcome of the public consultation held between 29th September 2025 and 9th November 2025, which has informed the final Consultation and Engagement Strategy for Flintshire County Council be noted; and (b) That the implementation of the Consultation and Engagement Strategy for Flintshire County Council from January 2026 be approved.
RESOLVED: (a) That it be noted that for the first time in three years, there has been a 20% increase in complaints against Flintshire County Council, which aligns with the average increase across local authorities in Wales; (b) That the Council’s lower-than-average intervention rate by the Ombudsman, its strong performance in complying with Ombudsman recommendations, and the fact that no formal investigations have been instigated for the third consecutive year be welcomed; (c) That the Council’s half-year performance (2025-26) in handling complaints in accordance with the Council’s Concerns and Complaints Policy; and (d) That the priorities outlined in paragraph 1.27 be supported.
(link to recording) None.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting be confirmed as a correct record.
(link to recording) The minutes of the meeting held on 18th November 2025 (agenda item number 3) were submitted and confirmed as a correct record. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting be confirmed as a correct record.
(link to recording) None.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the financial implications of the Welsh Local Government Provisional Settlement and the remaining work which needs to be completed prior to agreeing a set of recommendations for Council to set a legal and balanced budget on 17th February (which will be subject to prior consideration and comment by Overview and Scrutiny Committees) be noted.
(link to recording) Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 5) which provided an update on the key headlines and financial impacts of the Welsh Local Government Provisional Settlement. It also provided an update on the work being undertaken on the range of budget solutions available to the Council to set a legal and balanced budget in February. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the financial implications of the Welsh Local Government Provisional Settlement and the remaining work which needs to be completed prior to agreeing a set of recommendations for Council to set a legal and balanced budget on 17th February (which will be subject to prior consideration and comment by Overview and Scrutiny Committees) be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: (a) That the performance summaries for each Council Plan Objective be endorsed; and (b) That Cabinet be assured that there are adequate actions to improve the areas of improvement identified.
(link to recording) Councillor Thomas introduced the report (agenda item number 6) which provided details of the Council Plan 2025/30 which had three priorities and 18 objectives. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the performance summaries for each Council Plan Objective be endorsed; and (b) That Cabinet be assured that there are adequate actions to improve the areas of improvement identified.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the procurement of a new financial system with a potential 19 year contract duration be authorised.
(link to recording) Councillor Richard Jones introduced the report (agenda item number 7) which sought approval to proceed with a formal Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the replacement Enterprise Resource Planning Finance System due to the duration (maximum of 19 years), and value of the contract. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the procurement of a new financial system with a potential 19 year contract duration be authorised.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: (a) That the Welsh Government’s Suicide Prevention and Self-hard Strategy (2025-2035) be noted and the adoption of the Strategy be supported; and (b) That the development of a Council-wide action plan under the six objectives for us to deliver on the national strategy at a local level and embed suicide and self-harm risk and safety into existing policies and practices be supported, to include: I. Raising awareness about the support available through the communications around the new strategy II. Identifying priority staff groups to receive suicide and self-harm training III. Promoting a wider regional approach through the Public Services Board and Regional Leadership Board and North Wales Suicide and Self-harm Prevention Forum to develop a regional action plan
(link to recording) Councillor Banks introduced the report (agenda item number 8), the purpose of which was to raise awareness of the Welsh Government’s Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Strategy (2025-2035), and to seek support from Cabinet to officially adopt the Strategy and develop an action plan for Flintshire to meet the objectives set out in the new strategy. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the Welsh Government’s Suicide Prevention and Self-hard Strategy (2025-2035) be noted and the adoption of the Strategy be supported; and (b) That the development of a Council-wide action plan under the six objectives for us to deliver on the national strategy at a local level and embed suicide and self-harm risk and safety into existing policies and practices be supported, to include: I. Raising awareness about the support available through the communications around the new strategy II. Identifying priority staff groups to receive suicide and self-harm training III. Promoting a wider regional approach through the Public Services Board and Regional Leadership Board and North Wales Suicide and Self-harm Prevention Forum to develop a regional action plan
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: (a) That the report and estimated financial impact on the 2025/26 budget be noted; (b) That the measures being put in place to improve the financial position by the end of the financial year be noted; and (c) That the request for change of use for balances and reserves be approved.
(link to recording) Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 9) which provided the latest detailed overview of the budget monitoring position for the 2025/26 financial year for the Council Fund and Housing Revenue Account and presented the position, based on actual income and expenditure as at Month 7. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the report and estimated financial impact on the 2025/26 budget be noted; (b) That the measures being put in place to improve the financial position by the end of the financial year be noted; and (c) That the request for change of use for balances and reserves be approved.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the draft Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2025-26 be recommended to County Council on 27th January for approval.
(link to recording) Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 9) which was recommended to be presented to County Council on 27th January 2026 for final approval. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the draft Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2025-26 be recommended to County Council on 27th January for approval.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the progress made in the Corporate Self-Assessment Improvement Plan be acknowledged and endorsed.
(link to recording) Councillor Thomas introduced the report (agenda item number 11) which provided details of the outcome of the Corporate Self-Assessment which identified areas of improvement which formed the action plan for 2025/26. The report provided an update on the progress of those actions. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the progress made in the Corporate Self-Assessment Improvement Plan be acknowledged and endorsed.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: (a) That the findings set out in the Public Interest Report for the reasons in the report be accepted; (b) That Cabinet welcome that the recommendations contained at paragraph 54 of the report have been completed • Within 1 month of the date of this report the Council should: a) Acknowledge and apologies to Miss Y for the failings identified in the report. b) In addition to the offer of £500 already made by the Council, to offer Miss Y a further financial redress payment of £1,258. This comprises £1,008 for losses of furniture and possessions and £250 for the distress caused to her by the failings identified in the report, making total redress of £1,758. c) Ensure officers from the Housing and Communities department are reminded of the requirement to fully and accurately complete paperwork. d) Contact Miss Y to obtain details of any outstanding work to her current home and provide her with a schedule of works detailing when these will be completed. (c) Cabinet accept the recommendations at paragraph 55 and note that they are already partially completed ii. Within 3 months of the date of this report the Council should: e) Develop a process to ensure that repeated repair requests are identified, recorded and escalated for further investigation ensuring a holistic approach is taken to repair requests. f) Develop guidance on the circumstances in which Tenant Liaison Officers should be allocated, ensuring it also undergoes an Equality Impact Assessment prior to implementation. g) Develop a more specific decant policy that sets out the actions the Council will take, and the responsibilities of both the Council and the Contract Holder. h) Review policies and procedures for conducting and accurately recording pre-letting inspections.
(link to recording) The Monitoring Officer introduced the report (agenda item number 12) which provided details of the outcome of a Public Interest Report, which had been anonymised. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the findings set out in the Public Interest Report for the reasons in the report be accepted; (b) That Cabinet welcome that the recommendations contained at paragraph 54 of the report have been completed • Within 1 month of the date of this report the Council should: a) Acknowledge and apologies to Miss Y for the failings identified in the report. b) In addition to the offer of £500 already made by the Council, to offer Miss Y a further financial redress payment of £1,258. This comprises £1,008 for losses of furniture and possessions and £250 for the distress caused to her by the failings identified in the report, making total redress of £1,758. c) Ensure officers from the Housing and Communities department are reminded of the requirement to fully and accurately complete paperwork. d) Contact Miss Y to obtain details of any outstanding work to her current home and provide her with a schedule of works detailing when these will be completed. (c) Cabinet accept the recommendations at paragraph 55 and note that they are already partially completed ii. Within 3 months of the date of this report the Council should: e) Develop a process to ensure that repeated repair requests are identified, recorded and escalated for further investigation ensuring a holistic approach is taken to repair requests. f) Develop guidance on the circumstances in which Tenant Liaison Officers should be allocated, ensuring it also undergoes an Equality Impact Assessment prior to implementation. g) Develop a more specific decant policy that sets out the actions the Council will take, and the responsibilities of both the Council and the Contract Holder. h) Review policies and procedures for conducting and accurately recording pre-letting inspections.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the contents of the report be endorsed, and housing assets be supported to continue to manage mould and condensation service requests, along with the Housing Disrepair (HDR) protocol, ensuring the obligations placed upon the Council are met.
(link to recording) Councillor Brown introduced the report (agenda item number 13) which provided an outline of the work undertaken to address issues of mould and condensation within Council properties. The report also provided an update on the Council’s current position relating to disrepair and the number of disrepair claims received, settled and successfully defended. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the contents of the report be endorsed, and housing assets be supported to continue to manage mould and condensation service requests, along with the Housing Disrepair (HDR) protocol, ensuring the obligations placed upon the Council are met.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the ongoing work to manage the impacts of welfare reform and the cost-of-living crisis on some of the most vulnerable residents be endorsed.
(link to recording) Councillor Brown introduced the report (agenda item number 14) which set out a range of mitigation work underway to address the range of social and economic challenges, including actions being taken across council services and in collaboration with partner organisations. It provided an overview of current activity, highlighted areas of impact, and identified where further focus may be required to support residents most affected by economic hardship and inequality. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the ongoing work to manage the impacts of welfare reform and the cost-of-living crisis on some of the most vulnerable residents be endorsed.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the latest financial position for 2025/26 rent collections be acknowledged.
(link to recording) Councillor Brown introduced the report (agenda item number 15) which provided an update on the current levels of housing rent arrears to week 31 in 2025/26. The recommendation in the report was supported RESOLVED: That the latest financial position for 2025/26 rent collections be acknowledged.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: (a) That the current financial position in relations to the shortfall in income for garden waste collections be noted; and (b) That the different options be considered and the proposed increase to the subscription charge for garden waste collections for the 2026 season as outlined below, along with an extension to the collection seasons from next year, be approved: i) Increase the online subscription rate to match the higher rate and have one single rate only at £38.00 ii) Provide a monthly collection service in December, January and February each year, commencing from December 2026
(link to recording) Councillor Banks introduced the report (agenda item number 16) which provided an overview of the service and presented options for discussion regarding subscription fees for the 2026 collection season (due to commence on 1st March 2026) along with the potential risks and impacts. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the current financial position in relations to the shortfall in income for garden waste collections be noted; and (b) That the different options be considered and the proposed increase to the subscription charge for garden waste collections for the 2026 season as outlined below, along with an extension to the collection seasons from next year, be approved: i) Increase the online subscription rate to match the higher rate and have one single rate only at £38.00 ii) Provide a monthly collection service in December, January and February each year, commencing from December 2026
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the report be noted and approval given for the removal of the highway improvement scheme listed in the report, which no longer formed part of the Council’s transport priorities as defined within the recent approved Regional Transport Plan for North Wales.
(link to recording) Councillor Palmer introduced the report (agenda item number 17) and explained it was now necessary to address a list of protected highway routes to reflect the newly adopted Regional Transport Plan (RTP) and address the problem of properties along the route of the original improvements being blighted through the local land charge procedure for schemes, which no longer formed part of the priority highway improvement scheme list within the RTP and would never be delivered. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the report be noted and approval given for the removal of the highway improvement scheme listed in the report, which no longer formed part of the Council’s transport priorities as defined within the recent approved Regional Transport Plan for North Wales.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: (a) That the establishment of the Investment Zone SME Manufacturing Grant be approved in line with the initial criteria and processes outlined in the report; (b) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer (Place and Growth) in liaison with the Section 151 Officer and the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Transformation, Growth and Place to launch the grant and establish approval processes and management and monitoring arrangements for its successful operation; and (c) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer (Place and Growth) in liaison with the Section 151 Officer and the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Transformation, Growth and Place to review and vary the criteria and delivery arrangements for the grant to ensure its continued effectiveness in delivering positive outcomes for Flintshire communities.
(link to recording) Councillor Richard Jones introduced the report (agenda item number 18) and provided an update on the Investment Zone. The majority of the County’s manufacturing businesses were small to medium-sized enterprises and it was proposed to launch a small grant scheme to enable those businesses to grow, invest, innovate and become more efficient and more carbon-neutral. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the establishment of the Investment Zone SME Manufacturing Grant be approved in line with the initial criteria and processes outlined in the report; (b) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer (Place and Growth) in liaison with the Section 151 Officer and the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Transformation, Growth and Place to launch the grant and establish approval processes and management and monitoring arrangements for its successful operation; and (c) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer (Place and Growth) in liaison with the Section 151 Officer and the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Transformation, Growth and Place to review and vary the criteria and delivery arrangements for the grant to ensure its continued effectiveness in delivering positive outcomes for Flintshire communities.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: (a) That the Council engage with Holywell Town Council and Mold Town Council with a view to them taking over the markets by March 2026; (b) If no agreement was reached by March 2026 both markets (Holywell Street Market and Mold Car Boot Sale) would be closed; and (c) Consideration be given to the Holywell Street Market holding periodic markets.
(link to recording) Councillor Dolphin introduced the report (agenda item number 19) and explained that the Council operated street markets in Mold and Holywell and an indoor market in Mold. Nationally, street markets faced challenging operating conditions. The Council had been undertaking a review and consultation process on the street markets and car boot sales and the report provided a summary of the process and made recommendations to change the operation of the service to increase its benefit to Flintshire towns and communities. The recommendation in the report was amended, to be replaced by two recommendations. Councillor Palmer suggested a third recommendation which was supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the Council engage with Holywell Town Council and Mold Town Council with a view to them taking over the markets by March 2026; (b) If no agreement was reached by March 2026 both markets (Holywell Street Market and Mold Car Boot Sale) would be closed; and (c) Consideration be given to the Holywell Street Market holding periodic markets.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the work being undertaken to meet the Council’s biodiversity duty be supported and the new Action Plan and Welsh Government report be agreed.
(link to recording) Councillor Dolphin introduced the report (agenda item number 20) and explained that the Council’s Biodiversity Duty Delivery Plan 2021-2023, titled ‘Supporting Nature in Flintshire’ was reviewed and the statutory report to Welsh Government detailed which highlighted key areas of biodiversity action within the county. The new 3rd edition ‘Flintshire’s Action Plan for Nature 2025-2030’ was presented. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the work being undertaken to meet the Council’s biodiversity duty be supported and the new Action Plan and Welsh Government report be agreed.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: (a) That the proposal to outsource the management of the roundabout sponsorship scheme to Outdo be approved; and (b) That the draft roundabout sponsorship policy be approved.
(link to recording) Councillor Dolphin introduced the report (agenda item number 21) which proposed a new more commercial arrangement which aimed to increase the income that the scheme generated to the Council. The report also proposed the adoption of a roundabout sponsorship policy to guide the types of advertising that the Council would find acceptable on its roundabouts and other assets. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the proposal to outsource the management of the roundabout sponsorship scheme to Outdo be approved; and (b) That the draft roundabout sponsorship policy be approved.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the progression model of support be reviewed and the approach as the guiding framework for supported living accommodation for adults with a learning disability be endorsed.
(link to recording) Councillor Christine Jones introduced the report (agenda item number 22) which provided an outline of the early impact Flintshire’s approach to delivering the right support, at the right time, in the way, in supported living accommodation. It set a clear direction for future service delivery, rooted in empowerment, efficiency and improved outcomes for those who were supported. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: That the progression model of support be reviewed and the approach as the guiding framework for supported living accommodation for adults with a learning disability be endorsed.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: (a) That the recommissioning proposal is supported and accepted in order to progress with internal and external commissioning; (b) That officers are supported in the shift towards a more collaborative and flexible approach, which supports partnership working and shared outcomes whilst utilising the strengths of internal services, supported by external commissioning; (c) That the Flintshire outcomes for Families First be endorsed as follows: • Parents, children and young people have their needs met effectively by playing a key role in shaping and delivering the support they need • Parents, children and young people receive the right help at the right time, preventing challenges from escalating into a crisis • Parents, children and young people confidently maintain strong, positive relationships (d) That the strategic and operational need to upskill staff with a range of specialisms across the Families First Partnership, which will not only help ensure that the journey through Families First is more efficient and effective, but also create a highly skilled and resilient workforce within Flintshire County Council be supported.
(link to recording) Councillor Eastwood introduced the report (agenda item number 23) which provided an update on the Families First Grant, and explained that the Families First programme would be rebranded to better reflect Flintshire’s principles and approach to early help. The new outcomes for the programme were identified in the report. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the recommissioning proposal is supported and accepted in order to progress with internal and external commissioning; (b) That officers are supported in the shift towards a more collaborative and flexible approach, which supports partnership working and shared outcomes whilst utilising the strengths of internal services, supported by external commissioning; (c) That the Flintshire outcomes for Families First be endorsed as follows: • Parents, children and young people have their needs met effectively by playing a key role in shaping and delivering the support they need • Parents, children and young people receive the right help at the right time, preventing challenges from escalating into a crisis • Parents, children and young people confidently maintain strong, positive relationships (d) That the strategic and operational need to upskill staff with a range of specialisms across the Families First Partnership, which will not only help ensure that the journey through Families First is more efficient and effective, but also create a highly skilled and resilient workforce within Flintshire County Council be supported.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the progress achieved in implementing the Reconnect programme be formally acknowledged and the reintegration of children from out-of-county residential placements where this is assessed as a safe and appropriate transition, aligned to a child’s needs, be endorsed.
(link to recording) Councillor Christine Jones introduced the report (agenda item number 24) and explained that as part of the strategic approach in Flintshire a partnership had been developed with the Reconnect Programme. The work brought together local authority staff and the expertise of a local provider offering specialist resources in the form of intensive therapeutic support to children to enable them to safely step down from high cost residential and foster placements. That work sat alongside a bespoke programme to identify and support prospective carers for children. The recommendation in the report was supported. RESOLVED: That the progress achieved in implementing the Reconnect programme be formally acknowledged and the reintegration of children from out-of-county residential placements where this is assessed as a safe and appropriate transition, aligned to a child’s needs, be endorsed.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: (a) That the initiatives aimed at expanding in-house general fostering households be approved. This work aims to increase local placements for children and reduce dependency on high-cost Independent Agency Fostering; (b) That the outcomes of the Mockingbird programme in Flintshire be evaluated, and the schemes expansion to build a resilient, flexible cohort of foster carers through peer support and networked care be endorsed; (c) That the implementation of the ‘Lleol’ initiative as part of the Reconnect scheme, designed to enable children looked after to return to local residential services and transition smoothly from residential care to foster placements be supported; and (d) That the plan to increase the Special Guardianship service be endorsed so more children looked after remain with connected carers under arrangements that promote stability and continuity of care.
(link to recording) Councillor Christine Jones introduced the report (agenda item number 25) which outlined the strategic direction and implementation plans to expand inhouse fostering provision in Flintshire, reducing dependency on profit making Independent fostering Agencies (IFA’s), and delivery of Welsh legislation requiring a not-for-profit fostering model by 2030. The report included an evaluation of the Mockingbird Project in Flintshire which provided an evidence based approach to expand the programme to support in house fostering. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the initiatives aimed at expanding in-house general fostering households be approved. This work aims to increase local placements for children and reduce dependency on high-cost Independent Agency Fostering; (b) That the outcomes of the Mockingbird programme in Flintshire be evaluated, and the schemes expansion to build a resilient, flexible cohort of foster carers through peer support and networked care be endorsed; (c) That the implementation of the ‘Lleol’ initiative as part of the Reconnect scheme, designed to enable children looked after to return to local residential services and transition smoothly from residential care to foster placements be supported; and (d) That the plan to increase the Special Guardianship service be endorsed so more children looked after remain with connected carers under arrangements that promote stability and continuity of care.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: (a) That the outcome of the public consultation held between 29th September 2025 and 9th November 2025, which has informed the final Consultation and Engagement Strategy for Flintshire County Council be noted; and (b) That the implementation of the Consultation and Engagement Strategy for Flintshire County Council from January 2026 be approved.
(link to recording) Councillor Thomas introduced the report (agenda item number 26) which presented Flintshire County Council’s new Consultation and Engagement Strategy – Engaging Today to Transform Tomorrow and to seek approval for its implementation in January 2026. Officers were aware of a recent Notice of Motion to Council and proposed the section “What we will do with your feedback” was amended in light of the discussion at Council as shown below: Current version Amended version What we will do with your feedback The feedback you give us will be considered and used to help inform the decisions we make. It’s not always possible for us to act on what people tell us, sometimes there are other factors we need to consider, for example what the law says we must do. Where this happens we will tell you about it and be clear about why we can’t do it. What we will do with your feedback When the Council asks for your views, it is not a vote. Your feedback will be considered along with all other information we have in order to make a fair and transparent decision. The Council will always consider what people say, how relevant and important each comment is, together with our legislative responsibilities. The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That the outcome of the public consultation held between 29th September 2025 and 9th November 2025, which has informed the final Consultation and Engagement Strategy for Flintshire County Council be noted; and (b) That the implementation of the Consultation and Engagement Strategy for Flintshire County Council from January 2026 be approved.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: (a) That it be noted that for the first time in three years, there has been a 20% increase in complaints against Flintshire County Council, which aligns with the average increase across local authorities in Wales; (b) That the Council’s lower-than-average intervention rate by the Ombudsman, its strong performance in complying with Ombudsman recommendations, and the fact that no formal investigations have been instigated for the third consecutive year be welcomed; (c) That the Council’s half-year performance (2025-26) in handling complaints in accordance with the Council’s Concerns and Complaints Policy; and (d) That the priorities outlined in paragraph 1.27 be supported.
(link to recording) Councillor Thomas introduced the report (agenda item number 26) and explained that the Annual Letter provided an overview of the Council’s performance in relation to complaints of maladministration received by the Ombudsman between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. In addition, the report included a summary of complaints received by each portfolio within Flintshire County Council during the first half of 2025–26 (covering the period 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2025). The recommendations in the report were supported. RESOLVED: (a) That it be noted that for the first time in three years, there has been a 20% increase in complaints against Flintshire County Council, which aligns with the average increase across local authorities in Wales; (b) That the Council’s lower-than-average intervention rate by the Ombudsman, its strong performance in complying with Ombudsman recommendations, and the fact that no formal investigations have been instigated for the third consecutive year be welcomed; (c) That the Council’s half-year performance (2025-26) in handling complaints in accordance with the Council’s Concerns and Complaints Policy; and (d) That the priorities outlined in paragraph 1.27 be supported.
(link to recording) RESOLVED: That the press and public be excluded for the remainder of the meeting for the following items by virtue of exempt information under paragraph(s) 15 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).
None.
There was one member of the public in attendance.
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