Wrthi'n llwytho
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AGREED i) That the report to be considered at the January meeting in respect of Ty Pawb be an update of the Annual report. ii) That a workshop on the Economic Prosperity Strategy be held in the New Year.
AGREED i) That correspondence be addressed to Welsh Government asking that the funding period for Communities for Work plus be extended to match that of the Connect to Work project. ii) That a brief be formulated for a future report to the Committee in respect of NEETS.
AGREED: i) That the Committee thanks the Lead Member for Finance and Performance, the Gateway Delivery Programme Manager and all partners involved, recognising their commitment and hard work. ii) That the Committee endorses the progress made and welcome the direction of development as outlined in the report and presentation. iii) That the Committee receives a further update report when there are significant developments to report for the scheme.
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Ross Shepherd and Councillor Dana Davies.
AGREED: That the minutes held on 5 November 2025 were correct.
Members were reminded of their responsibility, under Paragraph 11 of the Members’ Code of Conduct, to declare any interests in relation to any of the business to be transacted at this meeting. The following declarations were made: Agenda Item 5 – Employment Support Services Councillor Gary Brown – Personal and non-prejudicial. The Councillor managed Caia Park Partnership, and part of the team was routinely based at the premises of Caia Park Partnership. Agenda Item 6 – Wrexham Gateway Councillor Jerry Wellens – Personal and non-prejudicial. The Councillor’s residential address was located within the Gateway project area. Councillor Beryl Blackmore – Personal and non-prejudicial. The Councillor was a member of the Guides, and the guiding headquarters was scheduled for demolition as part of the Gateway plan. All Councillors remained in the meeting and took part in the discussion and voting on these items.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
AGREED i) That the report to be considered at the January meeting in respect of Ty Pawb be an update of the Annual report. ii) That a workshop on the Economic Prosperity Strategy be held in the New Year.
The Chief Officer for Governance and Customer submitted a report (COGC/100/25) asking members to consider the revised work programme of the Employment, Business and Investment Scrutiny Committee attached at Appendix 1. The Scrutiny Facilitator reported on amendments to the work programme agreed in November. Members were informed that the Ty Pawb update scheduled for January would build onto the July annual report with the latest financial information, helping align reporting with the financial year. It was also noted that a member workshop on the Economic Prosperity Strategy would be proposed before any future reports are submitted. The following was discussed: · Officers confirmed that a comprehensive Tackling Poverty Strategy work programme was being prepared for April 2026. · Engagement with the Anti‑Poverty Coalition and member workshops will support the process. AGREED i) That the report to be considered at the January meeting in respect of Ty Pawb be an update of the Annual report. ii) That a workshop on the Economic Prosperity Strategy be held in the New Year.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
AGREED i) That correspondence be addressed to Welsh Government asking that the funding period for Communities for Work plus be extended to match that of the Connect to Work project. ii) That a brief be formulated for a future report to the Committee in respect of NEETS.
The Chief Officer for Economy and Planning (COEP/79/25) submitted a report that updated members on the progress of the Council’s Employment Support Service ‘Communities for Work Plus’. This included changes to the programme and also provided an up-to-date performance and finance information. The report also highlighted the new United Kingdom Employability Project called Connect to Work which will operate in Wrexham from 2026. The Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism presented the annual report on employment support services, highlighting that: a) The Communities for Work Plus programme was funded by the Welsh Government and delivered by the council. The annual target of 136 job outcomes had been achieved in November, four months ahead of schedule and showed clear improvement from the previous year. b) Despite a 30% reduction in grant funding across which resulted in the loss of four staff posts, the team adapted effectively and maintained a high‑quality, person‑centred approach. Since 2018/19, the programme had supported over 2,000 individuals and achieved nearly 900 positive job outcomes, focusing on those experiencing long‑term unemployment or economic inactivity. c) The programme operated across community settings across the County Borough, working with a wide range of partners to provide tailored support. The Lead Member introduced Tristan Thomas, Community Employment Programme Manager, who, along with the Communities for Work Plus team, delivered a short presentation on the programme’s functions. As follows: · Overview of Communities for Work Plus. · Targets for 2025/26. · Job destinations of participants from April to November 2025. · Role of the Community Employment Mentor and Employer Engagement Officer. · Employment events delivered. · Positive feedback received. · Photographs showcasing activities. · Advertising and promotion of services. · Update on the Connect to Work programme. The following was discussed:- · Communities for Work Plus was funded on an annual basis and had entered the final three months of the current arrangement. · The Council expected a letter of comfort from Welsh Government before Christmas confirming funding for the following year. · Connect to Work was a new programme scheduled to run for four years, provided greater financial stability compared to the year‑to‑year funding of Communities for Work Plus. · Members praised the team’s strong performance, noting that success was achieved through personalised, wrap‑around support rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. · The Barriers Fund was highlighted as an important tool, enabling the team to address specific obstacles such as transport and other practical needs, thereby helping people access a wider range of job opportunities. · Officers explained that young people aged 16 to 19 who were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) formed a diverse group, including individuals with caring responsibilities and other personal challenges. · Outcomes for this age group remained more difficult than for mainstream adult cohorts, partly due to sector‑specific barriers. Progress was incremental and required ongoing engagement together with tailored interventions. · Wrexham had a strong track record of multi‑agency working and continued to engage with colleges and partners to keep young people connected to in education, training, or work. · The Investment Zone initiative was expected to involve schools in raising aspirations at an earlier stage, before GCSE subject choices were made. This approach would focus partly on advanced manufacturing and link to Communities for Work Plus and Connect to Work, aiming to sustain ambition throughout school years and improve transitions into education, training, and employment after the age of 16. · Members commented that the annual funding cycle for Communities for Work Plus created unnecessary pressure on the service and staff, and they welcomed the multi‑year certainty offered by Connect to Work funding. · Tackling NEET in its entirety would require a wider strategy, which would also be addressed through the tackling poverty strategy. · Officers explained that Welsh Government did not require formal tracking once someone entered employment, but mentors maintained informal contact to check progress. · Some turnover occurred, with individuals occasionally returning after a placement ended, but the programme focused on ensuring participants were employable and had the skills to move into new roles if needed. · In‑work support was not currently part of the programme but had been raised with Welsh Government as a potential future development. · Members expressed appreciation for the positive report, noting that the work undertaken. It was highlighted that not all individuals’ young people wished to pursue university, and this approach was welcomed. · The use of the Wellbeing Hub was commended, with recognition of the opportunities for connection and engagement available there. · The committee acknowledged that events were already advertised on social media platforms and the council’s website and it was agreed that councillors be copied into event notifications, so they could share details with their communities. · It was noted that the team had worked with workforce development on the modern apprenticeship scheme, with several apprentices supported through Communities for Work Plus and into the BMA programme. Support was also provided as apprentices approached the end of their placements. · Opportunities over the next 12 months were identified to enhance council employment and recruitment in collaboration with Communities for Work Plus, within Welsh Government parameters. AGREED i) That correspondence be addressed to Welsh Government asking that the funding period for Communities for Work plus be extended to match that of the Connect to Work project. ii) That a brief be formulated for a future report to the Committee in respect of NEETS.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
AGREED: i) That the Committee thanks the Lead Member for Finance and Performance, the Gateway Delivery Programme Manager and all partners involved, recognising their commitment and hard work. ii) That the Committee endorses the progress made and welcome the direction of development as outlined in the report and presentation. iii) That the Committee receives a further update report when there are significant developments to report for the scheme.
The Chief Officer for Economy and Planning submitted a report (COEP/78/25) that provided Members with an update on the development of the Wrexham Gateway Project plan, together with any details of barriers or related milestones (see plan at appendix 1.) The Leader explained that the report was presented in open session, with legal advice ensuring as much information as possible could be shared at this stage. Members were reminded that further updates would follow and asked them to remain mindful of commercial sensitivities. The project was confirmed as a partnership between Wrexham Council, Welsh Government, Wrexham Football Club, Transport for Wales, and the Welsh FA, with strong collaboration across all parties. Thanks were given to the Gateway Project Manager and team for their work in progressing the scheme despite challenges. The following was discussed: · An agreement was established with partners to bring international football back to Wrexham, a development that promised pride, regeneration, and economic growth for the city. · Phase two focused on land across the railway line, with Transport for Wales leading significant station improvements and partners are currently engaged on land ownership matters. · The Scouts’ relocation to Rhosddu from the Gateway site was agreed and endorsed by the Executive Board, following extensive negotiations. · The Gateway transformation was described as aspirational and forward thinking, with completion set to deliver a landmark development for Wrexham. · Future phases were planned to extend into the city centre. · On the western side, grant funding supported the football club’s Kop redevelopment, ensuring UEFA Category 4 compliance and enabling international matches at the Racecourse Ground. · FA Wales provided strong support throughout, with Wrexham confirmed as a host for marquee events such as the under 19 Euros in 2026. · The club revised its original designs to take a stadium wide view, increasing Kop capacity without expanding land use. · Works already completed included a new pitch with heating, drainage, and irrigation, upgraded floodlights, and new media facilities. · Construction on Kop foundations had begun, marking visible progress after years of planning. · Improvements to Crispin Lane were under review to enhance safety and visitor experience, with consultation and studies ongoing. · On the eastern side, a hybrid planning application was submitted, combining outline proposals for the office and transport hub with a full application for Wrexham Lager facilities. · Office demand exceeded supply, with interest for around 1,000 desks against a current 600 desk capacity, reflecting Wrexham’s growing profile. · Early tenant discussions have begun, with private sector delivery dependent on bridging viability gaps to ensure regeneration viability. · There are plans for a multimodal transport hub aimed to integrate public transport with active travel, reducing reliance on cars. · Current access issues at the station highlighted the need for new highway arrangements, with safer pedestrian and cycling routes, EV charging, and improved bus and taxi facilities. · The overall vision was for a lasting gateway that continued to drive growth, opportunity, and pride for Wrexham. · Members acknowledged some negativity around the project, particularly the grant funding for the Kop, but reaffirmed that aspirations for the hub remained strong, subject to the planning process. · It was agreed that future reports would be provided when more concrete information is available, including timelines for when construction would begin. · Officers confirmed that updates would follow the political process and be shared promptly once commercial discussions were concluded. · The committee expressed thanks and goodwill, endorsing both the progress made and the ambition outlined for the scheme. · It was clarified that this overview report was separate from the forthcoming Executive Board report, which contained specific requests for permission regarding land usage. · The committee thanked the Gateway Delivery Programme Manager, the Lead Member for Finance and Performance, and all partners involved, recognising their commitment and hard work. · It was noted that the scheme represented the largest regeneration project in Wrexham for many years. AGREED: i) That the Committee thanks the Lead Member for Finance and Performance, the Gateway Delivery Programme Manager and all partners involved, recognising their commitment and hard work. ii) That the Committee endorses the progress made and welcome the direction of development as outlined in the report and presentation. iii) That the Committee receives a further update report when there are significant developments to report for the scheme.
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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