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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 29 July 2025 be received and confirmed as a correct record.
RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) agree and adopt the completed Economy Strategy, Action Plan and Executive Summary documents; (b) delegates approval of the partnership and performance framework to the Prosperous Denbighshire Board; (c) acknowledges and thanks members for their invaluable contribution to the Task and Finish Group and note that its task has now been completed, and (d) confirms that it has read, understood, and taken account of the Wellbeing Impact Assessment (Appendix 4 to the report) as part of its consideration.
RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) approve the tender process for the project, and (b) confirms that it has read, understood, and taken account of the Wellbeing Impact Assessment (Appendix 1 to the report) as part of its consideration.
RESOLVED that Cabinet note the performance of the Council’s treasury management function during 2024/25 and its compliance with the required Prudential Indicators as reported in the Annual Treasury Management Report 2024/25 (Appendix 1 to the report).
RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) note the budgets set for 2025/26 and progress against the agreed strategy; (b) approve the revised Salt Barns business cases as detailed in paragraph 6.9 of the report, and (c) note the decision made by the Corporate Director: Environment and Economy and the reasons why the decision was urgent and needed to be made prior to the next available meeting of the Cabinet as detailed in paragraph 6.10 and in Appendix 4 to the report.
RESOLVED that Cabinet’s forward work programme be noted. The meeting concluded at 11.45 am.
There were no apologies.
No declarations of interest had been raised.
No urgent matters had been raised.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 29 July 2025 be received and confirmed as a correct record.
The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 29 July 2025 were submitted. RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 29 July 2025 be received and confirmed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) agree and adopt the completed Economy Strategy, Action Plan and Executive Summary documents; (b) delegates approval of the partnership and performance framework to the Prosperous Denbighshire Board; (c) acknowledges and thanks members for their invaluable contribution to the Task and Finish Group and note that its task has now been completed, and (d) confirms that it has read, understood, and taken account of the Wellbeing Impact Assessment (Appendix 4 to the report) as part of its consideration.
Councillor Jason McLellan presented Denbighshire’s Economic Strategy, Action Plan and Executive Summary to Cabinet for consideration and adoption and also sought support for the next steps required to progress their implementation. The documents had been developed to support the Council’s corporate priority of creating a prosperous county and the report provided a comprehensive overview of the work undertaken as part of that process. In brief, the use of external consultants, establishment of a Task and Finish Group, and a wide ranging engagement programme had taken place as part of a three stage process to assess Denbighshire’s economic context, draft the Strategy and Strategic Framework (built around four themes) and produce an Action Plan (setting out six priority areas for early implementation). The actions aligned with other regional and national strategies and priorities. A partnership would be established to oversee implementation, reporting to the Prosperous Denbighshire Board. The Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services and the Economic and Business Development Manager were in attendance for this item. The Leader thanked all those involved for their work and highlighted the strong member engagement and collaborative working both internally and externally to develop the ambitious Strategy to support economic recovery, quality employment and reducing inequality. The Strategy had been through the relevant democratic processes and endorsed by Performance Scrutiny Committee in March 2025. The Head of Service added that the Strategy was evidence based and provided clear priorities not just for the Council but for all partners. Next steps involved establishing a formal partnership and developing a clear performance framework to be presented to the Prosperous Denbighshire Board who would monitor progress. Work had already been ongoing on numerous projects which would contribute to the Strategy relating to Levelling Up, Shared Prosperity and Growth Deal projects and there would be further collaboration and close working with council services and external partners to establish and strengthen the partnership going forward. Cabinet welcomed the comprehensive and ambitious Strategy which had been based on detailed evidence and the setting out of a clear vision and action plan to work together with partners for economic growth and development in the county. Thanks were extended for the hard work of all those involved in its development. Cabinet discussed various aspects of the report with officers, main points included – · the Wellbeing Impact Assessment highlighted that childcare needs and caring responsibilities continued to be a significant barrier to gender equality in employment and education and assurances were given that this element would be considered as part of the next steps when setting up the performance framework and indicators. Reference was made to the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment which was reviewed annually and work to address any gaps identified in provision. Councillor Julie Matthews added that childcare costs were also a barrier and suggested there may be a role for members to raise the issue with the Welsh Government with a view to providing more support in that regard · the importance of the county’s transport links in terms of developing and supporting industries and businesses and ensuring convenient travel for employees was highlighted together with a number of key routes and need for investment in relation to the condition and maintenance of roads and potential for developing new routes such as a bypass for St. Asaph. The importance of transport links for employment and business development and growth had been recognised in the Strategy and Action Plan and work would be ongoing with businesses around transport provision. The Regional Transport Plan for North Wales was imminent and would include any major projects for the region and the Council had recently received extra funding for road improvements · the importance of the data contained in the report for the wider council to inform other priorities was highlighted with particular reference to education where the needs in those areas for people with the appropriate and relevant skills for the future had been clearly referenced, providing work for young people to enable them to remain local, strengthening communities and the Welsh Language · there was some debate as to how the Strategy would link to the North Wales Growth Deal. Officers from the Growth Deal had been involved in developing the Strategy and it was an important external funding source. Two projects from the Growth Deal were ongoing relating to the former North Wales Hospital, Denbigh and Wrexham University Optics Centre, St. Asaph with a further two projects on the reserve list. The work of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee was discussed leading on economic wellbeing, strategic planning and strategic transport and Denbighshire’s role in that regard and need to maximise opportunities for the county in that regional context whilst also being a good regional partner. In terms of the lack of progress of the Growth Deal raised recently by a Senedd Committee, the Leader pointed to the long term economic vision which was still in its earlier stages with some challenges met and there would be a tipping point after which the jobs target would be met · the need for funding was clearly demonstrated as was where that funding needed to be targeted for best effect and it was important for all council services to be aware of those priorities to ensure that best use was made of the scarce resources in the capital investment plan during that decision making process · questions were raised around communication with residents. Officers confirmed there was close working with the Communications Team drafting press releases pending Cabinet’s decision to support the Strategy and beyond that to highlight the range of activities and how they contributed to the overall Strategy and priorities, and further detail would be developed as to how progress was being reported, communicated and shared outside of the council, i.e., to partners, residents and communities. That work would be taken through the Prosperous Denbighshire Board, and discussions were also taking place with the Communications Teams in partner organisations to work together in that regard · the challenge going forward was also discussed in order to ensure an appropriate structure was in place to facilitate effective collaboration across services and partners and ensure that decisions were not made in isolation but had regard to the Strategy. Following approval of the Strategy the next stage involved establishing a formal partnership and developing the framework and work with the Prosperous Denbighshire Board on the performance indicators and prioritisation. Not everything could be done at once and it had been agreed to progress on a stage by stage basis. The long term Strategy introduced a strategic framework built around four themes but that had been broken down into six priority areas that needed to be undertaken in the short to medium term. Councillor Gareth Sandilands had been part of the Task and Finish Group and highlighted the excellent work on the Strategy. He stressed the importance of the Strategy and its successful delivery and raised a number of questions thereon. Officers confirmed the Strategy would be the main focus for the Economic and Business Development Team with many activities in the Strategy already ongoing. Reference was made to senior leadership together with the Team Denbighshire and One Council approach to communicate across all services activities to develop and grow the economy, support businesses and incorporate that into everyday working. The regional context and role of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee and Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board was reiterated. RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) agree and adopt the completed Economy Strategy, Action Plan and Executive Summary documents; (b) delegates approval of the partnership and performance framework to the Prosperous Denbighshire Board; (c) acknowledges and thanks members for their invaluable contribution to the Task and Finish Group and note that its task has now been completed, and (d) confirms that it has read, understood, and taken account of the Wellbeing Impact Assessment (Appendix 4 to the report) as part of its consideration.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) approve the tender process for the project, and (b) confirms that it has read, understood, and taken account of the Wellbeing Impact Assessment (Appendix 1 to the report) as part of its consideration.
Councillor Diane King presented a report seeking Cabinet approval to commence the procurement of a contractor to lead on the design and build for the extension and refurbishment of the current Ysgol Pendref site. Cabinet had approved the Strategic Outline Programme for school investment in partnership with Welsh Government (WG) in April 2024 of which the Ysgol Pendref project was a key element. A scheme had been developed internally in consultation with key stakeholders and in order to progress the project a procurement exercise was required to appoint a contractor to take forward the design of the project for planning approval, deliver contractor proposals, and lead on the construction period. Progression of the designs would enable the development of the various business cases required to seek approval of funding from WG and Denbighshire as the scheme progressed. The pre-tender estimate for construction was £11m. Indicative timescales would see construction start in 2028 with completion in 2030. Councillor King elaborated on the exciting project to ensure the Council continued to support children and young people within their community and the wider community with improved facilities. The Head of Education added that the benefits of the project would continue for many years and would be funded via two sources of external grant funding together with the Council’s own capital investment. Cabinet shared the enthusiasm for the project and fully supported the investment. Councillor Delyth Jones (ward member) highlighted the need in the area and positive impact the project would have on education and the wider community and hoped the work could be completed ahead of schedule if possible. Cabinet also raised questions regarding the Council’s financial contribution to the project and robustness of the pre-tender estimate given the impact of cost increases over time. Officers responded to members’ questions and comments as follows – · highlighted the challenges in completing the construction any sooner given the necessary permissions which needed to be secured and restrictions of a live school site. However, assurances were provided that the process would be expedited in any way possible to ensure completion as soon as possible · 65% of the project funding would be via the Sustainable Communities for Learning Grant and the remaining 35% would be a combination of Childcare Capital Grant and Council funding. Any part of the school design which qualified for the Childcare Capital Grant could be offset against that 35% and the Council would fund the remaining amount. However, until the project had been designed those two individual funding contributions could not be calculated · the impact of wider pressures on construction costs were acknowledged and the pre-tender estimate included a reasonable allowance for cost increases although it remained a pressure given the volatility in the market. If costs increased beyond the pre-tender estimate some value engineering work would be done to minimise the impact without compromising on what was needed · the intention was to bring a more detailed report to Cabinet on all of the Council’s live capital projects across different services to familiarise both members and the public with current spend on the capital programme. Spiralling cost increases, particularly inflation in construction, were a valid concern and put pressure on capital projects which were closely monitored. Councillor Rhys Thomas highlighted the good work carried out by the Council in Denbigh and particularly in the Caledfryn Henllan ward in terms of school investment, affordable housing provision, community facilities and resources. The Head of Education confirmed that housing plans, etc. had been considered in order to future proof the building with an emphasis on community focused schools. RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) approve the tender process for the project, and (b) confirms that it has read, understood, and taken account of the Wellbeing Impact Assessment (Appendix 1 to the report) as part of its consideration.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Cabinet note the performance of the Council’s treasury management function during 2024/25 and its compliance with the required Prudential Indicators as reported in the Annual Treasury Management Report 2024/25 (Appendix 1 to the report).
Councillor Delyth Jones presented the report updating Cabinet on the performance of the treasury management function and demonstrating compliance with treasury limits Prudential Indicators during 2024/25. The report provided details of the Council’s treasury management activities and an overview of the economic background for the year together with risk implications of treasury decisions and transactions. Attention was drawn to the main points in terms of borrowing and investment activity. The Council’s outstanding borrowing at 31 March was £324.4m at an average rate of 4.49% and the Council held £7.9m in investments at an average rate of 4.38%. Effective treasury management strategies were vital to manage funds sustainably whilst mitigating any possible risk. Cabinet noted that the Governance and Audit Committee monitored the treasury management function and had scrutinised the report in July. There was compliance with treasury management limits and Prudential Indicators during 2024/25. RESOLVED that Cabinet note the performance of the Council’s treasury management function during 2024/25 and its compliance with the required Prudential Indicators as reported in the Annual Treasury Management Report 2024/25 (Appendix 1 to the report).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) note the budgets set for 2025/26 and progress against the agreed strategy; (b) approve the revised Salt Barns business cases as detailed in paragraph 6.9 of the report, and (c) note the decision made by the Corporate Director: Environment and Economy and the reasons why the decision was urgent and needed to be made prior to the next available meeting of the Cabinet as detailed in paragraph 6.10 and in Appendix 4 to the report.
Councillor Delyth Jones presented the monitoring report for 2025/26 detailing the latest financial position and progress against the agreed budget strategy. A summary of the Council’s financial position was provided as follows – · the net revenue budget for 2025/26 was £290.735m (£271.021m in 2024/25) · an underspend of £3.420m (previously £533k overspend) was forecast for service and corporate budgets with the movement mainly due to the Welsh Government (WG) Employers’ National Insurance (NI) grant and savings in Adult Social Care · savings and efficiencies for the 2025/26 budget (£4.170m) and monitoring and tracking of progress in delivering savings going forward · current risks and assumptions relating to corporate budgets and service areas · an update on Schools, Housing Revenue Account and Treasury Management and the Council’s Capital Plan. The underspend in the corporate budget had been due to the prudent approach taken in budgeting for the increase in NI contributions rather than assuming a grant would be forthcoming. The underspend of £713k in Adult Social Care needed to be considered in the context of a major increase in the service budget for 205/26. The budgetary pressures across other services would be closely monitored. Cabinet was also asked to approve the revised Salt Barns business case due to an increase in construction costs (by £356k increasing the total cost to £2.807m) and to note the urgent decision made by the Corporate Director: Environment and Economy to authorise procurement of winter maintenance vehicles (above the £1m threshold). The need to foresee such expenditure was currently being discussed with services. Both items had been supported by the Capital Scrutiny Group. The Head of Finance and Audit referred to the two main changes going forward – · the £3.269 underspend was due to the WG grant received to cover additional costs from the rise in employers’ NI for 2025/26 and its use would be subject to a future recommendation. The grant could not be used to support employees funded by the HRA due to the statutory HRA ringfence which would create a pressure for the service, and it did not extend to commissioned services such as Denbighshire Leisure Limited and Social Care. The funding was recurring and would increase the forecast funding from WG in future years and improve the Council’s financial outlook in the Medium Term Financial Plan; the first call on that funding would be to reduce the identified funding gap from £11m to £8.7m · the underspend in the corporate budget was expected to increase next month due to an underspend in the contingency allocated for the 2025/26 NJC pay award; in line with other councils a 3.8% increase had been estimated but the pay award had been agreed at 3.2% which would result in some surplus budget following the process of reallocating funds to services to cover the increase. Councillor Rhys Thomas highlighted that HRA requirements left no scope for the service to recoup the pressure from the rise in employers’ NI outside of the HRA and queried the amount payable. The Head of Service agreed to ascertain the amount of additional pressure and report back directly to Councillor Thomas. Officers responded to questions from Councillor Brian Jones as follows – · the overspend of £339k in Highways and Environmental Services comprised £200k due to the continuing process to achieve savings proposals in the Public Conveniences service and £139k unachieved savings in restructuring costs · provided an update on progress with the Public Conveniences savings proposal advising that the two bids for grant funding to change the infrastructure to enable charging for facilities had been unsuccessful but the Capital Scrutiny Group had supported council funding for the payment systems to move forward. A report back would be submitted to Scrutiny ahead of Cabinet in November · reported on a new grant for Highways and Environmental Services from the Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility to fund some of the costs of collection/recycling of household packaging waste. The grant amount would be confirmed in November but was expected to be circa £2.3m this year and would likely vary annually with discussions ongoing. The terms and conditions of the grant were not yet known but there was a working assumption it would be ringfenced for waste services and associated activities including enforcement. RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) note the budgets set for 2025/26 and progress against the agreed strategy; (b) approve the revised Salt Barns business cases as detailed in paragraph 6.9 of the report, and (c) note the decision made by the Corporate Director: Environment and Economy and the reasons why the decision was urgent and needed to be made prior to the next available meeting of the Cabinet as detailed in paragraph 6.10 and in Appendix 4 to the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Cabinet’s forward work programme be noted. The meeting concluded at 11.45 am.
The Cabinet forward work programme was presented for consideration and members noted an additional item on the Ombudsman’s Annual Letter 2024/25 for October which could be delayed pending a review of the data by the Ombudsman. RESOLVED that Cabinet’s forward work programme be noted. The meeting concluded at 11.45 am.
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