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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 28 July 2026 be received and confirmed as a correct record.
RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) endorse the Denbighshire Climate Change Risk Assessment (Appendices A and B to the report), and (b) note that the Guide to Denbighshire Climate Risks (Appendix A to the report) will be published on Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board (PSB) website, as will the Guide to Conwy Climate Risk, in November 2026 after all North Wales PSBs endorse the regional Climate Change Risk Assessment.
RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) approves the extension to existing contracts, and (b) confirms that it has read, understood and taken account of the Contract Variation Report (Appendix 1 to the report) and the Wellbeing Impact Assessment (Appendix 2 to the report) as part of its consideration.
RESOLVED that Cabinet note the budgets set for 2026/27 and progress against the agreed strategy.
RESOLVED that Cabinet’s forward work programme be noted. The meeting concluded at 11.45 am.
There were no apologies.
Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 7 – Finance Report insofar as the discussion related to the impact of road closures in Ruthin on local businesses and suggestion to waive car parking charges for the duration of the closures, as he was a local business owner.
No urgent matters had been raised. The Leader permitted a question from Councillor Gwyneth Ellis. Councillor Ellis congratulated the new Leader and Cabinet on their appointments and wished them well in delivering their ambitions for the remainder of the term. She added that the Plaid Cymru Group was ready to work constructively with the Cabinet. She referred to the priorities and commitments previously outlined by the Leader and Cabinet and sought clarification on how these would be delivered, funded and measured. She requested information on proposed timescales, budget implications, arrangements for engaging with members and the public, and the criteria by which progress and success would be assessed. The Leader advised that much work had already been carried out in recent weeks, with further clarification to be provided as the Cabinet’s priorities developed. He stressed that Cabinet had not made specific promises but had committed to reviewing a range of existing decisions and policies. The Leader outlined three key areas of focus: the Council’s budget, community engagement and organisational culture. A Budget Focus Board had been set up to review the Council’s financial position, including income, reserves, staffing, risks and pressures, and he also referred to the role of the Budget and Transformation Board and workshops involving all members, highlighting the importance of engaging with the wider membership and securing cross-party support. A timetable for the budget-setting process would be shared with all members. In relation to community engagement, the Leader highlighted the important role of Member Area Groups (MAGs) in strengthening dialogue with local communities and ensuring that community priorities informed the Council’s decision-making processes. He referred to the role of the Lead Member in working with MAGs to facilitate that work and advised that consideration would be given to how public involvement in MAGs could be developed in the future. The Leader also emphasised the importance of organisational culture, including effective working relationships between members and senior officers, constructive challenge, and ensuring that community needs were reflected in decision-making. Discussions on these matters were ongoing with the Chief Executive and subject to agreement, a joint statement would be made in due course. Addressing specific issues raised by Councillor Ellis, the Leader confirmed that the position regarding Llannerch Bridge was being reviewed and options would be explored. Discussions were underway regarding recycling policies and service delivery, with any proposed changes to be considered by Cabinet in due course. Previous decisions relating to public conveniences and library opening hours were also being reviewed. The Leader emphasised the importance of effective member-officer relations, strong community engagement and a practical, sustainable budget informed by all members and focused on the needs of local communities. Councillor Ellis asked that clear measures be set out to enable progress against the Cabinet’s ambitions to be monitored. The Leader advised that some measures would form part of existing statutory and corporate processes. Work was ongoing relating to organisational culture with feedback expected shortly before or after Christmas. Future arrangements with MAGs were dependent on members’ involvement and some work may extend beyond the current Council term.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 28 July 2026 be received and confirmed as a correct record.
The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 28 July 2026 were submitted. The Monitoring Officer advised that attendance at the previous meeting was not required in order to approve the minutes as a correct record. RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 28 July 2026 be received and confirmed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) endorse the Denbighshire Climate Change Risk Assessment (Appendices A and B to the report), and (b) note that the Guide to Denbighshire Climate Risks (Appendix A to the report) will be published on Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board (PSB) website, as will the Guide to Conwy Climate Risk, in November 2026 after all North Wales PSBs endorse the regional Climate Change Risk Assessment.
Councillor James Elson presented the report seeking Cabinet’s endorsement of the Denbighshire Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) which comprised a Guide to Denbighshire Climate Risks and a Climate Change Risk Register. The CCRA had been prepared to support the statutory requirements of the Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board under the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. Developed alongside similar assessments across North Wales and contributing to a regional climate risk assessment, the work was undertaken in accordance with Natural Resources Wales guidance, with support from Bangor University researchers, and informed by research undertaken with Council services. The assessment identified current and emerging climate-related risks affecting Denbighshire’s communities, services, infrastructure, economy and natural environment and provided an evidence base to support preventative action and long-term planning in response to the increasing impacts of climate change. Councillor Elson acknowledged the contribution of Council services and the hard work of the Climate Change Manager and Insight Strategy and Delivery Manager. The Insight Strategy and Delivery Manager highlighted key findings from the CCRA, including increased risks from extreme heat, flooding and storms and the growing likelihood of multiple climate-related risks occurring simultaneously. Climate change would increasingly impact Council services, infrastructure, communities and the local economy, with implications across a range of service areas. The assessment supported future planning and decision making, and whilst it was not an action plan, it highlighted the need to strengthen adaptation activity and partnership working. Cabinet considered the report and raised questions regarding the potential financial implications of future actions, impact of Climate Change Risk Assessment 4 (CCRA4) on the current assessment, including food security, and partnership working to strengthen preparedness for climate-related events, particularly given concerns over maintenance of gullies, waterways and other drainage infrastructure, and the perceived impact this could have on flood risk and public confidence. The Insight Strategy and Delivery Manager responded to questions as follows – · endorsing the CCRA would not in itself result in any direct financial implications given it was a statement of risk rather than an action plan. However, signposts to actions had been included together with cost implications. Some actions identified could be incorporated into existing Council processes and activities whilst other adaption measures could require significant investment and would be brought forward separately for consideration as action plans were developed · evidence indicated early investment in adaptation and resilience measures was likely to reduce longer-term costs related to climate impacts and emergency responses; the cost of inaction and the benefits of adaptation were highlighted · the current assessment had been developed using the most recent Wales-specific CCRA3. CCRA4 had since been published at UK level and was awaiting formal government endorsement; the newer assessment identified some areas requiring urgent action including food security, economic risks and risks associated with extreme heat which had been identified as critical act now · consideration would be given to updating the CCRA earlier than the statutory review date in 2031 in order to reflect emerging evidence and changing risks · climate impacts extended beyond the Council, hence the development of a Denbighshire-specific assessment alongside local authority assessments across the region to inform the regional assessment. Progress had been made in partnership working between public bodies, although further work was required in some areas · funding had been secured from Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Government to support the next phase of joint planning work with partners, following which a report could be brought back to members · the CCRA formed part of the statutory wellbeing assessment undertaken by Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015; a guide to the risks would be published to support public bodies and community groups in considering future action. The Leader opened the debate to non-Cabinet members. Questions were raised by Councillor Gareth Sandilands regarding the high priority climate risks and the actions, costs and timescales for addressing them. Councillor Gwyneth Ellis sought clarification on the “act now” report recommendations, inclusion of households with private water supplies in future resilience planning, and recognition of flooding impacts in Llandrillo. Councillor Martyn Hogg queried how the CCRA findings would be embedded in future decision making processes. The Lead Member and Insight Strategy and Delivery Manager responded that – · the highest priority risks identified included cascading failures of critical infrastructure, extreme weather impacts, coastal, river and surface water flooding, and risks to coastal communities and businesses · many of the risks identified were already being experienced in Denbighshire and were expected to increase in severity over time without further action · whilst existing flood defence schemes provided significant mitigation, risks associated with rising sea levels and extreme weather events remained · the CCRA was a risk assessment rather than an action plan. The “act now” recommendations represented potential actions for consideration, with detailed plans and priorities yet to be developed · funding had been secured to support future action planning at a regional level and to map community resilience activity across North Wales · the assessment had been prepared at county level and did not examine individual communities in detail. However, the underlying data was available and could potentially be used to support more localised assessments in future · agreed to investigate further the issue of households reliant on private water supplies and their inclusion within future resilience planning work · work was already underway through the Council’s climate and nature change agenda and adaptation measures would continue to be developed · climate and nature impacts were already considered within council reports and decision making processes, with further work underway to strengthen the incorporation of climate risks into future decisions. RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) endorse the Denbighshire Climate Change Risk Assessment (Appendices A and B to the report), and (b) note that the Guide to Denbighshire Climate Risks (Appendix A to the report) will be published on Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board (PSB) website, as will the Guide to Conwy Climate Risk, in November 2026 after all North Wales PSBs endorse the regional Climate Change Risk Assessment.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) approves the extension to existing contracts, and (b) confirms that it has read, understood and taken account of the Contract Variation Report (Appendix 1 to the report) and the Wellbeing Impact Assessment (Appendix 2 to the report) as part of its consideration.
Councillor Bobby Feeley paid tribute to the former Lead Member, Councillor Elen Heaton, recognising her hard work during a difficult period. She presented the report seeking Cabinet approval to extend the three existing North Wales Regional Memory Assessment Support Services Contracts for a further year. The report outlined proposals to extend three support service contracts, delivered across North Wales, for up to one additional year until 31 March 2028. A full procurement exercise had been planned, but uncertainty over future Welsh Government funding meant there was insufficient time to complete the process before the contracts expired. The extension would ensure continuity of support for vulnerable service users while the funding position was clarified, and provide time to determine and implement longer-term commissioning arrangements. The Corporate Director: Social Services and Education added that Denbighshire held the contracts on behalf of the regional partnership comprising six North Wales local authorities and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. Legal advice had been obtained and any extension would be subject to confirmed funding beyond 31 March 2027, with contractual notice arrangements helping to mitigate risk. Cabinet discussed the report, and officers responded to questions as follows – · in terms of future growing demand for dementia services, annual Population Needs Assessments were undertaken by the Council and through the Regional Partnership Board which provided both local and regional assessments of current and projected need. The assessments informed future service planning and commissioning arrangements, while the regional contract retained flexibility to respond to local needs within Denbighshire and across North Wales · elaborated on the legal basis for extending the contracts and associated risks, confirming that external legal advice supported proceeding under Regulation 72 of the Public Contract Regulations 2015, subject to evidencing the relevant requirements. Whilst any legal challenge carried potential risks, officers were confident the criteria could be met and the proposed approach was appropriate · to ensure value for money contract monitoring was undertaken by the Regional Collaboration Team in accordance with established processes, with advice from procurement and legal services as required. The contracts had been in place for five years and performance was regularly monitored and reported through the Regional Partnership Board providing accountability across all seven partners. RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) approves the extension to existing contracts, and (b) confirms that it has read, understood and taken account of the Contract Variation Report (Appendix 1 to the report) and the Wellbeing Impact Assessment (Appendix 2 to the report) as part of its consideration.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Cabinet note the budgets set for 2026/27 and progress against the agreed strategy.
Councillor Brian Jones presented the finance monitoring report for 2026/27 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 2026/27 was £308.905 (£290.735m in 2025/26) · an overspend of £704k was forecast for service and corporate budgets (£302k last month) due mainly to pressures in Adult Social Care and Homelessness · set out current risks and assumptions relating to corporate and service budgets · proposals to achieve a balanced budget for 2026/27 amounted to £3.170m; an update on progress in delivery savings would be included in next month’s report · an update on Schools, Housing Revenue Account and Treasury Management. The Lead Member reiterated the Cabinet’s willingness to working collaboratively with all members during the budget-setting process. He advised that a Budget Focus Board had been established to work closely with services to review financial pressures, identify potential savings and support the development of a balanced budget that met the needs of residents and the Council. The Head of Finance and Audit reported that the forecast overspend of £704k could be met from the Budget Mitigation Reserve if required. Main overspends related to Planning, Public Protection and Countryside services with a £267k shortfall in car parking income despite revised tariffs earlier this year, and Adult Social Care and Homelessness with a £100k projected overspend in homelessness services and a £342k overspend within Cefndy Healthcare due to income not keeping pace with operating costs. These areas would continue to be closely monitored, together with other demand-led services, as the financial position developed during the year. Schools were carrying forward a combined deficit balance of £2.5m, with ongoing work taking place through the schools in financial difficulty process and the matter would be considered by the Budget Focus Board. The Housing Revenue Account was forecasting a modest overspend of £53k. A 3.3% pay award for 2026/27 had been agreed and an update on the delivery of budget savings would be included in the next finance report. A quarterly update on the Capital Plan was also provided. Main points of debate focused on the following – · an update was provided on Cefndy Healthcare following the establishment of a Working Group to review the service. A report setting out the Group’s initial findings had been published and would be considered at next month’s Cabinet Briefing, with further work to be undertaken to explore future options · some concern was raised regarding the reduced car parking income and it was explained that the current car parking strategy had been subject to scrutiny and consultation through Member Area Groups (MAGs). Whilst the position had improved compared to previous years, car parking income and the effectiveness of current charging arrangements would be reviewed further through the Budget Focus Board as part of the budget setting process · the gap between short-stay and all-day parking charges was also discussed and the potential impact on businesses. It was noted that charging structures formed part of wider town-specific car parking strategies, which included provision for both short and long-stay car parking · the impact of ongoing roadworks on local businesses in Ruthin was highlighted, and it was acknowledged that major infrastructure works could affect trade. Members discussed whether waiving car parking fees during periods of significant disruption could help support businesses. However, it was noted that similar works had been undertaken elsewhere in the county, with further schemes planned. As this was a county-wide issue, the wider financial implications of adopting such an approach would need to be considered. The Lead Member thanked the former Lead Member, Councillor Delyth Jones for her hard work in that role. Responding to questions regarding the Council’s reserve balances, he emphasised the importance of maintaining a prudent approach to financial management. He also acknowledged the need for adequate reserves to manage financial pressures and advised that any use of reserves would be carefully considered and appropriately balanced against risk. With regard to Cefndy Healthcare, the Leader advised that the findings of the review would be considered by Cabinet Briefing with a view to progressing the matter as quickly as possible. RESOLVED that Cabinet note the budgets set for 2026/27 and progress against the agreed strategy.
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. RESOLVED that Cabinet’s forward work programme be noted. The meeting concluded at 11.45 am.
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