Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
AGREED – That the work programme be agreed subject to the above amendments.
AGREED:- (i) That the final 2025/26 revenue position is supported. (ii) That the resulting position at 31 March 2026 of the Council’s earmarked reserves and general balances be supported, including the application of £165,761 to the Budget Mitigation reserve to support pressures on statutory services throughout the year. (iii) That the above decisions be included in the Statement of Accounts. (iv) That the Chair write to Welsh Government to express the concern of the Committee regarding the recent announcement that the ALN consequential funding from UK Government will not be allocated to Welsh local authorities to mitigate the rising demand and complexities of ALN provision.
AGREED :- (i) That the Committee supports the continued investment in workforce initiatives, including recruitment systems, training and ‘Grow our own’ schemes. (ii) That the Committee requests further detailed reporting to provide assurance on progress and impact. (iii) That the Committee expresses concern regarding increasing sickness absence, lower workforce engagement and ongoing recruitment pressures. (iv) That the Committee recommends that the Executive Board considers any initiatives on how they can positively influence a top-down solution to the current people challenges highlighted in the report and employee survey
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Bryan Apsley, William Baldwin, Pete Howell, Corin Jarvis and Jeremy Newton.
AGREED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 May 2026 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.
Members were reminded of their responsibility, under Paragraph 11 of the Members’ Code of Conduct, to declare the existence and nature of any personal interest in respect of any of the business to be transacted at this meeting. The following declarations were made: Agenda Item 5 –2025/26 Final Revenue Outturn Report Councillors Beryl Blackmore, Frank Hemmings, Claire Lovett, Tina Mannering, Councillor Stella Matthews, Mike Morris and Anthony Wedlake. Personal and Prejudicial – LA Governor. The Councillors claimed the exemption set out in paragraphs 12 (2) (a) (iii) of the Member Code of Conduct and remained in the meeting for the discussion thereon. Agenda Item 6 – Workforce Monitoring Report (Annual) 2025/26 - Councillor Claire Lovett – Personal and non-prejudicial – Relative employed by Wrexham County Borough Council. The Councillors remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion and voting thereon.
Decision as recorded
AGREED – That the work programme be agreed subject to the above amendments.
The Chief Officer Governance and Customer submitted a report COGC/50/26 which allowed Members to consider the work programme of the Customers, Performance, Resources & Governance Scrutiny Committee attached at Appendix 1. The Scrutiny Facilitator introduced the report and drew Members attention to the changes requested since the last meeting as follows: - · Change of regular meeting slot to the first Thursday of the month at 10.30am, commencing September 2026. · Council Front Door Project – scheduled for September meeting. · Planning Governance Update – scheduled for March 2027 meeting. · As the meetings have been brought forward to the first Thursday of the month, the revenue budget monitoring reports will need to be deferred to the month following the Executive Board. AGREED – That the work programme be agreed subject to the above amendments.
Decision as recorded
AGREED:- (i) That the final 2025/26 revenue position is supported. (ii) That the resulting position at 31 March 2026 of the Council’s earmarked reserves and general balances be supported, including the application of £165,761 to the Budget Mitigation reserve to support pressures on statutory services throughout the year. (iii) That the above decisions be included in the Statement of Accounts. (iv) That the Chair write to Welsh Government to express the concern of the Committee regarding the recent announcement that the ALN consequential funding from UK Government will not be allocated to Welsh local authorities to mitigate the rising demand and complexities of ALN provision.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 5 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report COFI/20/26 which allowed the Committee to consider the final outturn report for 2025/26, including the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and school balances. The Lead Member introduced the report and responded to questions accordingly thereafter, with input from the Chief Officer Finance and ICT. During the debate, a number of issues were raised, including: · The Lead Member expressed disappointment that the £12 million consequential ALN funding expected from the Welsh Government had not been received, resulting in a greater reliance on savings measures and workforce reductions. · It was noted that Additional Learning Needs (ALN) funding remains a significant pressure across Wales. · The Chief Finance Officer responded to questions and provided further explanation of the figures presented in the report. · Members questioned why increasing ALN demand was not being reflected in funding allocations to local authorities and sought assurance regarding the use of centrally held funds. · Concerns were raised about reliance on grant funding, with officers noting the difficulties of sustaining services and staffing where funding is uncertain. · Officers advised that reserve levels are relatively low compared with other Welsh authorities. Wrexham's general fund balance stood at 3.3% of net expenditure at the end of March, within the recommended range of 3-5%. · Further information on school reserves and comparative data across Wales would be circulated to members. · Members queried whether the education surplus could be redistributed to support schools experiencing financial pressures. · Officers explained that an improved education department financial outturn was largely due to late-year pension and grant adjustments and could not be redistributed, instead strengthening the Council's overall financial position. · Concerns were raised regarding increasing school deficits. Officers emphasised the importance of robust and accountable deficit management arrangements, supported by appropriate challenge and intervention where necessary. · Members raised concerns about inconsistency in funding arrangements for transfer of Council services/assets to Community Councils particularly where ongoing costs were being transferred to community councils · Officers outlined the Council's detailed budget risk management processes, highlighting ongoing pressures including inflation, National Insurance costs, ALN demand, school transport, and social care. · It was noted that budget monitoring and intervention measures are in place throughout the year to address emerging financial pressures. · Members discussed ongoing pressures within social care and education budgets, particularly relating to out-of-county placements and demand-led services. · Officers stressed that safeguarding vulnerable children remains a priority and that statutory responsibilities would continue to be met regardless of cost pressures. · Progress was reported in reducing expenditure through the reunification of children closer to home, expansion of in-house provision, and reduction in agency staffing costs. · Officers advised that bringing looked-after children back into county placements supports both improved outcomes and long-term financial sustainability. · Continued work is underway with regional partners to develop more specialist local provision and reduce reliance on high-cost out-of-county placements. · From an education perspective, increasing complexity of needs within mainstream settings and growing demand for specialist placements continue to place pressure on resources. Additional ALN funding was identified as key to enabling earlier intervention and reducing escalation of need. · Officers confirmed that budget mitigation reserves are available, subject to Executive Board approval. · Members requested further information on the measures being undertaken to address the budget pressures within Legal Services. · A query was raised regarding reduced income from land charge fees. Officers advised that income projections are based on historic activity levels and agreed to provide further information on associated costs and staffing implications. AGREED:- (i) That the final 2025/26 revenue position is supported. (ii) That the resulting position at 31 March 2026 of the Council’s earmarked reserves and general balances be supported, including the application of £165,761 to the Budget Mitigation reserve to support pressures on statutory services throughout the year. (iii) That the above decisions be included in the Statement of Accounts. (iv) That the Chair write to Welsh Government to express the concern of the Committee regarding the recent announcement that the ALN consequential funding from UK Government will not be allocated to Welsh local authorities to mitigate the rising demand and complexities of ALN provision.
Decision as recorded
AGREED :- (i) That the Committee supports the continued investment in workforce initiatives, including recruitment systems, training and ‘Grow our own’ schemes. (ii) That the Committee requests further detailed reporting to provide assurance on progress and impact. (iii) That the Committee expresses concern regarding increasing sickness absence, lower workforce engagement and ongoing recruitment pressures. (iv) That the Committee recommends that the Executive Board considers any initiatives on how they can positively influence a top-down solution to the current people challenges highlighted in the report and employee survey
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 5 above) The Lead Member for Corporate Services submitted a report COGC/41/26 which provided the Customers, Performance, Resources and Governance Scrutiny Committee with the Annual Workforce Monitoring Information report for the period of 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. The report provided the agreed baseline figures effective from 1 April 2022 for performance monitoring in line with the planned schedule of annual and half yearly reports as set out in Appendix 1. The Lead Member introduced his report and responded to questions accordingly, thereafter. During the ensuing debate a number of issues were raised, including: • Members received an update on workforce monitoring and employee wellbeing initiatives, including the role of wellbeing champions and employee engagement forums. • Officers provided an overview of the Council's trainee and apprenticeship programmes, highlighting opportunities for career development and recruitment. • The Chair welcomed three trainee and apprentices who were currently participating in the programmes in the Environment & Technical Department to the meeting and invited them to share some of their positive experiences. Their attendance and input into the meeting was welcomed by Members. • The Chair welcomed a Well-being Champion to the meeting, who gave an outline of the duties of the role, support provided and training received. • Head of HR and OD advised of a correction to the report regarding the reference to Occupational in paragraph 4.22 which should be Occupational including physiotherapy. Also, Table 8.1.2 which showed the number of working days lost to sickness absence - Economy and Planning Department figure for the year 2022/23 should be replaced with the figure for Housing Department, then all other figures moved down a row. • Concerns were raised regarding staff retention, recruitment difficulties, workforce pressures and vacancies, particularly within social care services. • Head of HR and OD advised that the new online exit interview had been introduced in September 2025 and it was hoped that feedback from the system would be available for the next report. • The trade union representative reported concerns about the impact of the hybrid working policy on staff morale, retention and employee wellbeing. • Members discussed whether the current hybrid working arrangements should be reviewed in light of concerns raised by staff and trade unions. • Questions were raised regarding increasing sickness absence levels and the retention of experienced employees. • Officers advised that measures were in place to mitigate workforce challenges, including consideration of flexible working arrangements and individual circumstances where appropriate. • Members expressed concerns regarding the increase in near miss reporting and RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). • Members requested further information on the trainee programme. AGREED :- (i) That the Committee supports the continued investment in workforce initiatives, including recruitment systems, training and ‘Grow our own’ schemes. (ii) That the Committee requests further detailed reporting to provide assurance on progress and impact. (iii) That the Committee expresses concern regarding increasing sickness absence, lower workforce engagement and ongoing recruitment pressures. (iv) That the Committee recommends that the Executive Board considers any initiatives on how they can positively influence a top-down solution to the current people challenges highlighted in the report and employee survey
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
The council hasn't recorded attendance for this meeting.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.