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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
AGREED – i) That the Parking Enforcement report be expanded to include all areas covered by the Environmental Enforcement Team and this report be considered at the November meeting. ii) That the October meeting consider an item in respect of the Performance of Housing Department. To consist of a presentation on the current performance of the Housing Department, together with details of the Accommodation Project. Preceding the meeting there will be an opportunity for Members of the Committee to visit the Housing Department at Ruthin Road. iii) That the report on Sports Pitches and Pavilions be considered at the November meeting. iv) That the Decarbonisation Plan 2021- 30 report scheduled for the December meeting also contain details of the Electric Vehicle Policy. v) That the report on Estate Management and Tenancy Enforcement be considered at the February 2026 meeting. vi) That the report in respect of the Local Housing Strategy be considered at the March 2026 meeting. vii) That a meeting updating on developments regarding the Hafod waste site be held as soon as possible, after this matter is considered by the Senedd Petitions committee.
AGREED – i) That the coverage of contractors by the policy be further explored and this be reported back in the final version. ii) That the electric Vehicle Policy, being reported as part of the Decarbonisation plan, include details of electric vehicles and related costs. iii) That the pausing of the testing process be reviewed to ensure that there is no ambiguity. iv) To support the initial draft policy at this stage. v) That a further report on this matter be considered by the Committee, following the consultation exercise, but prior to implementation.
AGREED - i) That the Lead Member and Officers be thanked for their work on improving grass cutting. ii) That a report be submitted in Spring 2026 outlining plans for weed control and maintenance of grass verges. iii) That the provision of additional quad bikes for weed spraying be explored. iv) That weed spraying take place as early as possible in the season. v) Options be explored to train more operatives in using herbicide and knapsack use. vi) That existing operatives who have the relevant qualification be utilised, where the only alternative to address weeds is spraying with a knapsack on a ward-by-ward basis. vii) That means to carry out weed clearance, following spraying, be explored.
There were no apologies for absence.
AGREED - That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 16 July 2025 be signed as a correct record.
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 – Workplace Transport Councillors Steve Joe Jones, Claire Lovett and John C Phillips – Personal and non prejudicial – Relatives employed by Wrexham County Borough Council in the Housing Department. Councillor Emma Holland – Personal and non prejudicial – family member rents property to WCBC. The Councillors remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion and voting thereon.
Decision as recorded
AGREED – i) That the Parking Enforcement report be expanded to include all areas covered by the Environmental Enforcement Team and this report be considered at the November meeting. ii) That the October meeting consider an item in respect of the Performance of Housing Department. To consist of a presentation on the current performance of the Housing Department, together with details of the Accommodation Project. Preceding the meeting there will be an opportunity for Members of the Committee to visit the Housing Department at Ruthin Road. iii) That the report on Sports Pitches and Pavilions be considered at the November meeting. iv) That the Decarbonisation Plan 2021- 30 report scheduled for the December meeting also contain details of the Electric Vehicle Policy. v) That the report on Estate Management and Tenancy Enforcement be considered at the February 2026 meeting. vi) That the report in respect of the Local Housing Strategy be considered at the March 2026 meeting. vii) That a meeting updating on developments regarding the Hafod waste site be held as soon as possible, after this matter is considered by the Senedd Petitions committee.
The Chief Officer Governance and Customer submitted a report COGC/76/25 which allowed the Committee to consider the revised work programme of the Homes and Environment Scrutiny Committee attached at Appendix 1. The Scrutiny Facilitator introduced his report and highlighted the main points for consideration within the report. AGREED – i) That the Parking Enforcement report be expanded to include all areas covered by the Environmental Enforcement Team and this report be considered at the November meeting. ii) That the October meeting consider an item in respect of the Performance of Housing Department. To consist of a presentation on the current performance of the Housing Department, together with details of the Accommodation Project. Preceding the meeting there will be an opportunity for Members of the Committee to visit the Housing Department at Ruthin Road. iii) That the report on Sports Pitches and Pavilions be considered at the November meeting. iv) That the Decarbonisation Plan 2021- 30 report scheduled for the December meeting also contain details of the Electric Vehicle Policy. v) That the report on Estate Management and Tenancy Enforcement be considered at the February 2026 meeting. vi) That the report in respect of the Local Housing Strategy be considered at the March 2026 meeting. vii) That a meeting updating on developments regarding the Hafod waste site be held as soon as possible, after this matter is considered by the Senedd Petitions committee.
Decision as recorded
AGREED – i) That the coverage of contractors by the policy be further explored and this be reported back in the final version. ii) That the electric Vehicle Policy, being reported as part of the Decarbonisation plan, include details of electric vehicles and related costs. iii) That the pausing of the testing process be reviewed to ensure that there is no ambiguity. iv) To support the initial draft policy at this stage. v) That a further report on this matter be considered by the Committee, following the consultation exercise, but prior to implementation.
The Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change submitted a report COET/31 /25 which provided Members with an update on the workplace transport review and the development work on the Occupational Road Risk policy. The Lead Member introduced his report and responded to questions accordingly thereafter with input from the relevant officers. During the ensuing debate a number of issues were raised, including: · Prescription medication was considered a greater risk than recreational drug use, and staff would be expected to consult line managers and occupational health if concerned. · Saliva swabs were identified as the preferred testing method due to being less intrusive than hair or urine sampling. · Testing was expected to be carried out by an external provider, and Members would be consulted regarding the procurement process. Members supported this approach which would ensure impartiality. · Random testing would be based on numbers rather than names or departments. · It was confirmed that schools would be included within the scope of the policy. · Union feedback would be incorporated into the Executive Board report. · The policy aimed to establish zero tolerance for alcohol. · Drug testing thresholds would align with guidance from the European Workplace Drug Testing Society. · Managers would be responsible for ensuring staff awareness of the policy, and a deadline for compliance was suggested. · Officers agreed to explore the inclusion of contractors, particularly those transporting children, within the policy scope. While existing contract terms offered some protection, a standardised approach was required. · A fleet review was underway, and members requested cost details for the EV transition before further purchases were made. · Officers acknowledged gaps in contractor and self-employed compliance and committed to reviewing this. · Future contracts may include stipulations requiring adherence to council safety policies. · Whistleblowing was recognised as a cultural challenge. Officers stressed the importance of fostering a supportive environment and reinforcing existing health and safety responsibilities. · Support for staff with substance misuse was already available through HR and corporate health and safety, though improved awareness and training were needed. · The operational road risk policy was confirmed as the overarching framework for all departments. AGREED – i) That the coverage of contractors by the policy be further explored and this be reported back in the final version. ii) That the electric Vehicle Policy, being reported as part of the Decarbonisation plan, include details of electric vehicles and related costs. iii) That the pausing of the testing process be reviewed to ensure that there is no ambiguity. iv) To support the initial draft policy at this stage. v) That a further report on this matter be considered by the Committee, following the consultation exercise, but prior to implementation.
Decision as recorded
AGREED - i) That the Lead Member and Officers be thanked for their work on improving grass cutting. ii) That a report be submitted in Spring 2026 outlining plans for weed control and maintenance of grass verges. iii) That the provision of additional quad bikes for weed spraying be explored. iv) That weed spraying take place as early as possible in the season. v) Options be explored to train more operatives in using herbicide and knapsack use. vi) That existing operatives who have the relevant qualification be utilised, where the only alternative to address weeds is spraying with a knapsack on a ward-by-ward basis. vii) That means to carry out weed clearance, following spraying, be explored.
The Lead Member for Environment submitted a report COET/30/25 which informed Members of existing ground maintenance activities and provided an update on current in year grass cutting and weed spraying. The Lead Member introduced his report and responded to Members questions accordingly thereafter, with input from the relevant Officers. During the debate a number of issues were highlighted, including: · Acknowledgement that staff had been under terrific pressure because of the extreme weather conditions which had resulted in difficult working conditions. · Members commented positively on the progress made with regards to grass cutting. · It was noted that the first cut on the hedges had already taken place. · A second quad bike had been hired to assist with the weed spraying. It was acknowledged that weeds were still an issue in some areas. It was difficult to get the balance in terms of finding a weed killer that was effective whilst considering the impact on the environment. · Suggestion that week killing was more effective when carried out rapidly and that the process should commence earlier. · Query as to why the weeds were not cleared from areas once they had been treated. · Staff in the Environment Department had a good working relationship with colleagues in the Housing Department and a great deal of positive work had taken place in terms of updating the SLA. · Work was ongoing in terms of asset management, including the introduction of a digitalised system. AGREED - i) That the Lead Member and Officers be thanked for their work on improving grass cutting. ii) That a report be submitted in Spring 2026 outlining plans for weed control and maintenance of grass verges. iii) That the provision of additional quad bikes for weed spraying be explored. iv) That weed spraying take place as early as possible in the season. v) Options be explored to train more operatives in using herbicide and knapsack use. vi) That existing operatives who have the relevant qualification be utilised, where the only alternative to address weeds is spraying with a knapsack on a ward-by-ward basis. vii) That means to carry out weed clearance, following spraying, be explored.
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.
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