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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 2022/23 Q1 budgetary forecast position for the year be supported. Reason for decision To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address budget pressures.
RESOLVED – (i) That the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2021/22 be approved. (ii) That the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2022/23 be noted. Reason for decisions To comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code and Code of Practice on Treasury Management.
RESOLVED - (i) That the allocation of £1m towards the Wrexham Museum Redevelopment for the Football Museum for Wales, as outlined in paragraph 2.5 of report COFI/17/22 be approved. (ii) That the capital outturn for 2021/22 be noted. (iii) That the quarter 1 rolling programme for 2022/23 to 2024/25, as detailed in appendices 2 and 3, be approved. (iv) That the quarter 2 capital programme update be next reviewed and reported to the Executive Board in October 2022. Reason for decisions This report follows an earlier monitoring report in February in compliance with Financial Regulation 3.13 that requires that the Chief Officer Finance & ICT monitors and reports to Members on the Capital Programme.
RESOLVED – (i) That the Chief Officer Economy, in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance & Performance and the Lead Member for Economy & Regeneration, be authorised to submit Wrexham’s priorities, as outlined in this report, for inclusion in the Regional Investment Strategy to enable the programme funding to be drawn down. (ii) That the Chief Executive, in consultation with Leader, enter in to discussions regionally to agree which of the six Local Authorities in North Wales take the lead body role to submit the Regional Investment Strategy to UK Government and further administrate the fund. (iii) That Officers continue to develop the Shared Prosperity Fund programme for Wrexham and prepare for implementation, consulting with the Lead Member Finance & Performance and the Lead Member Economy & Regeneration. (iv) That this matter be being dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(e) of the Council’s Constitution. The reason for urgency is to allow the submission in such time as to meet the UK Government deadline of 1 August 2022 for receipt of the Regional Investment Plan. Reason for decisions To enable the Council to progress towards securing investment of £22,684,206 between now and 2025.
RESOLVED – (i) That Wrexham County Borough Council sign up to the Placemaking Wales Charter. (ii) That an initial in-year cash budget of £500k with a minimum of £100k be earmarked to increase capacity of the events team to raise the profile of ‘Place’, from existing Council resources, to earmark the financial capacity to take forward the Council’s Place Making priorities and principles of the Placemaking Wales Charter, as set out in report CE/36/22, with future years’ funding to be identified within the Medium Term Financial Plan and considered as part of the budget process for 2023/24. (iii) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive in consultation with Leader, Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for economy and regeneration to agree the allocations to activities/items for expenditure from of the agreed 2022/23 budget in 3 (ii) above. Reason for decisions By supporting the recommendations set out in paragraphs 3 (i) and (ii) of this report, the Council will have in place both the framework and resources necessary to invest in developing Wrexham as a national and regional place of significance.
RESOLVED - That the Commissioning Procurement and Contract Management Strategy 2022-25 for approved. Reasons for decisions (i) To enable the Council to have a clear Strategy as to how it undertakes its commissioning procurement and contract management activities. (ii) To enable the Council to adopt the principles of the Welsh Procurement Reforms, Welsh Procurement Policy Statement and subsequent obligations placed upon it by the Future Generations Act, the Social Services and Well Being Act, and the Welsh Government Code of Practice Ethical Employment in Supply Chains.
RESOLVED – That the Counter Fraud Strategy and Counter Fraud Policy and Procedures 2022-25 be approved. Reason for decision To enable the Council to continue to have in place effective Counter Fraud Arrangements.
RESOLVED – That the ‘Council Plan Annual Performance Report 2021/22’ as outlined in Appendix A to report CE/28/22 be approved for publication. Reason for decision To enable the council to comply with its statutory reporting requirements and to provide a public assessment of progress made against the Council Plan.
RESOLVED – (i) That the proposals for the development of a cultural strategy in preparation for a stronger application to bid for the UK City of Culture 2029 be supported. (ii) That the development of cultural events programme in 2023, 2025 and 2027, in preparation of the delivery of UK City of Culture in 2029, if the bid is successful, be supported. (iii) That the interim posts of Chair of the Board and Lead Executive Officer to develop a cultural strategy be approved and that they lead on the establishment of a Cultural and Community Trust. (iv) That the National Eisteddfod 2025 takes place in Wrexham and that local funding is earmarked as highlighted in paragraph 4.28 of report CE/37/22 to recognise the council’s role in support of the event. (v) That the extension of the corporate events team in terms of staff and budget, as highlighted in paragraph 4.9 (6) be approved. Reason for decisions By supporting the recommendations set out in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.4 of this report, the Council will have in place both the framework and resources necessary to ensure the development of a cultural strategy in preparation for the application of the 2029 UK City of Culture title.
RESOLVED – (i) That the delivery plan and the approach set out in the sustainability report presented at appendix 1 and 2 to report CE/32/22 be approved, and that the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Lead Member – Economy & Regeneration and Lead Member – Finance & Performance be given delegated authority to commence the project. (ii) That the Chief Officer Housing in consultation with the Lead Member – Finance & Performance and Lead Member Economy & Regeneration be authorised to use delegated powers to formally enter into negotiations for leasehold arrangements to secure the decant option for the traders which allows for the refurbishment of the indoor markets, which is outlined in the accompanying Part II report CE/34/22. (iii) That should it not be possible to secure the building as per (ii) above, the Chief Officer Housing, in consultation with the Lead Member Finance & Performance and Lead Member Economy & Regeneration, be given delegated authority to pursue other similarly appropriate property for the purpose of providing temporary alternative accommodation for the Market Traders. (iv) That a progress report be presented to Executive Board within 12 months. (v) That this matter is being dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(e)) of the Council’s Constitution. The reason for urgency is to allow the programme to commence and operate immediately. Reason for decision (i) To allow the Market Refurbishment project to proceed following approval of the recommendations of the Markets Task & Finish report (10 March 2020); (ii) To provide flexibility to the Council in securing an alternative premises for the decant option in a commercial and competitive property market; (iii) To deliver the refurbishment of the indoor markets using secured grant funding and in compliance with grant terms and conditions; (iv) To enable the delivery of a range of economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes, through heritage-led regeneration Townscape Heritage Scheme activity in the Town Centre following approval of Executive Board funding submission to National Lottery Heritage Fund on 14 May 2019 (COHE/10/19).
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 14 June 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 declaration was made: Agenda Item 5 – 2022/23 Quarter 1 Revenue Budget Update Councillors David A Bithell, Dana Davies, Hugh Jones, Beverley Parry-Jones, John Pritchard, Robert Walsh and Nigel Williams – Personal and Prejudicial – School Governor. The Councillors remained in the meeting and claimed an exemption under Paragraph 12(2) of the Members’ Code of Conduct taking part in the discussion and in the case of Executive Board Members, voting thereon. Agenda Item 6 – 2021/22 Treasury Management Outturn and 2022/23 Quarter 1 Review Councillor Frank Hemmings – Personal and Prejudicial – School Governor. The Councillor remained in the meeting and claimed an exemption under Paragraph 12(2) of the Members’ Code of Conduct taking part in the discussion thereon. Agenda Item 7 – 2021/22 Capital Programme Outturn and 2022/23 Quarter 1 Programme Update Councillors David A Bithell and Dana Davies - Personal and Prejudicial – School Governor. The Councillors remained in the meeting and claimed an exemption under Paragraph 12(2) of the Members’ Code of Conduct taking part in the discussion and in the case of Executive Board Members, voting thereon.
In accordance with Section 5.8.16 of the Council’s Constitution, a member of the public submitted a question relating to violence against women and girls. The Service Manager: Performance, Improvement, Partnerships and Scrutiny responded to the question accordingly. The Chief Officer Governance & Customer advised that questions were received from four Members, but they were all received after the deadline.
The Leader vacated the Chair, and the Vice-Chair, Councillor David A Bithell, presided over the next items on the Agenda to enable the Leader to present Agenda items 5 to 12 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the 2022/23 Q1 budgetary forecast position for the year be supported. Reason for decision To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address budget pressures.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 13 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/18/22) to inform Members of the Council’s 2022/23 current budgetary position for the first quarter of the 2022/23 financial year, including the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A detailed debate ensued and the following points were highlighted: · Confirmation that additional resources would be put into the Planning and Regulatory Service due to an increase of staffing within the Department. · Explanation that investment would be put into developing a children’s unit in order to support children locally in Wrexham. · Confidence that the quality of staffing within Children’s Services was excellent. · Clarification sought regarding school balances, and whether schools would be instructed to reduce their balances by large amounts. The Lead Member advised that school reserves were healthy due to grants that were received late on in March and carried forward to be spent in 2022/23. · Further information requested regarding the Kickstart programme. RESOLVED - That the 2022/23 Q1 budgetary forecast position for the year be supported. Reason for decision To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address budget pressures.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2021/22 be approved. (ii) That the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2022/23 be noted. Reason for decisions To comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code and Code of Practice on Treasury Management.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 13 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/19/22) to present the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for the financial year ended 31 March 2022 and the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2022/23. RESOLVED – (i) That the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2021/22 be approved. (ii) That the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2022/23 be noted. Reason for decisions To comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code and Code of Practice on Treasury Management.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the allocation of £1m towards the Wrexham Museum Redevelopment for the Football Museum for Wales, as outlined in paragraph 2.5 of report COFI/17/22 be approved. (ii) That the capital outturn for 2021/22 be noted. (iii) That the quarter 1 rolling programme for 2022/23 to 2024/25, as detailed in appendices 2 and 3, be approved. (iv) That the quarter 2 capital programme update be next reviewed and reported to the Executive Board in October 2022. Reason for decisions This report follows an earlier monitoring report in February in compliance with Financial Regulation 3.13 that requires that the Chief Officer Finance & ICT monitors and reports to Members on the Capital Programme.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 13 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/17/22) to advise Members of the 2021/22 Capital Programme outturn and to review the 2022/23 – 2024/25 Capital Programme position as at the end of quarter 1 2022/23. The Lead Member introduced the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A discussion ensued and the following points were raised during the debate: · Concern that there were a lot of empty properties in the area. · Clarification sought regarding free school meals and whether schools would ready to roll the scheme out. Members were advised that capital funding was available to deliver the free school meals programme. The Lead Member stated that not all school kitchens were able to cater for the number of meals needing to be delivered, but Officers were working with schools. Reception and year 1 pupils would begin their entitlement from September, and then other year groups from April 2023. · Clarification requested regarding economic framework priorities. RESOLVED - (i) That the allocation of £1m towards the Wrexham Museum Redevelopment for the Football Museum for Wales, as outlined in paragraph 2.5 of report COFI/17/22 be approved. (ii) That the capital outturn for 2021/22 be noted. (iii) That the quarter 1 rolling programme for 2022/23 to 2024/25, as detailed in appendices 2 and 3, be approved. (iv) That the quarter 2 capital programme update be next reviewed and reported to the Executive Board in October 2022. Reason for decisions This report follows an earlier monitoring report in February in compliance with Financial Regulation 3.13 that requires that the Chief Officer Finance & ICT monitors and reports to Members on the Capital Programme.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Chief Officer Economy, in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance & Performance and the Lead Member for Economy & Regeneration, be authorised to submit Wrexham’s priorities, as outlined in this report, for inclusion in the Regional Investment Strategy to enable the programme funding to be drawn down. (ii) That the Chief Executive, in consultation with Leader, enter in to discussions regionally to agree which of the six Local Authorities in North Wales take the lead body role to submit the Regional Investment Strategy to UK Government and further administrate the fund. (iii) That Officers continue to develop the Shared Prosperity Fund programme for Wrexham and prepare for implementation, consulting with the Lead Member Finance & Performance and the Lead Member Economy & Regeneration. (iv) That this matter be being dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(e) of the Council’s Constitution. The reason for urgency is to allow the submission in such time as to meet the UK Government deadline of 1 August 2022 for receipt of the Regional Investment Plan. Reason for decisions To enable the Council to progress towards securing investment of £22,684,206 between now and 2025.
The Lead Member for Finance & Performance submitted a report (CE/35/22) to update Members on the implementation of the Shared Prosperity Fund in the North Wales Region and in Wrexham, and to seek approval to enable this to progress to the next stage. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. Members collectively welcomed the report and were provided with an explanation of how the funding would be allocated. The Chief Executive outlined the various strands to the process and explained that infrastructure plans would need to be identified and further information regarding stakeholders would be available after the initial bid was submitted. A process would need to be agreed regionally which would clarify who submitted and administered the bid. RESOLVED – (i) That the Chief Officer Economy, in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance & Performance and the Lead Member for Economy & Regeneration, be authorised to submit Wrexham’s priorities, as outlined in this report, for inclusion in the Regional Investment Strategy to enable the programme funding to be drawn down. (ii) That the Chief Executive, in consultation with Leader, enter in to discussions regionally to agree which of the six Local Authorities in North Wales take the lead body role to submit the Regional Investment Strategy to UK Government and further administrate the fund. (iii) That Officers continue to develop the Shared Prosperity Fund programme for Wrexham and prepare for implementation, consulting with the Lead Member Finance & Performance and the Lead Member Economy & Regeneration. (iv) That this matter be being dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(e) of the Council’s Constitution. The reason for urgency is to allow the submission in such time as to meet the UK Government deadline of 1 August 2022 for receipt of the Regional Investment Plan. Reason for decisions To enable the Council to progress towards securing investment of £22,684,206 between now and 2025.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That Wrexham County Borough Council sign up to the Placemaking Wales Charter. (ii) That an initial in-year cash budget of £500k with a minimum of £100k be earmarked to increase capacity of the events team to raise the profile of ‘Place’, from existing Council resources, to earmark the financial capacity to take forward the Council’s Place Making priorities and principles of the Placemaking Wales Charter, as set out in report CE/36/22, with future years’ funding to be identified within the Medium Term Financial Plan and considered as part of the budget process for 2023/24. (iii) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive in consultation with Leader, Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for economy and regeneration to agree the allocations to activities/items for expenditure from of the agreed 2022/23 budget in 3 (ii) above. Reason for decisions By supporting the recommendations set out in paragraphs 3 (i) and (ii) of this report, the Council will have in place both the framework and resources necessary to invest in developing Wrexham as a national and regional place of significance.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (CE/36/22) to set out the vision for Place Shaping in Wrexham to achieve its ambitious growth as a regional and national place of significance, and asking Members to give approval to the Council becoming a signatory to the Placemaking Wales Charter. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A discussion ensued and the following points were noted: · Recognition that the Charter covered the whole of the County Borough and not just the city centre. · Importance of ensuring that the local community were involved in the development of the proposals, including the creation of new public spaces etc. · Confirmation that the Charter sets out the principles about how the organisation will work across all Departments. RESOLVED – (i) That Wrexham County Borough Council sign up to the Placemaking Wales Charter. (ii) That an initial in-year cash budget of £500k with a minimum of £100k be earmarked to increase capacity of the events team to raise the profile of ‘Place’, from existing Council resources, to earmark the financial capacity to take forward the Council’s Place Making priorities and principles of the Placemaking Wales Charter, as set out in report CE/36/22, with future years’ funding to be identified within the Medium Term Financial Plan and considered as part of the budget process for 2023/24. (iii) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive in consultation with Leader, Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for economy and regeneration to agree the allocations to activities/items for expenditure from of the agreed 2022/23 budget in 3 (ii) above. Reason for decisions By supporting the recommendations set out in paragraphs 3 (i) and (ii) of this report, the Council will have in place both the framework and resources necessary to invest in developing Wrexham as a national and regional place of significance.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the Commissioning Procurement and Contract Management Strategy 2022-25 for approved. Reasons for decisions (i) To enable the Council to have a clear Strategy as to how it undertakes its commissioning procurement and contract management activities. (ii) To enable the Council to adopt the principles of the Welsh Procurement Reforms, Welsh Procurement Policy Statement and subsequent obligations placed upon it by the Future Generations Act, the Social Services and Well Being Act, and the Welsh Government Code of Practice Ethical Employment in Supply Chains.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/20/22) to obtain approval of the Commissioning, Procurement and Contract Management Strategy 2022-25. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main topics for consideration. The following points were raised during the debate: · Confirmation that the tender evaluation and award process was currently under review. · Clarification sought regarding the delivery of procurement locally, and the process for local companies being able to bid for contracts. · Confirmation that Officers undertake market engagement with the small/medium enterprises to ensure they are able to engage in the market and have the opportunity to bid for services. RESOLVED - That the Commissioning Procurement and Contract Management Strategy 2022-25 for approved. Reasons for decisions (i) To enable the Council to have a clear Strategy as to how it undertakes its commissioning procurement and contract management activities. (ii) To enable the Council to adopt the principles of the Welsh Procurement Reforms, Welsh Procurement Policy Statement and subsequent obligations placed upon it by the Future Generations Act, the Social Services and Well Being Act, and the Welsh Government Code of Practice Ethical Employment in Supply Chains.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the Counter Fraud Strategy and Counter Fraud Policy and Procedures 2022-25 be approved. Reason for decision To enable the Council to continue to have in place effective Counter Fraud Arrangements.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/20/22) to obtain approval of the Counter Fraud Strategy 2022-25 and the Counter Fraud Policy and Procedures. RESOLVED – That the Counter Fraud Strategy and Counter Fraud Policy and Procedures 2022-25 be approved. Reason for decision To enable the Council to continue to have in place effective Counter Fraud Arrangements.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the ‘Council Plan Annual Performance Report 2021/22’ as outlined in Appendix A to report CE/28/22 be approved for publication. Reason for decision To enable the council to comply with its statutory reporting requirements and to provide a public assessment of progress made against the Council Plan.
The Leader of the Council and the Lead Member for Community Safety and Partnerships submitted a report (CE/28/22) to set out the draft Council Plan Annual Performance Report 2021/22 to provide Members with an assessment of performance against the Council Plan 2020-23 for approval. RESOLVED – That the ‘Council Plan Annual Performance Report 2021/22’ as outlined in Appendix A to report CE/28/22 be approved for publication. Reason for decision To enable the council to comply with its statutory reporting requirements and to provide a public assessment of progress made against the Council Plan.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Mark Pritchard, resumed Chair of the Meeting from this point in the proceedings.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the proposals for the development of a cultural strategy in preparation for a stronger application to bid for the UK City of Culture 2029 be supported. (ii) That the development of cultural events programme in 2023, 2025 and 2027, in preparation of the delivery of UK City of Culture in 2029, if the bid is successful, be supported. (iii) That the interim posts of Chair of the Board and Lead Executive Officer to develop a cultural strategy be approved and that they lead on the establishment of a Cultural and Community Trust. (iv) That the National Eisteddfod 2025 takes place in Wrexham and that local funding is earmarked as highlighted in paragraph 4.28 of report CE/37/22 to recognise the council’s role in support of the event. (v) That the extension of the corporate events team in terms of staff and budget, as highlighted in paragraph 4.9 (6) be approved. Reason for decisions By supporting the recommendations set out in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.4 of this report, the Council will have in place both the framework and resources necessary to ensure the development of a cultural strategy in preparation for the application of the 2029 UK City of Culture title.
The Lead Member for Environment submitted a report (CE/37/22) asking Members to consider the feedback from City of Culture judges and to consider the steps in working towards a successful bid for UK City of Culture 2029. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points for consideration. In moving the recommendations, he made an amendment that the extension of the corporate events team in terms of staff and budget, as highlighted in paragraph 4.9(6) of the report be included as part of the resolution. RESOLVED – (i) That the proposals for the development of a cultural strategy in preparation for a stronger application to bid for the UK City of Culture 2029 be supported. (ii) That the development of cultural events programme in 2023, 2025 and 2027, in preparation of the delivery of UK City of Culture in 2029, if the bid is successful, be supported. (iii) That the interim posts of Chair of the Board and Lead Executive Officer to develop a cultural strategy be approved and that they lead on the establishment of a Cultural and Community Trust. (iv) That the National Eisteddfod 2025 takes place in Wrexham and that local funding is earmarked as highlighted in paragraph 4.28 of report CE/37/22 to recognise the council’s role in support of the event. (v) That the extension of the corporate events team in terms of staff and budget, as highlighted in paragraph 4.9 (6) be approved. Reason for decisions By supporting the recommendations set out in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.4 of this report, the Council will have in place both the framework and resources necessary to ensure the development of a cultural strategy in preparation for the application of the 2029 UK City of Culture title.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the delivery plan and the approach set out in the sustainability report presented at appendix 1 and 2 to report CE/32/22 be approved, and that the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Lead Member – Economy & Regeneration and Lead Member – Finance & Performance be given delegated authority to commence the project. (ii) That the Chief Officer Housing in consultation with the Lead Member – Finance & Performance and Lead Member Economy & Regeneration be authorised to use delegated powers to formally enter into negotiations for leasehold arrangements to secure the decant option for the traders which allows for the refurbishment of the indoor markets, which is outlined in the accompanying Part II report CE/34/22. (iii) That should it not be possible to secure the building as per (ii) above, the Chief Officer Housing, in consultation with the Lead Member Finance & Performance and Lead Member Economy & Regeneration, be given delegated authority to pursue other similarly appropriate property for the purpose of providing temporary alternative accommodation for the Market Traders. (iv) That a progress report be presented to Executive Board within 12 months. (v) That this matter is being dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(e)) of the Council’s Constitution. The reason for urgency is to allow the programme to commence and operate immediately. Reason for decision (i) To allow the Market Refurbishment project to proceed following approval of the recommendations of the Markets Task & Finish report (10 March 2020); (ii) To provide flexibility to the Council in securing an alternative premises for the decant option in a commercial and competitive property market; (iii) To deliver the refurbishment of the indoor markets using secured grant funding and in compliance with grant terms and conditions; (iv) To enable the delivery of a range of economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes, through heritage-led regeneration Townscape Heritage Scheme activity in the Town Centre following approval of Executive Board funding submission to National Lottery Heritage Fund on 14 May 2019 (COHE/10/19).
The Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration submitted a report (CE/32/22) asking Members to approve the Delivery Plan including Sustainability Report for the Refurbishment of Wrexham’s Indoor Butchers and General Markets. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued and the following points were raised: · Importance of ensuring that reassurance is provided to traders regarding rental figures. · Confirmation that traders have been involved throughout the process. · Confirmation that the rentable value of each unit was set on a number of calculations on the basis of the market at the time and the facilities they have in each unit. RESOLVED – (i) That the delivery plan and the approach set out in the sustainability report presented at appendix 1 and 2 to report CE/32/22 be approved, and that the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Lead Member – Economy & Regeneration and Lead Member – Finance & Performance be given delegated authority to commence the project. (ii) That the Chief Officer Housing in consultation with the Lead Member – Finance & Performance and Lead Member Economy & Regeneration be authorised to use delegated powers to formally enter into negotiations for leasehold arrangements to secure the decant option for the traders which allows for the refurbishment of the indoor markets, which is outlined in the accompanying Part II report CE/34/22. (iii) That should it not be possible to secure the building as per (ii) above, the Chief Officer Housing, in consultation with the Lead Member Finance & Performance and Lead Member Economy & Regeneration, be given delegated authority to pursue other similarly appropriate property for the purpose of providing temporary alternative accommodation for the Market Traders. (iv) That a progress report be presented to Executive Board within 12 months. (v) That this matter is being dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(e)) of the Council’s Constitution. The reason for urgency is to allow the programme to commence and operate immediately. Reason for decision (i) To allow the Market Refurbishment project to proceed following approval of the recommendations of the Markets Task & Finish report (10 March 2020); (ii) To provide flexibility to the Council in securing an alternative premises for the decant option in a commercial and competitive property market; (iii) To deliver the refurbishment of the indoor markets using secured grant funding and in compliance with grant terms and conditions; (iv) To enable the delivery of a range of economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes, through heritage-led regeneration Townscape Heritage Scheme activity in the Town Centre following approval of Executive Board funding submission to National Lottery Heritage Fund on 14 May 2019 (COHE/10/19).
RESOLVED - That the press and public be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following items as it is likely that, if they were present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).
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