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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 2021/22 Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report be approved. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the Council carries out its duties with regard to the Welsh language as outlined in its Welsh Language Standards. (ii) To enable the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report for 2021/22 to be published on its website as required by the Language Commissioner in accordance with Standards 158, 164 and 170.
RESOLVED - (i) That the process and priorities for administering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme as detailed in report COEP/61/22 be approved. (ii) That the Stakeholder Panel be established comprising members of organisations listed in Section (F) of this Report as agreed by the Executive Board. (iii) That proposals for funding be determined by the Executive Board. (iv) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. The reason for urgency is in order to establish the appropriate arrangements to begin invite applications to the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund in a timely manner to maximise opportunity to commit and spend the 2022/23 allocation. Reason for decisions To create the process required to ensure Wrexham maximises the potential enabled via the monies it secures under the Shared Prosperity Fund by commissioning well, establishing good relations with the region and local partners in order to develop high quality projects, and ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of the funding.
RESOLVED - That Council be recommended to approve the Self-Assessment to Council for agreement and publication. Reason for decision To enable the council to comply with its statutory reporting requirements and to provide a public self-assessment to identify improvements and actions the council will undertake to secure improved outcomes for Wrexham County Borough.
RESOLVED – (i) That the draft Place Making Plan as attached at Appendix 1 to report CE/69/22 be approved for public consultation in New Year 2023. Reason for decision To progress the development of the Placemaking Plan.
RESOLVED - (i) That the Involvement Strategy (2022-27) be approved. (ii) That the work underway to deliver on our commitment to Involvement be noted. Reasons for decisions (i) To approve a framework to support good involvement activity to shape services with our communities. (ii) To support good practice and improvements in the way we involve our communities.
RESOLVED – (i) That Members support the formation of a joint Flintshire and Wrexham PSB. (ii) That the consultation on the draft Well Being Plan be noted. Reasons for decisions A joint Flintshire and Wrexham PSB will: (i) Balance and strengthen the PSB leadership and governance structure (ii) Reduce duplication, improve effective management, build momentum (iii) Focus on delivering long term well-being being outcomes for our communities
RESOLVED – That the important work undertaken by the North Wales Regional Partnership Board be noted together with the progress reported in the Annual Report for 2021/22 on the work areas being taken forward regionally. Reason for decision (i) As a Statutory Partner with the Regional Partnership Board it is incumbent on us to consider the work of the Partnership Board on a yearly basis.
RESOLVED – (i) That approval be given to increase the financial offer from 1 January 2023 to WCBC hosts to £255 per week. (ii) That the weekly rate be increased annually in line with the % increase that Welsh Government recommend for the national minimum weekly allowance for Foster Carers. Reasons for decisions (i) To improve our current financial offer to WCBC Supported Lodgings hosts to enable: a. an increase in the rate of retention of current hosts b. an increase in the recruitment of new hosts (and subsequent placement availability) c. a long term cost saving to the Local Authority. (ii) There have been no increases in line with inflation or the cost of living for the past 9 years for Supported Lodgings hosts. This is contrary to the Fostering Allowances payments which increase annually to take into account the rate of inflation and the cost of living.
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Hugh Jones and Beverley Parry-Jones.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 November 2022 be signed as a correct record.
In accordance with Section 5.8.16 of the Council’s Constitution, a member of the public submitted a question relating to the recent Children in Need Rickshaw challenge event. The Lead Member for Economy & Regeneration responded to the question accordingly.
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 7 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the 2021/22 Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report be approved. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the Council carries out its duties with regard to the Welsh language as outlined in its Welsh Language Standards. (ii) To enable the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report for 2021/22 to be published on its website as required by the Language Commissioner in accordance with Standards 158, 164 and 170.
The Lead Member for Environment submitted a report (COGC/115/22) to seek approval for the Council’s Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report for 2021/22. In the absence of the Lead Member for Environment, the Lead Member for Finance and Performance presented the report and moved the recommendations. A discussion then ensued, and the following points were highlighted: · Clarification sought regarding what was being done to prioritise those public facing Departments with little or no resources for Welsh speakers. · Importance of aiming to become less reliant on external translation and improving the in-house capacity. · Confirmation that the Council’s vacancy management process had been amended to put a greater emphasis on the Welsh language, and to make jobs Welsh essential if there weren’t already Welsh speakers employed in that particular service. · Recognition that whilst there were issues with recruitment and low levels of applicants for jobs, wording for adverts was being carefully considered to make roles more appealing. · Confirmation that it was mandatory that all apprentices joining the Authority would have to complete a Welsh language course. · Acknowledgment that in a lot of cases, staff didn’t always have the confidence to use Welsh language. RESOLVED - That the 2021/22 Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report be approved. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the Council carries out its duties with regard to the Welsh language as outlined in its Welsh Language Standards. (ii) To enable the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report for 2021/22 to be published on its website as required by the Language Commissioner in accordance with Standards 158, 164 and 170.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the process and priorities for administering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme as detailed in report COEP/61/22 be approved. (ii) That the Stakeholder Panel be established comprising members of organisations listed in Section (F) of this Report as agreed by the Executive Board. (iii) That proposals for funding be determined by the Executive Board. (iv) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. The reason for urgency is in order to establish the appropriate arrangements to begin invite applications to the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund in a timely manner to maximise opportunity to commit and spend the 2022/23 allocation. Reason for decisions To create the process required to ensure Wrexham maximises the potential enabled via the monies it secures under the Shared Prosperity Fund by commissioning well, establishing good relations with the region and local partners in order to develop high quality projects, and ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of the funding.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COEP/61/22 asking Members to agree to the arrangements for administering the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A detailed discussion ensued and the following points were highlighted: · Confirmation that funding would still be available, but there was still some uncertainty around how it would be delivered in Wales. However, it was noted that the WLGA were negotiating on behalf of the 22 Welsh Authorities regarding this. Officers advised that there was still an expectation that funds would be drawn down and any other further payments would be made as set out in the application. · Concern expressed regarding the application process and reassurances sought that there were projects in mind for the year 1 funds. Officers gave reassurance that flexibility would be applied to ensure that year 1 funds weren’t lost, and it was further noted that year 2 funds couldn’t be drawn until year 1 funds had been spent. · Suggestion that the local trade unions would be an important sector to include on the Stakeholder Panel. Officers advised that the UK Government set the criteria for the membership of the Panel, but Officers would seek clarification as to whether the trade unions would be included. RESOLVED - (i) That the process and priorities for administering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme as detailed in report COEP/61/22 be approved. (ii) That the Stakeholder Panel be established comprising members of organisations listed in Section (F) of this Report as agreed by the Executive Board. (iii) That proposals for funding be determined by the Executive Board. (iv) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. The reason for urgency is in order to establish the appropriate arrangements to begin invite applications to the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund in a timely manner to maximise opportunity to commit and spend the 2022/23 allocation. Reason for decisions To create the process required to ensure Wrexham maximises the potential enabled via the monies it secures under the Shared Prosperity Fund by commissioning well, establishing good relations with the region and local partners in order to develop high quality projects, and ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of the funding.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That Council be recommended to approve the Self-Assessment to Council for agreement and publication. Reason for decision To enable the council to comply with its statutory reporting requirements and to provide a public self-assessment to identify improvements and actions the council will undertake to secure improved outcomes for Wrexham County Borough.
The Lead Member for Finance & Performance submitted a report (CE/60/22) asking Members to review the draft Self-Assessment report as required by the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. He responded to questions accordingly and a debate ensued. RESOLVED - That Council be recommended to approve the Self-Assessment to Council for agreement and publication. Reason for decision To enable the council to comply with its statutory reporting requirements and to provide a public self-assessment to identify improvements and actions the council will undertake to secure improved outcomes for Wrexham County Borough.
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 draft Place Making Plan as attached at Appendix 1 to report CE/69/22 be approved for public consultation in New Year 2023. Reason for decision To progress the development of the Placemaking Plan.
The Lead Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (CE/69/22) asking Members to approve the draft Placemaking Plan for public consultation in the New Year. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A discussion ensued and the following points were raised: · Clarification sought regarding plans to address transport problems in the County Borough, particularly in rural areas. · It was noted that there was a lot of work going on with active travel, including a consultation exercise which would progress into the New Year. Officers were also in the early stages of developing a local Transport Strategy in order to take on board the outcomes of the Place Making Strategy. · Confirmation that the Council were awaiting an announcement from Welsh Government regarding funding for the A483 improvements. · Acknowledgement that passenger numbers at Wrexham General Station were lower than they were two years ago, so it was vital that the infrastructure was improved. · Concern that the lack of public transport restricted those residents living in outlying areas from accessing service provision in the City Centre. · Importance of addressing the issue of absent landlords. · Recognition that events in the area drew visitors to the City Centre, and it was therefore important to focus on holding regular events throughout the year. RESOLVED – (i) That the draft Place Making Plan as attached at Appendix 1 to report CE/69/22 be approved for public consultation in New Year 2023. Reason for decision To progress the development of the Placemaking Plan.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the Involvement Strategy (2022-27) be approved. (ii) That the work underway to deliver on our commitment to Involvement be noted. Reasons for decisions (i) To approve a framework to support good involvement activity to shape services with our communities. (ii) To support good practice and improvements in the way we involve our communities.
The Lead Member Communities & Partnerships submitted a report (CE/23/22) to seek approval of the updated Involvement Strategy following a period of consultation. RESOLVED - (i) That the Involvement Strategy (2022-27) be approved. (ii) That the work underway to deliver on our commitment to Involvement be noted. Reasons for decisions (i) To approve a framework to support good involvement activity to shape services with our communities. (ii) To support good practice and improvements in the way we involve our communities.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That Members support the formation of a joint Flintshire and Wrexham PSB. (ii) That the consultation on the draft Well Being Plan be noted. Reasons for decisions A joint Flintshire and Wrexham PSB will: (i) Balance and strengthen the PSB leadership and governance structure (ii) Reduce duplication, improve effective management, build momentum (iii) Focus on delivering long term well-being being outcomes for our communities
The Lead Member for Community Safety & Partnerships submitted a report (CE/70/22) to seek endorsement for the proposed merger of Wrexham and Flintshire Public Service Boards. RESOLVED – (i) That Members support the formation of a joint Flintshire and Wrexham PSB. (ii) That the consultation on the draft Well Being Plan be noted. Reasons for decisions A joint Flintshire and Wrexham PSB will: (i) Balance and strengthen the PSB leadership and governance structure (ii) Reduce duplication, improve effective management, build momentum (iii) Focus on delivering long term well-being being outcomes for our communities
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the important work undertaken by the North Wales Regional Partnership Board be noted together with the progress reported in the Annual Report for 2021/22 on the work areas being taken forward regionally. Reason for decision (i) As a Statutory Partner with the Regional Partnership Board it is incumbent on us to consider the work of the Partnership Board on a yearly basis.
The Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care and the Lead Member for Children’s Services submitted a report (COSC/37/22) to provide information to partners with regards to the North Wales Regional Partnership Board and its activities during 2021/22. RESOLVED – That the important work undertaken by the North Wales Regional Partnership Board be noted together with the progress reported in the Annual Report for 2021/22 on the work areas being taken forward regionally. Reason for decision (i) As a Statutory Partner with the Regional Partnership Board it is incumbent on us to consider the work of the Partnership Board on a yearly basis.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That approval be given to increase the financial offer from 1 January 2023 to WCBC hosts to £255 per week. (ii) That the weekly rate be increased annually in line with the % increase that Welsh Government recommend for the national minimum weekly allowance for Foster Carers. Reasons for decisions (i) To improve our current financial offer to WCBC Supported Lodgings hosts to enable: a. an increase in the rate of retention of current hosts b. an increase in the recruitment of new hosts (and subsequent placement availability) c. a long term cost saving to the Local Authority. (ii) There have been no increases in line with inflation or the cost of living for the past 9 years for Supported Lodgings hosts. This is contrary to the Fostering Allowances payments which increase annually to take into account the rate of inflation and the cost of living.
The Lead Member for Children’s Services submitted a report (COSC/27/22) requesting approval for an increase to the payments made to Wrexham County Borough Council Supported Lodgings hosts. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued on the following: · Concern that residential and fostering placements were subjecting young people to unnecessary state intervention. · Importance of creating more placements for children to make the transition into adulthood which allowed them to make decisions for themselves. The aspiration was to stop placements from breaking down, or having alternative placements available to provide additional support to the young person. · Confirmation that there would be no additional children being placed out of county at the age of 18. · Suggestion that various factors, such as the pandemic, had increased the number of children needing care and additional supported lodgings. · Satisfaction by Officers that there were enough support mechanisms in place to ensure placements don’t break down, but confirmation that this would be constantly reviewed. RESOLVED – (i) That approval be given to increase the financial offer from 1 January 2023 to WCBC hosts to £255 per week. (ii) That the weekly rate be increased annually in line with the % increase that Welsh Government recommend for the national minimum weekly allowance for Foster Carers. Reasons for decisions (i) To improve our current financial offer to WCBC Supported Lodgings hosts to enable: a. an increase in the rate of retention of current hosts b. an increase in the recruitment of new hosts (and subsequent placement availability) c. a long term cost saving to the Local Authority. (ii) There have been no increases in line with inflation or the cost of living for the past 9 years for Supported Lodgings hosts. This is contrary to the Fostering Allowances payments which increase annually to take into account the rate of inflation and the cost of living.
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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