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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED – (i) That the report presented by Councillor Carrie Harper, in her capacity as Chair for the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee, be welcomed, and the Committee Members be thanked for the work undertaken to date on this topic. (ii) That the Welsh Government’s commitment to undertake a wholesale review of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 be noted and that Officers be recommended to await the publication of the wider national Policy Review prior to any further work being undertaken on the matter of Post-16 School Transport. (iii) That Welsh Government be asked to confirm the timescale of their review on the Learner Travel (Wales) 2008 Measure and report back to the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee once the response has been received. Reason for decision To await the outcome of the Welsh Government’s wholesale review of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008, thereby avoiding the potential for abortive works.
RESOLVED - (i) That the challenging national and local context for bus services be noted. (ii) That the proposed approach, as outlined in paragraphs 2.7 and 2.8 of report COET/16/23, to invest in local bus services for 2023/24 and 2024/25 (subject to budget approval processes) be approved, in order for appropriate procurement work to commence. (iii) That following the procurement process Members will be kept advised on progress. Reasons for decisions (i) To invest Wrexham County Borough Council funding into local bus services which improve connectivity for communities and individuals. (ii) To provide stimulus to the local bus market, which has been struggling through and since the Covid-19 pandemic; with a view to making bus travel a more viable, attractive and realistic travel option for people in Wrexham.
RESOLVED – That Agenda Item 13 – Wrexham Placemaking Plan be brought forward for consideration at this time.
RESOLVED - (i) That the feedback from the public engagement activities be noted and the amended Placemaking Plan, as attached at Appendix 3 to report COEP/32/23 be approved. (ii) That the Chief Officer Economy & Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member for Place – Economy & Regeneration, be authorised to progress with work on exploring delivery vehicles to support the implementation of the Placemaking Plan and report back to the Executive Board in the autumn of 2023. Reason for decisions To progress the implementation of the Placemaking Plan.
RESOLVED - (i) That the capital outturn for 2022/23 be noted. (ii) The quarter 1 rolling programme for 2023/24 to 2024/25 as detailed in appendices 2 and 3 to report COFI/15/23 be approved. 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 Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2022/23 be noted. (ii) That the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2023/24 be noted. Reason for decisions (i) To comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code and Code of Practice on Treasury Management.
RESOLVED – (i) That the 2023/24 Q1 budgetary forecast position for the year be noted. (ii) That in light of the pressures forecast, immediate actions are taken to mitigate the budget forecast. Where delegation sits with Chief Officers, actions to bring the budget back in line with the approved budget will be implemented by Chief Officers, in consultation and agreement with the appropriate Lead Member and the Leader and the Deputy Leader of the Council. (iii) That the increase in charges for green waste collection to £35 from 1st August 2023 be approved. (iv) That a review of car parking charges and sickness absence management policies be approved. (v) That that formal notice be given for the cancellation of the PCSO contract provision. (vi) That the corporate budget mitigation measures attached as Appendix 5 to report COFI/14/23 be noted. (vii) That these matters be dealt with as urgent items of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution due to the necessity to take action urgently to address the budget position. Reasons for decisions To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address the budget pressures forecast.
RESOLVED - (i) That the ‘Council Plan Annual Performance Report 2022/23’ as outlined in Appendix A to report CE/21/23 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 - That this item be deferred until September 2023.
RESOLVED - (i) That the Chief Officer Housing, in consultation with the Lead Member for Assets, be authorised to negotiate and conclude the terms and conditions, including determination of boundaries and make a freehold transfer or grant of a 999 year lease to SG Estates/The Estate Management Company of the area (as shown edged red on Appendix 2 to report COH/27/23). (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to publish notice of the Council’s intention to dispose of the land by way of freehold transfer or 999 year lease (as shown edged red on Appendix 2) forming informal public open space in accordance with Section 123 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972; and (iii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to report to the Executive Board on any objections received to the intended disposal of the site forming informal public open space but that in the absence of objections the land is disposed of as set out in the report. Reason for decisions To enable the Council to make a freehold transfer or enter into a 999 year lease with SG Estates Ltd/Management Company for the land at Pocket Park. This will enable the footpath across the neighbouring development site to be diverted, in accordance with the Sec106 Agreement, through the Pocket Park, thereby closing the dangerous crossing over the railway line. The scheme will also safeguard the future management of the ecological environment of Pocket Park and remove the financial burden from WCBC
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 June 2023 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 – School Transport Councillor John Pritchard - 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 and voting thereon. Councillor Nigel Williams - Personal - Son attends the Maelor School, Penley. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion and voting thereon. Agenda Item 9 – 2023/24 Quarter 1 Revenue Budget Update Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones - 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 and voting thereon. Councillors Brian Cameron and Dana Davies - 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 thereon. Agenda Item 13 – Wrexham Placemaking Plan Councillor Andy Gallanders Personal - Town centre business owner. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon.
In accordance with Section 5.8.17 of the Council’s Constitution, a Member submitted a question relating to the census and population trend in Wrexham. An Officer and the Lead Member for Place - Economy and Regeneration responded to the question accordingly.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the report presented by Councillor Carrie Harper, in her capacity as Chair for the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee, be welcomed, and the Committee Members be thanked for the work undertaken to date on this topic. (ii) That the Welsh Government’s commitment to undertake a wholesale review of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 be noted and that Officers be recommended to await the publication of the wider national Policy Review prior to any further work being undertaken on the matter of Post-16 School Transport. (iii) That Welsh Government be asked to confirm the timescale of their review on the Learner Travel (Wales) 2008 Measure and report back to the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee once the response has been received. Reason for decision To await the outcome of the Welsh Government’s wholesale review of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008, thereby avoiding the potential for abortive works.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 12 above) The Chair of the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee submitted a report (COGC/55/23S) to advise Members of the outcome of discussions of the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee regarding the current challenges within the provision of school transport, and the specific area of post-16 transport. A detailed discussion ensued and the following points were highlighted during the debate: · Concern that 6th form students were at a disadvantage to others as neighbouring authorities funded transport. Furthermore, pupils were not guaranteed seats on paid transport. · Recognition that a high percentage of teachers in secondary schools were former pupils of that school which proved that retaining students within the area helped with recruitment in the future. · Recognition by the Lead Member that whilst acknowledging the concerns expressed, there was a huge problem with the overall budget which needed to be addressed. · Commitment by the Lead Member to continue to work with the Scrutiny Committee in order to address their concerns. RESOLVED – (i) That the report presented by Councillor Carrie Harper, in her capacity as Chair for the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee, be welcomed, and the Committee Members be thanked for the work undertaken to date on this topic. (ii) That the Welsh Government’s commitment to undertake a wholesale review of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 be noted and that Officers be recommended to await the publication of the wider national Policy Review prior to any further work being undertaken on the matter of Post-16 School Transport. (iii) That Welsh Government be asked to confirm the timescale of their review on the Learner Travel (Wales) 2008 Measure and report back to the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee once the response has been received. Reason for decision To await the outcome of the Welsh Government’s wholesale review of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008, thereby avoiding the potential for abortive works.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the challenging national and local context for bus services be noted. (ii) That the proposed approach, as outlined in paragraphs 2.7 and 2.8 of report COET/16/23, to invest in local bus services for 2023/24 and 2024/25 (subject to budget approval processes) be approved, in order for appropriate procurement work to commence. (iii) That following the procurement process Members will be kept advised on progress. Reasons for decisions (i) To invest Wrexham County Borough Council funding into local bus services which improve connectivity for communities and individuals. (ii) To provide stimulus to the local bus market, which has been struggling through and since the Covid-19 pandemic; with a view to making bus travel a more viable, attractive and realistic travel option for people in Wrexham.
The Lead Member for Housing submitted a report (COET/16/23) asking Members to consider the Council’s strategy for investment in local bus services in the 2023/24 financial year. RESOLVED - (i) That the challenging national and local context for bus services be noted. (ii) That the proposed approach, as outlined in paragraphs 2.7 and 2.8 of report COET/16/23, to invest in local bus services for 2023/24 and 2024/25 (subject to budget approval processes) be approved, in order for appropriate procurement work to commence. (iii) That following the procurement process Members will be kept advised on progress. Reasons for decisions (i) To invest Wrexham County Borough Council funding into local bus services which improve connectivity for communities and individuals. (ii) To provide stimulus to the local bus market, which has been struggling through and since the Covid-19 pandemic; with a view to making bus travel a more viable, attractive and realistic travel option for people in Wrexham.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That Agenda Item 13 – Wrexham Placemaking Plan be brought forward for consideration at this time.
RESOLVED – That Agenda Item 13 – Wrexham Placemaking Plan be brought forward for consideration at this time.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the feedback from the public engagement activities be noted and the amended Placemaking Plan, as attached at Appendix 3 to report COEP/32/23 be approved. (ii) That the Chief Officer Economy & Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member for Place – Economy & Regeneration, be authorised to progress with work on exploring delivery vehicles to support the implementation of the Placemaking Plan and report back to the Executive Board in the autumn of 2023. Reason for decisions To progress the implementation of the Placemaking Plan.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 12 above) The Lead Member for Place – Economy and Regeneration submitted a report (COEP/32/33) asking Members to adopt the Placemaking Plan following a period of public engagement. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. The Chair of the Employment Business and Investment Scrutiny then gave a presentation to Members advising that Scrutiny had considered the Plan at their Meeting last week and would be receiving a future report on the model of the Plan. A discussion ensued and the following points were highlighted: · Confirmation that significant investment had been allocated to this project, including grant funding that had been ringfenced. · Confirmation that the recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee would be endorsed. RESOLVED - (i) That the feedback from the public engagement activities be noted and the amended Placemaking Plan, as attached at Appendix 3 to report COEP/32/23 be approved. (ii) That the Chief Officer Economy & Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member for Place – Economy & Regeneration, be authorised to progress with work on exploring delivery vehicles to support the implementation of the Placemaking Plan and report back to the Executive Board in the autumn of 2023. Reason for decisions To progress the implementation of the Placemaking Plan.
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 7 to 16 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the capital outturn for 2022/23 be noted. (ii) The quarter 1 rolling programme for 2023/24 to 2024/25 as detailed in appendices 2 and 3 to report COFI/15/23 be approved. 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.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/15/23) to advise Members of the 2022/23 Capital Programme outturn and to review the 2023/24 – 2024/25 Capital Programme position as at the end of quarter 1 2023/24. RESOLVED - (i) That the capital outturn for 2022/23 be noted. (ii) The quarter 1 rolling programme for 2023/24 to 2024/25 as detailed in appendices 2 and 3 to report COFI/15/23 be approved. 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 Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2022/23 be noted. (ii) That the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2023/24 be noted. Reason for decisions (i) To comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code and Code of Practice on Treasury Management.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/17/23) to present the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for the financial year ended 31 March 2023 and the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2023/24. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A discussion ensued and the following points were raised: · Concern in relation to capital underspends on the Wrexham Gateway project. Delays could have an impact on the cost of materials which were rising due to inflation. · Concern at not being able to afford to fund the current levels of borrowing. · Importance of ensuring that Welsh Quality Housing Standards continued to be met. · Confirmation that treasury indicators were governed by the activity on the capital programme but there was an underlying need to borrow long term in order to support the capital position. RESOLVED - (i) That the Treasury Management Outturn report and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2022/23 be noted. (ii) That the Quarter 1 Review of Prudential Indicators for 2023/24 be noted. Reason for decisions (i) To comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code and Code of Practice on Treasury Management.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the 2023/24 Q1 budgetary forecast position for the year be noted. (ii) That in light of the pressures forecast, immediate actions are taken to mitigate the budget forecast. Where delegation sits with Chief Officers, actions to bring the budget back in line with the approved budget will be implemented by Chief Officers, in consultation and agreement with the appropriate Lead Member and the Leader and the Deputy Leader of the Council. (iii) That the increase in charges for green waste collection to £35 from 1st August 2023 be approved. (iv) That a review of car parking charges and sickness absence management policies be approved. (v) That that formal notice be given for the cancellation of the PCSO contract provision. (vi) That the corporate budget mitigation measures attached as Appendix 5 to report COFI/14/23 be noted. (vii) That these matters be dealt with as urgent items of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution due to the necessity to take action urgently to address the budget position. Reasons for decisions To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address the budget pressures forecast.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 12 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/14/23) to inform Members of the Council’s 2023/24 current budgetary position for the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year, including the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A detailed discussion ensued, during which the following points were highlighted: · Recognition that there were increasing pressures on all Departments, particularly the Environment Department who were regularly dealing with emergencies as a result of inclement weather. · Confirmation that charges for green waste collection had been significantly lower than those of neighbouring Authorities. · Consideration would be given to whether it would be necessary to collect green waste in January and February in order to reduce the amount of diesel used by vehicles carrying out these collections. · Confirmation that a review of gulley emptying would be taking place. · Concerns regarding equality impact assessments and how the most vulnerable people would be protected during remodelling of services. · Confirmation that strict processes were followed as part of the procurement procedure. · Suggestion that Scrutiny Committees may need to look at particular aspects of what was being proposed. · Members were advised about the work that was going on within Children’s Social Care, particularly with regards to integrating children back into County placements, and encouraging more foster carers. RESOLVED – (i) That the 2023/24 Q1 budgetary forecast position for the year be noted. (ii) That in light of the pressures forecast, immediate actions are taken to mitigate the budget forecast. Where delegation sits with Chief Officers, actions to bring the budget back in line with the approved budget will be implemented by Chief Officers, in consultation and agreement with the appropriate Lead Member and the Leader and the Deputy Leader of the Council. (iii) That the increase in charges for green waste collection to £35 from 1st August 2023 be approved. (iv) That a review of car parking charges and sickness absence management policies be approved. (v) That that formal notice be given for the cancellation of the PCSO contract provision. (vi) That the corporate budget mitigation measures attached as Appendix 5 to report COFI/14/23 be noted. (vii) That these matters be dealt with as urgent items of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution due to the necessity to take action urgently to address the budget position. Reasons for decisions To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address the budget pressures forecast.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the ‘Council Plan Annual Performance Report 2022/23’ as outlined in Appendix A to report CE/21/23 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 Lead Member for Finance and Performance and the Lead Member for Partnerships and Community Safety submitted a joint report (CE/21/23) to set out the draft Council Plan Annual Performance Report 2022/23 in order to provide an assessment of performance against the Council Plan 2020-23. RESOLVED - (i) That the ‘Council Plan Annual Performance Report 2022/23’ as outlined in Appendix A to report CE/21/23 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.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That this item be deferred until September 2023.
RESOLVED - That this item be deferred until September 2023.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the Chief Officer Housing, in consultation with the Lead Member for Assets, be authorised to negotiate and conclude the terms and conditions, including determination of boundaries and make a freehold transfer or grant of a 999 year lease to SG Estates/The Estate Management Company of the area (as shown edged red on Appendix 2 to report COH/27/23). (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to publish notice of the Council’s intention to dispose of the land by way of freehold transfer or 999 year lease (as shown edged red on Appendix 2) forming informal public open space in accordance with Section 123 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972; and (iii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to report to the Executive Board on any objections received to the intended disposal of the site forming informal public open space but that in the absence of objections the land is disposed of as set out in the report. Reason for decisions To enable the Council to make a freehold transfer or enter into a 999 year lease with SG Estates Ltd/Management Company for the land at Pocket Park. This will enable the footpath across the neighbouring development site to be diverted, in accordance with the Sec106 Agreement, through the Pocket Park, thereby closing the dangerous crossing over the railway line. The scheme will also safeguard the future management of the ecological environment of Pocket Park and remove the financial burden from WCBC
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COH/27/23) to seek approval to sell or grant a 999 year lease of an area of land which currently forms part of the Bersham Enterprise Park. RESOLVED - (i) That the Chief Officer Housing, in consultation with the Lead Member for Assets, be authorised to negotiate and conclude the terms and conditions, including determination of boundaries and make a freehold transfer or grant of a 999 year lease to SG Estates/The Estate Management Company of the area (as shown edged red on Appendix 2 to report COH/27/23). (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to publish notice of the Council’s intention to dispose of the land by way of freehold transfer or 999 year lease (as shown edged red on Appendix 2) forming informal public open space in accordance with Section 123 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972; and (iii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer be authorised to report to the Executive Board on any objections received to the intended disposal of the site forming informal public open space but that in the absence of objections the land is disposed of as set out in the report. Reason for decisions To enable the Council to make a freehold transfer or enter into a 999 year lease with SG Estates Ltd/Management Company for the land at Pocket Park. This will enable the footpath across the neighbouring development site to be diverted, in accordance with the Sec106 Agreement, through the Pocket Park, thereby closing the dangerous crossing over the railway line. The scheme will also safeguard the future management of the ecological environment of Pocket Park and remove the financial burden from WCBC
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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