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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 proposed amendments to the Allocations Policy form the basis of a formal consultation exercise with stakeholders. (ii) That a further report be brought back to Executive Board in July 2024, following consultation with key stakeholders and elected Members. Reasons for decisions (i) The Allocations Policy has been reviewed in accordance with the Code of Guidance for Local Authorities on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness. (ii) The proposed amendments are being put forward, following a review of the demand for housing in Wrexham and the challenges in meeting that demand. (iii) Consultation with key stakeholders on the proposals will help to ensure that in areas where there is discretion to reflect local priorities, the Allocations Policy will continue to address the housing demand across the local authority in the appropriate way. (iv) A Nomination Agreement is in place between Wrexham Council and the RSL partners owning properties within the local authority area. Consultation with these key partners will ensure that best use will be made of all existing and new housing stock across the county borough.
RESOLVED – That Members note the 2023/24 budgetary forecast for the year based on the Quarter 3 position. Reason for decision To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address the budget pressures forecast.
RESOLVED – That Council be recommend to approve the revisions to the MRP Policy as: (i) Option 3 (Asset Life Annuity Method) to be used for calculating MRP on Council Fund outstanding supported and unsupported borrowing as at 31 March 2023. This represents a change from Option 3 (Asset Life Straight Line Method) as approved by Council on 15 February 2023. (ii) Option 3 (Asset Life Straight Line Method 50 years) to be used for calculating HRA MRP on outstanding unsupported borrowing incurred prior to 1 April 2021 as at 31 March 2023. This represents a change from Option 3 (Asset Life Straight Line Method 25 years) as approved by Council on 15 February 2023. (iii) For Invest to Save loans, Option 3 (Asset Life Annuity Method) to be used for calculating MRP. This is a change from the previous MRP Policy whereby MRP on Invest to Save loans was determined by the actual loan repayments. Reason for decisions To enable the Council to make a prudent provision for the repayment of debt.
RESOLVED - (i) That the rolling programme for 2023/24 to 2024/25 as detailed in appendices 2 and 3 to report COFI/05/24 be approved. (ii) That the revised Capital receipts policy as detailed in paragraph 4.13 be approved. (iii) That the Quarter 3 Treasury Management Activity in Appendix 4 be noted. (iv) That the Capital Receipts Policy be reviewed by Executive Board. Reasons for decisions (i) This report follows an earlier monitoring report in October in compliance with Financial Regulation 3.13 that requires that the Chief Officer Finance & ICT monitors and reports to Members on the Capital Programme. (ii) Local Authorities are required under the Local Government Act 2003 to comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance. The indicators presented in Appendix 4 fulfil the requirements of the Code.
RESOLVED – (i) That the service measures noted in Appendix 1 to report COFI/07/24, contributing £1.657m to the budget position in 2024/25 be approved. (ii) That the savings proposals of £2.7m to contribute to the financial resilience of social care budgets be approved. (iii) That the service measures listed under Appendix 1 Housing & Assets (Free Breakfast & School catering) be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(am)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To approve the third set of items to support the delivery of a balanced budget for 2024/25 and beyond. (ii) To note the impact of proposals to deliver sustainable social care budgets, alongside the growth assumed in budget plans for 2024/25. (iii) The reason for urgency is to allow immediate communications to be sent out in relation to the changes.
RESOLVED – (i) That the progress made to date be noted. (ii) That the ‘Wrexham Football Strategic Vision and Plan’, attached as Appendix 1 to report COET/06/24 be approved. Reason for decisions (i) To approve the proposed Strategic Vision and Plan and enable the work of the Wrexham Football Partnership to progress.
RESOLVED – (i) That the recommendations from the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group for the amendment to project 083 – Wrexham Tennis Centre Transformation Project be approved. (ii) That this matter is dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reason for decisions For Members to consider the recommendations from the ‘Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Stakeholder Group’ to agree to material changes to SPF Project Reference 083 - Wrexham Tennis Centre Transformation Project. The reason for urgency is to ensure that the project is able to progress with works within the time limited SPF process and to complete works within the agreed timescales.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 24 January 2024 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 10 – Wrexham Strategic Football Development – Wrexham Football Strategic Vision and Plan Councillor Phil Wynn – Personal – LEA Governor at Ysgol Clywedog linked with Brickfield Rangers FC Youth football club. The Councillor remained in the Meeting taking part in the discussion and voting thereon. Agenda Items 11 and 14 - Shared Prosperity Fund - Change to Project 083 - Wrexham Regional Tennis Centre Transformation Project Councillor Stella Matthews – Personal - Director of Splash which was mentioned in the debate. The Councillor remained in the Meeting taking part in the discussion thereon.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the proposed amendments to the Allocations Policy form the basis of a formal consultation exercise with stakeholders. (ii) That a further report be brought back to Executive Board in July 2024, following consultation with key stakeholders and elected Members. Reasons for decisions (i) The Allocations Policy has been reviewed in accordance with the Code of Guidance for Local Authorities on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness. (ii) The proposed amendments are being put forward, following a review of the demand for housing in Wrexham and the challenges in meeting that demand. (iii) Consultation with key stakeholders on the proposals will help to ensure that in areas where there is discretion to reflect local priorities, the Allocations Policy will continue to address the housing demand across the local authority in the appropriate way. (iv) A Nomination Agreement is in place between Wrexham Council and the RSL partners owning properties within the local authority area. Consultation with these key partners will ensure that best use will be made of all existing and new housing stock across the county borough.
The Lead Member for Housing submitted a report (COH/06/24) to update Members on the proposed amendments to the current Allocations Policy, and to request agreement for the proposals to form the basis of the formal consultation process with stakeholders. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A Member raised concerns that the “first refusal” change to the current policy could disproportionately affect women who may experience difficulties in taking children to school if their new property was located in an area that was further away from the school. It also could impact on those women suffering from domestic abuse as the new housing offer could be in the vicinity of the perpetrator and wider family. RESOLVED – (i) That the proposed amendments to the Allocations Policy form the basis of a formal consultation exercise with stakeholders. (ii) That a further report be brought back to Executive Board in July 2024, following consultation with key stakeholders and elected Members. Reasons for decisions (i) The Allocations Policy has been reviewed in accordance with the Code of Guidance for Local Authorities on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness. (ii) The proposed amendments are being put forward, following a review of the demand for housing in Wrexham and the challenges in meeting that demand. (iii) Consultation with key stakeholders on the proposals will help to ensure that in areas where there is discretion to reflect local priorities, the Allocations Policy will continue to address the housing demand across the local authority in the appropriate way. (iv) A Nomination Agreement is in place between Wrexham Council and the RSL partners owning properties within the local authority area. Consultation with these key partners will ensure that best use will be made of all existing and new housing stock across the county borough.
The Leader vacated the Chair, and the Vice-Chair, Councillor David A Bithell, presided over the remaining items on the Agenda to enable the Leader to present Agenda items 6 to 15 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That Members note the 2023/24 budgetary forecast for the year based on the Quarter 3 position. Reason for decision To ensure robust budget monitoring arrangements for the financial year and that action is taken to address the budget pressures forecast.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/04/24) to inform Members of the Council’s current budgetary position for the third 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 debate ensued and the following points were raised: · Clarification sought with regards to whether the transportation of vulnerable children to out of county schools was included in the statutory provision. Members were advised that the Learner Travel Wales Measure specified that transport was required to be provided for those children to attend the most appropriate education provision, which for some children, may mean out of county if that was the closest school that provided for their needs. · Concern at the negative impact the additional pressures on schools would have in other areas, such as social care. · Suggestion that in order to be accurate in forecasting, it needed to be recognised that some areas were under pressure, but others were under funded where there was not enough funding in the cash limited budget to deliver that particular service. The importance of ensuring that Departments were managing budgets and working within the cash limited budget was highlighted. · Confirmation that a team of Officers were currently carrying out a review of the functioning and operation of Ty Pawb, including the low use of the car park and a significant increase in energy costs. · Confidence given that the budget would be balanced by the end of March without unplanned use of reserves. RESOLVED – That Members note the 2023/24 budgetary forecast for the year based on the Quarter 3 position. Reason for decision 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 – That Council be recommend to approve the revisions to the MRP Policy as: (i) Option 3 (Asset Life Annuity Method) to be used for calculating MRP on Council Fund outstanding supported and unsupported borrowing as at 31 March 2023. This represents a change from Option 3 (Asset Life Straight Line Method) as approved by Council on 15 February 2023. (ii) Option 3 (Asset Life Straight Line Method 50 years) to be used for calculating HRA MRP on outstanding unsupported borrowing incurred prior to 1 April 2021 as at 31 March 2023. This represents a change from Option 3 (Asset Life Straight Line Method 25 years) as approved by Council on 15 February 2023. (iii) For Invest to Save loans, Option 3 (Asset Life Annuity Method) to be used for calculating MRP. This is a change from the previous MRP Policy whereby MRP on Invest to Save loans was determined by the actual loan repayments. Reason for decisions To enable the Council to make a prudent provision for the repayment of debt.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/06/24) to seek approval for a revision to the MRP Policy for 2023/24. RESOLVED – That Council be recommend to approve the revisions to the MRP Policy as: (i) Option 3 (Asset Life Annuity Method) to be used for calculating MRP on Council Fund outstanding supported and unsupported borrowing as at 31 March 2023. This represents a change from Option 3 (Asset Life Straight Line Method) as approved by Council on 15 February 2023. (ii) Option 3 (Asset Life Straight Line Method 50 years) to be used for calculating HRA MRP on outstanding unsupported borrowing incurred prior to 1 April 2021 as at 31 March 2023. This represents a change from Option 3 (Asset Life Straight Line Method 25 years) as approved by Council on 15 February 2023. (iii) For Invest to Save loans, Option 3 (Asset Life Annuity Method) to be used for calculating MRP. This is a change from the previous MRP Policy whereby MRP on Invest to Save loans was determined by the actual loan repayments. Reason for decisions To enable the Council to make a prudent provision for the repayment of debt.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the rolling programme for 2023/24 to 2024/25 as detailed in appendices 2 and 3 to report COFI/05/24 be approved. (ii) That the revised Capital receipts policy as detailed in paragraph 4.13 be approved. (iii) That the Quarter 3 Treasury Management Activity in Appendix 4 be noted. (iv) That the Capital Receipts Policy be reviewed by Executive Board. Reasons for decisions (i) This report follows an earlier monitoring report in October in compliance with Financial Regulation 3.13 that requires that the Chief Officer Finance & ICT monitors and reports to Members on the Capital Programme. (ii) Local Authorities are required under the Local Government Act 2003 to comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance. The indicators presented in Appendix 4 fulfil the requirements of the Code.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/05/24) to review the 2023/24 – 2024/25 Capital Programme position as at the end of the Quarter 3 2023/24 and Treasury Management Activity. RESOLVED - (i) That the rolling programme for 2023/24 to 2024/25 as detailed in appendices 2 and 3 to report COFI/05/24 be approved. (ii) That the revised Capital receipts policy as detailed in paragraph 4.13 be approved. (iii) That the Quarter 3 Treasury Management Activity in Appendix 4 be noted. (iv) That the Capital Receipts Policy be reviewed by Executive Board. Reasons for decisions (i) This report follows an earlier monitoring report in October in compliance with Financial Regulation 3.13 that requires that the Chief Officer Finance & ICT monitors and reports to Members on the Capital Programme. (ii) Local Authorities are required under the Local Government Act 2003 to comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance. The indicators presented in Appendix 4 fulfil the requirements of the Code.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the service measures noted in Appendix 1 to report COFI/07/24, contributing £1.657m to the budget position in 2024/25 be approved. (ii) That the savings proposals of £2.7m to contribute to the financial resilience of social care budgets be approved. (iii) That the service measures listed under Appendix 1 Housing & Assets (Free Breakfast & School catering) be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(am)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To approve the third set of items to support the delivery of a balanced budget for 2024/25 and beyond. (ii) To note the impact of proposals to deliver sustainable social care budgets, alongside the growth assumed in budget plans for 2024/25. (iii) The reason for urgency is to allow immediate communications to be sent out in relation to the changes.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/07/24) to approve a third set of measures and processes to deliver a balanced budget in 2024/25 and note corporate measures that will contribute to reducing the budget gap. The Lead Member presented the report and moved an additional recommendation that the service measures regarding breakfast and school catering be dealt with as an urgent item of business to allow immediate communications to be sent out in relation to the changes. A detailed debate ensued and serious concern was expressed collectively with regards to the budget pressures on schools. The Lead Member acknowledged the concerns raised, and confirmed that clarification was still awaited on the terms and conditions of any grant funding, but this information would be shared with Members as soon as it was available. Whilst the concern was acknowledged, Members were reminded that the school budgets were still in draft and Officers were doing lots of work with Headteachers to look at their individual budgets. RESOLVED – (i) That the service measures noted in Appendix 1 to report COFI/07/24, contributing £1.657m to the budget position in 2024/25 be approved. (ii) That the savings proposals of £2.7m to contribute to the financial resilience of social care budgets be approved. (iii) That the service measures listed under Appendix 1 Housing & Assets (Free Breakfast & School catering) be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(am)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To approve the third set of items to support the delivery of a balanced budget for 2024/25 and beyond. (ii) To note the impact of proposals to deliver sustainable social care budgets, alongside the growth assumed in budget plans for 2024/25. (iii) The reason for urgency is to allow immediate communications to be sent out in relation to the changes.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the progress made to date be noted. (ii) That the ‘Wrexham Football Strategic Vision and Plan’, attached as Appendix 1 to report COET/06/24 be approved. Reason for decisions (i) To approve the proposed Strategic Vision and Plan and enable the work of the Wrexham Football Partnership to progress.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 92 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COET/06/24) to update Members on the progress of strategic football development in Wrexham and to present the ‘Wrexham Football Strategic Vision and Plan’, which aims to ensure that everyone has access to quality, inclusive and sustainable facilities. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. The following points were raised: · Confirmation by Officers that a partnership approach for the improvement of football facilities across Wrexham was being developed which included engagement work with communities and clubs to understand their requirements. · Recognition that progressing early with some of the agreed actions should put the Authority in a good position to access funding whenever opportunities arose. · Contributions to Officers, the FAW and the North East Wales FA for the hard work undertaken. · Importance of ensuring that the provision of other sports should also be considered. · Concern at the damage caused to pitches from repeated use, and the need therefore to explore other options, such as creating more 3G pitches, and encouraging schools to open their facilities at a weekend which would enable them to generate some income. RESOLVED – (i) That the progress made to date be noted. (ii) That the ‘Wrexham Football Strategic Vision and Plan’, attached as Appendix 1 to report COET/06/24 be approved. Reason for decisions (i) To approve the proposed Strategic Vision and Plan and enable the work of the Wrexham Football Partnership to progress.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the recommendations from the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group for the amendment to project 083 – Wrexham Tennis Centre Transformation Project be approved. (ii) That this matter is dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reason for decisions For Members to consider the recommendations from the ‘Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Stakeholder Group’ to agree to material changes to SPF Project Reference 083 - Wrexham Tennis Centre Transformation Project. The reason for urgency is to ensure that the project is able to progress with works within the time limited SPF process and to complete works within the agreed timescales.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 92 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COEP/05/24) to consider the recommendations from the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Stakeholder Group’ to agree to material changes to SPF Project Reference 083 - Wrexham Tennis Centre Transformation Project. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points for discussion. Officers advised that the original proposal included the provision of two acrylic courts, but following consultation with the community, this had now been removed. RESOLVED – (i) That the recommendations from the Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund Stakeholder Group for the amendment to project 083 – Wrexham Tennis Centre Transformation Project be approved. (ii) That this matter is dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10(m)) of the Council’s Constitution. Reason for decisions For Members to consider the recommendations from the ‘Wrexham City and County Borough UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Stakeholder Group’ to agree to material changes to SPF Project Reference 083 - Wrexham Tennis Centre Transformation Project. The reason for urgency is to ensure that the project is able to progress with works within the time limited SPF process and to complete works within the agreed timescales.
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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