Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED – (i) That the ‘Council Plan Annual Performance Report 2023/24’ as outlined in Appendix A of report CE/12/24 be approved for publication. (ii) That the Council Plan Performance Management Framework for Year 2 of the Council Plan (Appendix C) be supported. (iii) That a report on sickness/absence be brought to Executive Board in six months. Reasons for decisions (i) 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 objection received during the Statutory Notice period in relation to the proposal to consult on the increase in pupil capacity at St. Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo be noted. (ii) That Officers be given approval to proceed with the proposal to increase the pupil capacity at St. Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo from 154 to 210, or if required to 315 as a result of future housing developments. (iii) That an update report be brought to Executive Board in twelve months. Reasons for decisions (i) The Council has a duty to ensure that the children and young people of Wrexham are being offered the education and learning opportunities they deserve, which includes providing suitable learning environments and meeting the demand for school places. (ii) To improve the condition and suitability of the education estate. (iii) To develop sustainable learning environments. (iv) To support the community served by St Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo.
RESOLVED – (i) That the Director’s Report for 2023/24 and the improvement priorities for 2024/25 be approved for publication in September 2024. (ii) That Officers be supported to progress improvement priorities. Reasons for decisions (i) The Annual ‘Director’s Report’ is intended to provide a clear picture of the performance of Social Services in Wrexham. Its publication will ensure requirements placed upon the Statutory Director of Social Services are fulfilled under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act regulations. It will also enable Regulators to use the report to assist in determining the inspection programme for Social Services in Wrexham.
RESOLVED - That the making of the new City Centre Traffic Regulation Order as advertised be approved. Reason for decision (i) To ensure the road network supports the regeneration works within the City Centre (ii) That an update report be brought to Executive Board in twelve months.
RESOLVED – (i) That the Policy on the Use and Management of Council Vehicles with an effective implementation date of 1 January 2025 be approved. (ii) That the Chief Officer Environment & Technical, with overall responsibility for the Council’s Fleet Operating Licence, be authorised to oversee the consistent implementation of this Policy and its compliance levels. (iii) That all Service areas shall review operational and standby arrangements in line with this Policy to ensure most efficient use of commercial fleet vehicles and include any projects as part of our efficiency and savings programme. (iv) That a further report be submitted six months after implementation of the Policy to understand the consistent application of the Policy ensuring compliance across all Service Areas. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure we have a resilient, safe and efficient strategy covering our workplace transport requirements. (ii) Provide assurance that all professional and commercial fleet transport requirements are delivered in the most cost effective manner. (iii) To deliver a Workplace Travel Strategy that will ensure consistency in operation and management of our travel requirements and flag the milestones and next steps to deliver against our financial and ecological challenges.
An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor Hugh Jones.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 29 July 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 6 – Proposal to consult on the increase in pupil capacity at St. Mary’s Brymbo – Objection Report Councillors Gary Brown and Phil Wynn – Personal – Council appointed representative on the Wrexham (Parochial) Education Foundation The Councillors remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion and, in the case of the Executive Board Member, voting thereon. Agenda Item 8 – Review of Traffic Management and Traffic Regulation Orders in Wrexham City Centre Councillor Andy Gallanders – Personal – Town Centre Business Owner. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon.
In accordance with Section 5.8.16 of the Council’s Constitution, a member of the public submitted a question relating to the proposed Housing Estate, Gatewen Road, Broughton. In the absence of the Lead Member for Strategic Planning and Public Protection, the Chief Officer Economy & Planning responded to the question accordingly.
The Leader vacated the Chair, and the Vice-Chair, Councillor David A Bithell, presided over the next item on the Agenda to enable the Leader to present Agenda item 5 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the ‘Council Plan Annual Performance Report 2023/24’ as outlined in Appendix A of report CE/12/24 be approved for publication. (ii) That the Council Plan Performance Management Framework for Year 2 of the Council Plan (Appendix C) be supported. (iii) That a report on sickness/absence be brought to Executive Board in six months. Reasons for decisions (i) 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 report (CE/12/24) asking Members to consider the Council’s Annual Performance Report, prior to publication on the Council’s website, and to consider the Council Plan Performance Management Framework for Year 2 of the Council Plan 2023-28. The Lead Member presented the report and moved the recommendations contained within it. A discussion ensued and the following points were highlighted during the debate: · Assurances were sought that standards with regards to supporting pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) would be maintained. The Lead Member confirmed that the number of children presenting with ALN were on the increase, but Members and Officers were committed to ensuring that children did not have to travel out of county for their education. · Clarification sought in relation to the application of individual ratings on each of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Officers confirmed that there was a mix of ratings against individual measures which contributed to an overall summary position. It was noted that the overall rating for each of the priorities was approved by members of the Priority Board. · Reference was made to the staff absence rates which were slightly lower than for the same period last year. It was noted that a further report on this issue would come back to Executive Board in six months. · Confirmation that plans were in place to address those areas that were not yet on target. RESOLVED – (i) That the ‘Council Plan Annual Performance Report 2023/24’ as outlined in Appendix A of report CE/12/24 be approved for publication. (ii) That the Council Plan Performance Management Framework for Year 2 of the Council Plan (Appendix C) be supported. (iii) That a report on sickness/absence be brought to Executive Board in six months. Reasons for decisions (i) 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 objection received during the Statutory Notice period in relation to the proposal to consult on the increase in pupil capacity at St. Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo be noted. (ii) That Officers be given approval to proceed with the proposal to increase the pupil capacity at St. Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo from 154 to 210, or if required to 315 as a result of future housing developments. (iii) That an update report be brought to Executive Board in twelve months. Reasons for decisions (i) The Council has a duty to ensure that the children and young people of Wrexham are being offered the education and learning opportunities they deserve, which includes providing suitable learning environments and meeting the demand for school places. (ii) To improve the condition and suitability of the education estate. (iii) To develop sustainable learning environments. (iv) To support the community served by St Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 36 above) The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COEEI/13/24) to provide Members with the outcomes of the recent statutory notice period relating to the proposal to consult on the increase in pupil capacity at St. Mary’s Brymbo. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A discussion ensued and the following points were highlighted: · Clarification sought regarding the timetable for opening. The Lead Member advised that the aim was to open the new School in September 2026, but Members would be updated on progress. · Confirmation that the objection, which was detailed in the report, had been satisfactorily addressed. · Confirmation by the Lead Member that whilst Executive Board Members would be kept informed during the process, the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee would receive reports regularly at their Meetings. · Suggestion that a further report be presented to Executive Board in twelve months to update on the progress made to date. RESOLVED – (i) That the objection received during the Statutory Notice period in relation to the proposal to consult on the increase in pupil capacity at St. Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo be noted. (ii) That Officers be given approval to proceed with the proposal to increase the pupil capacity at St. Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo from 154 to 210, or if required to 315 as a result of future housing developments. (iii) That an update report be brought to Executive Board in twelve months. Reasons for decisions (i) The Council has a duty to ensure that the children and young people of Wrexham are being offered the education and learning opportunities they deserve, which includes providing suitable learning environments and meeting the demand for school places. (ii) To improve the condition and suitability of the education estate. (iii) To develop sustainable learning environments. (iv) To support the community served by St Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School in Brymbo.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Director’s Report for 2023/24 and the improvement priorities for 2024/25 be approved for publication in September 2024. (ii) That Officers be supported to progress improvement priorities. Reasons for decisions (i) The Annual ‘Director’s Report’ is intended to provide a clear picture of the performance of Social Services in Wrexham. Its publication will ensure requirements placed upon the Statutory Director of Social Services are fulfilled under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act regulations. It will also enable Regulators to use the report to assist in determining the inspection programme for Social Services in Wrexham.
The Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Well-being and the Lead Member for Children’s and Family Services submitted a report (COSC/16/24) providing Members with a draft version of the Social Services Director’s Report for 2023/24, including the improvement priorities for 2024/25 for consideration. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued and the following points were highlighted: · Welcome news that there had been a reduction in the number of agency staff within the Department as many had now been appointed in house. · Acknowledgement that the report focussed on future aspirations, and having a more child-centred approach, and work was also ongoing to ensure that every child had the best start in life. · Collectively Members were pleased at the progress which had been made, but acknowledged that there were still challenges. · Request that future reports include comparisons with the past three years which would assist in monitoring progress. · Members wished to thank the Chief Officer and his staff for all their hard work in what was an extremely challenging service. RESOLVED – (i) That the Director’s Report for 2023/24 and the improvement priorities for 2024/25 be approved for publication in September 2024. (ii) That Officers be supported to progress improvement priorities. Reasons for decisions (i) The Annual ‘Director’s Report’ is intended to provide a clear picture of the performance of Social Services in Wrexham. Its publication will ensure requirements placed upon the Statutory Director of Social Services are fulfilled under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act regulations. It will also enable Regulators to use the report to assist in determining the inspection programme for Social Services in Wrexham.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the making of the new City Centre Traffic Regulation Order as advertised be approved. Reason for decision (i) To ensure the road network supports the regeneration works within the City Centre (ii) That an update report be brought to Executive Board in twelve months.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 36 above) The Lead Member for Environmental Services submitted a report (COET/29/24) asking Members to determine revised Traffic Regulation Orders for controlling traffic in the City Centre. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A discussed ensued and the following points were raised: · A number of Members welcomed the proposals as the Traffic Order would help to improve pedestrian safety and improve the night time economy of the City Centre. One Member was concerned that the evening economy was reliant on taxis collecting passengers from the City Centre and sought assurances that this would be addressed. Officers advised that the traffic lights would need to be reconfigured on St. Giles Way to allow access during the evening, but they would look at the possibility of this in further detail. · Concern that businesses could be affected as the proposals restricted the time allowed for deliveries. Officers advised that all businesses had been contacted directly about the proposals, and deliveries could still be made up until 11.30am. · Confirmation that a review would be undertaken shortly on the traffic flow to ensure it was fit for purpose. · The Lead Member advised that North Wales Police had seen an increase in vehicle speed in the City Centre, and as a result, some temporary barriers were installed during the August bank holiday weekend, stopping vehicles from entering the City Centre. The feedback following the trial had shown that there had been an increase in the number of visitors coming into the City Centre. · Suggestion that a further report come back to Executive Board in twelve months to review the Order. RESOLVED - That the making of the new City Centre Traffic Regulation Order as advertised be approved. Reason for decision (i) To ensure the road network supports the regeneration works within the City Centre (ii) That an update report be brought to Executive Board in twelve months.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the Policy on the Use and Management of Council Vehicles with an effective implementation date of 1 January 2025 be approved. (ii) That the Chief Officer Environment & Technical, with overall responsibility for the Council’s Fleet Operating Licence, be authorised to oversee the consistent implementation of this Policy and its compliance levels. (iii) That all Service areas shall review operational and standby arrangements in line with this Policy to ensure most efficient use of commercial fleet vehicles and include any projects as part of our efficiency and savings programme. (iv) That a further report be submitted six months after implementation of the Policy to understand the consistent application of the Policy ensuring compliance across all Service Areas. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure we have a resilient, safe and efficient strategy covering our workplace transport requirements. (ii) Provide assurance that all professional and commercial fleet transport requirements are delivered in the most cost effective manner. (iii) To deliver a Workplace Travel Strategy that will ensure consistency in operation and management of our travel requirements and flag the milestones and next steps to deliver against our financial and ecological challenges.
The Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change submitted a report (COET/31/24) asking Members to consider a policy on the use and management of Council vehicles as the Council has a duty to manage its fleet of vehicles in line with current tax rules, insurance requirements and statutory regulations. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A Member expressed concern that the larger vehicles sometimes caused parking problems in residential areas with on street parking. It was noted that Chief Officers would be asked to review the policy and ensure that staff members were paying consideration to residents and parking appropriately. RESOLVED – (i) That the Policy on the Use and Management of Council Vehicles with an effective implementation date of 1 January 2025 be approved. (ii) That the Chief Officer Environment & Technical, with overall responsibility for the Council’s Fleet Operating Licence, be authorised to oversee the consistent implementation of this Policy and its compliance levels. (iii) That all Service areas shall review operational and standby arrangements in line with this Policy to ensure most efficient use of commercial fleet vehicles and include any projects as part of our efficiency and savings programme. (iv) That a further report be submitted six months after implementation of the Policy to understand the consistent application of the Policy ensuring compliance across all Service Areas. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure we have a resilient, safe and efficient strategy covering our workplace transport requirements. (ii) Provide assurance that all professional and commercial fleet transport requirements are delivered in the most cost effective manner. (iii) To deliver a Workplace Travel Strategy that will ensure consistency in operation and management of our travel requirements and flag the milestones and next steps to deliver against our financial and ecological challenges.
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 Paragraphs 12, 14 and 17 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
The council hasn't recorded attendance for this meeting.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.