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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 progress made against the WLGA recommendations attached as Appendix 1 to report COFI/02/25 be supported. Reason for decision To support the actions taken and progress made is in respect of the recommendations made in the WLGA report.
RESOLVED - That the ‘Council Plan Quarter 2 Performance Report 2024/25’ as outlined in Appendix A to report CE/01/25 be approved. Reason for decision To enable the Executive Board to monitor performance against the Council Plan.
RESOLVED - (i) That the outcome of the consultation process be noted. (ii) That the revised formula as detailed in Appendix 1 to report COFI/07/25 for the calculation of schools delegated budgets for 2025- 2026 be approved. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the new formula is applied for the calculation of school’s delegated budgets. (ii) To ensure compliance with the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998. The method of distributing the total available budget to Wrexham schools is transparent, fair and equitable, objective, measurable, predictable, simple and clearly expressed.
RESOLVED – (i) That the sizes and political balance of the Statutory Groups, as set out in Appendix 1 to report COGC/03/25, be agreed, and that the appointment of Members to those seats so as to give effect to the wishes of the Political Groups to which the seats are allocated be agreed. (ii) That the size and political balance (where appropriate) of the Executive Board Sub-Committees and Non-Statutory Groups as set out in Appendix 2 be agreed, and that the appointment of Members to those seats so as to give effect to the wishes of the Political Groups to which the seats are allocated be agreed. (iii) That Group Leaders provide the names of the nominated Councillors to the Chief Officer Governance & Customer within 7 days. (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. Reason for decisions (i) To agree the appointment of Members to the Statutory and Non-Statutory Groups established by the Executive Board. (ii) The reason for urgency is to allow those Members appointed to operate immediately.
RESOLVED - (i) That Wrexham continues to use a Target Rent for each type of property applying 2.7% to current target rents for 2025/26. (ii) That for properties that are below the Target Rents for 2025/26 – an increase of rent of 2.7%. (iii) That for properties at or above the Target Rents for 2025/26 – no rent increase. (iv) That an increase of 2.7% for garage rent to £9.98 (48 week basis) (v) That an increase of 2.7% for garage plots (annual charge £66.14). (vi) That an increase of 2.7% for warden charge to £4.18 per week. (vii) That an increase of 2.7% for charges for Travellers’ plots to £105.10 and £124.35 per week for larger plots (52 week basis). (viii) That the HRA budget for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 1 to report COH/01/25 be approved. (ix) That the HRA Business Plan 2025/26 for submission to Welsh Government (Appendix 5) be approved. (x) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To set the overall rent levels of Council house dwellings for 2025/26 in accordance with the WG rent policy and ensure that the HRA operates with appropriate levels of balance. (ii) To comply with WG’s requirement to produce an annual HRA Business Plan and demonstrate that there is sufficient budget to continue to undertake planned works to ensure that all properties are maintained to the appropriate standard for tenants. (iii) This matter is to be dealt with as an urgent item in order to ensure that the revised rent is implemented with effect from April 2024. There is a requirement under Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 that two months’ notice of a rent increase is given to contract holders. Any delay in serving the notice could impact on the start date of the revised rent with a detrimental impact on the HRA for 2025/26.
RESOLVED – (i) That the results of the formal consultation process be noted. (ii) That the updated Allocations Policy, as detailed at Appendix 1 to report COH/03/25 be approved with a proposed implementation date of 17 March 2025, and the Suitability for Allocation Policy, as detailed at Appendix 3, also be approved. (iii) That a 12 month monitoring period be agreed, in order for the impact of the changes to be evaluated, including regular updates to the relevant committee. Reasons for decisions (i) The Allocations Policy has been reviewed in accordance wi th the WG Code of Guidance for Local Authorities on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness. (ii) The policy review has considered the increase in housing demand across the local authority and the amended policy includes several proposed changes which consider local factors, and seek to make best use of the local authority housing stock. (iii) Details of the consultation responses can be found at Appendix 4 to this report. (iv) The proposed amendments to the 2016 Allocations Policy will ensure that social housing can be allocated to those in the most housing need, and local priorities can continue to be supported across the county borough. (v) The updated policy will comply with the legislative changes introduced under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, to ensure compliance with section 55 of the act. (vi) Failure to approve the proposed amendments to the 2016 policy could impact on the ability to address the increased housing demand across the local authority in the appropriate way. (vii) The policy review has considered the needs of those people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, and seeks to address areas where there is a potential to discriminate, either directly or in-directly. (viii) A review of the changes in 12 months will ensure that the policy addresses the housing demand within the county borough.
An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 December 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 declarations were made: Agenda Item 7. Councillors David A Bithell, Dana Davies, Frank Hemmings, Hugh Jones, Jeremy Kent, Claire Lovett, Stella Matthews, Jeremy Newton, John Pritchard, Graham Rogers, Robert Walsh, Nigel Williams and Robert Ian Williams all declared a Personal and Prejudicial interest in respect of this matter (as an LA appointed school governor). They all claimed the exemption set out in paragraphs 12 (2) (a) (iii) of the Member Code of Conduct and remained in the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon.
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 and 6 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the progress made against the WLGA recommendations attached as Appendix 1 to report COFI/02/25 be supported. Reason for decision To support the actions taken and progress made is in respect of the recommendations made in the WLGA report.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COFI/02/25) to update on the responses to the recommendations made in the financial review by the Welsh Local Government Association reported to Executive Board in February 2024. A discussion ensued and the Lead Member responded to Member questions. During debate reference was made to: · The use of the Scrutiny process to feed into the budget process in a timely manner and to scrutinise previous budgets · Invest to save projects · Refresh of commissioning strategies, particularly in Adult Services · Changes to the Finance development programme and the re-introduction of a development programme for budget holders. Requested that this training be developed for Elected Members also. RESOLVED - That the progress made against the WLGA recommendations attached as Appendix 1 to report COFI/02/25 be supported. Reason for decision To support the actions taken and progress made is in respect of the recommendations made in the WLGA report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - That the ‘Council Plan Quarter 2 Performance Report 2024/25’ as outlined in Appendix A to report CE/01/25 be approved. Reason for decision To enable the Executive Board to monitor performance against the Council Plan.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report CE/01/25 for Executive Board to consider the Council’s Quarter 2 Performance Report 2024/25, which presented an assessment of performance against the Council Plan 2023-28 for approval. The report also set out a summary of how well we performed against our Well-being Objectives and Improvement Priorities in the second quarter of 2024/25 and second year of the Council Plan 2023-2028. Presenting the report the Lead Member thanked Departments for the progress made to date and highlighted performance of note. The Lead Member responded to questions and during debate reference was made to the number of areas not reporting and the level of annual outturn measurements. Officers confirmed that whilst having measures that reported annually in a large number of areas was unavoidable, this was balanced by a range of supporting measures and actions detailed in the scorecard. Feedback on ways to improve measuring performance was welcomed. RESOLVED - That the ‘Council Plan Quarter 2 Performance Report 2024/25’ as outlined in Appendix A to report CE/01/25 be approved. Reason for decision To enable the Executive Board to monitor performance 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 outcome of the consultation process be noted. (ii) That the revised formula as detailed in Appendix 1 to report COFI/07/25 for the calculation of schools delegated budgets for 2025- 2026 be approved. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the new formula is applied for the calculation of school’s delegated budgets. (ii) To ensure compliance with the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998. The method of distributing the total available budget to Wrexham schools is transparent, fair and equitable, objective, measurable, predictable, simple and clearly expressed.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 82 above) The Lead Member for Finance and Performance and the Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COFI/07/25) to advise the Executive Board of the outcome of the consultation process in respect of the full review of the authority’s formula for distributing the school’s delegated budget and to approve the revised formula for school’s delegated budgets from 1 April 2025. Members thanked the Lead Members and Officers for the work undertaken in reviewing the formula in order to provide a transparent, fair and equitable method of distributing the budget available to Wrexham schools. The Lead Member for Education responded to questions and during discussion the following matters were highlighted: · Further information to be circulated to all Members in respect of the adjustment based on pupil numbers and waste management costs for schools. · Midday Supervisors. Noted that it was a matter for school governing bodies to determine the staffing arrangements within individual schools. · Split site allowances. Noted that this may be considered as part of future reviews. · Confirmed that local management of schools legislation required that the LA have a licenced deficit scheme in place. RESOLVED - (i) That the outcome of the consultation process be noted. (ii) That the revised formula as detailed in Appendix 1 to report COFI/07/25 for the calculation of schools delegated budgets for 2025- 2026 be approved. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure that the new formula is applied for the calculation of school’s delegated budgets. (ii) To ensure compliance with the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998. The method of distributing the total available budget to Wrexham schools is transparent, fair and equitable, objective, measurable, predictable, simple and clearly expressed.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the sizes and political balance of the Statutory Groups, as set out in Appendix 1 to report COGC/03/25, be agreed, and that the appointment of Members to those seats so as to give effect to the wishes of the Political Groups to which the seats are allocated be agreed. (ii) That the size and political balance (where appropriate) of the Executive Board Sub-Committees and Non-Statutory Groups as set out in Appendix 2 be agreed, and that the appointment of Members to those seats so as to give effect to the wishes of the Political Groups to which the seats are allocated be agreed. (iii) That Group Leaders provide the names of the nominated Councillors to the Chief Officer Governance & Customer within 7 days. (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. Reason for decisions (i) To agree the appointment of Members to the Statutory and Non-Statutory Groups established by the Executive Board. (ii) The reason for urgency is to allow those Members appointed to operate immediately.
The Monitoring Officer submitted a report COGC/03/25 to carry out a review of appointments to Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels and Working Groups. RESOLVED – (i) That the sizes and political balance of the Statutory Groups, as set out in Appendix 1 to report COGC/03/25, be agreed, and that the appointment of Members to those seats so as to give effect to the wishes of the Political Groups to which the seats are allocated be agreed. (ii) That the size and political balance (where appropriate) of the Executive Board Sub-Committees and Non-Statutory Groups as set out in Appendix 2 be agreed, and that the appointment of Members to those seats so as to give effect to the wishes of the Political Groups to which the seats are allocated be agreed. (iii) That Group Leaders provide the names of the nominated Councillors to the Chief Officer Governance & Customer within 7 days. (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. Reason for decisions (i) To agree the appointment of Members to the Statutory and Non-Statutory Groups established by the Executive Board. (ii) The reason for urgency is to allow those Members appointed to operate immediately.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That Wrexham continues to use a Target Rent for each type of property applying 2.7% to current target rents for 2025/26. (ii) That for properties that are below the Target Rents for 2025/26 – an increase of rent of 2.7%. (iii) That for properties at or above the Target Rents for 2025/26 – no rent increase. (iv) That an increase of 2.7% for garage rent to £9.98 (48 week basis) (v) That an increase of 2.7% for garage plots (annual charge £66.14). (vi) That an increase of 2.7% for warden charge to £4.18 per week. (vii) That an increase of 2.7% for charges for Travellers’ plots to £105.10 and £124.35 per week for larger plots (52 week basis). (viii) That the HRA budget for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 1 to report COH/01/25 be approved. (ix) That the HRA Business Plan 2025/26 for submission to Welsh Government (Appendix 5) be approved. (x) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To set the overall rent levels of Council house dwellings for 2025/26 in accordance with the WG rent policy and ensure that the HRA operates with appropriate levels of balance. (ii) To comply with WG’s requirement to produce an annual HRA Business Plan and demonstrate that there is sufficient budget to continue to undertake planned works to ensure that all properties are maintained to the appropriate standard for tenants. (iii) This matter is to be dealt with as an urgent item in order to ensure that the revised rent is implemented with effect from April 2024. There is a requirement under Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 that two months’ notice of a rent increase is given to contract holders. Any delay in serving the notice could impact on the start date of the revised rent with a detrimental impact on the HRA for 2025/26.
The Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change submitted a report (CHH/01/25) to seek Members’ agreement on the budget for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2025/26, approve the resulting rent levels and for Members to approve the HRA Business Plan 2025/26 for submission to Welsh Government (WG). Presenting the report the Lead Member thanked all staff in the Housing service for their work. During debate the Lead Member responded to questions in respect of the work being undertaken by the department in respect of the recovery of doubtful debts and consultation responses. RESOLVED - (i) That Wrexham continues to use a Target Rent for each type of property applying 2.7% to current target rents for 2025/26. (ii) That for properties that are below the Target Rents for 2025/26 – an increase of rent of 2.7%. (iii) That for properties at or above the Target Rents for 2025/26 – no rent increase. (iv) That an increase of 2.7% for garage rent to £9.98 (48 week basis) (v) That an increase of 2.7% for garage plots (annual charge £66.14). (vi) That an increase of 2.7% for warden charge to £4.18 per week. (vii) That an increase of 2.7% for charges for Travellers’ plots to £105.10 and £124.35 per week for larger plots (52 week basis). (viii) That the HRA budget for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 1 to report COH/01/25 be approved. (ix) That the HRA Business Plan 2025/26 for submission to Welsh Government (Appendix 5) be approved. (x) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To set the overall rent levels of Council house dwellings for 2025/26 in accordance with the WG rent policy and ensure that the HRA operates with appropriate levels of balance. (ii) To comply with WG’s requirement to produce an annual HRA Business Plan and demonstrate that there is sufficient budget to continue to undertake planned works to ensure that all properties are maintained to the appropriate standard for tenants. (iii) This matter is to be dealt with as an urgent item in order to ensure that the revised rent is implemented with effect from April 2024. There is a requirement under Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 that two months’ notice of a rent increase is given to contract holders. Any delay in serving the notice could impact on the start date of the revised rent with a detrimental impact on the HRA for 2025/26.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the results of the formal consultation process be noted. (ii) That the updated Allocations Policy, as detailed at Appendix 1 to report COH/03/25 be approved with a proposed implementation date of 17 March 2025, and the Suitability for Allocation Policy, as detailed at Appendix 3, also be approved. (iii) That a 12 month monitoring period be agreed, in order for the impact of the changes to be evaluated, including regular updates to the relevant committee. Reasons for decisions (i) The Allocations Policy has been reviewed in accordance wi th the WG Code of Guidance for Local Authorities on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness. (ii) The policy review has considered the increase in housing demand across the local authority and the amended policy includes several proposed changes which consider local factors, and seek to make best use of the local authority housing stock. (iii) Details of the consultation responses can be found at Appendix 4 to this report. (iv) The proposed amendments to the 2016 Allocations Policy will ensure that social housing can be allocated to those in the most housing need, and local priorities can continue to be supported across the county borough. (v) The updated policy will comply with the legislative changes introduced under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, to ensure compliance with section 55 of the act. (vi) Failure to approve the proposed amendments to the 2016 policy could impact on the ability to address the increased housing demand across the local authority in the appropriate way. (vii) The policy review has considered the needs of those people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, and seeks to address areas where there is a potential to discriminate, either directly or in-directly. (viii) A review of the changes in 12 months will ensure that the policy addresses the housing demand within the county borough.
The Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change submitted a report (COH/03/25) to present Executive Board Members with the results of the formal consultation exercise carried out between February and May 2024, following the review of the Allocations Policy and to request that Executive Board Members agree to the adoption of the updated Allocations Policy at Appendix 1. Tribute was paid to the Lead Member and Officers for the work undertaken in updating the policy and the contribution of the members of the Homes and Environment Scrutiny Committee. A discussion ensued and the Lead Member responded to questions accordingly. The implementation date of 17 March 2025 was confirmed. RESOLVED – (i) That the results of the formal consultation process be noted. (ii) That the updated Allocations Policy, as detailed at Appendix 1 to report COH/03/25 be approved with a proposed implementation date of 17 March 2025, and the Suitability for Allocation Policy, as detailed at Appendix 3, also be approved. (iii) That a 12 month monitoring period be agreed, in order for the impact of the changes to be evaluated, including regular updates to the relevant committee. Reasons for decisions (i) The Allocations Policy has been reviewed in accordance wi th the WG Code of Guidance for Local Authorities on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness. (ii) The policy review has considered the increase in housing demand across the local authority and the amended policy includes several proposed changes which consider local factors, and seek to make best use of the local authority housing stock. (iii) Details of the consultation responses can be found at Appendix 4 to this report. (iv) The proposed amendments to the 2016 Allocations Policy will ensure that social housing can be allocated to those in the most housing need, and local priorities can continue to be supported across the county borough. (v) The updated policy will comply with the legislative changes introduced under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, to ensure compliance with section 55 of the act. (vi) Failure to approve the proposed amendments to the 2016 policy could impact on the ability to address the increased housing demand across the local authority in the appropriate way. (vii) The policy review has considered the needs of those people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, and seeks to address areas where there is a potential to discriminate, either directly or in-directly. (viii) A review of the changes in 12 months will ensure that the policy addresses the housing demand within the county borough.
RESOLVED - That the press and public be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following items as it was 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).
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 14 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
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