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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 2024/25 budgetary forecast for the year based on the position as at 31 December as set out in report COFI/04/25 be noted. 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 – (i) That the Capital Programme as at Quarter 3, as detailed in appendices 1, 2 and 3 of report COFI/05/25 be approved. (ii) That the capital receipts policy outlined in paragraph 2.6 and 4.7 of the report be continued. (iii) That the Quarter 3 Treasury Management Activity in Appendix 4 be noted. Reason for decision This report follows an earlier monitoring report in November 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 – That the Executive Board: (i) Agree to enter into a Partnering and Funding Agreement, as set out in Appendix 2 of report COGC/15/25 whereby the role of Accountable body, responsibility for the delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal and funding arrangements for the Growth Deal are transferred to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee on or before the 31st of March 2025. (ii) Agree to novate and assign as required the delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal and rights and obligations in all incoming funding agreement held by Cyngor Gwynedd as Accountable Body on behalf of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board (“NWEAB”) transfer to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee (“NWCJC”). (iii) Agree to transfer and novate and or assign all interests in the portfolio of projects funded by the North Wales Growth Deal together with any ancillary agreements, charges and leases from Cyngor Gwynedd as Accountable Body on behalf of NWEAB to the NWCJC. (iv) Agree to the transfer and /or assignment of all financial balances, monies due and assets as held on behalf of the North Economic Ambition Board by Cyngor Gwynedd to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee. (v) Delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, to agree and execute the final form agreements, deeds and all other legal documents necessary to implement the transfers referred to at recommendations (i), (ii) and (iii) above. (vi) That on completion of the Partnering and Funding Agreement agree to the termination of the GA2 agreement and the winding up of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board Joint Committee. (vii) Agree to the transfer of accountability to the CJC and that the CJC accept responsibility for decision making for the implementation of the North Wales Growth Deal subject to novation of the Growth Deal and approval of additional Standing Orders incorporating the key terms of the Joint Working Agreement (“GA2”) between the 6 Constituent Councils and 4 Education parties. Reason for decisions Following the in-principle decisions of the executives of Conwy County Borough Council, Denbighshire County Council, Flintshire County Borough Council, Cyngor Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey County Council, Wrexham County Borough Council (the “Constituent Councils”); to transfer the implementation of the North Wales Growth Deal to the NWCJC the report makes recommendations for decisions to implement and facilitate the proposed transfer on or before 31 March 2025.
RESOLVED – (i) That the proposed consultation response as set out in report COET/09/25 be approved. (ii) That the Executive Board note the concerns regarding the proposed change of legislation with bus franchising as highlighted within the consultation response and endorse further representations to Welsh Government on behalf of the Council around funding arrangements. Wrexham Council will not support local decision making or accountability being taken away from local authorities for bus services. (iii) That the ongoing work of officers and Members in highlighting the positon of the Council in relation to the A483 be supported, that is; Wrexham Council wish to secure assurances from the Welsh Government that alleviation of congestion at junctions 3-6 will be a key focus of future funding. It is considered critical by Wrexham Council that the appropriate financial resource is committed to completing the works in full to address the historic congestion. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure Wrexham Council have representation and input into the proposals which can be publically accessible. (ii) The positon of the Council regarding the A483 works is clearly noted.
RESOLVED – (i) That the appropriation of The Opportunities Centre, Hampden Way, Plas Madoc, LL14 3US from the Economy & Planning Department to the Education Department on terms and conditions to be negotiated by the Chief Officer Housing and Chief Officer Economy & Planning, the Lead Member for Assets and the Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism be recognised. (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer formally document the appropriation of the building shown in Appendix 1a and 1b of report COEEI/07/25. (iii) That Officers be given approval to consult with the relevant parties regarding the proposal to establish a new provision at the Centre for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). (iv) That a further report be submitted to the Executive Board in July 2025 which will detail feedback from the consultation and seek their approval for a preferred way forward. (v) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with 5.8.10(m) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To formalise the transfer of the building currently known as ‘The Opportunities Centre’ in Plas Madoc from Economy & Planning to Education. (ii) To facilitate the creation of a new provision for pupils with additional learning needs and ensure there are appropriate and sufficient school places within the County Borough for pupils with additional learning needs. (iii) To assist the Council in its duty to ensure that the children and young people of Wrexham are being afforded the education and learning opportunities they deserve, which includes providing suitable learning environments and monitoring the demand for school places. (iv) To improve the suitability and viability of the school estate. (v) To develop sustainable learning environments.
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Brian Cameron and Robert Walsh.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 February 2025 be signed as a correct record.
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 – 7 in his capacity as Lead Member for Finance and Performance. (Councillor David A Bithell in the Chair)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the 2024/25 budgetary forecast for the year based on the position as at 31 December as set out in report COFI/04/25 be noted. 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/04/25) to inform Members of the Council’s 2024/25 current budgetary position as at 31December 2024, including the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). Presenting the report the Lead Member referred to the forecast pressure outlined in the report should the level of demand and cost continue. In respect of social care it had been assessed that £1.1m of savings will not be achieved this year however officers were confident that these savings could be achieved next year and so will carry forward. The Lead Member and Chief Officer Finance and ICT then responded to Member questions in respect of the range of mitigations used to support the in-year position. RESOLVED – That the 2024/25 budgetary forecast for the year based on the position as at 31 December as set out in report COFI/04/25 be noted. 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 – (i) That the Capital Programme as at Quarter 3, as detailed in appendices 1, 2 and 3 of report COFI/05/25 be approved. (ii) That the capital receipts policy outlined in paragraph 2.6 and 4.7 of the report be continued. (iii) That the Quarter 3 Treasury Management Activity in Appendix 4 be noted. Reason for decision This report follows an earlier monitoring report in November 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/05/25) to review the 2024/25 and future years’ capital programme as at the end of Quarter 3 2024/25 and Treasury Management Activity. The Lead Member advised that the revised capital receipts policy approved by Executive Board in February2024 would remain in place for 2025/26. A further report in respect of the capital programme would be submitted to the July meeting. In response to a Member question officers confirmed that further information in respect of grants and revenue match funding would be provided. RESOLVED – (i) That the Capital Programme as at Quarter 3, as detailed in appendices 1, 2 and 3 of report COFI/05/25 be approved. (ii) That the capital receipts policy outlined in paragraph 2.6 and 4.7 of the report be continued. (iii) That the Quarter 3 Treasury Management Activity in Appendix 4 be noted. Reason for decision This report follows an earlier monitoring report in November 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 – That the Executive Board: (i) Agree to enter into a Partnering and Funding Agreement, as set out in Appendix 2 of report COGC/15/25 whereby the role of Accountable body, responsibility for the delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal and funding arrangements for the Growth Deal are transferred to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee on or before the 31st of March 2025. (ii) Agree to novate and assign as required the delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal and rights and obligations in all incoming funding agreement held by Cyngor Gwynedd as Accountable Body on behalf of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board (“NWEAB”) transfer to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee (“NWCJC”). (iii) Agree to transfer and novate and or assign all interests in the portfolio of projects funded by the North Wales Growth Deal together with any ancillary agreements, charges and leases from Cyngor Gwynedd as Accountable Body on behalf of NWEAB to the NWCJC. (iv) Agree to the transfer and /or assignment of all financial balances, monies due and assets as held on behalf of the North Economic Ambition Board by Cyngor Gwynedd to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee. (v) Delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, to agree and execute the final form agreements, deeds and all other legal documents necessary to implement the transfers referred to at recommendations (i), (ii) and (iii) above. (vi) That on completion of the Partnering and Funding Agreement agree to the termination of the GA2 agreement and the winding up of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board Joint Committee. (vii) Agree to the transfer of accountability to the CJC and that the CJC accept responsibility for decision making for the implementation of the North Wales Growth Deal subject to novation of the Growth Deal and approval of additional Standing Orders incorporating the key terms of the Joint Working Agreement (“GA2”) between the 6 Constituent Councils and 4 Education parties. Reason for decisions Following the in-principle decisions of the executives of Conwy County Borough Council, Denbighshire County Council, Flintshire County Borough Council, Cyngor Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey County Council, Wrexham County Borough Council (the “Constituent Councils”); to transfer the implementation of the North Wales Growth Deal to the NWCJC the report makes recommendations for decisions to implement and facilitate the proposed transfer on or before 31 March 2025.
The Lead Member for Finance and Performance submitted a report (COGC/15/25) to agree the arrangements for the transfer of the North Wales Growth Deal and funding arrangements to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee. The Lead Member and Monitoring Officer responded to Member questions in respect of governance arrangements, statutory and non-statutory sub-committees and regional scrutiny arrangements. Further updates would be provided to the Executive Board as governance arrangements evolved. It was requested that once the governance provisions were finalised they be shared with all Members. RESOLVED – That the Executive Board: (i) Agree to enter into a Partnering and Funding Agreement, as set out in Appendix 2 of report COGC/15/25 whereby the role of Accountable body, responsibility for the delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal and funding arrangements for the Growth Deal are transferred to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee on or before the 31st of March 2025. (ii) Agree to novate and assign as required the delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal and rights and obligations in all incoming funding agreement held by Cyngor Gwynedd as Accountable Body on behalf of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board (“NWEAB”) transfer to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee (“NWCJC”). (iii) Agree to transfer and novate and or assign all interests in the portfolio of projects funded by the North Wales Growth Deal together with any ancillary agreements, charges and leases from Cyngor Gwynedd as Accountable Body on behalf of NWEAB to the NWCJC. (iv) Agree to the transfer and /or assignment of all financial balances, monies due and assets as held on behalf of the North Economic Ambition Board by Cyngor Gwynedd to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee. (v) Delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, to agree and execute the final form agreements, deeds and all other legal documents necessary to implement the transfers referred to at recommendations (i), (ii) and (iii) above. (vi) That on completion of the Partnering and Funding Agreement agree to the termination of the GA2 agreement and the winding up of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board Joint Committee. (vii) Agree to the transfer of accountability to the CJC and that the CJC accept responsibility for decision making for the implementation of the North Wales Growth Deal subject to novation of the Growth Deal and approval of additional Standing Orders incorporating the key terms of the Joint Working Agreement (“GA2”) between the 6 Constituent Councils and 4 Education parties. Reason for decisions Following the in-principle decisions of the executives of Conwy County Borough Council, Denbighshire County Council, Flintshire County Borough Council, Cyngor Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey County Council, Wrexham County Borough Council (the “Constituent Councils”); to transfer the implementation of the North Wales Growth Deal to the NWCJC the report makes recommendations for decisions to implement and facilitate the proposed transfer on or before 31 March 2025.
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 proposed consultation response as set out in report COET/09/25 be approved. (ii) That the Executive Board note the concerns regarding the proposed change of legislation with bus franchising as highlighted within the consultation response and endorse further representations to Welsh Government on behalf of the Council around funding arrangements. Wrexham Council will not support local decision making or accountability being taken away from local authorities for bus services. (iii) That the ongoing work of officers and Members in highlighting the positon of the Council in relation to the A483 be supported, that is; Wrexham Council wish to secure assurances from the Welsh Government that alleviation of congestion at junctions 3-6 will be a key focus of future funding. It is considered critical by Wrexham Council that the appropriate financial resource is committed to completing the works in full to address the historic congestion. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure Wrexham Council have representation and input into the proposals which can be publically accessible. (ii) The positon of the Council regarding the A483 works is clearly noted.
The Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change submitted a report (COET/09/25) to advise Members of the latest position with the developing Regional Transport Plan and to recommend a proposed response to the public consultation exercise. During debate reference was made to the importance of ensuring that local transport networks served Wrexham and local communities. Concern was expressed regarding rural transport services. The Lead Member reported that discussions were ongoing regarding the cross party transport working group and the decarbonisation working group and how they could contribute effectively to the council’s priorities. RESOLVED – (i) That the proposed consultation response as set out in report COET/09/25 be approved. (ii) That the Executive Board note the concerns regarding the proposed change of legislation with bus franchising as highlighted within the consultation response and endorse further representations to Welsh Government on behalf of the Council around funding arrangements. Wrexham Council will not support local decision making or accountability being taken away from local authorities for bus services. (iii) That the ongoing work of officers and Members in highlighting the positon of the Council in relation to the A483 be supported, that is; Wrexham Council wish to secure assurances from the Welsh Government that alleviation of congestion at junctions 3-6 will be a key focus of future funding. It is considered critical by Wrexham Council that the appropriate financial resource is committed to completing the works in full to address the historic congestion. Reasons for decisions (i) To ensure Wrexham Council have representation and input into the proposals which can be publically accessible. (ii) The positon of the Council regarding the A483 works is clearly noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the appropriation of The Opportunities Centre, Hampden Way, Plas Madoc, LL14 3US from the Economy & Planning Department to the Education Department on terms and conditions to be negotiated by the Chief Officer Housing and Chief Officer Economy & Planning, the Lead Member for Assets and the Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism be recognised. (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer formally document the appropriation of the building shown in Appendix 1a and 1b of report COEEI/07/25. (iii) That Officers be given approval to consult with the relevant parties regarding the proposal to establish a new provision at the Centre for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). (iv) That a further report be submitted to the Executive Board in July 2025 which will detail feedback from the consultation and seek their approval for a preferred way forward. (v) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with 5.8.10(m) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To formalise the transfer of the building currently known as ‘The Opportunities Centre’ in Plas Madoc from Economy & Planning to Education. (ii) To facilitate the creation of a new provision for pupils with additional learning needs and ensure there are appropriate and sufficient school places within the County Borough for pupils with additional learning needs. (iii) To assist the Council in its duty to ensure that the children and young people of Wrexham are being afforded the education and learning opportunities they deserve, which includes providing suitable learning environments and monitoring the demand for school places. (iv) To improve the suitability and viability of the school estate. (v) To develop sustainable learning environments.
The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COEEI/07/25) for Members of the Executive Board to recognise the appropriation of The Opportunities Centre, Hampden Way, Plas Madoc, LL14 3US from the Economy & Planning Department to the Education Department and to seek permission to begin a period of consultation relating to the establishment of a new provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in the Centre. The following correction to paragraph 2.5 of the report was noted – The Education provision would be established for up to 18 pupils in Key Stages 3 and 4 with Additional Learning Needs. The Lead Member and officer responded to Member questions in respect of the following: · the Welsh Language element of the Integrated Impact Assessment and issues relating to the system · the budget for the scheme. Noted that funding from Welsh Government’s Additional Learning Needs grant will be used to fund the project · support for the project which will provide additional capacity for ALN learners and provide savings from reducing out of county placements · requested that the local member be kept informed RESOLVED – (i) That the appropriation of The Opportunities Centre, Hampden Way, Plas Madoc, LL14 3US from the Economy & Planning Department to the Education Department on terms and conditions to be negotiated by the Chief Officer Housing and Chief Officer Economy & Planning, the Lead Member for Assets and the Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism be recognised. (ii) That the Chief Officer Governance & Customer formally document the appropriation of the building shown in Appendix 1a and 1b of report COEEI/07/25. (iii) That Officers be given approval to consult with the relevant parties regarding the proposal to establish a new provision at the Centre for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). (iv) That a further report be submitted to the Executive Board in July 2025 which will detail feedback from the consultation and seek their approval for a preferred way forward. (v) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with 5.8.10(m) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To formalise the transfer of the building currently known as ‘The Opportunities Centre’ in Plas Madoc from Economy & Planning to Education. (ii) To facilitate the creation of a new provision for pupils with additional learning needs and ensure there are appropriate and sufficient school places within the County Borough for pupils with additional learning needs. (iii) To assist the Council in its duty to ensure that the children and young people of Wrexham are being afforded the education and learning opportunities they deserve, which includes providing suitable learning environments and monitoring the demand for school places. (iv) To improve the suitability and viability of the school estate. (v) To develop sustainable learning environments.
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 13, 14, 15 and 17 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).
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