Issue - meetings

To consider a report by Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation (copy enclosed) updating Cabinet on the delegated decisions and actions taken following the Cabinet meeting held on 21 May 2024.

RESOLVED that Cabinet note and support the information included in, and appended to, the report, including the appointment as Chair of the new Rhyl Board and the proposed membership of the Board.

Councillor Jason McLellan presented the report updating Cabinet on the delegated decisions and actions taken as part of the UK Government’s Long Term Plan for Towns initiative and levelling up programme following the Cabinet meeting held on 21 May 2024.

Cabinet was advised of the actions undertaken by 3 June 2024 which included the appointment of Adam Roche as Chair of the Rhyl Town Board together with details of the Board Structure, Terms of Reference, Conflict of Interest Policy and Town Boundaries form.  The information submitted to the UK Government had been appended to the report.  Cabinet was also advised of actions required by the Board to be undertaken by 1 November 2024 which included: agree Governance; agree an engagement plan; undertake a data review; undertake public engagement; develop the 10-year vision and develop the delivery plan for the first 3-year period.

Councillor Joan Butterfield raised some procedural questions regarding the appointment process for the Chair of the Town Board and its membership and the information submitted to the UK Government.  She also asked that consideration be given to appointing two Rhyl Town Councillors to the Board.  In response to issues raised, and further questions from members, the Leader, Councillor Barry Mellor, and the Corporate Director: Environment and Economy responded as follows –

·       reiterated the reasoning behind Cabinet’s delegation of actions to enable the tasks to be completed within the tight timescale to meet the funding deadline, and all stakeholders had been kept informed on the process and progress made

·       provided a detailed explanation of the rigorous nomination and appointment process for the Chair of the Town Board (including criteria, selection, interview, scoring matrix, and use of a consultant) and merits of the appointment of Adam Roche to that role together with the membership of the Board taking account of the guidance provided in terms of statutory and non-statutory representatives

·       the guidance had suggested between 12 – 15 members and the Board had been made up of 16 members: 5 statutory and 11 non-statutory to enable good representation of relevant sectors.  There may also be opportunity for subgroups to be formed with wider input from those sectors aligned to the three themes

·       there was no statutory requirement for a representative of Rhyl Town Council but in recognition of their important role, a Rhyl Town Councillor had been included on the Board. The balance of elected representatives and those from community, business and other sectors was considered appropriate and in line with the guidance

·       assurances had been provided that there would be continuity for the programme going forward if there was a change in government following the election.

In closing, the Leader referred to the expectation that the Town Board would be working with all elected members in Rhyl going forward for the benefit of the town.

RESOLVED that Cabinet note and support the information included in, and appended to, the report, including the appointment as Chair of the new Rhyl Board and the proposed membership of the Board.

At this point (11.40 am) the meeting adjourned for a refreshment break.