Agenda and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors J. Chamberlain-Jones (Chair), J.M. Davies, P.A. Evans, E.A. Jones, W.M. Mullen-James, B. Mellor, D. Owens, T.M. Parry, A.G. Pennington, D. Simmons and D.I. Smith.

Members to declare any personal or prejudicial interests in any business identified to be considered at this meeting.

The following interests were identified in business items to be considered at the meeting.

Councillors Raymond Bartley, Brian Blakeley, Janet Ann Davies, T. Rhys Hughes, Bill Tasker and Geraint Lloyd-Williams all declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 9 – Council Response to Betsi Cadwaladr UHB Service Reviews.

Notice of items which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972.

No items were raised which in the opinion of the Chair, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972.

To note the civic engagements undertaken by the Chairman of the Council (copy attached).

A list of civic engagements undertaken for the Council by the Chair and Vice Chair, for the period 3^rd August, 2012 to 20^th September, 2012, had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.

RESOLVED – that the list civic engagements undertaken for the Council by the Chair and Vice Chair be received and noted.

To receive minutes of the meeting of County Council held on 11^th September, 2012 (copy enclosed).

The minutes of the Council meeting held on the 11^th September, 2012 were submitted.

Accuracy:-

6.  NHS Service Reviews – Councillor H. Hilditch-Roberts explained that he had submitted a question requesting details, from BCUHB, of the evidence provided in respect of the decision to choose Denbigh Infirmary as a hub rather than Ruthin Hospital.

RESOLVED – that, subject to the above, the minutes of the Council meeting held on the 11^th September, 2012 be confirmed as a correct record.

To consider a report by the Corporate Improvement Team Manager (copy enclosed) which sought approval of the Council’s draft Annual Performance Report for 2011-12.

A copy of a report by the Corporate Improvement Team Manager, which sought approval of the Council’s draft Annual Performance Report for 2011-12, had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.

The Council was required to publish an annual report of its performance by the 31^st October each year and a decision was required to approve the draft Annual Performance Review 2011-12, which had been included as Appendix I to the report.

The Lead Member for Modernisation and Performance, Councillor B.A. Smith, introduced the report and explained that the Corporate Plan 2009-12 set the strategic direction for the Authority and the publication of the annual Corporate Plan Delivery Document for 2011-12 outlined how it intended to contribute to the delivery of its Corporate Plan during that financial year.  Each Council service produced a service plan for 2011-12 to describe how it intended to contribute to the delivery of agree outcomes for the communities of Denbighshire.  The Annual Performance report provided a retrospective evaluation of the Council’s success in delivering against the plans during 2011-12, and provided an indication as to whether the Council had successfully fulfilled its obligation to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement.

The Annual Performance Review included a specific evaluation of the Council’s success in delivering its corporate priorities.  It evaluated its performance in relation to the key indicators and performance measures, and indicated how the corporate priorities had impacted locally within the six areas of Denbighshire.  The Council had delivered its pledge to become a High Performing Council, Close to its Communities and Councillor Smith explained that the aim of providing an honest and balanced view of the Council’s performance had been achieved.  A number of challenges remained and these had formed the basis for the development of the new Corporate Plan.

Details of the consultations undertaken had been included in the report.  However, it was confirmed that an Equality Impact Assessment had not been undertaken in respect of this report. 

The following responses were provided to questions and issues raised by Members:-

·        Page 22 - officers agreed to ensure the language sign post in the Annual Report was amended and Welsh version positioned ahead of English in accordance with the Council’s policy.

·        Page 24, Road and Flood Defences – officers agreed to seek clarification and provide details in relation to Welsh Government funding for the flood relief schemes in Rhyl and Corwen.

·        Page 25, Priority Area, Highways – The Chief Executive informed Members that a recommendation would be submitted to the Partnerships Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet not to proceed with the merger of the Denbighshire and Conwy Highways Departments.  He confirmed that this would not affect the investment made by Denbighshire and assured Members that the project in question would be secure.  The Chief Executive responded to concerns expressed by Members and explained that the situation should not be presented as a failure of collaboration but viewed as Denbighshire having been proactive in assessing and responding to the options available. 

·        Page 63, Denbigh Area – it was agreed that officers seek clarification and provide details in relation to Tai Clwyd funding for the development relating to the relocation of Youth Services.  Councillor C.L. Hughes confirmed that funding had not yet been secured.

·        Page 25, Priority Area, Highways – The Chief Executive explained that the Government stance in respect of the introduction of Collaboration had not changed, and if not progressed voluntarily other alternatives could be imposed.  The purpose of collaboration had been to deliver major savings.  However, there would be initial financial implications involved in merging which, in the case of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To consider a report by the Corporate Improvement Team Manager (copy enclosed) which sought approval of the final draft version of the Corporate Plan 2012/17

A copy of a report by the Corporate Improvement Team Manager, which sought approval of the Council’s draft Corporate Plan 2012-17, had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.  Members were informed that a decision would be required to approve the final draft version of the Corporate Plan 2012-17, attached as Appendix I to the report. 

The Leader, Councillor H.H. Evans introduced the report and explained that although the work of improving Denbighshire was not yet complete, the foundations were now in place and ambitions should now be realised.  Achievements from the Corporate Plan 2008/12 were outlined and reference made to the Authority’s attainment as High Performing Council, however, opportunities for improvement were recognised.  The Leader referred to the two practical challenges encompassed in the Plan which were the need to monitor and measure the effectiveness of the priorities, and ensure the Corporate Plan was responding to the needs of the residents.  The four values for which Denbighshire stood, Unity, Respect, Integrity and Pride were highlighted for Members.

The Chief Executive explained that the Corporate Plan was a high level strategic document developed to guide the direction of the Council for the next 5 years, with the £134m investment in the delivery of key priorities including a major investment of £97 million in education.  The Corporate Plan had been prepared within the policy and financial context for Welsh Local Authorities and defined the Council’s top strategic priorities and clearly set out its ambitions for the future.  The Council had been transformed over the last 5 years and was now viewed as being proactive rather than reactive, and the Chief Executive explained that he was confident that the Senior Management Team would maintain the high standards now being achieved, with political and officer leadership being an important ingredient for success.

Members were informed that the draft Corporate Plan would look at the following key areas:-

·           Improving performance in education and the quality of school buildings

·           Developing the local economy

·           Improving roads

·           Vulnerable people are protected and are able to live as independently as possible

·           Clean and tidy streets

·           Ensuring access to good quality housing

·           Modernising the council to deliver efficiencies and improve services for customers.

Key proposals for investment for the five year period would include:-

·           £97 million in improving school buildings, implementing area reviews, refurbishment and other improvements to schools.

·           £10.4 million investment in roads

·           £21 million in three extra care facilities across the county

·           £2 million investment in the economy.

·           £4 million in information communication technology (ICT) and office building assets.

It was anticipated that Welsh Government grants would assist the funding of planned work to improve schools and roads, with other partners being likely to contribute to planned extra care housing projects.  A total of £78 million would be found from a range of sources including funding generated through prudential borrowing.

The Chief Executive explained that the Corporate Plan had a clear focus on improving services for customers with the Council being committed to becoming more responsive to the needs of customers.  The delivery of the Corporate Plan would transform the lives of people in Denbighshire and create a legacy for the future.  He confirmed that each of the priorities would be approached in a different way with differing timescales and financial investment requirements.  Priorities focussing on the economy and education would have timescales beyond the five years of the Plan.  Although real progress would be expected in these priority areas, with the full benefits being realised beyond 2017.  

The need to become more cost-effective would be essential with the introduction flexible working methods.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To consider a report by the Planning Policy Officer (copy enclosed) on the Consultation of the World Heritage Site Supplementary Planning Guidance document.

A copy of a report by the Head of Planning, Regeneration and Regulatory Services, on the consultation of the World Heritage Site Supplementary Planning Guidance (WHS SPG) document, had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.

The Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Youth, Councillor H.L. Jones, provided a detailed summary of the report and explained that Denbighshire had published a series of SPG Notes, with the aim of further explaining policies in the Unitary Development Plan (UDP).  The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal WHS SPG Note also aimed to amplify Local Development Plan (LDP) policies, should the plan be considered 'sound' by the Planning Inspectorate and formally adopted to replace the UDP.

A decision had been sought on whether to formally adopt the WHS SPG to enable its use as a material consideration when determining planning applications.  The WHS SPG would assist the public, developers, Town and Community Councils, Councillors, and officers understand the implications pertaining to development undertaken in the WHS and its surrounding 'Buffer Zone'.

The Planning Policy Manager explained that the WHS and Buffer Zone had been decided, and subsequently designated, in 2009 and could not be changed.  Since 2009, the impact development would have on the WHS with the Buffer Zone having been a material consideration when determining planning applications.  It had not affected which developments could be undertaken without planning permission, or introduce the need for Design and Access Statements which had been a national requirement introduced in 2009.

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal had achieved World Heritage Site status from the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in June 2009, following recognition of its 'Outstanding Universal Value' significant to the whole of humanity.  The 'Buffer Zone' had been established to define the surrounding areas which contributed to the ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ of the World Heritage Site.

In response to observations by Councillor T.R. Hughes regarding the significance of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to the WHS SPG, it was emphasised that the bid had been extended to include the Canal and the Horseshoe Falls to embrace their attributes towards the Aqueduct.

It was confirmed that the WHS SPG had been jointly prepared by Wrexham County Borough Council, Denbighshire County Council and Shropshire Council.  The objective of the Local Planning Authorities responsible for protecting the World Heritage Site had been to manage development in a positive way which supported the vision outlined in the Management Plan.

The content of the draft SPG and the scope and intention to undertake public consultation had been agreed at Planning Committee in August 2011.  Issues arising from the 10 responses received from the consultation process, which extended from the 26^th September to 16^th December 2011, had been summarised in the report.  Detailed consultation responses had been summarised and included in Appendix 1, and these also contained reference of any subsequent amendments to the WHS SPG.  In response to a suggestion from Llangollen Town Council, an informal WHS application checklist had been drafted for applicants and this had been included as Appendix 2.  A summary of the key changes to the document had been incorporated in the report and a final copy of the WHS SPG had been included as Appendix 3.

Llangollen Ward Members expressed concerns that the WHS and the associated buffer zone would introduce and impose development and planning restrictions not applicable in other areas of the County.  It was also felt it would impede economic development for the local area and community, which could discourage investment and in turn reduce employment prospects in the Dee Valley.  The Planning Policy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To consider a report by the Corporate Director: Modernising and Wellbeing (copy enclosed) which recommended a final Council response to the public consultation “Healthcare in North Wales is Changing”.

A copy of a report by the Corporate Director: Modernising and Wellbeing, which recommended a final Council response to the public consultation “Healthcare in North Wales is Changing”, had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.  A copy of an update of amendments to the Council’s response was circulated at the meeting.

The Lead Member for Social Care and Children Services, Councillor R.L. Feeley introduced the report and thanked various individuals and bodies for the assistance provided in producing the response.  Councillor Feeley explained that “Healthcare in North Wales is Changing” and other Service Reviews considered by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) in July, 2012, contained proposals for significant changes to health services across North Wales.  A formal consultation process on the proposals extended from 20^th August to 28^th October and Council had been requested to agree formally the proposed response at Appendix I to the report.

Details of the seven key areas of which     BCUHB had undertaken reviews in the last 2 years had been incorporated in the report.  The result of the reviews “Healthcare in North Wales is Changing: report on service change proposals” had been reported to the BCUHB on 19^th July, 2012.

Council had previously received background information, a summary of the proposals, a copy of the consultation document and a draft response to the proposals prepared by a Working Group of the Partnerships Scrutiny Committee.  Members had also received a presentation by representatives of the Health Board and had been afforded the opportunity to ask questions on key issues.  Following discussions in MAGs, Town and Community Council Cluster meetings, formal consultation meetings organised by BCU and through consultation activities organised by the Community Health Council, the draft consultation response had been amended following a further meeting of the Partnerships Scrutiny Committee Working Group.  The Corporate Director: Modernisation and Well-being provided a summary of the following key amendments which had been highlighted in the report:-

·        the need to have a Strategic Group in place for Denbighshire  to enable ongoing discussion about the detailed implementation of the proposals (paragraph 1.4)

·        stronger wording about the need to have alternative services in place before existing services are closed (paragraphs 1.5, 1.6.4, 1.8.2, 2.3) and for the development of services for carers (Paragraph 1.9.2)

·        a proposal that the Health Board consider developing Denbigh Infirmary and Ruthin Hospital as a “joint hospital hub” with complementary functions (paragraph  1.7)

·        specific support for the delivery of a Minor Injuries Service in Llangollen (paragraph 1.8.3)

It was confirmed that close and integrated working with health services, especially in localities, formed a key part of the Council’s work to respond to demographic change, and the BIG Plan had set out objectives for effective joint working to support families.

Details of the potential costs to BCUHB had been included in paragraph 4.7 of the report to Council on 11^th September.  It was explained that in the process of change, especially as services transferred to communities, increased costs could transfer to local authorities, particular reference being made to adult social care and possible implications for transport provision.  BCUHB had carried out Equality Impact Assessment screening on their proposals and would undertake further work prior to submitting final proposals to the Board.

It was explained that as the proposed changes had not been fully costed the implication on Council services was currently unclear.  Issues such as transport provision would require consideration, and there would be a risk that the additional cost of the provision of more services in the community would inevitably fall on the Council’s social  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To consider the Council’s forward work programme (copy enclosed).

The Senior Solicitor introduced the Council’s Forward Work Programme, previously circulated, and Members agreed the following new items be included in the Forward Work Programme:-

6^th November, 2012:-

·        Welfare Reform.

·        The Role of Champions.

11^th December, 2012:-

·        Budget Workshop.

RESOLVED - that, subject to the above, the Council forward work programme be approved and noted.

Meeting ended at 1.45 p.m.