Agenda and draft minutes

Councillors Bill Cowie, Rhys Hughes, Bob Murray and David Simmons

Cabinet Members – Councillors Bobby Feeley, David Smith and Eryl Williams

Councillor Brian Blakeley declared a personal interest in agenda item 5 – Police and Crime Commissioner because he was the Council’s representative on the North Wales Police and Crime Panel.

Councillors Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Martyn Holland, Anton Sampson, Cheryl Williams and Cefyn Williams declared a personal interest in agenda item 6 – Denbighshire’s Draft Home to School Transport Policy because they were school governors.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts also declared a personal interest in agenda item 9 – Scrutiny Work Programme because reference was made to the local Nat West Bank closures and he ran Ruthin Post Office which provided banking services.

No urgent matters had been raised.

To receive the minutes of the Communities Scrutiny Committee held on 15 December 2016 (copy enclosed).

The minutes of the Committee’s meeting held on 15 December 2016 were submitted.

Matters Arising –

Page 8, Item 4 Minutes (County-wide impact of the increase of car parking charges) – Mold Town Council had advised that they did not subsidise car park charges in Mold.  A small amount of benefit from the Nett car parking income was received – not in “hard cash” but the Town Council was able to specify what projects the amount should be spent on.  The works agreed were then carried out in partnership with Flintshire County Council and all projects were infrastructure related.  Mold Town Council had also advised that Buckley Town Council had agreed to pay a set sum to Flintshire County Council over the Christmas period so that visitors would benefit from free parking for the couple of weeks leading up to Christmas.

Page 10, Item 6 Water Management and Flood Mitigation – Councillor Martyn Holland referred to (1) discussions with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) at the last meeting who had advised of work to mitigate the risk to life and property of flooding from main rivers, and (2) the Council’s Bridge Maintenance Strategy recently considered by Performance Scrutiny Committee.  Councillor Holland hoped that bridges would be included in the property categorisation referred to by NRW for the purposes of mitigation work given the potential damage to bridges as a result of fallen trees, etc., and subsequent repair/maintenance cost implications.  It was noted that water and flood management in Denbighshire would be discussed at Council Briefing in June and it was agreed that the issue be raised at that time.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 15 December 2016 be received and approved as a correct record.

To discuss with the Police and Crime Commissioner his vision and priorities for the region.

9.35 a.m. – 10.15 a.m.

The Chair welcomed Mr. Arfon Jones, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner who was attending the meeting at the Committee’s invitation to discuss his vision and priorities for the region.  Members noted the distinction between the Commissioner’s strategic role and the Chief Constable’s operational role in policing and it was agreed to invite the Chief Constable to a future meeting to discuss his vision and priorities.

Prior to his formal address the Commissioner advised that the Police and Crime Panel had earlier that week approved his draft budget for 2017/18, which would result in 17 additional police officers and 6 other members of staff being recruited.  Of the 17 additional police officers to be recruited, 10 would be deployed ‘on the beat’ across North Wales to deal with low level crime, such as anti-social behaviour, whilst the remaining 7 officers and 6 other members of staff would be employed in specialist roles, mainly investigating child exploitation and cyber-crime.  To fund this budget the Panel had agreed to set the Police precept at 3.79%, which equated to an increase of £9 a year, or 17p a day, on a Band D property across North Wales.

Mr. Jones addressed the Committee outlining his role and responsibilities as the elected Commissioner, the public’s representative for liaising with North Wales Police.  These duties included –

·         setting the budget and precept for the Police Service

·         holding the Chief Constable to account for fulfilling his main duty, of providing an effective and efficient police service for North Wales, providing value for money and reducing crime

·         allocating revenue to prevent crime and disorder to groups across North Wales

·         drawing up a Police and Crime Plan, setting out the strategic direction for policing in North Wales.

The Commissioner was currently in the process of consulting on his Police and Crime Plan, his first plan since his election in May 2016.  As part of his consultation on the Plan an online questionnaire had been available for residents to complete and a series of public meetings had been held across North Wales.  He informed members that following his election he had not changed his predecessor’s Plan as he agreed with the majority of the actions in it.  However, his Plan would reflect the changes and threats facing North Wales as well as, where possible, residents, statutory agencies, voluntary sector and the business community’s priorities across the region.

The Commissioner’s Plan would focus on the vulnerability of people rather than seek to deal with everyone and everything.  Consequently it would include plans to address domestic abuse, child abuse, modern slavery and human trafficking.  Whilst the basic principles of policing had stayed the same as when he was a serving police officer, other aspects of policing had changed as had the types of crime they were dealing with on a day to day basis.  Abhorrent crimes such as child sexual exploitation, human trafficking and modern slavery were far more prevalent now as were cyber-crime incidents.  Statistics now indicated that these days more crimes were committed online than on the streets.  As a result more of the Police’s resources were required to deal with crime that was to an extent ‘hidden’, or not visible to the majority of the population.  Whilst this ‘hidden’ crime could initially seem easy to investigate, the speed and power of cyber and social media crime meant it was a complex area which could extend around the globe and involve dozens, if not hundreds of perpetrators, i.e. the sharing of indecent images, etc.  To emphasise the extent and complexities of these types of cases he referred to specific high  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider a report by the Head of Education (copy enclosed) updating members on the review of Denbighshire’s Home to School Transport Policy and presenting the draft new policy for members’ consideration prior to consultation with stakeholders.

10.15 a.m. – 10.45 a.m.

The Head of Education introduced the report (previously circulated) updating members on the progress to date with the review of the Council’s Home to School Transport Policy.  A copy of the latest revised draft of the policy had been attached to the report for members’ consideration and observations.

The Committee was advised that the majority of legal advice sought on aspects of the policy had been received and the version presented to them had been amended in line with that advice.  The Education Resource and Support Manager highlighted the main changes in the draft policy as outlined in the report, these being –

·         ‘feeder school’ relationships were recognised in the new draft policy.  The current policy only recognised nearest suitable school, and this factor could have a detrimental impact on children being able to stay together at transition to secondary school.  Applications for secondary school transport under the proposed new policy would therefore be assessed on nearest suitable school or whether they had attended a ‘designated primary feeder school’.  Transport on the basis of feeder school would be provided as a discretionary arrangement

·         that the guidance in relation to pick-up points and hazardous routes would be incorporated into the new policy to aid transparency and clarity

·         clarity on discretionary travel provision

·         an extended timescale for the appeals process to ensure that all elements relating to an appeal were properly investigated, and

·         a number of other minor changes throughout the document for strengthening or clarifying purposes.

In response to members’ questions, officers –

·         informed the Committee that the revised policy had been drafted having regard to the requirements of recent legislation, i.e. the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 and the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015

·         confirmed that for pupils in the south of the county who attended faith schools, or who wished to access faith based secondary education, their nearest faith based school would be in Wrexham.  They would not be expected to travel to Rhyl

·         advised that they would shortly be looking at improving transport links across county boundaries with a view to exploring whether Denbighshire pupils could utilise transport commissioned by other authorities to transport their pupils to Denbighshire schools, and vice-versa to see if pupils from other counties could travel on Denbighshire commissioned transport to schools outside of the county

·         informed the Committee that the policy’s provisions in relation to designated pick-up points and hazardous routes would require to be applied in a fair and equitable manner, with due regard being given to all considerations presented

·         once the revised policy was approved for consultation every effort would be made to promote the consultation exercise via the media, schools and any other appropriate methods, with a view to attracting maximum stakeholder engagement with the process

·         the Education Service worked closely with the Highways and Environmental Service in relation to monitoring whether school routes could become hazardous during the growing season, particularly those routes in the south of the county that were subject to biodiversity verge cutting.  The safety of the pupils would always be paramount

·         confirmed that the timetable for the new policy’s approval and implementation was as laid out in paragraph 4.5.1. of the report.  However, where able Education Support would apply the same principles to school transport applications received in the interim

·         advised that as part of the consultation exercise on the policy a clear definition would be communicated with respect of the term ‘discretionary transport’, including information on the length of discretionary transport awards, and

·         confirmed that the actual cost of the policy could not be calculated until the consultation phase  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive a presentation from the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust and discuss with them the problems and pressures faced by the Service in Denbighshire.

11.00 a.m. – 11.45 a.m.

Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (WAST) representatives David Scott (Non-Executive Director), Sonia Thompson (Interim Head of Operations Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) Area) and Claire Bevan (Executive Director for Quality, Nursing and Patient Experience) were introduced and welcomed.  WAST representatives had been invited to attend the meeting to discuss with the Committee the problems and pressures faced by the service in Denbighshire and across Wales, and how they were addressing those pressures.

Through a PowerPoint presentation WAST representatives illustrated to members –

·         data on the number of calls and website enquiries received by the service last year, which showed a substantial increase on the previous year, and the number of patient care journeys undertaken by the service and its volunteer network

·         data on the number of calls responded to by Community First Responder volunteers

·         the perverse effect of meeting ambulance response times – being able to meet the set targets, but not improving the experience or the outcomes for the patient, apart from the most critically ill

·         the measures being implemented with a view to improve call management and patient assessment to aid appropriate dispatch of emergency ambulances and other response vehicles, including the anticipated benefits of this approach to the patient and to WAST

·         the improvements realised to date from adopting the New Clinical Model, including a 38% reduction in the number of Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs) stood down

·         work undertaken with Health Service and Police staff with a view to reducing the number of ‘frequent callers’ and the Fire and Rescue Service in relation to preventing falls

·         the increase in the number of patients who had been clinically assessed by the Clinical Telephone Assessment Team which had resulted in them not requiring an emergency ambulance

·         the pan-Wales Transition of Care Closer to Home initiative, which had led to fewer patients being conveyed to hospital in North Wales than the rest of Wales

·         work currently in progress and proposed to drive improvements with respect to managing calls for assistance which were deemed to be non-emergency calls

·         the work underway to try and improve handover times from WAST to the Health Board, currently performance in BCUHB’s area against this specific indicator was consistently the worst in Wales

·         initiatives underway across North Wales with a view to driving improvements.  These included a team of clinicians based in the Police Control Centre and at WAST’s Control Room which could assess the patient’s needs, and the development of Alternative Care Pathways – including a Community Assistance Team in partnership with the Fire and Rescue Service, District Nurse Pathway, a revised Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) Protocol, and in March 2017 a Mental Health Pathway pilot would commence at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd

·         in addition a Rapid Handover Protocol would be rolled-out pan North Wales to support the timely handover of patients who do not require a clinician to clinician discussion, the Community First Responder Service would be expanded to work in areas of North Wales which did not currently have a significant CFR presence; and work would continue with frequent service users with a view to supporting their needs without them having to call out the service.

WAST representatives informed the Committee that initial feedback from the public and Welsh Government (WG) Ministers to the New Clinical Model approach had been favourable, staff morale had also improved.

The Committee heard evidence from a member of the public in attendance on how he had called for an ambulance to an accident in Llangollen, and the delay experienced before an ambulance actually arrived as there were no ambulances available within close proximity to the town.  Despite  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To consider a report by the Head of Business Improvement and Modernisation (copy enclosed) outlining a revised approach to the 2017 Residents Survey and seeking members’ views on the proposed new arrangements.

11.45 a.m. – 12.15 p.m.

The Head of Business Improvement and Modernisation presented the report (previously circulated) which outlined the proposed process for undertaking the 2017 Residents Survey in Denbighshire.

In his introduction the Head of Service outlined the importance of the Residents Survey exercise as a way of measuring citizens’ satisfaction with the Council’s services and for gauging their views on the services they would like to receive in the future.  He outlined the Council’s proposals for increasing residents’ engagement with the survey process for the forthcoming survey and advised that if between 2000 – 3000 respondents could be secured the authority would regard that as an appropriate response rate.  The survey responses would be analysed alongside the responses to the Corporate Plan consultation and both analysis would contribute towards the new Council’s strategic planning for future years.

With a view to maximising residents’ engagement with the process members requested officers to enquire whether an incentive could be offered to entice residents to complete a survey, i.e. free 12 month leisure membership for one/two people.  The Committee was keen that members had an opportunity to comment on the draft survey before it was issued to residents, therefore the Committee –

RESOLVED that –

(a)       subject to the above comments and enquiries being made to establish whether an incentive in the form of a prize could be given to one respondent for completing the survey, that the proposed new arrangements for undertaking the Residents Survey be supported, and

(b)       that the draft Residents Survey be submitted to the Scrutiny Chairs and Vice-Chair’s Group (SCVCG) for comments prior to its publication.

To consider a report by the Scrutiny Coordinator (copy enclosed) seeking a review of the committee’s forward work programme and updating members on relevant issues.

12.15 p.m.

The Scrutiny Coordinator submitted a report (previously circulated) seeking members’ review of the Committee’s work programme and provided an update on relevant issues.

Discussion focused on the following –

·         it was noted that Nat West officials had declined the Committee’s invitation to attend its meeting in March to discuss the rationale for closing branches in the county and future proposals for delivering banking facilities but had offered to meet with officers or members on an individual basis.  Members expressed concern that Nat West officials had not been willing to engage and discuss matters in a public forum with a view to working with the Council for the benefit of customers and future delivery of services.  It was agreed that a press release be issued highlighting the Committee’s disappointment and frustration in that regard.  Councillor Cheryl Williams asked that alternative means of delivering those banking services to local communities be explored, including the use of one stop shops.  The Chair advised that Ruthin Post Office provided some banking facilities

·         members agreed to invite the relevant Lead Cabinet Members to attend the Committee’s next meeting for items relating to Supporting Independence in Denbighshire; Review of Primary School Provision in the Ruthin area, and Water Management (Glasidr area, Ruthin), and

·         the Committee also reaffirmed their decision to receive a report back on Denbighshire’s Home to School Transport Policy following the consultation process to also include the review of school transport routes and pick up points.

RESOLVED that, subject to the above, the forward work programme as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

Councillor Martyn Holland advised that the Equality Group was reviewing the way in which it operated in the county in the future.

RESOLVED that the verbal report be received and noted.

The meeting concluded at 12.55 p.m.