Agenda, decisions and draft minutes
Venue: Council Chamber, County Hall, Ruthin
Media
Webcast: View the webcast
No. | Item |
---|---|
APOLOGIES Additional documents: Decision: There were no apologies. Minutes: There were no apologies. |
|
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS PDF 116 KB Members to declare any personal or prejudicial interests in any business identified to be considered at this meeting. Additional documents: Decision: Councillors Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Brian Jones and Tony
Thomas declared a personal interest in agenda item 6. Minutes: The following members declared a personal interest in agenda
item 6 – Welsh in Education Strategic Plan 2017 – 2020 – Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts – Governor/Parent of child in Denbighshire school Councillor Brian Jones – Parent of child in Denbighshire school Councillor Tony Thomas – Parent of child in Denbighshire school |
|
URGENT MATTERS 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. Additional documents: Decision: No urgent matters had been raised. Minutes: No urgent matters had been raised. |
|
To receive the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 24 April 2018 (copy enclosed). Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED that the minutes
of the meeting held on 24 April 2018 be approved as a correct record and signed
by the Leader. Minutes: The
minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 24 April 2018 were submitted. RESOLVED that the minutes
of the meeting held on 24 April 2018 be approved as a correct record and signed
by the Leader. |
|
To consider a report by Councillor Hugh Evans, Leader and Lead Member for the Economy and Corporate Governance (copy enclosed) presenting the North Wales Regional Regeneration Plan and proposals for Targeted Regeneration Investment for approval to submission to the Welsh Government. Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) approves – ·
submission of the final North Wales Regional Regeneration
Plan (and broad priorities contained within it) to Welsh Government in order to
access Targeted Regeneration Investment funds ·
the outline projects proposed for submission by the Council
to the Targeted Regeneration Investment ·
delegated authority for the Corporate Director, Economy and
Public Realm in consultation with the Lead Member for the Economy and Corporate
Governance, Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services and Head of Finance
(Section 151 Officer) to – o
make any project funding applications necessary to secure
resources from the Targeted Regeneration Investment programme for the period of
its operation o
accept and undertaken expenditure on projects accessing
Targeted Regeneration Investment programme support, including award of grants
to third parties o
negotiate and enter into agreements with other North Wales
councils where this is necessary to bid for or receive Targeted Regeneration
Investment programme funds (b) notes that there will be an annual review
of the Regional Regeneration Plan in line with governance and monitoring
arrangements (set out in Appendix 1 to the report) offering opportunity for
changes in strategy and direction that may focus resources on other
towns/areas) (c) confirms that it has read, understood
and taken account of the Well-being Impact Assessment (Appendix 4 to the
report) as part of its consideration. Minutes: Councillor
Hugh Evans introduced the report and presented the North Wales Regional
Regeneration Plan 2018 – 2035 (RRP) and proposals for Targeted Regeneration
Investment (TRI) for approval to submission to Welsh Government. The
TRI programme had been launched by Welsh Government to provide funding for
regeneration projects over three years with £22m allocated to North Wales. A collaborative approach was necessary as
funding was conditional upon submission of a prioritised RRP agreed by all six
North Wales councils. In line with
funding requirements twelve areas across the region had been proposed as
priority areas based on deprivation rankings which included Rhyl and Denbigh,
with four priority areas (including Rhyl) identified for the initial three year
funding period. The reasoning behind the
focus on Rhyl as a priority area was explained given the funding criteria set
by Welsh Government and Rhyl’s ranking as the most deprived town in North
Wales, and given the Council’s investment and commitment to the regeneration of
Rhyl it was appropriate that potential funding avenues be used to help deliver
that aim. The report acknowledged both
poverty associated with larger urban settlements and the need to address
poverty and regeneration in small towns and rural areas which it was hoped
would be realised during the course of the Plan. Cabinet
welcomed the funding allocation for the regeneration of areas within the region
but recognised the constraints for accessing that funding given the criteria
set by Welsh Government in terms of the methodology for prioritising
regeneration areas and the need for a regional approach leading to consensus
across all six North Wales councils which required a degree of negotiation and
compromise on all parts. Cabinet also
noted that the criteria and thematic approach of the RRP was broadly aligned
with other corporate priorities and highlighted the need for Denbighshire to
maximise opportunities from regional working in that regard. In
response to questions the Lead Member and officers advised that – ·
the RRP had been approved by three councils
and would likely be approved by the remaining councils given that the funding
would otherwise be lost ·
in terms of monitoring baseline figures had
been identified for different regeneration areas to measure progress and
outcomes at a programme level and individual projects emerging from the Plan
would have their own targets subject to scrutiny by Welsh Government prior to
funding being allocated ·
there were further opportunities outside of
the Plan to support other priorities and tap into a wide range of different
Welsh Government initiatives and work was being undertaken to guide those other
sources of support and investment over the long term ·
there had been positive engagement at officer
level with agreement and commitment to key issues across the region – having
worked collectively to agree priorities the RRP was considered a good and
reasonable compromise ·
Rhyl had been ranked first in order of
deprivation and had been identified for targeted investment in the first three
years, however some funding may also be attracted to Denbigh in the short term
across the thematic proposals of housing and key buildings and in the longer
term Denbigh was well positioned to benefit given that it was ranked tenth in
terms of deprivation ·
there was also an issue around smaller
communities and rural poverty identified in the Plan and work was ongoing as to
how best to address and prioritise those needs in the future whilst also
complying with Welsh Government criteria · the TRI programme required match funding for projects of 30% which could come from a range of sources including officer time, public and private sector sources, and through the usual ... view the full minutes text for item 5. |
|
WELSH IN EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2017 - 2020 PDF 297 KB To consider a report by Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Lead Member for Education, Children and Young People (copy enclosed) presenting the Council’s proposed Welsh in Education Strategic Plan 2017 – 2020 for approval. Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) approve the proposed Welsh in Education
Strategic Plan 2017 – 2020 that had been approved by Welsh Government in March
2018, and (b) confirms that it has read, understood and
taken account of the Well-being Impact Assessment (as detailed in Appendix 2 to
the report) as part of its consideration. Minutes: Councillor
Huw Hilditch-Roberts introduced the report and presented the Council’s proposed
Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) 2017 – 2020 for approval (the draft
WESP had been approved by Welsh Government in March 2018). The
Plan demonstrated how the Council aimed to meet Welsh Government targets by
developing Welsh Medium education in the county and focused on improving
skills, particularly oral communication and understanding. The long term aim was for all children and
young people in the county to leave full-time education competent and confident
in using both Welsh and English languages. Councillor
Hilditch-Roberts referred to the Council’s proven track record of developing
services through the medium of Welsh and investment in Welsh Medium education
and the Council’s approach had been praised by Estyn during the recent
inspection of education services. The
Plan would be delivered in partnership with key stakeholders including schools,
Urdd, Mudiad Meithrin and Menter Iaith and the Welsh
Government had made various funding streams available to help meet targets
including £30m capital funding and £2m workforce development grants against
which bids could be made. The Head of
Education and Children’s Services highlighted the comprehensive consultation
process in setting the objectives and the role of the Welsh in Education
Strategic Group in the Plan’s development and monitoring its delivery. Key elements focused on (1) quality and standards
of Welsh taught through schools’ curriculum, improving outcomes for learners
and the level of proficiency across all schools, and (2) ensuring sufficiency
of places in Welsh Medium education. The
Head of Service commended the Plan and the hard work in its development. Cabinet
welcomed the Plan as a means of further developing Welsh Medium education in
the county and contributing to the national target of achieving a million Welsh
speakers by 2050. Tribute was also paid
to those involved in developing the Plan with specific mention to the Welsh in
Education Strategic Group. Councillors
Arwel Roberts and Emrys Wynne, who were members of the Welsh in Education
Strategic Group, added their support to the Plan and commended the work with
partners and the good work and success which had already been achieved in the
county which had also been recognised in the recent Estyn inspection report. During
the ensuing debate – ·
further detail was sought regarding the
financial implications of delivering the Plan and officers provided a breakdown
of funding streams made available by the Welsh Government and how that funding
could be used to meet outcomes, including funding for workforce planning and
continual professional development ·
assurances were also provided that the
council and its partners were continually working to capitalise on any external
funding streams from other sources open to them in order to meet the aims and
objectives within the Plan ·
the good work and success achieved in
Denbighshire was highlighted with a renewed focus on further improvements
within existing resources and capitalising on available external funding
sources to focus on specific outcomes ·
the need for balance to ensure the right
provision for learners taking into account parental choice and providing
opportunities to learn the Welsh language was acknowledged and officers
reported upon the comprehensive work undertaken in the county in terms of
predicting demand for school places which had identified an increase in demand
for Welsh Medium places ·
reference was made to the benefits of a
bilingual education, particularly in terms of future employment opportunities
where proficiency in the Welsh language was important, and the challenge to
demonstrate the benefits of a bilingual education to non-Welsh speaking
families so that informed choices could be made for learners from an early age · it was confirmed that Welsh language ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
|
To consider a report by Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets (copy enclosed) detailing the latest financial position and progress against the agreed budget strategy. Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) note the budgets set for 201/19 and
progress against the agreed budget strategy, and (b) approve the use of a £1.2m one off Welsh Government
capital grant on the priority highways schemes as outlined in the report and
included in the Business Case (as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report). Minutes: Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill presented the
report detailing the latest financial position and service budgets for 2018/19
together with the Budget Summary Book 2018/19.
He provided a summary of the Council’s financial position as follows – ·
the net revenue
budget for 2018/19 was £194.418m (£189.252m in 2017/18) ·
detailed
agreed savings and efficiencies worth £4.6m including those which had already
been achieved with the assumption that all service efficiencies/savings would
be delivered – any exceptions would be reported to Cabinet if required ·
there were
no variances to report at this stage in the financial year but a number of
service pressures had been highlighted which required careful monitoring ·
provided a general
update on the Capital Plan, Housing Revenue Account and Housing Capital Plan. Cabinet was also asked to approve the use of a
one-off Highways Refurbishment Capital Grant from Welsh Government for priority
schemes as recommended by the Strategic Investment Group and outlined within
the report. The following matters were raised during debate
– ·
the ongoing
pressures on social care were discussed and officers reported upon work to
model future needs advising that data trends had concluded a cost increase
through the sector and an increase in complexity of some cases. There was a need to focus on the immediate
impact over the next few years to inform the Medium Term Financial Plan and the
pressure was subject to annual review to inform the forthcoming year’s budget
submissions. The importance of leisure
services was also highlighted as a key element in terms of building resilience
and well-being with the effect of reducing demand on other services ·
the Leader welcomed
the additional grant funding for highways from Welsh Government but highlighted
the difficulties in managing one-off allocations at short notice and hoped any
additional provision in future years would be allocated at an earlier stage,
such as through the RSG settlement, in order to better aid financial planning. He added that the merits of a three year
budget instead of a one-off annual budget settlement for local authorities had
been discussed by the Welsh Local Government Association ·
Councillor
Brian Jones advised that Welsh Government officials would be attending a
meeting of the Performance Scrutiny Committee on 7 June to discuss highway
funding and he would raise the point about the need for timely funding
allocations in order to plan effectively for highway works. RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) note the budgets
set for 201/19 and progress against the agreed budget strategy, and (b) approve the use of a £1.2m one off Welsh
Government capital grant on the priority highways schemes as outlined in the
report and included in the Business Case (as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report). |
|
CABINET FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME PDF 285 KB To receive the enclosed Cabinet Forward Work Programme and note the contents.
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED that Cabinet’s
Forward Work Programme be noted. Minutes: The Cabinet Forward Work Programme was
presented for consideration and it was noted that the following items would be
added to the work programme for June – ·
Regional
Growth Bid ·
Establishment
of a Voids Maintenance Framework RESOLVED that Cabinet’s Forward Work Programme be noted. |
|
EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC RESOLVED that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act
1972, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting for the following item
of business on the grounds that it would involve the likely disclosure of
exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the
Act. Additional documents: |
|
MANAGED SERVICE FOR THE PROVISION OF AGENCY WORKERS To consider a confidential report by Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets (copy enclosed) seeking approval to award the contract for the supply of temporary agency staff to the named supplier as detailed within the report. Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) appoints the
named provider as detailed in the report as the supplier of temporary agency
staff using the MSTAR framework agreement, and (b) authorises the
Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services to finalise and enter into an
appropriate form of contact with the named provider. Minutes: Councillor
Julian Thompson-Hill presented the confidential report seeking approval to
award the contract for the supply of temporary agency staff to the named supplier
as detailed within the report. Cabinet
had received a report in December 2017 regarding the procurement exercise and
resolved to ask the appropriate scrutiny committee to scrutinise that process
together with alternative options open to the Council based on best value. The findings and recommendations of the
Performance Scrutiny Committee in that regard had been detailed within the
report together with details of the tender evaluation procedure and the outcome
and recommendation for award. Councillor
Huw Jones, Chair of Performance Scrutiny Committee confirmed he was satisfied
with the recommendations to Cabinet going forward. RESOLVED that Cabinet – (a) appoints the named provider as detailed in
the report as the supplier of temporary agency staff using the MSTAR framework
agreement, and (b) authorises the Head of Legal, HR and
Democratic Services to finalise and enter into an appropriate form of contract
with the named provider. The meeting concluded at 12.30 p.m. |