Agenda and decisions

There were no apologies.

No declaration of interest had been raised.

No urgent matters had been raised.

To receive the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 25 April 2023 (copy enclosed). 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 25 April 2023 be received and confirmed as a correct record.

To consider the outcome of the review of the decision taken by Cabinet on 25 April 2023 relating to Applications Shortlisted for Shared Prosperity Funding which had been subject of a call-in to scrutiny and considered by Partnerships Scrutiny Committee on 18 May 2023.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       recognises that Partnerships Scrutiny Committee upheld the Cabinet decision of 25 April 2023, insofar as it related to the projects shortlisted by the Core Partnership Group for approval, and

(b)       in consultation with relevant lead Officers will consider the mechanism for implementing the recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee as referred to in paragraphs 3.2 – 3.6, in an appropriate and timely manner.

To consider a report by Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport (copy enclosed) seeking Cabinet’s support for the proposed way forward to complete the Phase 2 works at the new Waste Transfer Station in Denbigh, following the main contractor entering administration, and providing an update on a budget pressure resulting from that situation.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       confirms that it has read, understood and taken account of the Wellbeing Impact Assessment (Appendix 2 to the report) as part of its consideration;

(b)       supports the preferred way forward to complete the Phase 2 works at the new Waste Transfer Station on the Colomendy Industrial Estate, Denbigh, and

(c)        acknowledge the latest budget pressure and agree to continue working at risk while discussions on potential sources of funding for the pressure were concluded with the Welsh Government.  This was necessary to mitigate the risk of further delays that would further impact on cost and programme, including affecting wider programme of service change for which completion of the Waste Transfer Station was critical.

To consider a report by Councillor Gwyneth Ellis, Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets (copy enclosed) updating Cabinet on the legislation introduced by the Welsh Government to increase the maximum level of council tax premiums for second homes and long-term empty properties and seeking Cabinet’s views on how to progress with any potential additional charging to these homes in Denbighshire.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       agree that there be parity between the standard second home and long term empty premium, to minimise avoidance by taxpayers (who may apply to switch to the more favourable category) and so ensure the administrative burden is not increased significantly, except for properties that fall within recommendation;

(b)       agree to the following proposals that will inform a public consultation prior to final decisions by Cabinet and Council:

·         the second home and long term empty Premium charge will remain at 50% for April 2023 then increases to 100% from April 2024, then 150% from April 2025

·         that properties that have been unoccupied and unfurnished for 5 years or more pay a higher premium at 50% more than the standard Premium, and

(c)        that the decision be implemented immediately in accordance with paragraph 7.25 of the Council’s constitution given the need to complete the necessary consultation in a timely manner.

To consider a report by Councillor Julie Matthews, Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy and Equalities (copy enclosed) seeking Cabinet’s approval of the Agile Working Policy and associated guidance documents.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approve the Agile Working Policy and associated guidance documents, and

(b)       confirms that it has read, understood and taken account of the Wellbeing Impact Assessment (Appendix 6 to the report) as part of its consideration.

To consider a report by Councillor Julie Matthews, Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy and Equalities (copy enclosed) seeking Cabinet’s approval to begin the process for the procurement of the North Wales Construction Framework Phase 3.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approve the initiation of the project to procure the North Wales Construction Framework Phase 3, and

(b)       confirms that it has read, understood and taken account of the Wellbeing Impact Assessment (Appendix 1 to the report) as part of its consideration.

To consider a report by Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation (copy enclosed) on the governance arrangements for overseeing delivery of projects funded by the Levelling Up Fund.

RESOLVED that Cabinet confirms that it has read and understood the governance and assurance arrangements described, and that it is satisfied that those arrangements are sufficiently integrated into the Council’s business.

To consider a report by Councillor Gwyneth Ellis, Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets (copy enclosed) detailing the final revenue position for 2022/23 and proposed treatment of reserves and balances.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       notes the final revenue outturn position for 2022/23;

(b)       approves the proposed treatment of reserves and balances as described in the report and detailed in Appendices 1 and 2, and

(c)        notes the details of transfers to and from Earmarked Reserves as set out in Appendix 3.

RESOLVED that Cabinet’s forward work programme be noted.