Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

There were no apologies.

There were no apologies.

Councillors Meirick Davies, Alice Jones and Huw Jones declared a personal interest in agenda item 5.

Councillors Bobby Feeley, Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Martyn Holland, Dewi Owens, Merfyn Parry, Arwel Roberts, David Smith, Julian Thompson-Hill, Cefyn Williams and Huw Williams declared a personal interest in agenda items 5, 6 and 7.

The following members declared a personal interest in agenda item 5 –

Councillor Meirick Davies – Governor Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog & Ysgol Trefnant

Councillor Alice Jones – Governor Ysgol y Faenol

Councillor Huw Jones – Governor Ysgol Caer Drewyn & Ysgol Carrog

The following members declared a personal interest in agenda items 5, 6 & 7 –

Councillor Bobby Feeley – Governor Rhos Street School

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts – Governor Ysgol Pen Barras & Nieces in Ysgol Rhewl

Councillor Martyn Holland – Governor Ysgol Bro Famau

Councillor Dewi Owens – Governor Ysgol Glan Clwyd & St. Asaph VP Infants

Councillor Merfyn Parry – Governor Ysgol Bryn Clwyd & Ysgol Gellifor

Councillor Arwel Roberts – Governor Ysgol y Castell & Ysgol Dewi Sant

Councillor David Smith – Grandson in Ysgol Pen Barras

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill – Governor Ysgol Clawdd Offa

Councillor Cefyn Williams – Governor Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy

Councillor Huw Williams – Son in Ysgol Pen Barras

No urgent matters had been raised.

No urgent matters had been raised.

To receive the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 24 March 2015 (copy enclosed). 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on24 March 2015 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 24 March 2015 were submitted.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on24 March 2015 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

To consider a report by Councillor Eryl Williams, Lead Member for Education (copy enclosed) detailing the findings of the formal consultation for the future of Ysgol Llanfair and Ysgol Pentrecelyn and seeking Cabinet approval to publish the required statutory proposals for the closure of both schools and creation of a new area school.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       note the findings of the formal consultation for the closure of Ysgol Llanfair and Ysgol Pentrecelyn and the opening of a new area school on the two existing sites;

(b)       approve the publication of a statutory notice for Denbighshire County Council to close Ysgol Llanfair DC and Ysgol Pentrecelyn on 31 August 2016; and the Church in Wales to establish a new Voluntary Controlled Area School on the existing sites from 1 September 2016, and

(c)        note the option for parents to apply to send their children to Ysgol Pen Barras as an alternative school should they wish their children to remain within a Category 1 school.

Councillor Eryl Williams presented the report detailing the findings of the formal consultation for the future of Ysgol Llanfair and Ysgol Pentrecelyn and seeking Cabinet approval to publish the required statutory proposals for the closure of both schools and creation of a new area school.  It was proposed that the new area school would be Language Category 2 (dual stream) and designated a Voluntary Controlled Church in Wales school.  The new area school would utilise the existing sites until it was consolidated on one site in a new build.

Councillor Williams explained the context of the proposal as part of the wider Ruthin area schools review to safeguard the future sustainability of education provision in the area.  The main area of contention was the proposed categorisation of the new school.  Most consultation respondents from Ysgol Llanfair supported a Category 2 school whilst respondents from Ysgol Pentrecelyn wanted Category 1 (Welsh Medium).  In considering the consultation responses it was important to balance the needs of both Welsh and English speaking families.  There was a risk that parents of non-Welsh speaking families would choose to send pupils to English medium schools if the new area school was Category 1.  Consequently Councillor Williams considered Category 2 the best option for maintaining and potentially growing the number of pupils assessed through the medium of Welsh and leaving school fluent in both languages.  Both schools retained a strong Welsh ethos and culture with all pupils leaving school fluent in both languages and he was confident this would continue in the new area school.

Cabinet considered the consultation responses and arguments in respect of the proposal and sought clarification around the language categorisation definitions within schools and expected outcomes.  Questions were also raised regarding the religious designation, capital investment and financial implications; together with the viability of the proposed school should parents boycott the new area school.  As local member the Leader reported upon his personal links with the two communities and success of both schools.  He highlighted the importance of weighing up all the information presented in order to deliver the best possible outcome for education provision in the area.  He also raised questions regarding the ethos of the new school and reasons for not pursuing other suggested options for local provision.

The following responses were given to the issues raised –

·         the context to the categorisation process was explained and reference made to the Welsh Government guidance document (2007) in order to define schools according to Welsh medium provision.  Reference was also made to the Welsh Government’s Welsh-medium Education Strategy (2010) with regard to bilingual education.  It was noted that Welsh medium stream pupils in Category 2 schools were required to achieve the same outcomes as pupils in Category 1 schools.  The majority of pupils from Ysgol Llanfair transferred into the Welsh stream at secondary school.  Councillor Huw Jones highlighted the importance of growing the number of Welsh speakers with the aim of all pupils leaving school confident in both languages – he supported a Category 2 school to facilitate this process

·         the consultation had been carried out in partnership with the Church in Wales St. Asaph Diocese who supported the proposal for a Category 2 Voluntary Controlled Church in Wales school

·         in terms of the future sustainability of an area school officers advised if all parents from Ysgol Pentrecelyn (35 pupils) sought alternative Category 1 provision the school would still be a viable proposition.  Ysgol Llanfair (94 pupils) supported a Category 2 school and there would be a big risk in terms of viability if the proposal was changed to Category 1

·         if  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider a report by Councillor Eryl Williams, Lead Member for Education (copy enclosed) detailing the findings of the formal consultation for the future of Ysgol Rhewl and seeking Cabinet approval to publish the required statutory proposal for the closure of the school.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       note the findings of the formal consultation for the closure of Ysgol Rhewl, and

(b)       approve the publication of a statutory notice to close Ysgol Rhewl on 31 August 2017 with pupils transferring to Ysgol Pen Barras or Rhos Street School to coincide with the opening of the new school buildings.

Councillor Eryl Williams presented the report detailing the findings of the formal consultation for the future of Ysgol Rhewl and seeking Cabinet approval to publish the required statutory proposal for the closure of the school with pupils transferring to Ysgol Ben Barras or Rhos Street School to coincide with the opening of the new school buildings.

Councillor Williams provided some background to the review of primary schools within the county and explained the context of the proposal as part of the wider Ruthin area schools review, highlighting the need to tackle surplus places and invest in building new schools to ensure the best education possible for pupils in the area.  After considering the consultation responses the view remained that the proposal to close the school and transfer pupils would represent the best option for ensuring pupils in the area remained able to access good standards of education in modern, fit for purpose facilities.

Cabinet discussed the report and consultation findings, particularly in terms of the language impact and sought clarification in this regard and the loss of bilingual provision.  Questions were also raised around capacity in other schools to relocate pupils and traffic management concerns.  The following responses were provided –

·        officers referred to Welsh Government guidance ‘Defining schools according to Welsh medium provision’ (2007) and the language categorisation process which focused on provision and attainment.  A dual stream primary school offered two types of provision with the option of Welsh medium or English delivery. The outcomes for the Welsh stream was as per Category 1 and the English stream as per Category 5.  Reference was also made to the Welsh Government’s Welsh-medium Education Strategy (2010) which contained a definition of bilingual provision – a term used to refer to a wide range of teaching and learning settings which could include varying amounts of Welsh in delivery.  Whilst historically some Ysgol Rhewl pupils had transferred to the Welsh stream in secondary school none had done so in recent years.  If the school closed there would be alternative provision within the context of the categorisation

·        whilst acknowledging the wealth of responses against the proposal the case for closure had been made based on the need to rationalise schools and tackle surplus spaces and sustainability issues.  Only 20 of the 54 pupils resided in Rhewl/Llanynys with the remainder living outside of that area

·        assurances were provided that there would be sufficient capacity in the school system to relocate pupils – the proposal coincided with the opening of the new schools at Glasdir and following discussions with parents sufficient space would be planned to accommodate pupils

·        confirmed a traffic management study would be undertaken together with the safer routes assessment as part of the detailed feasibility study of the Glasdir site.

Councillor Merfyn Parry spoke against the proposal and referred to his recent email to Cabinet detailing his views on the report which he had submitted on behalf of Ysgol Rhewl governors.  He drew particular attention to the following points –

·         concerns regarding the suitability of the route for pupils from Rhewl to Glasdir

·         reference to the Parliamentary Committee’s recommendations that new schools should not be developed near to major roads, as was proposed at Glasdir

·         reference to the recent report to Communities Scrutiny Committee on the language categorisation of schools and the status of Ysgol Rhewl

·         the bilingual status of the school had not been appropriately addressed – once it was known that assessment in Welsh was an indicator of Welsh language delivery 4 pupils had been immediately identified who could be assessed in Welsh with a possible 10 – 12 pupils  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To consider a report by Councillor Eryl Williams, Lead Member for Education (copy enclosed) detailing discussions with the Church in Wales Diocesan Authority regarding the future of Ysgol Llanbedr and seeking Cabinet approval to proceed to formal consultation on the proposal to close Ysgol Llanbedr VC on 31 August 2016 with existing pupils transferring to Ysgol Borthyn VC, subject to parental preference.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approve formal consultation for proposals to close Ysgol Llanbedr VC on 31 August 2016 with existing pupils transferring to Ysgol Borthyn VC, subject to parental preference.

Councillor Eryl Williams presented the report detailing discussions with the Church in Wales Diocesan Authority regarding the future of Ysgol Llanbedr and seeking Cabinet approval to proceed to formal consultation on the proposal to close Ysgol Llanbedr VC on 31 August 2016 with existing pupils transferring to Ysgol Borthyn VC, subject to parental preference.

Councillor Williams reiterated the rationale behind the review of primary schools in the county and the context of Ysgol Llanbedr as part of the wider Ruthin area review.  The case for change had been set out in the report highlighting projections in terms of surplus places and issues over the sustainability and viability of the school and standards of education and attainment in the future.  Following rejection of the initial proposal by the Welsh Government, officers had consulted with the Church in Wales regarding the school’s future.  The Diocese had submitted an alternative proposal which included suspending the proposed consultation to close the school to allow a federation partner to be secured and change of status to Voluntary Aided, with a commitment to review the school’s future in May 2018.  They believed this proposal would address the Council’s aims of reducing costs and addressing surplus places.  Councillor Williams advised that more detailed proposals could be submitted during the formal consultation period and officers would work with the Diocese in that regard.

Cabinet considered the report and reflected on their recent meeting with the Diocese regarding their proposal.  Due to the lack of detail and robust business case no evaluation of the viability of the proposal could be made.  It was clarified that any development of the proposal would need to be undertaken by the Diocese but officers would be willing to work with them and provide any relevant information.

Councillor Huw Williams expressed his disappointment that the issue of closure was still being considered and asked that the consultation be suspended to allow time for the federation proposal to be developed – he felt that future talks with potential federation partners may be compromised if the consultation for closure went ahead.  He also reminded Cabinet that funding to progress the Ruthin area review proposals had been secured and was not reliant on the school’s closure.  Councillor Dewi Owens also felt strongly that the consultation should be suspended and the Diocese and Council should work together to develop the federation proposal.  Councillor Martyn Holland highlighted the merits of federation as a real alternative to closure and referred to the potential implications on pupil numbers arising from new housing developments.  Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts sought clarification on the pupil numbers and stressed the need for some thought to be given to the children affected.  Responses were provided as follows –

·         it was clarified that the proposal to close the school was subject to a fresh consultation and members would remain open minded and consider all responses received, including any alternative proposal submitted

·         assurances were given that the viability of any alternative proposals would be assessed and presented to Cabinet together with the full consultation responses for consideration

·         the pupil projection figure was 53 by 2020 – capacity had been reviewed at the request of the Governing Body and would be increased to 77 from September 2016, again at the request of the Governing Body

·         some discussion took place on the issue of federation and when it had first been raised, this included why federation with Ysgol Borthyn had been discounted, the failure of the Diocese to put forward an alternative proposition for federation at an earlier stage, and the need for willing federation partners was emphasised

Cabinet felt  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To consider a report by Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Lead Member for Finance and Assets (copy enclosed) detailing the latest financial position and seeking Cabinet approval of amendments to the Corporate Plan.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       note the 2015/16 budgets and savings, and

(b)       approve the proposals to increase expenditure on highway maintenance by £800k per year and confirm the assumptions noted within the Plan.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill presented the report detailing the latest financial position and seeking approval to increase the investment in highways maintenance.  He guided members through the report which included the following elements –

·        a summary of the Council’s revenue budget for 2015/16

·        a summary of the agreed savings for 2015/16 by service area

·        an updated position on the Corporate Plan, key changes and assumptions, and

·        the need for an additional £800k investment in highways per year to maintain the roads to the current standard – based on the latest assumptions within the Plan it was possible to fund this additional resource.

Cabinet welcomed additional investment for highways in order to maintain standards and avoid deterioration of the county’s roads.  Members discussed how the extra funding would be targeted to maintain improvements.  It was clarified that the Head of Highways and Environmental Services would submit his proposals through the Member Area Groups and there was no requirement to spend the allocation before the end of the financial year.  The Chief Executive wanted targeted funding to ensure the Corporate Plan outcome for highways was achieved.  Discussion also focused on the need to publicise the Council’s commitment and investment in the county’s roads – it was agreed that the relevant Lead Member and Corporate Director should meet with the press directly to explain the position and positive outcome.  In terms of savings Cabinet was also pleased to note that 71% of savings for 2015/16 had already been achieved with the remaining savings also being progressed.  Any underspends from the previous year would be included in the financial outturn report for consideration at the next meeting.

Cabinet agreed to amend the wording of the recommendation for clarity.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       note the 2015/16 budgets and savings, and

(b)       approve the proposals to increase expenditure on highway maintenance by £800k per year and confirm the assumptions noted within the Plan.

RESOLVED that Cabinet’s Forward Work Programme be noted.

Councillor Hugh Evans presented the Cabinet Forward Work Programme for consideration and members noted a number of amendments.

RESOLVED that Cabinet’s Forward Work Programme be noted.

RESOLVED that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972

To consider a confidential report by Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Lead Member for Finance and Assets (copy enclosed) updating Cabinet on the latest position regarding the Ruthin PFI contract.

RESOLVED that Cabinet note the latest position.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill presented the confidential report updating Cabinet on the latest position regarding termination of the Ruthin PFI contract.

Details of the contract had been provided together with the action taken to date and next steps in the process.  Officers responded to questions regarding management of the process and termination provisions together with the associated financial risks.  In terms of timescale the contract would be terminated within six months.  It was agreed to receive a progress report at a future meeting.

RESOLVED that Cabinet note the latest position.

The meeting concluded at 6.05 p.m.