Agenda item

To consider a report by Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement (copy to follow) seeking Cabinet approval of the revised Strategic Outline Programme for submission to the Welsh Government.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approves the revised Strategic Outline Programme (Appendix 1 to the report) for submission to the Welsh Government, and

(b)       confirms it has read, understood and taken account of the Well-being Impact Assessment (Appendix 3 to the report) as part of its consideration.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts presented the report seeking approval of the revised Strategic Outline Programme (Band B Proposals) for the 21st Century Schools Programme for submission to the Welsh Government (WG).

Cabinet had agreed the Strategic Outline Programme in July 2017 which was approved by WG in November 2017. The funding split for the Band A programme had been 50% WG and 50% local authorities but in November 2018 WG announced revised rates for Band B as follows – 65% WG contribution, for special schools including pupil referral units a 75% contribution and for Voluntary Aided 85% WG with 15% provided by the Diocesan Authority or Governing Body.  Following feasibility work on schools in the review area a revised programme had emerged with the current costs likely to exceed the approved allocated programme envelope of £80m and WG contribution of £45m.  The revisions to the funding rates had also reduced the potential split for Denbighshire from £32m to around £21m.  A number of options had been considered on the way forward and in line with the recommendation of the Modernising Education Board, it was recommended that WG be approached to discuss a potential increase in their resources based on Denbighshire’s track record of delivery and the affordability of the proposals.

The Lead Member elaborated upon the investment plans for the Band B proposals which focused on schools in the Denbigh, Rhyl and Llangollen areas and explained the reasoning behind any changes to the previously approved programme.  He sought Cabinet approval of the revised programme and was keen for the proposals to be progressed.  Cabinet discussed the report with the Lead Member as follows –

·         Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill highlighted the need for investment in other schools which fell outside of the programme with particular reference to Prestatyn High School.  The Lead Member agreed but explained that the works required in schools far exceeded the budget available and therefore it was necessary to implement a prioritisation process to target areas of greatest need.  The assessment of schools for Band B had prioritised schools in terms of their overall condition but he confirmed that investment was still being made in other schools, highlighting specific refurbishment and maintenance works carried out in Prestatyn High School.  As part of future plans work would need to be undertaken to measure the impact of the new Christ the Word school and the potential new Rhyl primary school on pupil numbers in the area

·         Councillor Bobby Feeley asked that the reference to “permeations” be changed to “permutations” on page 11 of the report

·         Councillor Mark Young sought assurances regarding communication and the Lead Member confirmed that all head teachers had been communicated with regarding the report and that there would be future wider consultation with schools and governors as matters progressed

·         officers reported upon other options considered on the way forward including reducing the scope of the programme and fully funding projects outside of that programme. If Cabinet approved the recommendation and a favourable response was not received from WG other options would be reconsidered

·         in terms of timescales a response back from WG was expected by March 2020.

The Lead Member and officers also responded to questions from non-Cabinet members as follows –

·         providing a favourable response was received from WG officers would produce a planned programme of works and it would be possible to carry out a number of projects simultaneously as demonstrated in the Band A programme

·         further explained that the lack of suitable land available in Llangollen meant it would not be possible to build a new school for Ysgol Dinas Bran as originally intended and therefore investment would instead focus on refurbishment.  Councillor Melvyn Mile was keen to ensure Denbighshire pupils would not be disadvantaged and he was assured that there would be no detrimental impact in that regard.  The standard of refurbishment would match that of a new building and work could be undertaken without affecting the school’s ability to function or the educational offer for pupils

·         in terms of new housing developments in Rhuddlan and Dyserth work would need to be undertaken regarding the impact on pupil numbers and capacity taking into account other planned investment and the language categorisation of any potential new school would need careful consideration

·         with regard to the circumstances of each individual faith school the Lead Member agreed to discuss those outside of the meeting with Councillor Martyn Holland.  In terms of St. Brigid’s School the Trustees owned the land and the Trustees of the school would be required to contribute approximately £2.5m (15%) towards the proposed scheme with WG funding 85%

·         in response to a question regarding the recent draft budget settlement from the Welsh Government it was confirmed there was no specific reference to the schools programme within that settlement.

Cabinet supported the report recommendations and it was subsequently –

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approves the revised Strategic Outline Programme (Appendix 1 to the report) for submission to the Welsh Government, and

(b)       confirms it has read, understood and taken account of the Well-being Impact Assessment (Appendix 3 to the report) as part of its consideration.