Agenda item

To consider a report by Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement (copy enclosed) seeking Cabinet approval of the approach to the delivery of Band B of the 21st Century Schools Programme in Denbighshire.

Vote taken: 8 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approve the commencement of projects at Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn / Denbigh High School, Denbigh; Ysgol Bryn Collen / Ysgol Gwernant, Llangollen and Ysgol Pendref, Denbigh as part of the first phase of projects for Band B of the 21st Century Schools Programme and the submission of these proposals to Welsh Government, and

(b)       to continue to seek additional funding for the second phase of projects of Band B and to review the position in 18 months to ascertain options for the delivery of some of these projects.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts presented the report providing an update on the progression of the proposals and seeking approval of the approach to the delivery of Band B of the 21st Century Schools Programme in Denbighshire.

Band B proposals focused on investment in schools in the Llangollen and Denbigh area together with a new primary school in Rhyl.  Cabinet had considered options to progress Band B in December 2019 and agreed to seek additional funding of £15m from Welsh Government (WG) which also required an overall contribution of close to £21m for Denbighshire in order to deliver the programme of a value of £83m.  Details of WG’s response had been provided which effectively required the list of projects to be prioritised and delivery of the programme in two phases.  The first phase of projects would include detailed feasibility works to enable them to commence and the second phase would require the council to continue to discuss with WG the case for additional resources to ascertain delivery options.

The Lead Member explained that whilst the programme focused on the same schools it would not be possible, given the WG funding adjustment, to progress all projects at the same time.  A prioritisation process had been undertaken based on need and he further elaborated upon that process and the reasoning behind the priority order for each individual school project.   It was suggested that a further report be brought back to Cabinet in 18 months’ time given the need to lobby WG for additional funding towards the projects in the second phase.  In terms of timescales details of the various stages were provided and it was pleasing to note that the development and management of low carbon building projects would have a positive impact on the council’s carbon footprint and result in financial savings.

Cabinet was disappointed to note it would not be possible to progress the original proposals as planned due to the financial adjustment but agreed with the approach outlined in the report as the best way forward to provide targeted investment based on need and welcomed that investment in schools.  It was considered that the council’s proven track record in delivering projects would stand it in good stead and supported the lobbying of WG for additional funding for phase two and to review the situation in 18 months’ time.  The energy efficiency measures for school projects referred to by the Lead Member was also welcomed.  In response to questions from Councillor Mark Young it was confirmed that all head teachers had been briefed on the situation together with local members and assurances were provided that communication would continue with schools going forward.  It was hoped that business cases could be developed early next year but was dependent on WG.

Lead Members responded to questions from non-Cabinet members as follows –

·         in response to Councillor Paul Penlington it was explained that schools in Band B had been chosen based on a prioritisation process of greatest need and overall condition.  There had been significant investment in Prestatyn High School in terms of repair and maintenance work and the school would likely be included in Band C, although work would need to be undertaken to measure the impact on pupil numbers as a consequence of the investment in Rhyl schools

·         Councillor Emrys Wynne referred to the use of the North Wales Construction Framework to procure projects and was keen for greater emphasis to be put on local companies – assurances were provided that over 50% of firms were based in North Wales and proactive steps had been taken to enable local firms to participate.  Some large projects precluded local firms due to capacity however a high proportion of that work was also carried out by sub-contractors locally

·         at the suggestion of Councillor Meirick Davies it was agreed to amend the recommendation to include submission of the proposals to Welsh Government.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approve the commencement of projects at Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn / Denbigh High School, Denbigh; Ysgol Bryn Collen / Ysgol Gwernant, Llangollen and Ysgol Pendref, Denbigh as part of the first phase of projects for Band B of the 21st Century Schools Programme and the submission of these proposals to Welsh Government, and

(b)       to continue to seek additional funding for the second phase of projects of Band B and to review the position in 18 months to ascertain options for the delivery of some of these projects.