Agenda item

To consider a report by the Head of Housing and Community Services (copy enclosed) which outlines the rationale and process for restructuring the Services.  The report seeks members’ views on their expectations and aspirations for the Service and its work in supporting the delivery of the Council’s economic and housing priorities.

10.10am

Councillor Hugh Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development introduced the report (previously circulated) outlining the rationale and process for restructuring the services in order to deliver the Council’s economic and housing priorities.  Following members’ concerns regarding the impact of the proposals on individuals and communities assurances had been given that the process had been undertaken with full support and advice from Human Resources and would move closer to communities by providing a locally based structure.  He also made reference to his vision for the service advising that the new structure would deliver the expectations contained within the emerging Economic Ambition Strategy.

The Head of Housing and Community Services (HHCS) detailed the service review process undertaken in conjunction with the Head of Communication, Marketing and Leisure (HCML) where there was a shared service outcome.  The service review concluded the existing structure, skills base and resource allocation were not fit for purpose on a number of levels and would not be capable of delivering the ambitious programme of Regeneration and Business Development contained within the Corporate Plan and Economic Ambition Strategy.  A new structure (Appendix 1 to the report) had been developed providing a joined up, robust and strategic approach with alignment of resources to deliver the Council’s Economic Ambition priorities.  The Senior Management Team restructure would be completed in June with all posts appointed by the end of September.  The HCML reported upon the next phase of the process in terms of Communication and Marketing Services and integration of the Tourism function to ensure a fit for purpose structure to respond to corporate priorities.  He highlighted the merits of that restructure and welcomed the opportunity to provide a detailed report back to members in September.

The Chair reminded members to focus on proposals for service delivery rather than operational matters concerning individual positions within the service.  In response to members’ concerns in that regard assurances were provided that every effort would be made to retain staff who wished to remain with the authority and the appropriate processes for managing operational change were being followed.

The committee acknowledged the need for a restructure within the service in order to effect improvements and meet business needs and recognised the amount of work which had gone into the comprehensive review.  Members sought assurances regarding future savings; the development of funding bids for community groups and services, and clarification on the outcomes and impact of the new structure on service delivery.  Questions were also raised questions regarding the interaction and involvement with other agencies such as the Denbighshire Enterprise Agency and partnership working to deliver aims and improve the local economy. [The Leader declared a personal interest with respect to Denbighshire Enterprise Agency]  The need for better communication with members and a clear tourism strategy was also highlighted.  The Chair was keen that social media be used as a promotional and marketing tool.  The following responses were received –

·         the restructure would be cost neutral with a reduction in managers generating savings which would be reinvested in front line services

·         the new structure would facilitate excellent service provision with a focus on localities to make it easier for members, businesses and stakeholders to receive quality advice, assistance and support

·         acknowledged the main risk associated with restructures was failure to deliver outcomes but this risk had been mitigated by the strategic approach taken

·         elaborated upon the aims of becoming closer to businesses and to work closely with other agencies in providing support and advice to businesses

·         a headline action from the emerging Economic Ambition Strategy sought to explore the creation of a partnership of business support agencies

·         provided assurances that the new service would provide clear leadership for staff with good governance and accountability

·         indicated that funding streams and opportunities would be discussed further once the Senior Management Team was in place and assurances were provided that funding bids would be developed in a joined up way

·         plans for social media had been included as part of digital marketing

·         confirmed that the restructure would maximise tourism opportunities and provide a stronger Tourism, Marketing and Events function

·         the finalised Economic Ambition Strategy would help shape service delivery leading to the further development of measureable outcomes and it was agreed to receive an information report on the Strategy in October.

Councillor Meirick Davies referred to Welsh Language issues and the absence of Welsh essential posts in the structure.  The HCML advised that there was reference to the Welsh Language Policy in the Communication & Marketing Services structure and he agreed to circulate the policy regarding designated Welsh essential/desirable posts to councillors for clarity.  The HHCS added that this aspect would be considered further when considering resource requirements for each locality.  In response to concerns raised by Councillor Gwyneth Kensler the HCML agreed to provide clarity on the function of the Rural Development Plan in relation to the Economic Ambition Strategy and the role of elected members.  Finally reference was made to a recent article in the Daily Post highlighting that Rhyl had double the amount of overseas visitors last year while figures for other traditional holiday towns were down.  Councillor Brian Blakeley congratulated the Council on that achievement and commended the work of officers in that regard.

[JG to circulate copy of Welsh Language essential/desirable posts to members and to provide clarity regarding RDP]

RESOLVED that –

(a)     subject to members’ comments above the report on the restructuring of the Regeneration, Business Support and Tourism Services be noted;

(b)     an information report on the restructuring of the Communications and Marketing Services be received in September, and

(c)     an information report on the Economic Ambition Strategy to include outcomes; timelines, delivery confidence status and performance measures be received in October.

[recommendations (b) & (c) – RE to include in forward work programme]