Agenda, decisions and minutes

In recognition of the Council’s Fostering and Corporate Human Resource Teams in being awarded the Fostering Friendly Employer of the Year Award at the Fostering Network’s national Excellence Awards.

In recognition of the Council’s Fostering and Corporate Human Resource Teams in being awarded the Fostering Friendly Employer of the Year Award at the Fostering Network’s National Excellence Awards, the Chairman welcomed both teams to the meeting.  He explained that the Fostering Excellence Awards were the UK’s leading foster care awards and celebrated excellence and outstanding achievement in fostering and recognised those who made exceptional contributions to foster care.  In their fourth year, the Fostering Excellence Awards were a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the young people, foster carers, social workers and others who made a positive contribution to the fostering community.

In November 2016, as a result of joint working, a ‘Foster for Flintshire’ Policy was introduced which outlined additional support the Council would provide to employees if they fostered for the Council.  Flintshire County Council was the first local authority in Wales to adopt this approach and in recognition of its support to fostering the Council was announced overall winner.

As Cabinet Member for Social Services, Councillor Christine Jones congratulated the teams on the award which reflected the Authority’s commitment to foster care.  She echoed the words of the Chairman and added that the additional support offered was by way of flexible working and additional leave being allocated.  Following the introduction of this policy a further four prospective foster carers had made enquiries.  She thanked everybody involved for their continued dedication in an area which has gone from strength to strength.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meetings held on 24^th October and 14^th November 2017.

That the minutes be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

The minutes of the meetings held on 24^th October and 14^th November were submitted.

In response to a comment from Councillor Carver, the Chief Executive advised that the Armed Forces Covenant would be amended to include “children of both serving and veteran members of the Armed Forces”.

Councillor Phillips said he was disappointed that a photo shoot which had taken place after the County Council meeting on 14^th November featured Labour Members only.  This had followed a unanimous decision on the Notice of Motion by Councillor Aaron Shotton on ‘An End to UK Government Austerity’.  Councillor Shotton explained that the photo shoot took place before the meeting and related to a petition that was a political campaign that was being submitted to UK Government.  It was separate to the Notice of Motion and it was unfortunate that the press had ran it in conjunction.  The Chief Executive clarified that the vote on that particular Notice of Motion was not unanimous and details of the recorded vote was shown in the minutes.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

Councillor Dave Hughes declared a personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item number 13, Recommendation from the Clwyd Pension Fund Committee, as he was Chair of that Committee.

Councillor Dave Hughes declared a personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item number 13, Recommendation from the Clwyd Pension Fund Committee, as he was Chair of that Committee.

The Leader of the Council led the tributes to the late Assembly Member Carl Sargeant, who he said, had been an integral part of what the Council had done over many years.  He commented on the sad day for everybody on hearing the news of Mr Sargeant’s death.  He had been a passionate and tireless campaigner for the area and had been proud to represent Alyn and Deeside since 2003.  He referred to when they had first met and Mr Sargeant’s time as a School Governor and as a Member of Connah’s Quay Town Council where he was soon to become Chair; his civic ball had been the best which the Council had known.  He had been privileged to act as Mr Sargeant’s agent in the 2011 election campaign which was enjoyable, full of fun, laughter and memories.  He commented particularly on two of the biggest areas which had been a result of Mr Sargeant’s hard work which were (1) the need for an Armed Forces Day, and (2) the suspension of the right to buy scheme in Flintshire.  Thoughts and prayers were with his wife Bernadette, children Lucy and Jack and his parents, Malcolm and Sylvia.

                        Councillor White spoke about his brother in law, Carl Sargeant, who had tragically died 5 weeks previous.  He spoke on behalf of the family in thanking the Council for their messages of support during this time, particularly Councillor Attridge and the Chief Executive.  He commented on Mr Sargeant’s larger than life personaility and the many goals he had achieved during his time as Assembly Member.  He paid tribute to his nephew Jack, Mr Sargeant’s son, who had demonstrated maturity since the sad passing of his father.

                        Councillors Peers, Sharps, Phillips and Ellis also paid tribute to Carl Sargeant, commenting on the achievements he had made, his popularity and kindness, the support shown to local people, the friendships he had made and the sorrow felt by many on his sad passing. 

To receive the communications as circulated.

A copy of the Chairman’s Communications had been circulated to all Members prior to the meeting.

A copy of the Chairman’s Communications had been circulated to all Members prior to the meeting.

The Chairman commented in particular on the funeral of Carl Sargeant which was testament to him.

He also took the opportunity to thank the Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) for the work undertaken during the recent bad weather and asked that his thanks be passed on to the team.  As Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Countryside, Councillor Carolyn Thomas also thanked the staff in Streetscene who had worked tirelessly since the bad weather started.  An operations centre which had been open all weekend had been set up to ensure that schools, sheltered accommodation and town centres were assisted to ensure people were kept safe. 

To receive any Petitions.

Councillors Hutchinson and Peers submitted a petition requesting the reinstatement of the speed humps on Drury New Road prior to the junction with Mornington Crescent.

Councillors Hutchinson and Peers submitted a petition requesting the reinstatement of the speed humps on Drury New Road prior to the junction with Mornington Crescent.

To receive any Public Questions.

None were received.

None were received.

To note the answers to any questions submitted in accordance with County Council Standing Order No. 9.4(A).

None were received.

None were received.

To consider any Notices of Motion.

That the Notice of Motion from Councillor Richard Jones be supported as follows:

“(1)      That this Council invests fairly, according to need, in each of the towns in Flintshire in respect of the Infrastructural Support of any revenue or capital investment to:

(a)       Build or improve highway and transport networks (road, rail, cycle way or footpaths), including parking

(b)       Redevelop or regenerate towns, streetscapes, or recreation spaces including CCTV

(c)        Build or redevelop housing including community housing such as extra care

(2)       That the respective investment levels, showing external and internal funding, are reported as part of the Revenue and Capital Strategy reports to Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee on a quarterly basis".

One Notice of Motion had been received:

Councillor Richard Jones:

“(1)      That this Council invests equitably in each of the towns in Flintshire in respect of the Infrastructural Support of any revenue or capital investment to:

(a)       Build or improve highway and transport networks (road, rail, cycle way or footpaths), including parking

(b)       Redevelop or regenerate towns, streetscapes, or recreation spaces including CCTV

(c)        Build or redevelop housing including community housing such as extra care

(2)       That the respective investment levels, showing external and internal funding, are reported as part of the Revenue and Capital Strategy reports to Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee on a quarterly basis".

Councillor Attridge queried the additional words to the Notice of Motion that was sent out in the agenda pack and was advised by the Chief Executive that the words “to Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee on a quarterly basis” had been added to (2) following advice given to Councillor Jones based on the work that would be required if the Notice of Motion was supported.

In speaking to his Notice of Motion, Councillor Jones added that, in the past, when both the finances and resources of the local authority were available in greater quantities there had been enough to go around.  In this situation it made it less necessary to closely scrutinise the spend in towns and communities.  As a result of the depth of the financial challenge faced by the Authority, everybody was aware that this situation had changed.  Welsh Government (WG) financial settlements could not be relied upon to provide sufficient funding that would avoid further strain on our already stretched budgets.  Finances in Flintshire were more difficult to secure any efficiencies were necessary and closer scrutiny was needed.  Furthermore, it was clear that those available resources were therefore diminished, there was a greater need to consider whether the principle of match funding and inequitable spend in Flintshire was a fair or transparent method.  This method perhaps did not allow every resident to understand whether their town was benefitting or if it was for the chosen few.  Match funding and inequitable spend in one area depleted the remaining resource to such an extent that there was little or nothing left to those remaining towns and communities and he believed the situation was both unfair and unsustainable.

This was seconded by Councillor Peers.

Councillor Shotton spoke against the Notice of Motion but thanked Councillor Jones for the opportunity of the debate.  Whilst he understood the sentiment behind the Notice of Motion, he asked Members to understand the implications and consequences if passed.  The Council was already doing the best it could under difficult circumstances in towns and villages across the County, each with their own identity. He provided some examples of current schemes (1) the successor to Vibrant and Viable Communities, Targeted Regeneration Investment Programme (TRIP) and the opportunity for the town of Holywell to be a recipient of that regeneration funding; and (2) as part of the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

(a)       That the Stage Two Budget options within the Scrutiny report and the recommendations of Cabinet detailed below be received;

(i)         That feedback from Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee be received with a recommendation to Council on Stage 2 of the budget strategy;

(ii)        That the remaining stages of the budget process and the timescales be noted; and

(iii)       Cabinet received and accepted in full the 6 draft recommendations from Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee (listed below).  Cabinet noted and recommended Stage 2 of the budget to County Council with the proviso that the specific proposals on schools budgets and car parking charges would be reported to the respective Overview and Scrutiny Committees in January for full review, for them to report back before any final agreement on those two areas.

Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Recommendations:

1.            That having considered the Stage 2 budget options, the report and proposals be noted;

2.            That the remaining stages of the budget process and timescales be noted;

3.            That the letter to the Cabinet Secretaries for Finance and for  Local Government and Public services   and the Resilience Statements be circulated to all Members;

4.            That the full detail of the assessments of the risks, impacts and consequences of all of the budget proposals be made available for review in January;

5.            That the Environment and Education and Youth Overview and Scrutiny Committees be convened in January to review in detail the car parking charges and school budget proposals respectively, including the risks and consequences of the proposals, prior to any final decision being taken; and

6.            That a report reviewing the process for the setting of the annual budget process be prepared for the Constitution & Democratic Services Committee at its meeting on 31^st January 2018.

(2)       That the remaining stages of the budget process and the timescales be noted; and

(b)       That the remaining stages of the budget process and the timescales be     noted.

The Chief Executive introduced the report on the Financial Forecast and Stage Two of the Budget 2018/19 which had been submitted to a special meeting of Corporate Resource Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 6^th December and a special meeting of Cabinet that morning.  A copy of the draft recommendations from the special Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which had been endorsed by Cabinet that morning, had been given to Members.

Councillor Heesom queried why Members were being asked to approve minutes of the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee in this meeting.  The Chief Executive explained that Members were not being asked to approve minutes and at the scrutiny meeting the previous week, Members who were present were advised that the outcome of that meeting would be reported to Cabinet and then to County Council.  The recommendations and minute content were draft.  Councillor Carver indicated that as Chair of that Committee, they were indeed a fair record of what was agreed.  Following a further comment from Councillor Heesom, the Chief Executive confirmed that he was faithfully reporting what Cabinet had decided that morning, taking into account the resolutions of Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 

Cabinet received and accepted in full the six draft recommendations from Corporate Resources, which were:

1.    That  having considered the Stage 2 budget options, the report and proposals be noted;

2.    That the remaining stages of the budget process and timescales be noted;

3.    That the letter to the Cabinet Secretaries for Finance and for Local Government and Public services and the Resilience Statements be circulated to all Members;

4.    That the full detail of the assessments of the risks, impacts and consequences of all of the budget proposals be made available for review in January;

5.    That the Environment and Education and Youth Overview and Scrutiny Committees be convened in January to review in detail the car parking charges and school budget proposals respectively, including the risks and consequences of the proposals, prior to any final decision being taken; and

6.    That a report reviewing the process for the setting of the annual budget process be prepared for the Constitution & Democratic Services Committee at its meeting on 31^st January 2018.

Cabinet had noted and recommended Stage Two of the budget to County Council with the proviso that the specific proposals on schools budgets and car parking charges would be reported to the respective Overview and Scrutiny Committees in January for full review, for them to report back before any final agreement on those two areas.  Cabinet also noted the remaining stages of the budget process and the timescales.

The Corporate Finance Manager explained that following approval of Stage One of the budget proposals the gap had reduced to £10.5m which excluded the impact of any in-year risks and pressures which could continue into the new financial year.  Stage Two budget proposals were categorised into high or low level of control/certainty and full details were contained in the Corporate Resources Overview  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

(a)       That Julia Hughes be appointed by the Council to the Standards Committee until 2022; and

(b)       That Noella Jones be thanked for her participation.

The Chief Officer (Governance) introduced the report on the Appointment of an Independent Member to the Standards Committee. There was one vacancy on the Committee for an independent (co-opted) member and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority (NWFRA) had two such vacancies. 

The Council had undertaken a joint recruitment exercise with the NWFRA with the costs of advertising being shared.  The vacancies were advertised in the local press, on the website and on social media.  There were 8 applicants who were shortlisted against criteria that had previously been approved by County Council.  He was in communication with one of the applicants who had not been shortlisted and who believed the process had been flawed.

Five candidates were invited to interview by a panel which agreed to recommend Julia Hughes to both Flintshire County Council and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority (NWFRA) with Sally Ellis being recommended for the second vacancy on the NWFRA.  Given the appointment to Julia Hughes to both the Standards Committee and the NWFRA, this would allow the two authorities to share the investment in training, provide her with a wider experience and also cross fertilise between the two organisations.

Councillor Carver said he had been contacted by one of the applicants who had not been shortlisted and he expressed his concerns about the recruitment process and the low number of applicants.  He queried why on the advert it was stated that travelling and subsistence could be claimed for, but it did not state the remuneration of £99 for half a day or £198 for a full day which he felt may have put people off from applying.  He also referred to the successful applicant being a serving member on the Standards Committee at Denbighshire County Council since 2015 and asked if that two year term that had been served would be taken off the term of office at Flintshire and whether or not it would be a disadvantage serving on two different Standards Committees.  He moved deferral of the item for it to be considered by the Constitution and Democratic Services Committee.  This was seconded by Councillor Hardcastle.

The Chief Officer (Governance) explained that compared to previous occasions when applications have been sought, this time a good response had been received.  Alongside the advert was a full application pack which provided more detailed information, including the remuneration rates as set by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales.  He confirmed that if a member served on another Councils Standards Committee, this did not disbar them from being a member nor did affect their term of office.  It would also bring an added depth of experience.  He added that the recruitment process had been followed correctly as laid down in legislation and he took the opportunity to thank the Chair of Standards Committee, Councillor Arnold Woolley and the lay person, Noella Jones, for being on the Panel.

On being put to the vote, the amendment for deferral was lost.

On being put to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

 (a)      That an allowance of £8,700 be approved for the Chair of the Clwyd Pension Fund Committee, which would be back dated to the start of the municipal year, 18^th  May 2017; and

(b)       That details of the payment be included within the Council’s Schedule of Member Remuneration as being additional to the regulated 18 senior salaries.

Having declared an interest, Councillor David Hughes left the Chamber for this item.

                        The Chief Officer (Governance) introduced the report which recommended to approve an allowance of £8,700 to the Chair of the Clwyd Pension Fund Committee which would be back dated to the start of the municipal year.  The cost would be borne by the Clwyd Pension Fund.

                        Councillor Attridge moved approval of the recommendations which was seconded by Councillor Dunbobbin.

            RESOLVED:

(a)       That an allowance of £8,700 be approved for the Chair of the Clwyd Pension Fund Committee, which would be back dated to the start of the municipal year, 18^th  May 2017; and

(b)       That details of the payment be included within the Council’s Schedule of Member Remuneration as being additional to the regulated 18 senior salaries.

There was one member of the press and one member of the public in attendance.