Agenda, decisions and minutes

Purpose: To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

Councillor Brian Dunn declared a personal interest in the following item as a Treasurer and Trustee of Connah’s Quay Cricket Club.

Item 4: Community Asset Transfer Follow Up

Purpose: To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the last meeting held on 6 February 2017..

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

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 February 2017 were submitted.

Matters arising

In response to a request that had been made by Councillor Dave Mackie at the  previous meeting concerning the item on Cambrian Aquatics Business Plan 2016/18, the Chief Officer confirmed that a copy of the profit and loss report had recently been sent to the members of the Committee.   

RESOLVED:

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

That the Committee note the report and support the work taking place in Year 2 of the Community Asset Transfer programme. 

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change 2) introduced the report to provide an update on major asset transfers in Year 2 and the overall financial benefits of the programme since it started.  He provided background information and reported on some of the large scale asset transfers, as detailed in the report, which were being progressed in the current year.  

Councillor Dave Mackie referred to the anticipated Condition survey costs and queried the difference between the figure detailed in Table 1 of the report and the capital support sum provided by the Authority which was linked to condition survey information and general need.  The Chief Officers responded to the concern and explained that a percentage of  the figure in Table 1 of the report was covered through grants or local stakeholders undertaking work free of charge.  Officers advised that annual meetings were held for each of the Groups undertaking an asset transfer and their revenue and capital position was closely considered. 

Councillor Chris Dolphin commented on the importance of condition surveys in terms of achieving grant funding.    

RESOLVED:

That the Committee note the report and support the work taking place in Year 2 of the Community Asset Transfer programme. 

That the Quarter 3 Improvement Plan Monitoring Report be received.

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change 1) introduced a report to present the monitoring of progress for the third quarter of the Improvement Plan 2016/17  priority ‘Modern and Efficient Council’ relevant to the Committee.  He referred to progress against the high level activities, as detailed in the report, and advised that there were currently no high level risk areas identified for the Committee.

            Councillor Dave Mackie referred to page 20 of the report and the Action 8.1.1.2 to encourage volunteers and active citizens.  He referred to the workload and responsibilities taken on by volunteers to run and manage a community asset transfer and expressed the view that the amber judgement on outcome should be red to reflect the importance of the role of volunteers.

            The Chief Officer (Organisational Change 1) acknowledged the point made and explained that ongoing and annual meetings were held with each of the groups taking on a CAT to review progress.  The need to refresh and recruit new volunteers within the groups was regularly raised  and professional staff were engaged to work alongside voluntary staff to provide support regarding some of the larger asset transfer projects.  The Chief Officer commented on the work of the Flintshire Local Voluntary Council and emphasised the importance of Groups connecting with and using the services provided by the organisation. 

Councillor Bernie Attridge referred to the Council’s continuing engagement with voluntary groups around asset transfers and gave an assurance that year on year support would be provided to monitor progress and ensure any issues were addressed at an early stage. 

Councillor Chris Bithell commented on the high calibre and professionalism of the volunteers who had come forward to provide their services to run and manage a community asset transfer.  The Chief Officer commented on the benefit to the Council and the community in terms of the opportunity to access the skill and expertise of individuals which had become known through the volunteer programme.     

Councillor Bernie Attridge suggested that following the May 2017 elections a register of all CATs be compiled to enable the new Organisational  Change Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider future progress. 

RESOLVED:

That the Quarter 3 Improvement Plan Monitoring Report be received.

That the press and public be excluded for the remainder of the meeting for the following items by virtue of exempt information under paragraph(s) 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded for the remainder of the meeting for the following items by virtue of exempt information under paragraph(s) 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

That the proposals to establish Alternative Delivery Models in Leisure and

Libraries and Facilities Management be supported.

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change 1) introduced a report to inform of the implementation plans and update on progress on the establishment of Alternative Delivery Models for Leisure and Libraries and Facilities Management.   He provided background information and invited Mike Welch, Managing Director NewCo, and Steve Jones, Managing Director NEWydd Catering and Cleaning Limited ,  to summarise the progress made and present the implementation plans for their respective Service which were appended to the report.

RESOLVED:

That the proposals to establish Alternative Delivery Models in Leisure and

Libraries and Facilities Management be supported.

There was one member of the press in attendance.