Issue - meetings

(a)       That he Committee   note the content of the report by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales; and

(b)       That the Committee supports the actions taken by Planning, Environment and Economy as outlined in paragraphs 54 and 55 of the report as set out in Appendix 2.

The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment & Economy) introduced a report sharing the details of a complaint that was made against Flintshire County Council that was investigated by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales in 2019.  He confirmed that all 10 recommendations had been accepted.

                        The Community and Business Protection Manager added that the team had considered the findings very carefully and were endeavouring to move forward constructively taking into account the lessons learnt which will be used as a model for other cases in the future.  An inter-departmental group has been formed to address all cases going forward which would be formally minuted in addition to a detailed action plan.  She added that the team are now co-located within the Ewloe. 

The Development Manager referred to the planning enforcement policy and the backlog of cases with over 300 cases needing to be investigated individually.  She acknowledged that whilst the enforcement team was a very small team, she was hopeful that the Internal Audit report would be satisfactory.  

            Councillor Wisinger stated that as Chairman of Planning Committee he was not happy with what had gone on but lessons had been learnt and that he was confident the service would keep improving. He welcomed the action plan to deal with the recommendations

Councillor Cindy Hinds raised concerns regarding derelict buildings.  In response the Chief Officer (Planning, Environment & Economy) said there was a small pot of money to gift/loan to owners of buildings in a poor state to assist in bringing them backto use. 

Councillor Sean Bibby expressed the view that there had been a marked improvement in the way enforcement cases are dealt with.  He felt the new complaints process was working well and acknowledged the heavy caseloads of officers.

The Development Manager gave an overview of the structure of the Enforcement Team and stated that each officer would be responsible for approximately 80-90 cases but anyone of the officers would be able to give members an update on any case.  In addition the Chief Officer (Planning & Development) agreed to circulate telephone numbers and email addresses of the Enforcement Team to Members.

The recommendations in the report were moved by Councillor Dave Wisinger and seconded by Councillor George Hardcastle.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That he Committee   note the content of the report by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales; and

(b)       That the Committee supports the actions taken by Planning, Environment and Economy as outlined in paragraphs 54 and 55 of the report as set out in Appendix 2.