Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report on progress of the Flintshire Connects programme, the preferred options for the second and third Connects centres in Connah’s Quay and Flint and the strategy for the complete programme across the county.

The Chief Executive commented on phases 1 and 2 of the project and the first centre in Holywell and said that the vision had always been to create provision across the county, including partnership arrangements with other public bodies.  Consultation with employees in Holywell was assisting in the development of other sites, although the location of Mold as a future site was not deemed a priority, given the services based at County Hall.  The Chief Executive spoke of consultation on engaging with residents in rural communities with the potential for improved access in rural and remote areas.  The approach being taken by the Council on Flintshire Connects had been recognised positively at Ministerial level.

The Head of ICT & Customer Services reported on the working arrangements at the Holywell centre which had received positive feedback from members of the public, employees and partner organisations and had brought about efficiencies.  He expressed his appreciation to the Project Manager and team for their efforts in making the centre a success.

The Cabinet Member for Housing commented on the locations of the first three centres which had been agreed by Council in 2011.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That Cabinet approve:

§         Progressing Phase 1 of the Flintshire Connects programme;

§         That a Flintshire Connects Centre is located on the ground floor of County Offices, Flint, with a proposed opening to the public of February 2014;

§         The modular extension to Connah’s Quay Library and Learning Centre to deliver a Flintshire Connects Centre, opening to the public in October 2013 and enabling closure of the Connah’s Quay Office;

§         Authorises lead officers to proceed to design approval and conclude negotiations with North Wales Police and Jobcentre Plus on their proposed occupation of County Offices, Flint;

§         Authorises lead officers to proceed with the migration of cash collection services into the Flintshire Connects Centres;

§         Authorises lead officers to undertake a consultation period with the local community and stakeholders on proposals for Flintshire Connects Centre at both Flint and Connah’s Quay;

§         That Cabinet receive an update report on final working arrangements with partners and resulting financial implications.

(b)       That Cabinet authorise lead officers to proceed with key activities to explore proposals for Phases 2 and 3 of the Flintshire Connects programme; and

(c)        That Cabinet authorise lead officers to develop options for Flintshire Connects Customer Service Advisors to offer Flintshire Connects services in outlying and rural areas.