Agenda, decisions and minutes

Councillor Ron Hampson declared a personal interest in the following item as he was Chairman of the Credit Union. 

Agenda Item 6 – Flintshire Credit Union

That Councillor Brian Lloyd be appointed Vice-Chair of the Committee.

The Chairman sought nominations for a Vice-Chairman for the Committee. 

Councillor David Wisinger nominated Councillor Brian Lloyd as  Vice-Chair of the Committee.  Councillor Paul Shotton seconded the nomination.

Councillor Dave Mackie nominated Councillor Robin Guest as Vice-Chair of the Committee.  Councillor Chris Dolphin seconded the nomination.

Members were asked to vote on the nominations and when put to the vote Councillor Brian Lloyd was appointed Vice-Chair of the Committee.

RESOLVED:

That Councillor Brian Lloyd be appointed Vice-Chair of the Committee.

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

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 28 April 2014, were submitted.

Matters arising

Clwyd Special Riding Centre

The Member Engagement Manager advised that the visit to the Clwyd Special Riding Centre had been arranged for Tuesday, 15 July 2014. 

RESOLVED:

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

That the presentation be noted and a letter of thanks sent to Mr. Jones on the Committee’s behalf.

The Chairman welcomed and introduced Mr. Tecwyn Jones, the Treasurer of Flintshire Credit Union, and invited him to give a presentation on behalf of the organisation.

Mr. Jones provided background information and gave an overview of the aims, objectives, and benefits of the Flintshire Credit Union.  He advised that the Credit Union provided savings accounts, which paid an annual dividend, and affordable loans at fair rates of interest.  The savings and borrowing services provided offered members a fair alternative to traditional banking, pay day loans, and the services of high interest loan companies. 

In response to the questions and comments raised by Members, Mr. Jones explained that the Flintshire Credit Union was run by a team of 30-35  unpaid volunteers for the benefit of local people.  Its current membership was around 2500 and anyone could become a member provided they lived or worked in Flintshire.  The Credit Union operated through an office based in Holywell and a number of local collection points.  Mr. Jones advised that the Credit Union was regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the same way as other financial service providers and referred to the additional safeguards in place to protect its members.

Mr. Jones commented on the work undertaken by the Credit Union in local schools to engage and educate young people on the need for savings and financial awareness.   Members commended the work of the Credit Union and said there was a need to raise greater awareness of its services amongst local communities.  Mr. Jones explained that due to the financial costs the Credit Union was prohibited from establishing itself as a “high-street” presence in local shopping areas and contact was often made on the recommendations of family and friends.  He welcomed any support which the Authority might be able to provide to promote the facility. 

The Chairman thanked Mr. Jones for an informative presentation and his responses to Members’ questions.  He reiterated the appreciation expressed by Members for the good work undertaken by the Flintshire Credit Union. 

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted and a letter of thanks sent to Mr. Jones on the Committee’s behalf.

(a)       That the contents of the draft Improvement Plan 2014/15 and the “How achievement will be measured” document be supported; and

(b)       That a comprehensive report on CCTV provision be provided to the meeting of the Committee to be held on 24 July 2014.  

The Performance Team Leader gave a short presentation on the draft Improvement Plan 2014/15 and the “How achievement will be measured” document prior to final publication in June 2014.  She provided background information and advised that for 2014/15 a review of the current priorities and sub-priorities had been undertaken.  She referred to the main considerations in the report and explained that the sub-priorities to be monitored and reviewed by the Committee, as part of the quarterly Improvement Plan monitoring process, were attached as Appendix A to the report.  Members were also asked to comment on the targets and milestones proposed for the 2014/15 Improvement Plan.

Councillor Dave Mackie referred to the use of CCTV and its benefits in the prevention of crime and disorder and asked if the Council had an overall  strategy for the use of CCTV. 

Councillor Paul Shotton commented on the position in another local authority which no longer provided a workable network of CCTV provision due to the financial cost.  During discussion Members expressed a number of views on how the use of CCTV assisted North Wales Police in its response to crime and disorder and improved the public’s perception of safety in the community.  It was suggested that consideration be given to how CCTV provision could be funded collaboratively with local partners. 

Councillor Mackie proposed that a comprehensive report on CCTV provision be provided to the Committee for consideration at the next meeting.  The Member Engagement Manager explained that the next meeting, on 24 July 2014, was a crime and disorder Overview and Scrutiny meeting concentrating on the work of the Community Safety Partnership.  As such a report on CCTV would fit well.  If this wasn’t possible it would be submitted to the September meeting.

RESOLVED:

 (a)      That the contents of the draft Improvement Plan 2014/15 and the “How achievement will be measured” document be supported; and

(b)       That a comprehensive report on CCTV provision be provided to the meeting of the Committee to be held on 24 July 2014.   

Presentation on Improvement Plan 2014/15

That subject to the above the Forward Work Programme be agreed.

The Member Engagement Manager introduced the Forward Work Programme of the Committee.  He drew attention to the site visit to the Clwyd Special Riding Centre on 15 July 2014, and asked Members to contact Jan Kelly, Overview & Scrutiny Support Officer, in advance if they wished to be included in the transport arrangements.

Members considered the Forward Work Programme.  It was agreed that an item on CCTV provision be added to the agenda for the next meeting of the Committee to be held on 24 July 2014, and that the following items be scheduled for consideration at the meeting of the Committee arranged for 8 September 2014:

·         Coleg Cambria

·         County Forum and the Charter

The Member Engagement Manager commented that to date there was no further information to report from the Welsh Government on the implementation of Section 59 Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011.

RESOLVED:

That subject to the above the Forward Work Programme be agreed.

There were no members of the press or public in attendance.