Agenda, decisions and minutes

Celebrating our successes:

Finalist:  MJ Award 2018 - Best Social Housing Initiative - Strategic Housing and Regeneration Programme (SHARP) - Housing and Assets

Finalist: APSE Service Award 2018 - Best Housing, Regeneration or New Build Initiative - Strategic Housing and Regeneration Programme (SHARP) - Housing and Assets

Finalist:  APSE Service Award 2018 Best Public/Private Partnership Working Initiative - Creating a place called home: delivering what matters - Social Services

Runner up:  North Wales Police - Problem Oriented Partnership (POP) Awards 2018 - Early Help Hub

Winner: Social Care Accolades Awards 2018 - Excellent outcomes for people of all ages by investing in the learning and development of staff - Progress for providers - Social Services

Strategic Housing and Regeneration Programme (SHARP) - Housing and Assets

Finalist in the Municipal Journal Awards 2018, Best Social Housing Initiative category; and Finalist in the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Service Awards 2018, categories of Best Housing, Regeneration or New Build Initiative and Best Public/Private Partnership Working Initiative

Council officers Mel Evans, Denise Naylor and Dawn Kent were in attendance with Dan Poole from Wates Residential to recognise the achievements of the Council’s ambitious programme in aiming to deliver 500 much-needed social and affordable homes over five years in conjunction with its development partner, Wates Residential.

As Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Attridge congratulated the team.  He welcomed the national recognition of the initiative which had so far delivered 144 high-quality new homes across the County to meet the needs of local communities, regenerate areas and provide employment opportunities.

Flintshire County Council and North Wales Police - Flintshire Early Help Hub

Runner-up in the North Wales Police Problem Oriented Partnership (POP) Awards 2018

Council officers Craig McLeod, Ann Roberts and Jane Turvey were present with Anna Jones of North Wales Police, to celebrate recognition of the multi-agency service in providing valuable early support to families in need.

As Cabinet Member for Social Services, Councillor Christine Jones expressed her pride in the achievements of the team led by Jane Turvey.  At the end of March 2018, a total of 684 families had been referred to the Early Help Hub to receive support in dealing with the impact of adverse childhood experiences.

Social Services - Creating a place called home: Delivering what matters

Winner in the Social Care Accolades Awards 2018 - Excellent outcomes for people of all ages by investing in the learning and development of staff - Progress for Providers; and Finalist in the APSE Service Awards 2018 - Best Public/Private Partnership Working Initiative, Celebrating outstanding achievement and innovation with UK Government service delivery

Council officers Dawn Holt, Nicki Kenealy, Matt Thomas and Lee Holman were welcomed, along withClaire Roberts (Haulfryn Care Home), following national recognition of this ambitious programme working in partnership with private sector residential care providers.

In highlighting the outstanding success of the project, Councillor Christine Jones thanked Nicki Kenealy and the Contracts and Commissioning team, along with all partners who had worked together on the scheme to improve the quality of life for older people in Flintshire.  She said that the development of an innovative approach to person-centred care in residential care homes was making a real difference.

Whilst noting apologies for the meeting, it was agreed that deepest sympathies would be sent to Councillor Owen Thomas and his family on behalf of the Council.  Also that best wishes be extended to Councillor David Cox on his recovery from illness.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting on 12 September 2018.

That subject to the amendments, the minutes be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 September 2018 were received.

Councillor Hardcastle asked to be recorded as present at the meeting.

On minute number 36, the tenth paragraph to be amended to reflect that Members would be provided with a copy of the working standards that applied to officers.

Councillor Woolley referred to two typographical errors on minute numbers 36 and 37.

On minute number 38, the Chief Executive agreed to follow up the request by Councillor Peers for more information on the salary of an individual employed by a school.  Councillor Attridge confirmed that a report on rent arrears would be submitted to the Community and Enterprise Overview & Scrutiny Committee, as requested by Councillor Peers.

On minute number 39, the Chief Executive would ensure that a response to the request for comparison data would be sought from the Fire Authority and circulated to all Members.

RESOLVED:

That subject to the amendments, the minutes be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

On Agenda Item 10, Councillors Ted Palmer and Martin White both declared a personal interest on the first Notice of Motion as they were Council tenants.

On Agenda Item 10, Councillors Ted Palmer and Martin White both declared a personal interest on the first Notice of Motion as they were Council tenants.

During discussion on the second Notice of Motion, a number of Members declared a personal interest due to their links with local businesses mentioned in the wording.  The Chief Officer (Governance) advised that a declaration was not required unless Members deemed otherwise, as the Notice of Motion did not specifically relate to any particular business and those which had been cited were potential examples of the effects of Brexit.

To receive the communications as circulated.

A copy of the Chairman’s Communications had been circulated prior to the meeting.  In particular, the Chairman thanked Councillor Kevin Hughes for bringing to his attention a World War Two veteran whose work for blind veterans was exemplary.

The Chief Executive took the opportunity to thank the Chairman for recognising the work of the Council’s team who organised the first Holiday Hunger scheme during the summer.

Councillor Richard Lloyd thanked the Chairman on behalf of Chloe-Ann Brooks for her recent visit to County Hall in recognition of her award.

To receive any Petitions.

On behalf of Councillor Joe Johnson, Councillor Ted Palmer presented a petition on behalf of a resident to request a path along the back road of Pen-y-Maes Road to Boot End, due to safety concerns.

In line with the usual process, the petition would be passed on for the relevant Chief Officer to respond to the main proposer.  Officers agreed to develop a process to report back to the Council on the outcomes of petitions submitted each year.

Following discussion on the item, Councillor Carver raised a point of order under section 4.10 of the Constitution, in respect of recent press coverage concerning the Leader of the Council, which he considered to be an urgent item of business.

The Chief Officer (Governance) explained that the matter had not yet been fully resolved and that any discussion at this stage could harm the external investigation which had not yet concluded.  He therefore advised that this was not an urgent item of business to which the Chairman agreed.

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.

The Minute Book, Edition 2 2018/19, has been circulated to Members.  Members are now entitled to ask questions on these minutes, subject to certain limitations, and answers will be provided at the meeting.  Members are requested to bring to the meeting their copy of the Minute Book.  Any questions must have been received by the Democratic Services Manager prior to the close of business on 17 October 2018.

None were received.

None were received.

To consider any Notices of Motion.

(a)       That the Notice of Motion from Councillor Dunbobbin, as amended by Councillor Peers, be supported.  The third paragraph to read: ‘By participating in the service and working with credit reference agencies, the Council would be able to offer tenants the opportunity to build a positive credit history and also be recognised for paying their rent on time - I believe it also has major benefits for things like applying for goods and services, including responsible and affordable financial services, online shopping or even helping a tenant who wants to apply for a mortgage as part of a transition into buying their own home.’; and

(b)       That the Notice of Motion from Councillor Hughes on the Brexit referendum be rejected.

Two Notice of Motion were received:

(i)         Rental Exchange scheme - Councillor Andy Dunbobbin

‘I would like the Council to consider the introduction of a service known as the Rental Exchange which is a national scheme being adopted by an increasing number of social landlords as a way of supporting tenants to be able to improve their credit rating.

It has come to my attention that Council tenants who pay rent on time do not have their payments recognised on their credit reference report. I think there is an inequality here because those who have a mortgaged property and make that payment on time, see it reflected on their credit file.

By participating in the service and working with credit reference agencies, the Council would be able to offer tenants the opportunity to build a positive credit history and also be rewarded for paying their rent on time - I believe it also has major benefits for things like applying for goods and services, including responsible and affordable financial services, online shopping or even helping a tenant who wants to apply for a mortgage as part of a transition into buying their own home.

This is a scheme that would help to support our Council tenants and as a progressive and forward thinking Council, could I ask for this scheme to be considered and implemented?’

As Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Attridge thanked Councillor Dunbobbin for his Notice of Motion.  He said that the mechanism for social housing landlords to sign up to the scheme would help tenants to access affordable credit and offer long-term financial benefits.  It would create an incentive for tenants to keep rental payments up-to-date, as well as supporting Council’s strategies.  He requested that Cabinet consider a report on the feasibility of implementing the scheme in Flintshire with information on setting-up costs and timescales.

The Motion was seconded by Councillor Gladys Healey.

Councillor Peers proposed a minor change to the wording in the third paragraph of the Motion to replace the word ‘rewarded’ with ‘recognised’ to provide greater clarity.  Councillor Dunbobbin indicated that he was satisfied with the amendment.  On being put to the vote, the amended Notice of Motion was unanimously supported.

The Chief Executive said that he and the Chief Officer (Housing and Assets) both welcomed the scheme in principle and that a report to Cabinet would be prioritised.

(ii)          Brexit Referendum - Councillor Kevin Hughes

‘On June 23^rd 2016 the British people voted to leave the European Union through the Brexit Referendum. Of the votes cast 51.89% voted to leave with 48.11% voting to remain. In Flintshire 56.4% voted to leave with 43.6% wishing to remain.  The Westminster Government invoked Article 50 on the Treaty of European Union by the Prime Minister signing a letter on March 28^th 2017.  That letter was delivered to the European Council President Donald Tusk by the British Ambassador to the European Union the following day.  Since then negotiations have been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

That the presentation be noted.

The Chief Executive introduced Theo Joloza (Lead Commissioner), Matt Redmond (Deputy Chief Executive) and Tom Jenkins (Review Officer) from the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales and invited them to give their presentation on the Flintshire Electoral Review.  The presentation covered:

·         Who are we?

·         Purpose of our presentation

·         Legislation

·         Scope of the review

·         Statutory criteria

·         Council size policy - defined - applied

·         Electoral ward building blocks

·         Single/Multi member

·         What we will consider

·         Areas of concern

·         What will not be considered

·         Effective representations

·         Where can the Council help?

·         Timetable

Changes in Welsh Government (WG) meant that the start of the Boundary Commission’s 10 year programme of reviews had been delayed until January 2017.  Recommendations made from the current review of electoral arrangements would need to be reported to WG by Spring 2021 to allow sufficient time for the ward changes to be implemented before the 2022 Local Government elections.  Members were given copies of the republished Policy and Practice document reflecting the shorter 5 year programme.

The aim of the review was to propose a pattern of electoral wards for the entire council area and not just where there were levels of electoral inequality, although some areas may require no changes.  Detailed explanation was given on the different elements for the Commission to consider in creating the new arrangements.  Under the Council Size Policy, Flintshire had been placed in the third of four categories of council which had been designed to harmonise the number of population per Member.  After the necessary constraints had been applied, it was reported that the review of Flintshire would aim for 63 Members, noting that a slight variance may be considered if supported by evidence.  Although the Commission’s preference was for single Member wards, consideration would be given to representations for up-to-three member wards.  Examples of community ties were shared which could be provided amongst supporting evidence.

Existing community areas and wards had been used as the primary building blocks for each electoral ward.  The Commission had been granted powers to make changes to those boundaries as a result of creating electoral wards, however, this would only be considered during the draft consultation stage where specific proposals were supported by local Members and the relevant town/community council.

On the timetable for the review, the Council was encouraged to use local knowledge to submit an appropriate scheme at an early stage, within the rules of the legislation and policies, to help the Commission to identify an appropriate solution to the new arrangements.

The Chief Executive thanked the Commission team for the presentation which would also be delivered to the County Forum that evening.  He gave a reminder that a review of community ward boundaries had been completed in 2014 and that there was scope to review again as part of this review.  In acknowledging the complexities involved, he spoke about the need to develop the best approach to enable officers and Members to work together to develop a workable scheme prioritising those areas of the map  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

That the report be noted.

The Chief Executive presented a report, for information, which set out the final recommendations of the Boundary Commission for Wales on the 2018 Review of Parliamentary Constituencies in Wales.

The recommendation to note the report was moved by Councillor Butler and duly seconded.  On being put to the vote, this was carried.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

That the Annual Performance Report 2017/18 be adopted for publication.

The Chief Executive introduced the report to endorse the 2017/18 Annual Performance Report prior to publication by the deadline.  This was a statutory report providing a retrospective overview of performance in achieving the priorities in the 2017/18 Council Plan.

Presentation slides were circulated as a reference paper and covered the following:

·         Annual Performance Report

·         Council Plan 2017-23

·         Format and content

·         Performance Overview 2017/18

·         Progress Overview

·         Highlights

·         Areas for Improvement

·         Performance Overview - Council Plan

·         Summary Overview

·         Next Steps

Councillor Attridge said that the information had been shared with Overview & Scrutiny Members.  He moved the recommendation in the report, which was seconded by Councillor Butler.

Councillor Peers had a number of queries to raise with the Corporate Business and Communications Executive Officer following the meeting.  On progress against risks, it was reported that the 69.6% of risks remaining the same during the period were detailed in the Risk Register (Appendix 2 to the report).

RESOLVED:

That the Annual Performance Report 2017/18 be adopted for publication.

(a)       That Council adopts the Proposition Document as (1) the basis of a longer-term regional strategy for economic growth and (2) the regional bid for the priority programmes and projects from which the content of a Growth Deal will be drawn at the Heads of Terms Agreement stage with Governments. Adoption does not commit the Council to any financial investment of its own at this stage and is subject to the financial risks and benefits of the final Growth Deal being set out in detail, for full consideration, when the final Deal is presented for approval at a later date; and

(b)       That Council notes that the Leader is authorised by the Executive Board/Cabinet to commit the Council to entering Heads of Terms with Governments alongside the political and professional leaders from the nine other statutory partners represented on the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, and the North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council, with the Proposition Document setting out the parameters for the Heads of Terms agreement.

The Chief Executive presented a report on the development of the Growth Deal bid for North Wales, following adoption of the first stage Governance Agreement in June.  At this stage, all regional partners were required to endorse the Proposition Document (setting out programmes and projects to be considered for inclusion in the Growth Deal) to give a mandate to their respective leaders to enter into a Heads of Terms Agreement with the UK and Welsh Governments in the Autumn.

The development of the strategy had involved complex work across the region, with the aim of accessing capital funds from both Governments to benefit business growth and employment.  The second Governance Agreement at a later stage would specify risks and financial implications for the collective partnership and for individual partners.

As the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Butler paid tribute to the Chief Executive and Leader for their part in achieving regional agreement in a timely manner.  He said that the strategy for economic growth would give councils a regional voice to ensure that Welsh Government (WG) delivered on their promises.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Aaron Shotton said that progress to date was the result of collaborative working to develop a Growth Bid to meet the needs of the region.  In calling for the support of Members, he spoke about the expectations of local businesses for a regional Growth Deal.

Councillor Peers referred to discussion at the June meeting indicating that the Proposition Document was to be shared in September and a possible workshop to address a number of outstanding issues.  He proposed that the report be deferred to allow time to consider the issues in detail.  This was seconded by Councillor Heesom who spoke about the implications of the Growth Bid on the highways infrastructure.

In response, the Chief Executive confirmed that the document had been provided in accordance with the reported timescale of September/October as set out in the minutes of the last meeting.  He clarified that no financial or contractual commitments were being made at this stage.

Councillor Richard Jones spoke in support of a deferral due to his concerns about equitable benefits across the County which he felt should have been addressed.  He said that the Deeside Plan was informing the economic board and that it should have been a Flintshire Plan.

On being put the vote, the proposal to defer the report was lost.

In moving the recommendations in the report, Councillor Aaron Shotton said that the decision was crucial in achieving regional agreement to move to the next stage of negotiations.  This was seconded by Councillor Attridge.

On being put to the vote, this was carried.

The Chief Executive agreed to organise an internal workshop, to brief Members in more detail, in due course.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That Council adopts the Proposition Document as (1) the basis of a longer-term regional strategy for economic growth and (2) the regional bid for the priority programmes and projects from which the content of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

There were two members of the press and one member of the public in attendance.