Agenda, decisions and minutes

To enable Members to pay tribute to the late Peter Evans, former Democracy and Governance Manager.

Members across the Chamber paid tribute to the late Peter Evans, the former Democracy and Governance Manager.  They commented on the way in which he worked, with dignity and respect and he had been an asset to both Flintshire County Council and the former Delyn Borough Council.  He always provided welcome advice to Members, particularly at meetings of Planning Committee.  They commented on his unique sense of humour and the qualities of Peter that made him a true gentleman. He would be missed but remembered with great fondness.

The Chief Executive and the Deputy Monitoring Officer also paid their respects to Mr Evans, his positivity, integrity, friendship and support that he had provided.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th December 2019.

That the minutes be approved as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 10^th December were submitted and approved as a correct record.

To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

The following Members declared personal interests:

                        Councillors Axworthy, Bibby, Dunbobbin, David Healey, Gladys Healey, Dennis Hutchinson, Paul Johnson and McGuill – agenda item number 9 – Capital Programme 2020/21 – 2022/23.

                        Councillors Palmer and White – agenda item number 11 – Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 30 Year Financial Business Plan.

                        Councillors Chris Dolphin and Rosetta Dolphin and Councillor White – agenda item number 15 – Notice of Motion.

The following Members declared personal interests:

                        Councillors Axworthy, Bibby, Dunbobbin, David Healey, Gladys Healey, Dennis Hutchinson, Paul Johnson and McGuill – agenda item number 9 – Capital Programme 2020/21 – 2022/23.

                        Councillors Palmer and White – agenda item number 11 – Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 30 Year Financial Business Plan.

                        Councillors Chris Dolphin and Rosetta Dolphin and Councillor White – agenda item number 15 – Notice of Motion.

To receive the communications as circulated.

In presenting her communications, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, the Chair highlighted a number of events, commenting in particular on the pantomime at Canolfan Dewi Sant, Errys, and the Mayor of Holywell’s Christmas Carol Service.

This is an opportunity for Members of Council to submit petitions on behalf of people in their ward. Once received, petitions are passed to the appropriate Chief Officer for action and response.

None were received.

None were received.

To welcome Councillor Tim Roberts, elected as Member for Trelawnyd and Gwaenysgor on 12^th December 2019.

The Chair welcomed Councillor Tim Roberts following his election at the Trelawnyd and Gwaenysgor by-election on 12^th December 2019. Councillor Roberts made an appropriate response.

(a)       That the budget forecast for 2020/21 be re-noted, and the open risks which need to be taken into account in setting the budget be noted;

(b)       That the impacts and the implications of the Provisional Local Government Budget Settlement be noted;

(c)        That the work in hand on the remaining local options to contribute to reaching a balanced budget for 2020/21 be noted;

(d)       That the professional advice that, based on the financial strategy we have been working to be noted, and that there is a high degree of confidence that a legal and balanced budget can be recommended to Council on 18^th February; and

(e)       That a full and final report with recommendations to set a legal and balanced budget be reported to the Council meeting on 18^th February.

The Chief Executive introduced the Council Fund Revenue Budget 2020/21 Stage Two report which set out the strategy for reaching a legal and balanced budget.  The Provisional Settlement was out for public consultation and would be finalised on 25^th February prior to the approval of the Welsh Government (WG) Budget for all public services.

            The report covered:

·         The latest local financial forecast for 2020/21;

·         A summary of the stage one work on the budget;

·         An assessment of the Provisional Settlement and the impacts and implications for the Council;

·         The work in hand on the limited range of local options at stage two to contribute to reaching a balanced budget for 2020/21;

·         The open risks which needed to be taken into account in setting the budget; and

·         The steps to close the budget and ongoing work for the medium-term.

The report advised that there was a high degree of confidence that a legal and balanced budget could be recommended to Council at the meeting on 18^th February. A special meeting of Group Leaders was scheduled to take place prior to that Council meeting.

Since the last meeting in December, the impact of the latest changes had been to increase the budget gap to meet the expenditure requirement for 2020/21 by £0.181M to £16.355M.

The Corporate Finance Manager provided full details on the Provisional Settlement, as detailed in the report.  He explained that the provisional AEF (Revenue Support Grant and share of National Rates Pool) for 2020/21 was £199.386M which, when compared to the adjusted 2019/20 figure of £192.212M represented an increase of 3.7%.  The all Wales average increase was 4.3%.  The provisional allocation represented a cash uplift of £10.406M over the 2019/20 allocation of £188.980M.

There were three transfers into the Settlement:

·         Teacher Pension Grant (£1.978M);

·         Nursing Care (£0.081M); and

·         Teacher Pay (£0.608M).

There was no additional funding confirmed at this stage to support a funding ‘floor’.  A funding floor was a guaranteed level of funding for councils who came under the all-Wales average change in the annual Settlement. A floor had been a feature of the Settlement for many years.  Given the variations in the annual uplift from council to council, a floor had been called for by a number of councils.  If granted, it would be funded by WG over and above the quantum it had committed to invest in the Settlement for 2020/21 thus far.  The group of North Wales Leaders had made the case for a floor to be set at 4%.  If granted, that would improve Flintshire’s position by 0.3%.  The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) had also supported the call for a floor.  A decision was awaited and there could be no assumption at this stage, prior to the finalisation and approval of the WG budget.

Details on specific grants awarded were outlined in the report.  Most grants would be at the same level as 2019/20 or would be increased for indexation.  There would be several significant uplifts to specific grants within Education  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92.

(a)       That the allocations and schemes in Table 3 for the Statutory / Regulatory and Retained Assets sections of the Council Fund Capital Programme 2020/21 – 2022/23 be approved;

(b)       That the schemes included in Table 4 for the Investment section of the Council Fund Capital Programme 2020/21 – 2022/23 be approved;

(c)        That the shortfall in funding of schemes in 2020/21 and 2021/22 in Table 5 at this point in the approval process allows flexibility, be noted.  Options including a combination of future capital receipts, alternative grants (if available), prudential borrowing or the re-phasing of schemes will be considered during 2020/21, and included in future Capital Programme reports.

The Chief Officer (Housing and Assets) introduced the Capital Programme 2020/21 – 2022/23 report which covered investment in assets for the long term to enable the delivery of high quality and value for money public services.

            Assets included buildings such as schools and care homes, infrastructure such as highways, IT networks and waste transfer stations and assets not owned by the Council, such as works to improve and adapt private sector homes.  The proposed capital investments outlined within the report were closely aligned to portfolio service business plans and the Council Plan.

            The Council had limited capital resources from Welsh Government (WG) to support Council priorities, needs and liabilities.  However, it had the powers to fund Capital schemes by borrowing; this was temporary and ultimately the cost and repayment of any borrowing was charged to the Council’s revenue budget.  Schemes funded by borrowing were carefully considered due to the long-term impacts on the Council’s revenue budget.

            The report divided the Council Fund Capital Programme into three sections:

1.    Statutory / Regulatory – allocations to cover regulatory and statutory works;

2.    Retained Assets – allocations to fund infrastructure works necessary to ensure service and business continuity; and

3.    Investment – allocations to fund works necessary to remodel services to deliver efficiencies outlined in Portfolio business plan and invest in services as outlined in the Council Plan.

The Chief Officer provided details of each of the tables within the report which were supported by explanations on each table.

In response to a question from Councillor David Healey, the Chief Officer (Education and Youth) confirmed that the works on Castell Alun High School was for a three storey extension, not two as outlined in the report.

Councillor Roberts moved the recommendations of the report, citing all of the exciting opportunities outlined in the Capital Programme.  He said it demonstrated that the Council was being ambitious and showed what the aims of the Council were.  He commented in particular on the successful Hwb Cyfle adult day centre project which had recently opened in Queensferry, the investment in Marleyfield Residential Home in Buckley and the proposals for many schools in the county.

Councillor Banks seconded the recommendations of the report which he welcomed, particularly the smaller schemes of scheduled resurfacing of the all-weather pitch at Elfed High School, and the Flintshire Food Enterprise initiative.

Councillor Peers also welcomed the report which saw schemes across the county.  He commented on the Council’s limited capital resources and felt this needed to be brought to the attention of WG.  On school building works, he asked if the £1.5M budget for the toilets in schools was part of a 15 year programme as the report stated £100K per annum.  On improvements to the Standard Yard Waste Transfer Station, he hoped some money could be saved on this scheme as it had been determined that the new road initially identified was not actually needed. 

On the joint archive facility, he asked if ownership was on a 50:50 basis with Denbighshire  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93.

(a)       That the Capital Strategy be approved; and

(b)       That the following be approved:

·         The Prudential Indicators for 2020/21 – 2022/23 as detailed within Tables 1, and 4 – 7 inclusive of the Capital Strategy; and

·         Delegated authority for the Corporate Finance Manager to effect movements between the separately agreed limits within the authorised limit for external debt and the operational boundary for external debt (Table 6 of the Capital Strategy).

The Corporate Finance Manager introduced the Capital Strategy Including Prudential Indicators 2020/21 to 2022/23 report which provided an update on the Strategy, including why a Strategy was needed, its key aims and the content of each of its sections.

            Councillor Banks moved the recommendations of the report which were seconded by Councillor Mullin.

            In response to a question from Councillor Peers, the Chief Executive explained that the Council did not have any PFI schemes.

            On being put to the vote the recommendations were carried.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Capital Strategy be approved; and

(b)       That the following be approved:

·         The Prudential Indicators for 2020/21 – 2022/23 as detailed within Tables 1, and 4 – 7 inclusive of the Capital Strategy; and

·         Delegated authority for the Corporate Finance Manager to effect movements between the separately agreed limits within the authorised limit for external debt and the operational boundary for external debt (Table 6 of the Capital Strategy).

That the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 30 Year Financial Business Plan be approved.

The Chief Officer (Housing and Assets) and the Strategic Finance Manager – Commercial and Housing, introduced the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 30 Year Financial Business Plan report, which included proposed rent increases which had been considered at Cabinet on 21^st January 2020.

            A presentation was delivered which covered:

·         30 year Business Plan;

·         Welsh Government Rent Policy 2020/21;

·         Proposed Rent Uplift 2020/21;

·         Other Income;

·         Service Charges 2020/21;

·         Revenue Efficiencies;

·         Revenue Pressures;

·         Capital Programme Delivery;

·         Draft Capital Programme 2020/21;

·         HRA Capital Funding 2020/21;

·         HRA – Considering Value for Money; and

·         Reserves

Councillor Attridge moved approval of the recommendation.  He provided details of a comment he had made at Community and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the cumulative effect of rent increases and other service charges.  For tenants who were struggling, including residents in sheltered housing, assurance had been given from the Chief Officer that those charges were covered by housing benefits.  A lot of work had been done over recent years to ensure that tenants were getting value for money which was pleasing to see.

Councillor Dave Hughes seconded the recommendation and said he was very proud of what had been achieved and officers would seek to build on the current levels of ambition. The rent policy had been set by WG for 5 years, which was the maximum amount that could be charged and landlords should consider value for money alongside affordability for tenants, taking into account the full cost of living in a property as part of their rationale of setting rent increases. 

Councillor Peers commented on the 30 Year Financial Business Plan Summary that was appended to the report and said in 2020/21, expenditure was 65% of the income, increasing in year 10 to 67% of income.  He asked how this related to the Welsh average.  The Chief Officer said that when that information became available it would be shared with Members.

In response to a question from Councillor Carver, the Finance Manager confirmed that the transitional uplift to tenants who were currently under target rent was £2 per week as it had been in previous years.

Councillor Richard Jones commented on the many people who struggled with car parking at sheltered accommodation properties as it was not always elderly residents that occupied such premises.  He suggested that investment in car parking should be considered.

The Chief Officer said that a review of sheltered accommodation was taking place, including in the wider context.  Car parking generally was also being dealt with under the WHQS and a detailed evaluation matrix had been agreed at Community and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee as to what was the need and how parking could be accommodated in various places.

In response to a comment from Councillor Hinds on water charges now being billed directly to residents, the Chief Officer explained that this had been a specific requirement of the water company and was out of the Councils control.  Councillor Gay said she had attended a drop in session and was informed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.

That the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2019/20 be approved.

The Corporate Finance Manager introduced the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2019/20.  A summary of the key points were set out in the report.

            Members of the Audit Committee received a copy of the report on 20^th November and recommended it to Cabinet.  Cabinet received the Mid-Year report on 17^th December 2019 and recommended it to Council for approval.

            Councillor Banks moved the recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Chris Dolphin.

            Councillor Peers asked for additional information on the two new long term loans that had been taken out from the Public Works Loans Board in 2019/20.  The Corporate Finance Manager explained that there was a need to borrow to fund the Capital Programme and she could provide further details if required.  Interest rates from central government had been low which meant that fixing long term re-payments offered financial value to the Council.

On being put to the vote the recommendation was carried.

RESOLVED:

That the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2019/20 be approved.

That the Council responds to the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Bill, building on the positions that had previously been taken and aligning with the position and views of the Welsh Local Government Association.

The Chief Executive introduced the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Bill report which summarised the provisions of the Bill and details of the Council’s responses.  Many of the aspects in the Bill had previously been debated by Members during their draft stages.

            Appended to the report were papers of the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) Council, as the Councils representative body.

            Councillor Roberts supported the views of the WLGA and the previous position as outlined by the Council which should form the basis of the response, which was seconded by Councillor Carolyn Thomas.  He said particular aspects would need to be dealt with at the time when the Bill was enacted.  He particularly welcomed the provision in the Bill for voting for 16 and 17 year olds.

            Councillor Bithell concurred with the comments of the Leader and said he would welcome some aspect of political education being delivered in schools. 

            Councillor Tudor Jones said Flintshire was a progressive local authority which had been demonstrated in the Council Chamber throughout the afternoon.  However, he expressed his concern that if the report was approved today, it would prevent the Council commenting in the future on the voting system.  He supported the vote being extended to 16 and 17 year olds but said they would be expected to use two different voting systems.  He agreed with the single transferable vote system but commented on the system for County Council elections where the person with the majority of the votes won.  However, some of those seats had very low majorities, with one example being a Councillor being elected with 24% of the vote; he felt this would be difficult to explain to young people.  A single transferable vote would see the achievement of a 50% majority.  He did not feel that the Council should align itself to the views of the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA). 

            The Chief Executive said this was a topic which prompted a wide range of views in the Council Chamber and also at the WLGA.  The WLGA and the Council believed there should be a uniform voting system for all local authorities regardless of what voting system was used which would help to avoid confusion.  Councillor Jones said he disagreed with that view as people would only be concerned with the system that was in place where they resided. 

            Councillor Richard Jones commented on the change of name of the Audit Committee to Governance and Audit Committee and said he felt the reporting of performance measures should remain where they currently were, at Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.   The Chief Executive explained that two Committees could operate with parallel roles and further thought would be given on that element of the Bill.

            Councillor Roberts said a debate would take place on a voting system once the Bill had been enacted.

            On being put to the vote the recommendation was carried.

RESOLVED:

That the Council responds to the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Bill, building on the positions that had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

That Mark Morgan be appointed to the Standards Committee until 27^th January 2026.

The Deputy Monitoring Officer introduced the Appointment of an Independent Member to the Standards Committee report, which, following a recruitment process for a vacancy, recommended that Mr Mark Morgan be appointed.

            An Independent Member could be appointed for between four and six years in their first term, and, if reappointed, for a maximum of four years in their second term.  So that the retirement dates of the Independent Members was staggered, officers recommended that Mr Morgan be appointed for the maximum period in his first term and until 27^th January 2026.

            Councillor Woolley moved the recommendation of the report which was seconded by Councillor Paul Johnson.

            On being put to the vote the recommendation was carried.

RESOLVED:

That Mark Morgan be appointed to the Standards Committee until 27^th January 2026.

This item is to receive any Notices of Motion.  One has been received and is attached.

That the Notice of Motion from Councillors Attridge, Brown, Ellis and Hardcastle, which included the amendment proposed by Councillor Roberts, be supported.

Prior to the Notice of Motion being introduced, the Deputy Monitoring Officer explained that a response to the Notice of Motion had been received from the Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board which he would read out once the Notice of Motion had been introduced. 

            Councillor Attridge explained that the Notice of Motion was in the names of himself, Councillors Brown, Ellis and Hardcastle.

            Councillor Ellis introduced the Notice of Motion as follows:

“We call on Welsh Government to make BCUHB accountable in their care of patients and staff. After many years in so called Special Measures the crisis with the District Hospitals remains a worry.

A twelve hour wait at Wrexham Maelor is not unusual it’s the normal wait time.  People lying on trolleys waiting to go into Majors is normal.  Waiting for beds to move patients out of A and E to the Wards is impossible as there are no beds.  No beds no sheets no pillows no Doctors and Nursing Staff cut.

Staff are under growing pressure and have been heard to say they are fearful of the situation getting worse as the Hospitals cannot cope with the numbers such as two Doctors to see eighty patients in A and E with a staff reduced from 15 to 12.  We feel people may be put at risk due to lack of provision. Ambulance Personnel unable to sign over patients to the A and E staff as there is no room.

Flintshire has a growing population the LDP shows the growth we can expect, however Health provision is not keeping up it cannot cope Flintshire needs more GP’s, more Nurses and Consultants and surely in this day and age a sick person should be able to have a bed with a pillow and blanket and been seen in a reasonable time by a Doctor. In short this County needs its own Hospital”.

She added that in 2008 many Members from across the Chamber had been against the introduction of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) and had fought hard against the closure of community hospitals.  The current situation proved that view was right.  She said BCUHB had been in special measures for almost 5 years, that it was too big and could not be managed.  She had been inundated with calls from residents across the county outlining their experiences and concerns.  She commented on the reducing staff numbers, the lack of pillows and blankets, beds not being available and basic provision of food and drink not being made available to people who had been waiting for up to 24 hours.  She felt the residents of Flintshire were being let down and called for a hospital within the county.

Councillors Brown and Attridge spoke in support of the views expressed by Councillor Ellis, with Councillor Attridge providing details of his own personal experiences at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

The Deputy Monitoring Officer read out the response from BCUHB.

Councillor Roberts said it was distressing to hear the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

This item is to receive any Public Questions.  None have been received.

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 have been received.

None were received.

None were received.

There was one member of the press in attendance, and one member of the public in attendance.