Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

Councillors Marion Bateman, Paul Cunningham, Ian Roberts, and Andrew Parkhurst declared a personal interest in agenda item 12: Appointment of a Lay Person to the Governance and Audit Committee as the person nominated was known to them. 

Councillors Marion Bateman, Paul Cunningham, Ian Roberts, and Andrew Parkhurst declared a personal interest in agenda item 12: Appointment of a Lay Person to the Governance and Audit Committee as the person nominated was known to them. 

As the outgoing Chair, Councillor Joe Johnson presented his review of the year 2021/22, during which he and his Consort, Mrs Sue Johnson, had been privileged to represent Flintshire. 

Councillor Johnson welcomed newly elected Members to their first meeting of the County Council and thanked returning Members and officers for their support during his term of office as Chair.  He spoke of the direct impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on personal lives and paid tribute to officers and employees for their commitment to the continuation of services throughout the challenges.  Councillor Johnson said he had been pleased to accept invitations to a range of events on behalf of the County Council and cited a number of  examples.

That Councillor Mared Eastwood be elected Chair of the Council for the municipal year 2022/23.

Councillor Hilary McGuill  proposed that Councillor Mared Eastwood be elected Chair of the Council for the municipal year 2022/23.  This was seconded by Councillor Ian Roberts.   Speaking in support of the proposal, Councillor McGuill commented on Councillor Eastwood’s personal qualities, professional experience, and dedicated work in the local community.  Councillor Ian Roberts also paid tribute to Councillor Mared Eastwood.  No other nominations were received. 

On being put to the vote Councillor Mared Eastwood was appointed as Chair of the Council for the municipal year 2022/23.

Councillor Mared Eastwood thanked Members for electing her as Chair for the year ahead which she described as an honour.  She paid tribute to the outgoing Chair and his Consort and said Councillor Joe Johnson had been an excellent ambassador for the County.

RESOLVED:

That Councillor Mared Eastwood be elected Chair of the Council for the municipal year 2022/23.

Councillor Mared Eastwood was invested with the Chain of Office by the retiring Chairman and signed her Declaration of Acceptance of Office in the presence of the Chief Executive.

The Chair presented Councillor Joe Johnson with his retiring Chairman’s Badge of Office and a gift was presented to his Consort, Mrs Sue Johnson.

The Chair’s Consort, Mr Tim Eastwood, was unable to attend the meeting and a Badge of Office was accepted on his behalf by Mr OwenEastwood.

(At this point Councillor Mared Eastwood chaired the remainder of the meeting)

That Councillor Gladys Healey be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Council for the municipal year 2022/23.

Councillor Bernie Attridge proposed that Councillor David Mackie be appointed Vice-Chair for the municipal year 2022/23.  This was seconded by Councillor Helen Brown. 

Councillor David Healey proposed that Councillor Gladys Healey be appointed Vice-Chair and this was seconded by Councillor Christine Jones.

No other nominations were received.

A recorded vote was requested, and the requisite number of Members stood in support of this. 

The following Councillors voted for Councillor David Mackie:

Mike Allport, Bernie Attridge, Glyn Banks, Pam Banks, Marion Bateman,  Helen Brown, Steve Copple, Bill Crease, Rob Davies, Adele Davies-Cooke, Chris Dolphin, Rosetta Dolphin, Carol Ellis, Chrissy Gee, Ian Hodge, Andy Hughes, Dennis Hutchinson, Richard Jones, Dave Mackie, Roz Mansell, Alan Marshall, Debbie Owen, Mike Peers, David Richardson, Dale Selvester, Jason Shallcross, Arnold Woolley and Antony Wren

The following Members voted for Councillor Gladys Healey:

Sean Bibby, Chris Bithell, Gillian Brockley, Mel Buckley, Teresa Carberry, Tina Claydon, David Coggins Cogan, Geoff Collett, Paul Cunningham, Ron Davies, Mared Eastwood, David Evans, David Healey, Gladys Healey, Dave Hughes, Ray Hughes, Alasdair Ibbotson, Paul Johnson, Christine Jones, Simon Jones, Richard Lloyd,  Gina Maddison, Hilary McGuill, Ryan McKeown, Billy Mullin, Ted Palmer, Andrew Parkhurst, Michelle Perfect, Vicky Perfect, Carolyn Preece, Ian Roberts, Dan Rose, Kevin Rush, Sam Swash, Linda Thew, Linda Thomas, Ant Turton, Roy Wakelam

There were no abstentions.  

On being put to the vote Councillor Gladys Healey was appointed as Vice-Chair of the Council for the municipal year 2022/23.

Councillor Gladys Healey thanked Members for their support and said she was proud and honoured to be elected as Vice-Chair.  She congratulated the Chair on her appointment and said she looked forward to working with her in the year ahead.

RESOLVED:

That Councillor Gladys Healey be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Council for the municipal year 2022/23.

Councillor Healey was invested with the Chain of Office by the Chair and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office in the presence of the Chief Executive.  Councillor Healey’s Consort, Councillor David Healey, was invested with his Chain of Office.

That Councillor Ian Roberts be appointed Leader of the Council for the municipal year 2022/23.

Councillor Paul Cunningham proposed that Councillor Ian Roberts be appointed Leader of the Council for the municipal year 2022/23.  This was seconded by Councillor Christine Jones.

Councillor Bernie Attridge proposed that Councillor Richard Jones be appointed Leader of the Council and this was seconded by Councillor Helen Brown. 

No other nominations were received.

A recorded vote was requested and the requisite number of Members stood in support of this. 

The following Councillors voted for Councillor Ian Roberts:

The following Councillors voted for Councillor Richard Jones:

The following Members abstained:

Marion Bateman, David Coggins-Cogan, Allan Marshall, Linda Thew and Roy Wakelam

On being put to the vote Councillor Ian Roberts was appointed Leader of the Council for the municipal year 2022/23.

RESOLVED:

That Councillor Ian Roberts be appointed Leader of the Council for the municipal year 2022/23.

To note the appointment of the Cabinet by the Leader of the Council.

That the choice of Councillors to serve on the Cabinet and their portfolios detailed below, be noted.

Councillor Ian Roberts thanked Members for their support in electing him for a further term of office as Leader of the Council which he said was an honour.   He spoke of the high esteem in which the Council was held in Wales and paid tribute to all the Council’s employees who had continued to provide and maintain standards of service throughout the difficulties imposed by the Covid pandemic.  Councillor Roberts congratulated the Chair and Vice-Chair on their appointments.

In accordance with the Constitution, Councillor Roberts set out his choice of Councillors to serve on the Cabinet. 

RESOLVED:

That the choice of Councillors to serve on the Cabinet and their portfolios detailed below, be noted.

(i)        Appointment of Committees

That Council appoints the following Committees:

Appeals Committee;

Clwyd Pension Fund Committee;

Constitution and Democratic Services Committee

Climate Change Committee

Governance and Audit Committee

Grievance Committee

Grievance Appeals Committee

Investigation and Disciplinary Committee

Joint Governance Committee (for Pensions)

Licensing Committee

Planning Committee

Standards Committee; and

The five Overview & Scrutiny Committees as listed in the report. 

(ii)        Determination of the size of Committees

(a)       That the size of each Committee be as set out in paragraph 1.04 of the report, and the size of the Grievance Committee, Grievance Appeals Committee, and Investigation and Disciplinary Committee be increased to 13; and

(b)       That the political balance and terms of reference for the Climate Change Committee be established at the next meeting of the County Council on 19 July 2022. 

(iii)       Terms of Reference of Committees

That the terms of reference for each Committee as set out in the Constitution be approved.

(iv)      Political Balance

(a)       That seats be allocated in accordance with political balance as set out

in Appendix 1 and the rules on membership of the Committees as set

out in paragraphs 1.09 – 1.14;

(b)       That the seats on the Grievance, Grievance Appeals and Investigation

and Disciplinary Committees be allocated to give a broad political

spread of membership; and

(c)        That further consideration be given to rules 3 and 4, as detailed in paragraph 1.12 of the report, to improve current procedures on making nominations to the Planning Committee.  

(v)       Appointment of Chairs of Standing Committees

(a)       That the Chairs of the following Committees be appointed (noting any restrictions on eligibility):

·             Clwyd Pension Fund Committee - Councillor Ted Palmer

·             Planning Committee - Councillor Richard Lloyd

·             Constitution and Democratic Services Committee - Councillor Rob Davies

·             Licensing Committee - Councillor Rosetta Dolphin

(b)       That the Grievance Committee, the Grievance Appeals Committee and Investigation & Disciplinary Committee should each appoint its own Chair from amongst its membership; and

(c)        That the following groups be allocated the Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Committees as outlined:

Overview & Scrutiny Committee            Group to Choose Chair

Corporate Resources                                  Independent (Councillor Richard Jones)

Community, Housing & Assets                 Independent (Councillor Helen Brown)

Education, Youth & Culture                      Labour (Councillor Teresa Carberry)

Environment & Economy                           Labour (Councillor David Evans)

Social & Health Care                                  Liberal Democrat

(vi)      Approval of the Constitution

That the rules, procedures, delegations and codes/protocols within the Constitution be approved.

(vii)     Nominations to Internal Bodies

That the make-up of the Appointments Committee be approved.

(viii)    Standards Committee

That the composition and membership of the Standards Committee be noted, including the appointment of Councillors Teresa Carberry, Andrew Parkhurst, and Anthony Wren to replace the membership of Councillors Gladys Healey, Patrick Heesom and Arnold Woolley.

(ix)      Appointments to Outside Bodies

That Council delegates authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with Group Leaders, to make appointments to outside bodies for this council term. Including authority to change any appointment (in consultation with group leaders) during the Council term as required.

The Council considered the report of the Chief Officer (Governance) which dealt with matters that required decision at the Annual Meeting of the County Council in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 1.1 (vii) - (xiv).  The report also dealt with the appointment of other Committees and Chairs and other issues such as allocation of seats, under political balance.

The report was split into sections, each one dealing with one decision that needed to be made and the relevant issues for consideration.  Each section was considered and voted on in turn.

(i)        Appointment of Committees

The Chief Officer (Governance) explained that the Constitution provided for the appointment of the following: Appeals Committee; Clwyd Pension Fund Committee; Constitution and Democratic Services Committee; Governance and Audit Committee; Grievance Committee; Grievance Appeals Committee; Investigation and Disciplinary Committee; Joint Governance Committee (for Pensions); Licensing Committee; Planning Committee; Standards Committee; and five Overview & Scrutiny Committees (as listed in paragraph 1.01 of the report). 

Councillor Ian Roberts advised that the Licensing Committee was being passed to an Independent Group. 

Councillor Ian Roberts moved an amendment to the recommendation in the report and proposed the creation of a new Climate Change Committee to drive forward the Council’s vision to seek solutions to the impact of climate change on local communities in Flintshire.  This was seconded by Councillor Chris Bithell and when put to the vote was carried.

RESOLVED:

That Council appoints the following Committees:

Appeals Committee;

Clwyd Pension Fund Committee;

Constitution and Democratic Services Committee

Climate Change Committee

Governance and Audit Committee

Grievance Committee

Grievance Appeals Committee

Investigation and Disciplinary Committee

Joint Governance Committee (for Pensions)

Licensing Committee

Planning Committee

Standards Committee; and

The five Overview & Scrutiny Committees as listed in the report. 

(ii)        Determination of the size of Committees 

The Chief Officer explained that the size of each committee must be decided at the Annual Meeting.  Council had previously agreed that the major Committees should be large enough for all political groups to be represented.

The Chief Officer explained that the size of the Grievance Committee, Grievance Appeals Committee, and Investigation and Disciplinary Committee, as detailed in 1.04 of the report, had subsequently been increased to 13 to accommodate all political groups.

In response to the concerns expressed by Councillor Bernie Attridge on the proposed political balance, as outlined in the report, and the need to determine political balance for the new Climate Change Committee, the Chief Officer suggested that the terms of reference and membership for the Climate Change Committee be determined at the next meeting of the County Council on 19 July, and the political balance for Committees also be reviewed and recalculated.

Councillor Bernie Attridge moved approval of the recommendation in the report which was seconded by Councillor Richard Jones.  When put to the vote this was carried.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the size of each Committee be as set out in paragraph 1.04 of the report, and the size of the Grievance Committee, Grievance Appeals Committee, and Investigation and Disciplinary Committee be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The Chair advised that the item on National Collaborative Arrangements for Welsh (local authority) Adoption and Fostering services would be brought forward.

(a)       That the new governance arrangements established through the

Joint Committee Agreement for the National Adoption Service and Foster

Wales be noted; and

(b)       That, as part of the local governance oversight, an annual report on the National Adoption Service, and regional and local service delivery, be presented to Social and Health Care Overview Scrutiny Committee. 

The Chief Officer (Social Services) presented a report to seek agreement to sign the Joint Committee Agreement for the proposed Joint Committee.  He provided background information and context and explained that the Agreement clarified roles and responsibilities for the hosting and delivery of national functions which support and enable local authority delivery of adoption and fostering responsibilities.  A copy of the Joint Committee Agreement was appended to the report.

In response to the comments made by Councillor Richard Jones the Chief Officer concurred that kinship carers were an integral part of the Council’s  fostering services and were fully supported as family members. 

In moving the recommendations in the report Councillor Bernie Attridge expressed thanks to the Cabinet Member for Social Services and the Chief Officer and his team for their work and commitment in the provision of adoption and fostering services.  Councillor Christine Jones seconded the recommendations.

The Cabinet Member for Social Services, Councillor Ian Roberts and Councillor Paul Cunningham spoke in tribute to the Council’s adoption and fostering service and Children’s Social Services.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the new governance arrangements established through the

Joint Committee Agreement for the National Adoption Service and Foster

Wales be noted; and

(b)       That, as part of the local governance oversight, an annual report on the National Adoption Service, and regional and local service delivery, be presented to Social and Health Care Overview Scrutiny Committee. 

That the report be noted.

The Chief Executive presented a report on the results of the 2022 County Council elections.  The report confirmed that the local elections had been conducted in accordance with elections law, guidance, common practice, and the performance standards set for Returning Officers.  The report set out the political composition of the Council for the new term. 

The Chief Executive said the local election process had been of high quality and had maintained integrity.  He expressed his appreciation for the commitment and professionalism of the Elections and Count Management teams and for the co-operation of all involved in the elections process, including the many local organisations who made their premises available as polling stations and Coleg Cambria for the availability of the Count Centre.   The Chief Executive also expressed his thanks for the cooperation of candidates, agents, political parties and campaign activists for following the advice and guidance given throughout the pre-election period. 

The Chief Executive reported that in conjunction with the Elections Team, he had evaluated performance and learning from the elections both for sharing with the Electoral Commission for their national evaluative report and for future elections planning.  He commented on the extensive use of social media during the election period and referring to the current guidance from the Electoral Commission on use of social media said that the need for further clarification would be raised in formal feedback to the Commission.    

The Chief Executive advised that Flintshire continued to be held in high regard for its elections management conduct, practice, and delivery.  He commented that the overall turnout for the election had been slightly lower in 2022 (36%) than in 2017 (38.73%) and drew attention to the election results as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report. 

Councillor Ian Roberts expressed his thanks to the Elections Team, Count Management Teams, and all involved in the elections process.  He said the elections and Count had been well organised and conducted.  Councillor Roberts paid particular tribute to the Returning Officer for his exemplary performance throughout the elections and his sound advice and guidance in response to all matters arising.  In conclusion Councillor Roberts also thanked all candidates who had put their name forward for the local elections. 

Councillor Bernie Attridge concurred with the sentiments expressed by Councillor Roberts and expressed his thanks to the Returning Officer, Deputy Returning Officer, and all involved in the elections process for their efficiency and professionalism.

Councillors Chris Bithell, Marion Bateman, Bill Crease, Gladys Healey, Dennis Hutchinson, Hilary McGuill, Richard Jones and Billy Mullin expressed their thanks to Officers and staff for their work, commitment, and the successful management and outcome of the elections. 

Councillor Richard Jones commented on the need to acknowledge the service given by former Councillors who would not be returning for a further term of office within the County Council.  The Chief Officer (Governance) explained that a badge was presented to Councillors when they retired, and a Civic event would be held later in the year which would include Councillors who were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

That the draft schedule of meetings for 2022/23 as appended to the report be approved.

The Chief Officer (Governance) presented the schedule of meetings for 2022/23 following consultation.   Each year the Schedule of Meetings was designed based on regular meeting cycles, regular meeting days where possible and with wide consultation to ensure that reporting commitments and/or meetings did not clash.

Councillor Bernie Attridge moved the recommendation which was seconded by Councillor David Healey.

RESOLVED:

That the draft schedule of meetings for 2022/23 as appended to the report be approved.

That Brian Harvey be appointed to the Governance and Audit Committee until 31 December 2027.

The Chief Officer (Governance) introduced a report to update Members on the appointment of an additional lay person to the Governance and Audit Committee.  He provided background information and advised that the need to appoint a lay person was outlined in the report.  A pen portrait of the candidate was appended to the report for information. 

Councillor Bernie Attridge spoke in support of the nomination and moved the recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Billy Mullin.

RESOLVED:

That Brian Harvey be appointed to the Governance and Audit Committee until 31 December 2027.

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.

That the report be noted.

The Chief Officer introduced a report to inform Council of the outcomes of petitions which had been submitted over the past year.  He advised that during 2020/21 there had been one petition presented at Council on 25 May 2021 which was detailed in the report.

Councillor Bernie Attridge moved the recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Richard Jones. 

RESOLVED: 

That the report be noted.

This item is to receive any Public Questions: : none were received by the deadline.

None had been received.

None had been received.

To note the answers to any questions submitted in accordance with County Council Standing Order No. 9.4(A): none were received by the deadline.

None had been received.

None had been received.

This item is to receive any Notices of Motion: none were received by the deadline.

None had been received.

None had been received.

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