Agenda, decisions and minutes

Purpose: To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

Councillor Attridge declared a personal interest in agenda item 20 – Update on the Integrated Transport Unit Procurement. 

                        Councillor Butler declared a personal interest in agenda item number 21 – Halkyn Mountain Sustainable Management Scheme.  The Chief Officer (Governance) explained that as Councillor Butler was appointed to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Cadwyn Clwyd Local Action Group (LAG) the interest was personal only as there was an exemption in the Members’ Code of Conduct.  However, if anything related to a planning application in the future then the interest would be personal and prejudicial.

                        On agenda item number 26 – Maes Gwern Development, the Chief Officer (Governance) explained that a number of Cabinet Members were also Members of the Council’s Planning Committee and there could be concern that they would appear to have a pre-determined view on the Planning application by considering the item at Cabinet.  However, as the Council owned the land it was assumed that Cabinet Members would release the land for planning permission and it was accepted that they could take part in both parts of that process. However, he advised the relevant Cabinet Members to ensure that they did not discuss, or pre-judge specific planning aspects such as highways. 

Purpose:        To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 20^th June 2017 had been circulated with the agenda. 

RESOLVED:

That the minutes be approved as a correct record.

Purpose:        To provide further assurance on fire safety measures at the Flint high rise flats.

Councillor Attridge provided a verbal update on the Flint high rise which covered six main areas. He paid tribute to the Chief Officer (Community and Enterprise) and all of the staff who had been involved in ensuring the safety of the high rise from the morning of the terrible tragedy in London.  The Capital Programmes Manager had been to give evidence at the National Assembly for Wales (NAfW) the previous week where Flintshire had received recognition for the work that had been undertaken.  The verbal update would also be given at Community and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee the following day.

The Chief Executive commented on the importance of transparency and public reporting to provide reassurance to tenants.  Initial presence at the site by key officers and the Fire and Rescue Service had led to positive feedback from tenants.  A frequently asked questions document was in preparation and would be available on the Council’s website.

Councillor Ian Roberts who was the local Member for the ward in which the high rise were located expressed his personal thanks to the Chief Executive, Chief Officer (Community and Enterprise) and the Cabinet Member, Councillor Attridge, for all of the work that had taken place and the level of reassurance that had been given to tenants.

To receive a presentation on the Leisure and Libraries alternative delivery model capital investment from representatives of the Aura Leisure and Libraries Board.  A report will be considered under exempt information at agenda item number 27.

Councillor Shotton welcomed Christine Edwards, Chair of Aura Leisure and Libraries and Mike Welsh, Managing Director of Aura, to the meeting.  He explained that a report would be considered at the end of the meeting in closed session due to the commercial sensitivities. 

            Christine Edwards explained that the Shadow Leisure and Libraries Board had met twice with the Board being made up of local representatives.  A priority for the Board had been the level of staff engagement which had been welcomed.  The vision for Aura was ‘more’ all of the time, enhancement and accessibility.  Two specific capital developments had been approved by Cabinet in December 2016 for projects and they were at Jade Jones Pavilion and Mold Leisure Centre.

            The next steps, if the investments were approved, was to start work on detailed design and consult in detail with users and the secondary schools in Mold. That would enable developments to take place in the autumn and winter.  She emphasised the importance of working with the Council and building on the positive relationship that was already in place. 

            Mike Welch added that the workforce was in support of the proposals and they were all dedicated to the vision.

            Councillor Ian Roberts expressed his delight in this project which saw the required 30% of efficiency savings being achieved whilst keeping leisure facilities open.  Councillor Shotton added that this was a watershed moment for the Council which saw the protection of Leisure and Library facilities in the County.  In addition he commented on the capital investment being made which was not common in the country at present given the austerity measures faced by Councils.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation by Christine Edwards and Mike Welch be received.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Mullin introduced the Council Plan 2017-23 report and explained that the Plan had been reviewed and refreshed to reflect the key priorities of the Council for the 5 year term of the new administration.

            The Chief Executive explained that the structure of the plan remained the same as previous plans and comprised six priorities and relevant sub-priorities.  The six priorities took a long term view of projects and ambitions over the next five years.

            The Council Plan would be presented as two inter-related documents.  Firstly the ‘public’ version of the statements of intent on the six priorities and secondly the document that described the targets and milestones on which achievement would be measured.  The targets and milestones in the “How we Measure” document were to be considered by the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committees prior to final agreement by Cabinet in September. 

The document would be used by Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny Committees to monitor progress during the year.  The final Council Plan would be available as a web-based document published on the website before the end of September following recommendation for endorsement at County Council.

The Plan had recently been reported to Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee where they requested two additions, which were supported, for recommendation to Cabinet.  They were (1) tourism and strengthening the economic strategy and (2) the potential impact of Brexit on the local economy.

            RESOLVED:

            That the Improvement Plan 2017-23 be endorsed prior to adoption by the County Council for final publication including two additions at this stage: (1) tourism and strengthening the economic strategy and (2) the potential impact of Brexit on the local economy.

As detailed in the recommendation.

The Chief Executive introduced the report which set out the financial forecast for 2018/19 as part of the refresh of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).

The original forecast for the 2018/19 financial year, the third and final year of the current MTFS, set a likely ‘gap’ between the total spending requirement and anticipated income of £6.2m.  When discounting any modelling for a Council Tax increase the forecast gap would stand at £8.5m as a true figure.  The forecast had been revised and updated following decisions made as part of the 2017/18 budget, receipt of updated information on national, local and workforce pressures, and updated forecasts on inflation.

The Corporate Finance Manager explained that the revised forecast showed a projected ‘gap’ of £11.7m prior to any modelling for an increase in Council Tax. 

The Chief Executive added that an internal Member workshop was taking place later that day on the MTFS.

Councillor Shotton expressed his concern that if the significant amount of previous cuts reoccurred then this would have an even further negative impact on the Welsh block grant from the UK Government.  If that happened then a balanced budget could not be achieved without the authority making unpalatable decisions.  A cash flat settlement was being assumed but the Council would continue to lobby for better.  The Chief Executive added that a ‘cash flat’ settlement did not take into account things such as inflation and pay awards.

RESOLVED:

That the framework for the revision of the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2018/19 be adopted and the forecast as the first stage be accepted.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Mullin introduced the report which provided an overview of the Welsh Language Annual Report, progress being made to comply with the Standards and areas identified for improvement.  He commented on the vision of the First Minister Carwyn Jones, for the number of Welsh speakers to grow to one million by 2050.

                        The Chief Executive explained that the data in the report included information on the Compliance Notice and actions that had been taken to meet the Standards.  The report also provided details on progress made and areas for improvement. 

There had been 16 complaints relating to Welsh language during 2016/17 which related to potential breaches of 17 Standards.  Of those, 9 complaints were investigated by the Welsh Language Commissioner with a further 2 being investigated.  The Commissioner had found the Council to be in breach of eight Standards and had chosen not to fine the Council but had served enforcement notices and made one recommendation.

Councillors Shotton and Roberts commented on the aspiration of the First Minister to grow the number of Welsh speakers, asking if funding would be given to local authorities to help to achieve that number.  Councillor Shotton added that Flintshire was already significantly contributing to that number with Ysgol Croes Atti in Flint and the satellite school in Shotton.  He also commented on Cylch Meithrin in Garden City which was a Welsh medium Flying Start provision where people were embracing the Welsh language.  Councillor Jones said she was proud to have this provision in her ward and also commented on the number of Welsh speakers in Social Services.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring report for the period 2016/17 be agreed; and

(b)       That progress being made to implement the Welsh Language Standards and areas for improvement be noted.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Mullin introduced the report which provided an update on the emerging impacts that Universal Credit ‘Full Service’ was having on residents in Flintshire and how it would impact further as it was ‘rolled out’.

The Benefits Manager explained that the ‘Full Service’ replaced six legacy benefits for working-age claimants which were:

·         Housing Benefit;

·         Income Support;

·         Job Seekers Allowance;

·         Employment Support;

·         Child Tax Credit; and

·         Working Tax Credit

From April to June 2017 there were 362 customers in receipt of Universal Credit ‘Full Service’, 65 of whom had been identified as requiring Personal Budgeting Support which had been provided by Flintshire’s Welfare Reform Response Team.  Officers had provided 352 customers with assisted digital support in managing their claims online.

The report provided details on the impact on rent arrears, council tax arrears, other services and partners and highlighted the support being offered to customers.

Personal Budgeting and Support cases had already highlighted issues including payday lenders having direct access to a customer’s bank account so that when their monthly Universal Credit was paid they were accessing the account and leaving the customer with insufficient funds to live on each month. 

Training and communications were being delivered to all front line staff to provide advice and guidance in how best to support customers in receipt of Universal Credit.

Councillor Mullin paid tribute to the Benefits Manager and her staff who were doing a good job in supporting customers since the roll out of Universal Credit.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and ongoing work to manage the impacts that Universal Credit ‘Full Service’ has and will have upon Flintshire’s most vulnerable households be supported.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Attridge introduced the report which provided a background to Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and proposed innovative housing developments to increase the supply of affordable accommodation for the under 35 age group.  It also included proposals for improved temporary accommodation and more cost effective shelter for rough sleepers.  The proposals would enable the Council to continue to prevent homelessness and avoid any rough sleeping within the County.

                        The new legislation put a much stronger emphasis on the prevention of homelessness and the Council had undertaken a number of steps to ensure it could comply with the new duties and manage the additional pressures.

                        The Customer Services Manager explained that the availability of housing was a growing risk for the service with the numbers on the social register having increased significantly over the past year.  The average wait for a 3-bed property was 11 months and the current supply for single people did not meet the demand with the lack of available housing having an impact on the Council’s use of interim accommodation.  The Council went beyond its statutory duty and accommodated anybody who had nowhere safe to stay and some of those placements became extended and placed a financial burden on the Council.  The report also highlighted the additional pressures the Council had faced finding suitable housing options and the importance of the services that prevented households from becoming homeless.  Any reductions to the transition funding and/or Supporting People funding presented a further risk to the Council.

                        New developments included increasing availability for the under 35 age group and support was being sought from the innovative housing fund to develop more smaller and/or shared accommodation.  For temporary accommodation, there was the opportunity to develop it in a more efficient way and to link it to education and employment.  Support was also being sought from the Innovative Housing Fund to develop this area to provide a transformational positive environment for those who wished to break the cycle of homelessness.

            On rough sleeping, the Council aimed to prevent this but needed to consider alternative options to bed and breakfast and hotels.  They included a temporary shelter and working with the third sector and charities to set up a fund for essential items the homeless and the running of an emergency shelter.

            There was also a wholly new approach which was Housing First.   This approach had no preconceptions on people in order for them to access accommodation with accommodation being provided, often in the private rented sector, and support was provided to meet the needs of the individual.  It required a multi-disciplinary approach that went beyond homelessness and housing-related support.

Councillor Bithell welcomed the report.  He asked if a family member helped out with temporary accommodation would this be detrimental to the homeless person in that they would be put further back down the list.  The Customer Services Manager confirmed that did not happen and there was no disincentive to family offering support; the homeless status was retained.

Councillor Butler said the report  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Corporate Finance Manager introduced the report which summarised changes made to the Capital Programme during the last quarter of 2016/17 which had seen a net increase of £4.848m during that period.

                        The actual outturn was £63.493m.  Resources available for funding future capital expenditure were currently £5.066m - the whole of this sum would be needed to fund capital schemes from 2017/18 onwards.

                        The report provided details on capital expenditure compared to budget; carry forward into 2017/18; additional allocations; savings; financing; and funding of 2016/17 approved schemes.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the overall reported be approved; and

(b)       That the carry forward adjustments set out in the report be approved.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Corporate Finance Manager introduced the report which provided the outturn revenue budget monitoring position for 2016/17 for the Council Fund and Housing Revenue Account.

                        The final year end position was:

            Council Fund

·         The net in-year outturn comprised of an operating deficit of £0.846m;

·         The overall outturn included a positive impact of £2.886m due to the change in accounting policy for Minimum Revenue Provision as agreed by County Council.  This had the effect of eliminating the operating deficit with net spend being £2.039m lower than budget; and

·         A contingency reserve balance as at 31^st March 2017 of £5.133.

Housing Revenue Account

·         Net in year expenditure was £0.018m lower than budget; and

·         A closing balance as at 31^st March 2017 of £1.116m and earmarked reserves of £0.526m.

The Chief Executive explained that the report had been reviewed at the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee the previous week with no new issues being raised.  He added that £9.557m of efficiencies had been achieved (91%) which was an improvement on the previous year.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the overall report and the Council Fund contingency sum as at 31^st March be noted; and

(b)       That the final level of balances on the Housing Revenue Account be noted.

As detailed in the recommendation.

The Corporate Finance Manager introduced the report which was the first budget monitoring report of 2017/18.  The report provided information on the progress of achieving planned efficiencies against the targets set and reported by exception on significant variances which may impact on the final position in 2017/18.

                        The report did not provide the level of detail which would follow in later budget monitoring reports.

                        The Chief Executive explained that the report highlighted the challenges faced and the risks taken in-year as outlined during the budget setting process in February.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Jones introduced the report which provided details on the annual letter from Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) for the period April 2016 to March 2017.

                        The letter detailed sustained progress in meeting the requirements of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, with positive comments on the development of the Information, Advice and Assistance Service and the Early Help Hub.  The focus themes for the year were carers and adult safeguarding; implementation of the new safeguarding thresholds and guidance would continue as a priority into the following year.

                        The Chief Officer (Social Services) added that the letter acknowledged continuing challenges in relation to the implementation of the new safeguarding thresholds and on the strategic partnership working with Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board (BCUHB) which was being taken forward as a strategic priority for the region.

RESOLVED:

That the report be received.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Attridge introduced the report which sought approval to progress the next key stages of the Council’s Strategic Housing and Regeneration Programme (SHARP).  It also set out the proposals to develop a new housing scheme at the former Resource Centre, Melrose Avenue, Shotton which was a strategic priority for the Council and was a pre-agreed site for inclusion within the SHARP.

                        The report provided details on the scheme including proposed property types, design and layout and projected build costs.  Prudential borrowing was outlined as being the preferred funding option at a cost of £1,191,092.

                        The redevelopment of the Melrose Centre, which had become a target for vandalism and anti-social behaviour in recent months, would see a scheme consisting of 9 properties made up of 5 x 2 bed houses and 4 x 1 and 2 bed apartments.  Properties would comply with the Council’s Flintshire House Standard to ensure consistent, good quality internal layout, good fixtures and fittings, high standards of energy efficiency and external appearance in keeping with the area, low maintenance product specifications, adequate parking and a public realm designed to promote cohesive and inclusive communities. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the development of 9 new Council homes on the site of the former Melrose Centre, Shotton, be approved; and

(b)       That prudential borrowing to the value of £1,191,092 (subject to final approval and verification) be used to fund the proposed development.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Attridge introduced the report which sought approval of the North East Wales (NEW) Homes Business Plan 2017/22.

                        The plan set out key elements of the company’s proposed growth plan to increase the number of properties managed and owned as affordable housing over the next five years.

                        The Business Plan was approved by the NEW Homes Board on 28^th March 2017 and included The Walks, Flint which would see the delivery of 62 affordable houses and apartments.  The first seven NEW Homes properties on The Walks, Flint, were let during June 2017 with a phased handover scheduled for all future properties on the scheme.  All proposed future SHARP schemes would be approved by both NEW Homes and the Cabinet on a scheme-by-scheme basis.

                        NEW Homes managed and let property on behalf of landlords who owned properties, through a management agreement.  There were currently 29 properties within the management portfolio.

                        Councillor Roberts welcomed the report and praised the quality of the development at The Walks, Flint.  He commented on the positive relationship between the Council and the developer and congratulated everybody who had been involved with the scheme.  Councillor Bithell also welcomed the report which was encouraging for local people in need.

                        Councillor Attridge thanked Members for their comments and said he was very pleased to announce that Flintshire County Council had won an award the previous week through “Constructing Excellence in Wales”.  They had faced tough competition against other major projects in Wales and following the success would now go on to compete in the UK finals in November.  He expressed his thanks to all staff and said the award would be presented at County Council in September.

RESOLVED:

That the NEW Homes Business Plan 2017/22 be approved, noting that any proposed developments requiring capital funding would be brought to Cabinet for specific scheme by scheme approval following approval by the NEW Homes Board.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Attridge introduced the report which outlined the proposed heating charges in Council properties with communal heating systems for 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20.

                        New charges were implemented in the summer of each year to enable an accurate picture to be gathered on the previous year’s costs.  Any proposed changes to charges were intended to ensure that each communal heating scheme recovered the full energy costs charged in respect of each scheme and aimed to keep a nil balance on the heating reserve account.

                        Full details on the recommended heating charges based on actual usage in 2016/17 and the assumption that costs and usage remained at the same level for the next three years were outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

That the changes to heating charges at Council properties with communal heating schemes as outlined in the table of the report be approved with changes to take effect from 1^st September 2017.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Thomas introduced the report which provided an update on the previously approved changes to the waste collection rounds and the Council’s Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) redevelopment programme, both of which would contribute significantly to improving future recycling levels.  The report also sought approval for the updated Household Waste Collection and Household Centre Operations policy which had been amended to reflect the changes.

                        The report provided full details on the resident van permit scheme; HRC opening times; HRC management; and waste and recycling round changes.  A communications plan had been produced for the project and a County wide communication campaign to inform residents of the changes to the service would be undertaken before the new rounds were launched which would highlight both the additional materials that would be collected and the date the new collection service would commence.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the changes to the Council’s Household Waste Collection and Household Recycling Centre Operations policy be approved; and

(b)       That the changes to the waste and recycling rounds, due to be implemented in September 2017, be approved.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Thomas introduced the report which provided an update on the planned phased introduction of car parking charges in Flint, the review of pedestrianised zones in Holywell and Buckley Town Centres and the inclusion of Well Street car park in Holywell into the car parking strategy.

            The report had been submitted to Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee where it had been supported.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the phased roll out for implementing the Flint Car Parking Strategy be approved;

(b)       That the review of on-street parking orders, the review of the Church Street Cycleway and Resident Parking Scheme within Flint Town Centre be approved;

(c)        That Buckley and Holywell Town Councils be requested to undertake informal consultation to establish their position in respect of a formal review of the pedestrian zones within the respective town centres; and

(d)       That the inclusion of Well Street car park into the Holywell car parking strategy be approved.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Thomas introduced the report which provided an update on the school transport procurement process and detailed the main changes in transport provision which was to be introduced from September 2017.

                        The first stage of the procurement process was complete with 47 suppliers having passed the pre-qualification stage.  The second stage commenced on 11^th June with route information being made available to all suppliers who would be invited to price each route, on a rate per mile basis, and provide rates per mile for each category of vehicle required to deliver the service within a stated area.  The new procurement arrangements would deliver the savings planned for the service.

                        Transport may be provided by means of school contract transport services or existing public transport services which, together with the type of transport, would be dictated by cost effectiveness.  In some cases one contract bus may transport different pupils to more than one school site.  Transport would normally be to and from bus stops or pick-up points for groups of pupils and it would only be provided from door-to-door in exceptional circumstances.  The maximum distance a pupil was expected to walk to and from pick-up-points would depend upon age, individual needs and the nature of the route they were expected to walk.  Pick-up and drop-off points and time of pick up were being reviewed however the existing policy would be applied, unless there were exceptional circumstances.

                        Councillor Attridge complemented the team on the work that had taken place on the project which demonstrated a good example of working with business partners.  He also passed on his appreciation to the contractors who had been involved in the process.  The Chief Executive concurred with the comments of Councillor Attridge and added that this was evidence of teams working together to better manage the commercial market and to produce efficiencies.  He also thanked the team for the successful outcome of the project.

RESOLVED:

That the likely impact from the School Transport procurement process detailed in the report be noted.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Thomas introduced the report which explained that following a successful expression of interest for Halkyn Mountain Common, Welsh Government (WG) had invited an application to their Sustainable Management Scheme to address the decline in grazing through appropriate vegetation and stock management. 

The project would also look to improve the management of recreational activities and encouraged activity to highlight the health and well-being benefits of the Common.  The submission deadline was 1^st September 2017 and the proposed scheme would run from 1^st January 2018 to 31^st March 2021 at a cost of £400,000.

                        Councillor Butler welcomed the report on the Special Area of Conservation which would be for the benefit of everybody.

RESOLVED:

That the collaborative initiative be noted and the grant application to Welsh Government’s Sustainable Management Scheme be supported.

As detailed in the recommendations and noting the following:

·         Councillor Derek Butler to be the nominated representative on the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency with Councillor Bernie Attridge as the deputy; and

·         Councillor Paul Cunningham to be a member of SACRE.

Councillor Mullin introduced the report which contained a list of Internal and Executive bodies which were contained in the Council’s Constitution.  The list had increased over recent years and had not been reviewed since 2012.  Following the local elections it was now appropriate to conduct such a review.

                        In response to a question from Councillor Attridge, the Chief Officer (Governance) confirmed that there was one place for a Flintshire Councillor on the Foster Care Panel with the rest of the membership being made up from Councillor representatives from other local authorities.

                        Councillor Bithell said Councillor Paul Cunningham had expressed an interest on being on the membership of Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE).

                        On the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency (NMWTRA), Councillor Butler volunteered to be the Council’s representative with Councillor Attridge offering to be the deputy member. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the appointment and composition of the Internal/Executive bodies as outlined in the appendix, and detailed above, be approved; and

(b)       That where any of those bodies are deemed to be redundant, but are referred to within the Constitution, the Chief Officer (Governance) be authorised to make the deletion.

As detailed in the recommendation.

The Corporate Finance Manager introduced the report which provided details of the Council’s actual Prudential Indicators for 2016/17 compared with the estimates set for:

·         Prudential Indicators for Capital Expenditure;

·         Prudential Indicators for Affordability;

·         Prudential Indicators for Prudence; and

·         Prudential Indicators for External Debt and Treasury Management.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and approved.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Bithell introduced the report which provided an overview of the Food Service Plan 2017-18.  It detailed the aims and objectives for the forthcoming year and a review of performance against the Food Service Plan 2016-17.

                        The report had been submitted to Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee the previous week where it had been well received and endorsed.

RESOLVED:

That the Food Service Plan 2017-18 be approved.

Report of the Chief Executive enclosed.

Purpose: To provide details of actions taken under delegated powers.

An information item on the actions taken under delegated powers was submitted.  The actions were as set out below:-

Organisational Change

• The Sale of the Front Garden of 14 Merllyn Avenue, Connah’s Quay, Deeside

The front garden of the above was originally excluded from the Right to Buy purchase by the owner.

• Land Adjoining the Former Llanfynydd C.P. School, Llanfynydd

The property is to be sold to a purchaser who intends to convert the premises into a Business Centre with Conference facilities.  This land is to be added to the overall demise.

• Land Adjacent to Yvonne’s Café (Crumps Yard – West End), Dock Road, Connah’s Quay

The subject comprises a 0.3 acre parcel of land which the purchasers intend to utilise for car parking provision for the Café.

Community and Enterprise

• Business Rates – Adoption of High Street Rate Relief Grant Scheme

Welsh Government (WG) have introduced a business rate relief scheme aimed at high street retailers in Wales which will provide two tiers of relief, of either £500 (tier 1) or £1,500 (tier 2) to eligible retailers occupying premises with a rateable value of £50,000 or less in the financial year 2017-18. The scheme is a one-off temporary measure, fully funded by WG.  There is also requirement for individual local authorities to adopt a scheme and determine which businesses can be awarded relief.  To enable rate relief to be awarded in a timely way, early adoption of this scheme will allow relief to be granted to eligible businesses in line with WG published guidance.

• Business Rate – Application for Hardship Rate Relief – Shotton Cricket Club

An application from Shotton Cricket Club had been received in respect of a 20% liability in 2017-18 and is supported for Hardship Rate Relief.  The club is open to all members of the community providing facilities for cricket and other sports and there is evidence that the obligation to meet the 20% rate liability will create financial hardship in 2017-18.

RESOLVED:

That the actions taken under delegated powers be noted.

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded for the remainder of the meeting for the following items by virtue of exempt information under paragraphs 14 and 15 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

As detailed in the recommendation noting that the confirmed price was £2.85M.

Councillor Attridge introduced the report which sought approval to progress the next key stages of the Council’s Strategic Housing and Regeneration Programme (SHARP) including the proposed sale of Council-owned land at Maes Gwern, Mold, to Wates Residential for the development of 160 new homes including the development of 48 new Council, Affordable Rent and Shared Equity homes on the site.

            On the sale of the land, Councillor Attridge confirmed the valuation of the land was £2.85m.

RESOLVED:

That the sale of the land at Maes Gwern, Mold, to Wates Residential at a price of £2.85m be approved.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Roberts introduced the report which provided details on the capital investments for the Leisure and Libraries Alternative Delivery Model (ADM).  This was following the agreement of the implementation plans in December 2016 for the ADM.

                        For the schemes to proceed there needed to be a joint decision from Flintshire County Council and the new Board of Aura Leisure and Libraries.  The Board had agreed to proceed with more detailed design work and the procurement process as outlined in the report.  The report proposed outline designs, estimated costs and potential timescales for the development which left time to enable full ownership by the Board and stakeholders in the final development of the capital schemes. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the development of the new health and fitness facilities and changing space at both Mold Leisure Centre and Jade Jones Pavillion be agreed;

(b)       That it be agreed that the capital costs (excluding equipment) be paid for by Flintshire County Council.  The scheme will be added to the 2017/18 capital programme funded by prudential borrowing;

(c)        That the funding to Aura Leisure and Libraries be reduced from the level already approved on the basis that these developments will enable additional income to be raised and the level of Council subsidy reduced, resulting in a net nil cost to the Council of adding the scheme to the Capital Programme; and

(d)       That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer (Organisational Change) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Education to sign off the detail of the schemes which will be in co-operation with Aura Leisure and Libraries.