Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any declarations and advise Members accordingly.

None.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 20^th February 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on 20^th February were submitted and confirmed as a correct record subject to a typographical error in minute number 106.

RESOLVED:

That subject to the amendment, the minutes of the meeting be approved as a correct record.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Roberts introduced the report and explained that the Annual Performance Report set out an analysis and summary of how well the Council had performed against its Well-being Objectives, Priorities and Sub-priorities at the end of the financial year 2023/24 of our Council Plan (2023-28).

The Annual Performance Report also provided a summary of performance regarding other key areas of focus within the Council, i.e., Public Services Boards,

Strategic Equality Plan.

The Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 placed a duty on public bodies to work together to create a sustainable Wales. It set out seven interdependent wellbeing goals for Wales and required public bodies to work towards all of these goals. It was set out in the Council Plan (2023-28), which defined the deliverable organisational priorities and outcomes.

The Chief Executive highlighted some of the key changes to the Annual Performance Report which included:

Section 3 - previously aligned Portfolio’s Priorities / Well-being Objectives

to the Council Plan. This had been removed and now detailed the Council

Plans Priorities / Well-being Objectives.

Section 3.1 - would provide a high-level overview of how each of the

priorities / sub-priorities considered the five ways of working and the seven

well-being goals (mapping exercise had been undertaken recently by

Portfolio’s to identify this).

Section 4 – areas of High Performance, would be removed.

Section 5 - would now provide information of what had been achieved during

the year for each of the Council Plan 2023-28 Priorities / Sub-priorities rather than what had been achieved for each Portfolios. Would also include a

high-level summary of the Council Plan End of Year report for each of the

Priorities / Sub-priorities. Where possible it would include links to information /

stories on the Council’s website or Facebook page that was relevant to the

Priorities / Sub-priorities.

Full details of the Council Plan, End of Year Performance report would be a supporting document to the Annual Performance Report.

Section 7 - Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 - Five Ways of Working

will be removed as links to the Act are considered in Section 3.1 and

Section 5.

Section 13 – Corporate Health and Safety, will be removed.

Councillor Healey welcomed the amended report and the progress made in relation to Climate Change.

RESOLVED:

That the changes to the Annual Performance Report for 2023/24, which includes incorporating the Council Plan 2023-28 End of Year Performance report into the Annual Performance report be approved.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Mullin introduced the report and explained that the Council published its equality objectives and four-year Strategic Equality Plan (SEP) in April 2020, fulfilling the requirements of the Public Sector Equality Duties (PSED), as set out in the Equality Act 2010.

The Strategic Executive Officer added that the aim of equality objectives was to address the most significant issues and areas of inequality that faced people with protected characteristics (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation).

The Equality Act 2010 placed specific duties on public sector organisations in

Wales. They included the requirement to publish an annual report by 31^st March each year, which must outline progress on meeting the PSED and achieving the equality objectives. The annual report was appended to the report and highlights the progress the Council had made in implementing its SEP and meeting its equality objectives during 2022/2023.

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the progress made during the year to meet statutory duties in relation to equalities be noted; and

(b)       That the progress made against the Strategic Equality Plan 2022/23, prior to publication of the annual report on the Council website be endorsed.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Mullin introduced the report the purpose of which was to present the Council’s draft equality objectives and Strategic Equality Plan 2024-28 for approval prior to publication.

The Strategic Executive Officeradded that all devolved public authorities in Wales were required by the Equality Act 2010 (Statutory Duties) (Wales) Regulations 2011 to publish equality objectives and a Strategic Equality Plan every four years.

Engagement must take place with people with protected characteristics when

setting equality objectives and preparing and reviewing the Strategic Equality Plan.

The aim of the Strategic Equality Plan was to reduce inequalities and ensure the

delivery of positive outcomes for people with protected characteristics.

The Strategic Equality Plan for the period 2024-28 is appended to the report and must be published by 1st April 2024.

RESOLVED:

That the Council’s equality objectives and Strategic Equality Plan (SEP) 2024-2028, prior to publication, be approved.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Bibby introduced the report and explained that Homelessness was a statutory service that continued to be under significant strain.  External factors associated with the cost-of-living crisis and housing market conditions were increasing the levels of homelessness and the risks associated with homelessness for the people of Flintshire.

The Chief Officer (Housing and Communities) added that the need to offer accommodation and support to everyone who was homeless and at risk of rough sleeping continued to be a significant capacity and financial challenge. The local private sector housing market is seeing significant challenges with fewer properties available each year and many landlords leaving the market, which in turn created homelessness as properties were being sold and residents were asked to leave, whilst at the same time meaning fewer properties were available to support the relief of homelessness.

Changes to homeless legislation (Housing Wales Act 2014) and specifically the introduction of an eleventh category of Priority Need for Rough Sleeping and those at risk of sleeping rough, sees a sustainment of the “no one left out” approach

adopted during the covid pandemic and now firmly establishes the principles of “no

one left out” on a legal footing and as standard practice.

As a result, more people have been owed accommodation duties which resulted in increasing demands on already stretched homeless accommodation, at significant cost to the Council. The report provided an insight into homelessness and rough sleeping for 2023 and includes the draft Homeless Accommodation Policy for review and approval.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the work being undertaken by the Housing Prevention Service be supported and the report be noted; and

(b)       That the draft Homeless Accommodation policy be approved.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Regulatory Service Manager introduced the report and explained that the Council supported the declarations made by Welsh Government for the Public Sector to become net zero by 2030 and in December 2019, Cabinet approved the development of a Climate Change strategy, which set key aims and actions for creating a carbon neutral organisation. Reducing consumption and increasing reuse and recycling to save precious resource was a key part of reaching net zero.

The draft Resource and Waste Strategy set out the strategic direction to reduce waste and exceed Welsh Government statutory recycling targets. Without action the authority currently faced circa £1m of fines for failing to achieve those targets in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, as well as a further risk of similar fines in 2023/2024 and beyond.

The new Strategy demonstrated to the Minister the Councils commitment to make change.  This report provided feedback on the consultation exercise that took place on a draft of the Resource and Waste Strategy and presents the final strategy document for consideration.

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

In response to a question, the Regulatory Service Manager explained that monitoring was put in place if there was reoccurring missed collections in any one area.  Details were also given of the education provided and the levels of enforcement.

On the expansion of the locations where receptacles could be obtained, the Regulatory Service Manager said that was committed to in the strategy.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the progress made on achieving a robust and effective Resources and Waste Strategy to meet net zero targets, achieve statutory recycling targets, and mitigate against the risk of infraction fines be acknowledged;

(b)       That the Resource and Waste Strategy to meet net zero targets, achieve statutory recycling targets, and mitigate against the risk of infraction fines be approved; and

(c)        That a further report be presented in June outlining the Council’s transition to a restricted capacity residual waste collection model.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Highway Network Managerintroduced the report and explained that in July 2017, the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 received Royal Assent, bringing together a range of practical actions for improving and protecting health. Part 8 of the Act included Provision of Toilets and introduced new responsibilities for Local Authorities to provide Local Toilet Strategies.

To deliver a strategic approach to the provision of toilets across Wales, the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 required Local Authorities to assess local needs and facilities, and to publish a Local Toilet Strategy for its area.

Flintshire’s current Local Toilet Strategy was approved and published in May 2019.  National guidelines stated that the policy should be reviewed every two years from when the Local Authority last published or last reviewed its Strategy, and within one year of every ordinary Local Government election.

At the recent Environment & Economy Overview & Scrutiny Committee Members supported the proposed review to the Local Toilet Strategy and approved the intended approach set out in the report. The purpose of the report was to provide Cabinet members with an update following the formal 12-week consultation on the revised Local Toilet Strategy.

The new strategy aimed to reflect the ambition of the Council’s Leadership to provide improved facilities for the residents and visitors of Flintshire within the period of the new strategy.

Councillor Bithell welcomed the revised strategy and commented on the toilets in towns across the country that people paid to use which would generate income.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the work done to date on the results from the Local Toilet Strategy questionnaire and 12-week consultation be acknowledged; and

(b)       That the new revised Flintshire County Council Local Toilet Strategy 2024 and renewed action plan included within be approved.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Healey introduced the report and explained that in 2019 the Welsh Government called for the Public Sector to become net zero carbon by 2030. Following that declaration, Cabinet resolved in December 2019 to a Climate Change Strategy which would set key aims and actions for creating a net zero carbon Council by 2030.

The Climate Change Strategy and action plan were adopted by Council in February 2022. The strategy set the commitment, ambition, actions and milestone targets to reach our net zero carbon goal.

In July 2022, Audit Wales issued a report that called for stronger public sector

leadership on reducing carbon emissions in Wales. Following this, they had carried out individual audits of each Council’s carbon commitment and action against the findings of their public sector wide report.

The purpose of the report was to give an overview of the Assurance & Risk

Assessment review and action that has been taken to date to address the recommendation.

            The report would be submitted to Climate Change Committee and Governance and Audit Committee. 

RESOLVED:

That the outcome of the Audit Wales report, the Council’s response to it be noted and the actions being taken to address its recommendation be supported.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Johnson introduced the report and explained that the monthly report provided the latest detailed overview of the budget monitoring position for the 2023/24 financial year for the Council Fund and Housing Revenue Account and presented the position, based on actual income and expenditure as at Month 10.

The projected year end position is as follows:

Council Fund

• An operating deficit of £2.445m which is a positive movement of (£0.057m)

from the deficit figure of £2.502m reported at Month 9.

• A projected contingency reserve available balance as at 31 March 2024 of

£1.993m (after taking account of previously approved allocations including

those approved as part of the 2024/25 Budget).

Housing Revenue Account

• Net in-year revenue expenditure is forecast to be £0.458m higher than

budget which is an adverse movement of £0.408m from the figure reported

at Month 9.

• A projected closing balance as at 31 March, 2024 of £2.739m

The economic outlook remains challenging due to inflation levels remaining relatively high.

To assist with managing those risks and mitigating the overall projected

overspend, a moratorium on non-contractually committed spend was in place alongside a vacancy management process.

At Month 10, £1.714m of deferred and/or delayed expenditure had been identified and was analysed by service and detailed within Appendix 2 to the report. The robust challenge of budget lines and commitments would continue for the remainder of the financial year, with further updates provided in future reports.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the report and the estimated financial impact on the 2023/24 budget be noted; and

(b)       That the carry forward requests be supported.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Johnson introduced the report and explained that the Council continues to operate a joint procurement service with Denbighshire County Council, with Denbighshire acting as the lead authority.

It was recognised that for effective and efficient procurement practices to operate at all levels within the Council, processes needed to be underpinned by an overarching procurement strategy. The development of a revised strategy was essential to capture the key, emerging themes for the delivery of procurement activities, as well as the political ambitions of Cabinet.

The Chief Officer (Governance) added that adoption of the latest procurement strategy would help to enhance service delivery and provide guidance and support for internal stakeholders around how procurement would support the Council’s priorities. The document also incorporated the latest Government procurement legislation and initiatives.

The procurement strategy had been prepared to ensure there was an updated 3-year plan, with captures the political objectives and aspirations of Cabinet and which was aligned to the Council Plan and key priorities.

RESOLVED:

That the 2024-202 procurement strategy be approved.

Cabinet is asked to support the commissioning of a public consultation on whether the premium levels for long term empty properties and second homes should be varied from April 2025

Councillor Johnson introduced the report and explained Local authorities in Wales had discretionary powers to charge a council tax premium of up to 300% above the standard charge for properties on long term empty properties and second homes.

The Council first introduced a premium scheme from April 2017 and established a premium rate of 50% on both long-term empty properties and second homes.

A public consultation was last undertaken in 2021 and from April 2023 the Council increased the premium rates to 75% for long term empty properties and 100% for second homes.

In line with the recommendations of Council at the meeting held on 20 February 2024, Cabinet committed to bring forward a review of the premium rates by

commissioning a further public consultation.

The report therefore set out the key considerations and timelines if Cabinet wanted to undertake a further consultation with a view to Council potentially varying the premium rates from April 2025.

The Revenues and Procurement Manager added that when considering any changes to the council tax premium scheme or the levels being charged, the Council must have due regard to the Welsh Government guidance which said:

“Any decision to vary or revoke a determination to apply a premium must

be made before the beginning of the financial year to which it applies.

Local authorities are also strongly encouraged to consult before making a

determination to increase a premium to a level above 100% and to do so

at least 6 months before the beginning of the financial year to which the

proposed premium increase relates. This will enable the premium to be

taken into account when setting council tax levels for the forthcoming year

and allow taxpayers sufficient time to consider the impact of a higher

premium on their own personal financial circumstances and make choices

regarding their property”.

The Chief Officer (Governance) added that to ensure the Council followed Welsh Government guidance, the timelines and key milestones for the council tax premium review were outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

That the commissioning of a public consultation on whether the premium levels for long term empty properties and second homes be varied from April 2025 be supported.

As detailed in the recommendations, along with an additional recommendation of:

(3)       That formal thanks be passed on to the Homelessness and Prevention Service Team for their work undertaken on the challenges faced on a daily basis.

Councillor Bibby introduced the report and explained that as part of the Audit Wales programme of work for 2023, homelessness was identified as an area of interest. The Council had flagged homelessness and housing needs as high-risk issues through local risk management frameworks and welcomed the review.

The review took place over several months from April 2023 through to September 2023. The final report was issued on the 11^th January 2024. 

The report outlined the process of the review by Audit Wales and shared the findings and their recommendations for the Council regarding the local approach to homelessness. The report also outlined the Councils response to those recommendations.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Audit Wales report into Homelessness Services at Flintshire County Council be noted;

(b)       That the suggested responses to the recommendations of Audit Wales be supported; and

(c)        That formal thanks be passed on to the Homelessness and Prevention Service Team for their work undertaken on the challenges faced on a daily basis.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Jones introduced the report and explained that it was brought before Cabinet to advise on the regional approach to fulfilling the council’s legal requirements in relation to a pooled fund for care home accommodation in

line with the duties imposed by the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act

2014 (“the 2014 Act”) and The Partnership Arrangements (Wales) Regulations

2015 (“the 2015 regulations”) and to request an extension to the arrangement’s ad

infinitum.

In the financial year 2019-2020, one regional non-risk sharing pooled budget was established for North Wales and initially received Cabinet approval from Flintshire on the 16th July 2019. The arrangement took effect from 1^st April 2019 and it was agreed that Denbighshire County Council host the arrangements; thereby

operating the pooled fund on behalf of all the partners.

The Senior Manager – Children and Workforce explained that a decision was now required to continue with the existing arrangements for a non risk sharing pooled fund (to be hosted by Denbighshire County Council on behalf of the six North Wales Councils and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board) insofar as regional spend on care home accommodation functions for older people was concerned.

Given the value of the pooled fund, Cabinet authority was required for the council to enter into the updated agreement prepared to regulate our ongoing relationships with partners in relation to the operation of the pooled fund.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the progress made regionally in meeting the Part 9 requirements of the 2014 Act which includes a legal requirement to establish a regional pooled fund for care home accommodation for older people be supported; and

(b)       That approval be given to the Council entering into a legal agreement between Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the six local authorities across North Wales, regulating the operation and governance arrangements in respect of the pooled fund until such time as we need to terminate the agreement.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Jones introduced the report which recognised that as young people grew and developed they were influenced by a whole range of environments and people outside of their family. For example in school or college, in the local community, in their peer groups or online.

Children and young people may encounter risk in any of these environments. Contextual safeguarding looked at how those risks could be best understood, and to engage with children and young people and help to keep them safe.

An operational forum had been developed that brought together professional

organisations to discuss concerns relating to extra familial harm (harm outside of

the family home) and to plan responses that reduced risk. The Contextual

Safeguarding Hub did not replace safeguarding of individual young people but

recognised the important role that communities and partner agencies had in

creating safe places and spaces for the children and young people.

The Senior Manager – Children and Workforce added that there were, however, opportunities to streamline and align approaches to individual and contextual safeguarding and this would form the second phase of work to develop the Councils approach to effective safeguarding.

RESOLVED:

That the ongoing development and co-ordinated approach to contextual safeguarding that maximises resources to enable a streamlined and effective approach to individual and contextual safeguarding be supported.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Johnson introduced the report and explained that generating social value from the Council’s commissioning and procurement activities was a significant contributor to increasing social value and delivering added value, it therefore remained a key area of focus for the Council.

The report outlines performance data for the latter six months of the financial year 2022/23, as well as the first six months of the financial year 2023/24.  The report also summarised the next areas of focus for the social value programme for the upcoming financial year 2024/25.

The current reporting timescales made reporting for a full financial year difficult.  It was recommended that to better align performance reporting to a financial year a change in reporting time was made for future.  It was proposed to bring a report for quarters three and four of 2023/24 in September 2024 and to then move to annual reporting in May or June of each year.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the positive performance achieved in relation to generating social value for quarters three and four of the financial year 2022/23, as well as the first two quarters 2023/24, be noted;

(b)       That the next steps for the social value programme, as outlined in the report, be supported; and

(c)        That to better align performance reporting to a financial year with annual social value performance reporting being presented in June each year be approved.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Jones introduced the report and explained that Welsh Government had formally launched a Corporate Parenting Charter: ‘A Promise for Wales’. The Charter, set out 11 principles on equality, eradicating stigma, working together, inclusive support, fulfilling ambitions, nurturing, good health, a stable home, education, thriving in the future, and after care support.

The Charter also set 9 promises for how care experienced children and young

people would be treated, listened to, and involved in decisions that affected them.

The Charter had been published initially on a voluntary basis. Public sector

organisations were encouraged to sign a pledge to fully support the principles set out in the Charter. The pledge committed organisations to ensuring that everything they undertook for care-experienced children and young people was underpinned by empowerment, equality, non-discrimination, participation, and accountability and

protection.

The expected approach was to fully respect, protect and promote their human rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The pledge included a commitment to engage with children and young people to measure organisational success and commitment to the Charter.

            As a Member of the Children’s Services Forum, Councillor Eastwood welcomed the report and the feedback to looked after children.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That Flintshire County Council signs ‘the pledge’ and adopts the Corporate Parenting Charter: ‘A Promise for Wales’; and

(b)       That Children’s Services Forum take a lead in measuring organisational success and commitment to the Corporate Parenting Charter.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Jones introduced the report and explained that it described the role of the Responsible Individual, the requirements of the role and how in house regulated services had performed over the last 12 months.

The Responsible Individual was a statutory requirement for all organisations in Wales who delivered care services. As well as the Responsible Individual visiting all services a minimum of four times per year, must collate evidence to measure services against the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act (2016).

The services covered were detailed in the report. 

The methodology for collecting evidence included, file audits, health and safety visits, record keeping, safeguarding, team meetings and consultation with service users and families. It also used inspections from Care Inspectorate Wales.

In summary the Responsible Individual reported a high level of confidence in all

areas of the service. The standard of care was high throughout and staff were trained

to a high standard. There are a number of areas that did need to be considered as

in relation to risks for the provider services as outlined in the report. 

The report had been submitted to Social and Health Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee where Members requested that rota visits should recommence. 

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and approved.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Hughes introduced the report and explained that from 6 April 2024, new Welsh Government legislation would come into force requiring all non-domestic premises to separate recyclable materials from all other waste. This would require all workplaces, such as businesses, public sector, and charities to separate their recyclable materials in the same way that required households to do.

The aim of the change was to improve the quality and quantity of commercial recycling collected and separated across Wales.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) would be responsible for making sure that materials were being separated and collected correctly, and that the ban on recycling going to incineration and landfill was being followed. Local authorities would be responsible for making sure that the ban on food waste going to sewer was followed.

The report provided an overview of the new legislative requirements and outlined the potential impact on the Council and actions required to achieve compliance.

The Regulatory Service Manageradded with the introduction of the new legislation, there may be an opportunity to review the provision of recycling services for businesses, such as extending the Councils trade waste collection service on a chargeable basis.

One other option currently being explored could involve designating a single

waste disposal facility (i.e. HRC site) for the receipt of other chargeable recyclable materials (wood, soil, rubble, green waste etc) from businesses.  This would require additional back-office support to ensure compliance with waste duty of care for producing, carrying, keeping, disposing of, treating, importing, or having control of waste in England or Wales. The law required anyone dealing with waste to keep it safe, make sure it was dealt with responsibly and only given to businesses authorised to take it. This meant that the environmental permit for the HRC site would also need to be varied, a process that could take between 6-12 months. The intention was to build that option into the future Resource and Waste Strategy.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the changing legislation and the potential impact on Council services be noted; and

(b)       That the option to explore opportunities to develop non-domestic recycling collections and disposal services be supported.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Eastwood introduced the report and explained that in accordance with the School Admissions Code, the Council was required to undertake a statutory consultation exercise on its admission arrangements for the following year.

Consultation must be complete by 1^st March and the admission arrangements must be determined by 15 April each year.  Statutory consultees included all schools in the area, the diocesan authorities and neighbouring authorities.

Consultation must cover the full admission arrangements including the

admissions policy, oversubscription criteria, the timetable for admissions and admission numbers (i.e. the maximum number of pupils to be admitted by the admissions authority in to each year group). That information was appended to the report.

Councillor Roberts commented on the declining number of appeals.  The current admission arrangements had been in place since 2003 and the majority of parental preferences continued to be met. The number of admission appeals in recent years was detailed in the table in the report.

RESOLVED:

That the proposed admission arrangements for 2025/26 be approved.

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:-

Governance

• Street Works Fees and Charges for 2024/25

The fees and charges levied for various licenses and applications issued within Street Works have been reviewed and the proposed charges for 2024/25 are set out in the table. The CPIH 12 month rolling rate as of October 2023 was 8.9%. This has been used as the normative inflation index amount and applied to all applicable fees and charges to generate the 2023 fees and charges amount payable. In order to allow applicants to set budgets for the forthcoming financial year, Street Works charge will take effect from 1st April 2024.  The fees relating to statutory services are prescribed by statute and cannot exceed the cost of providing the service. However, the Council has scope to set fees for non-statutory services.

• Proposal to Construct a Zebra Crossing on Coed Onn Road, Flint

To advise Members of the objections received following the advertisement of the Proposal to construct a Zebra Pedestrian Crossing on Coed Onn Road, Flint.

Housing and Communities

• Housing Benefits

Financial Procedure Rules (section 9.6) – Income and Expenditure) stipulate that any individual debt between the values of £10,000 and £25,000 shall be reported to the Head of Finance for consideration to write off, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Finance.

The schedule details a Housing Benefit Overpayment where the overall debt is

greater than £10,000.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ACCESS TO INFORMATION) ACT 1985 – TO CONSIDER THE EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

RESOLVED:

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

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Mullin introduced the report which accompanies the NEWydd Business Plan for 2024/25, which was appended to the report, and provided a summary of the key elements of the Business Plan.

RESOLVED:

            (a)       That the content of the NEWydd Business Plan 2024/25, which includes

financial projections, potential business opportunities, and strategic objectives

and business priorities, along with identified risks and mitigation be noted; and

            (b)       That the NEWydd Business Plan 2024/25 be endorsed.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Mullin introduced the report which made recommendations to enter into a new contract. Proposed headline terms and principles for the new contract were provided in this report for consideration and approval.

RESOLVED:

            (a)       That entering into a new contract with NEWydd Catering and Cleaning Limited

be supported;

            (b)       That the proposed terms of the contract, including the proposed financial

model, be approved; and

            (c)        That a further short extension being granted to the existing contract between

the Council and NEWydd Catering and Cleaning Limited, if required, to allow

for the new contract, and any associated matters to be finalised, be agreed.

That up to a maximum of £150,000 be made available to cover the predicted shortfall in 2024/25 subject to Cambrian Aquatics willingness to run the baths and a report be brought back to Cabinet no later than December 2024 before the budget for 2025/26 is set.

Councillor Eastwood introduced the report which detailed the latest position in relation to Cambrian Aquatics.

The report was considered at Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee the previous week and feedback was provided to Cabinet.

Details of the financial gap were outlined alongside the requirement for capital investment.

RESOLVED:

That up to a maximum of £150k be made available to cover the predicted shortfall in 2024/25 subject to Cambrian Aquatics willingness to run the baths and a report be brought back no later than December 2024 before the budget for 2025/26 is set.

There were no members of the public in attendance.