Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any declarations and advise Members accordingly.

None.

None.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 15^th October 2024.

That the minutes of the meetings be confirmed as a correct record.

(link to recording)

The minutes of the meeting held on 15th October 2024 (agenda item number 3) were submitted and confirmed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meetings be confirmed as a correct record.

(a)       That the HRA budget for 2025/26, as set out in the report, be considered;

(b)       That the proposed minimum rent increase of 2.7% be approved;

(c)        That the garage rent increase of 2.7% be approved;

(d)       That an increase in service charges to full cost recovery be approved;

(e)       That the pressures and efficiencies detailed in the appendix be noted; and

(f)        That the proposed HRA Capital Programme for 2025/26 be approved.

(link to recording)

Councillor Brown presented the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 30 Year Financial Business Plan report (agenda item number 4), which highlighted all of the considerations required.

The recommendations in the report were supported.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the HRA budget for 2025/26, as set out in the report, be considered;

(b)       That the proposed minimum rent increase of 2.7% be approved;

(c)        That the garage rent increase of 2.7% be approved;

(d)       That an increase in service charges to full cost recovery be approved;

(e)       That the pressures and efficiencies detailed in the appendix be noted; and

(f)        That the proposed HRA Capital Programme for 2025/26 be approved.

(a)       That the allocations and schemes in Table 3 for the Statutory / Regulatory and Retained Assets sections of the Council Fund Capital Programme 2025/26 – 2027/28 be approved;

(b)       That the schemes included in Table 4 for the Investment section of the Council Fund Capital Programme 2025/26-2027/28 be approved;

(c)        That the shortfall in funding of schemes in 2027/28 in Table 5 (although there are surplus in years prior), be noted; and

(d)       That the schemes included in Table 6 for the specifically funded section of the Council’s Fund Capital Programme which will be funded in part through borrowing be approved.

           (link to recording)

Councillor Richard Jones introduced the report (agenda item number 5)  which presented the proposed Capital Programme for the period 2025/26 – 2027/28 for recommendation to Council.

The recommendations in the report were supported.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the allocations and schemes in Table 3 for the Statutory / Regulatory and Retained Assets sections of the Council Fund Capital Programme 2025/26 – 2027/28 be approved;

(b)       That the schemes included in Table 4 for the Investment section of the Council Fund Capital Programme 2025/26-2027/28 be approved;

(c)        That the shortfall in funding of schemes in 2027/28 in Table 5 (although there are surplus in years prior), be noted; and

(d)       That the schemes included in Table 6 for the specifically funded section of the Council’s Fund Capital Programme which will be funded in part through borrowing be approved.

(a)       That the Capital Strategy be approved and recommended to County Council; and

(b)       That Cabinet approve and recommend to County Council:

·         The Prudential Indicators for 2025/26 – 2027/28 as detailed within Tables 1, and 4-8 of the Capital Strategy

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

(link to recording)

Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 6) which sought Cabinet approval for recommendation to Council.  

The recommendations in the report were supported.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Capital Strategy be approved and recommended to County Council; and

(b)       That Cabinet approve and recommend to County Council:

·         The Prudential Indicators for 2025/26 – 2027/28 as detailed within Tables 1, and 4-8 of the Capital Strategy

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

(a)       That the work undertaken to identify potential providers of an intensive housing management service for homeless accommodation be noted;

(b)       That the outcome of the Prior Information Notice (PIN) by way of testing the market be noted; and

(c)        That the direct award to D2 PropCo be approved, to engage them as a partner to provide an intensive housing management solution for homeless accommodation.

(link to recording)

Councillor Brown introduced the report (agenda item number 7) which outlined a model of intensive housing management services provided by D2 PropCo for homeless accommodation and the cost benefits of engaging a partner for those services.

The recommendations in the report were supported.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the work undertaken to identify potential providers of an intensive housing management service for homeless accommodation be noted;

(b)       That the outcome of the Prior Information Notice (PIN) by way of testing the market be noted; and

(c)        That the direct award to D2 PropCo be approved, to engage them as a partner to provide an intensive housing management solution for homeless accommodation.

(a)       That the report and the estimated financial impact on the 2024/25 budget be noted; and

(b)       That the measures being considered for inclusion towards improving the financial position by the end of the financial year be noted.

(link to recording)

Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 8) which provided the latest detailed overview of the budget monitoring position for the 2024/25 financial year for the Council Fund and Housing Revenue Account.

The recommendations in the report were supported.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the report and the estimated financial impact on the 2024/25 budget be noted; and

(b)       That the measures being considered for inclusion towards improving the financial position by the end of the financial year be noted.

(a)       That the overall report be approved;

(b)       That the carry forward adjustments be approved; and

(c)        That the additional allocations approved by Cabinet on 15^th October 2024 be noted.

(link to recording)

Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 9) which summarised changes made to the Capital Programme 2024/25 since it was set in December 2023. 

The recommendations in the report were supported.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the overall report be approved;

(b)       That the carry forward adjustments be approved; and

(c)        That the additional allocations approved by Cabinet on 15^th October 2024 be noted.

(a)       That the tax base of 66,458 band D equivalent properties for tax setting purposes for the financial year 2025/26 which incorporates the planned uplift to the rates from 75% to 100% to the rates for Long Term Empty Properties and the continuation of the 100% premium for Second Homes be approved; and

(b)       That a ‘nil’ discount for properties falling within ay of the Prescribed Classes (A, B or C) continue to be set which would apply to the whole of the county area.

(link to recording)

Councillor Johnson introduced the report (agenda item number 10) which was integral to the revenue budget and Council Tax approval process for 2025/26.

The recommendations in the report were supported.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the tax base of 66,458 band D equivalent properties for tax setting purposes for the financial year 2025/26 which incorporates the planned uplift to the rates from 75% to 100% to the rates for Long Term Empty Properties and the continuation of the 100% premium for Second Homes be approved; and

(b)       That a ‘nil’ discount for properties falling within ay of the Prescribed Classes (A, B or C) continue to be set which would apply to the whole of the county area.

(a)       That the proposed implementation date for the residual waste collection frequency change already approved, be approved;

(b)       That the proposed implementation plan be noted, and the work undertaken to date be supported;

(c)        That the communication plan be noted;

(d)       That the updated Recycling and Household Collections and Household Recycling Centre Operations Policy to reflect the previously approved changes to services be noted; and

(e)       That the updated Household Recycling Centre Vehicle Permit Policy to be published following the adoption of revised procedures put in place to support customers with disabilities who may need to access the HRCs using their vehicles be noted.

           (link to recording)

Councillor Banks introduced the report (agenda item number 11) which presented the proposed implementation date and action and communication plans in place for the service change.

The recommendations in the report were supported.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the proposed implementation date for the residual waste collection frequency change already approved, be approved;

(b)       That the proposed implementation plan be noted, and the work undertaken to date be supported;

(c)        That the communication plan be noted;

(d)       That the updated Recycling and Household Collections and Household Recycling Centre Operations Policy to reflect the previously approved changes to services be noted; and

(e)       That the updated Household Recycling Centre Vehicle Permit Policy to be published following the adoption of revised procedures put in place to support customers with disabilities who may need to access the HRCs using their vehicles be noted.

(a)       That the outcome of the Education Portfolio’s annual self-evaluation report on the quality of education services for the period 2023/24 be noted; and

(b)       That any observations on the report be provided to the Portfolio Team.

(link to recording)

Councillor Eastwood introduced the report (agenda item number 12) which concluded that education services in Flintshire were strong, effectively supported children and young people and continued to provide good value for money.

The recommendations in the report were supported.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the outcome of the Education Portfolio’s annual self-evaluation report on the quality of education services for the period 2023/24 be noted; and

(b)       That any observations on the report be provided to the Portfolio Team

(a)       That the positive annual performance of the Council in respect of complaints made to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales during 2023-24 be noted;

(b)       That the half year performance of the Council (2024-25) in respect of complaints received in line with the Council’s Concerns and Complaints policy be noted; and

(c)        That the priorities outlined in the report be supported.

(link to recording)

Councillor Thomas introduced the report (agenda item number 13) which provided an overview of the performance of the Council in relation to complaints of maladministration received between April 2023 and March 2024.  It also provided an overview of complaints received by each portfolio.

The recommendations in the report were supported.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the positive annual performance of the Council in respect of complaints made to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales during 2023-24 be noted;

(b)       That the half year performance of the Council (2024-25) in respect of complaints received in line with the Council’s Concerns and Complaints policy be noted; and

(c)        That the priorities outlined in the report be supported.

That the write off debt be approved.

(link to recording)

Councillor Thomas introduced the report (agenda item number 14) which provided details of a debt recommended for write off in line with Financial Procedure Rules.

The recommendation in the report was supported.

RESOLVED:

That the write off debt be approved.

To provide details of actions taken under delegated powers.

(link to recording)

An information item (agenda item number 15) on the actions taken under delegated powers was submitted and noted.

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 items by virtue of exempt information under paragraph(s) 14 and 15 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

(a)       That the complexities in creating a new local authority model for school improvement services within the expected timescales with some critical information note yet available be acknowledged;

(b)       That Members confirm their confidence in the draft model being presented to ensure ongoing and effective support for Flintshire schools to ensure the best outcomes for learners;

(c)        That Members accept that the model has to be flexible and will be subject to changes being made by the senior officers of the Education Portfolio as progress is made towards the April 2025 deadline; and

(d)       That any feedback and comments be provided, to inform the development of the model.

Councillor Eastwood introduced the report which provided an update on the progress being made to create a new Flintshire School Improvement Service from 1^st April 2025.

The recommendations in the report were supported.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the complexities in creating a new local authority model for school improvement services within the expected timescales with some critical information note yet available be acknowledged;

(b)       That Members confirm their confidence in the draft model being presented to ensure ongoing and effective support for Flintshire schools to ensure the best outcomes for learners;

(c)        That Members accept that the model has to be flexible and will be subject to changes being made by the senior officers of the Education Portfolio as progress is made towards the April 2025 deadline; and

(d)       That any feedback and comments be provided, to inform the development of the model.

(a)       That the continued and evolving involvement in the production of the national business case and the national groups underpinning the Connecting Care programme;

(b)       That approval be given to proceed to Contract award stage and the ensuring financial commitment; and

(c)        That the proposals to begin the implementation of the new system after the 1^st April 2026 be agreed, with full implementation completed by the 31^st March 2028.

Councillor Jones introduced the report which outlined the procurement and implementation of a new IT system for social care. 

The recommendations in the report were supported.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the continued and evolving involvement in the production of the national business case and the national groups underpinning the Connecting Care programme;

(b)       That approval be given to proceed to Contract award stage and the ensuring financial commitment; and

(c)        That the proposals to begin the implementation of the new system after the 1^st April 2026 be agreed, with full implementation completed by the 31^st March 2028.

There were no members of the press or public in attendance.