Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Clwyd Committee Room, County Hall, Mold CH7 6NA

Contact: Nicola Gittins 01352 702345  Email: nicola.gittins@flintshire.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

28.

Declarations of Interest

To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

Minutes:

None.

29.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 229 KB

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 18th June 2019.

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 18th June 2019 were submitted and approved as a correct record. 

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the minutes be approved as a correct record.

30.

Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and Budget 2020/21

To receive a verbal update on the national position and the Council’s case for improved funding for local government.

Minutes:

The Corporate Finance Manager provided an update on the national position and Council’s case for improved funding for local government.  The forecast pressures for 2020/21 remained at £13.3m and the Council had a four part budget strategy for solutions which were:

 

1.    Portfolio Business Plans and Corporate Finance;

2.    National Funding;

3.    Local Taxation and Income; and

4.    Organisational Change.

 

A presentation had been delivered at the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee the previous week on the outcome of the work of the Cross Party Working Group.  The presentation detailed the work to date and the case for the prioritisation of local government, namely indexation for inflation, funding for high demand service pressures and full cost provision for new legislation.

 

An all Member workshop was being arranged to take place in the coming weeks to update Members in more detail.

 

Due to the lack of certainty around a UK Spending Review, there was a risk that Welsh Government (WG) would delay the announcement of the annual financial settlement which would provide significant planning issues.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the information be received and noted.

31.

Council Plan 2019/20 - Part 2 pdf icon PDF 166 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendation, and including the amendments suggested at Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Minutes:

Councillor Mullin introduced the Council Plan 2019/20 – Part 2 which provided the mechanism to measure progress and achievement of the Council’s priorities in Part 1 of the Plan.

 

            The Chief Officer (Governance) explained that Part 1 of the Plan had been approved by County Council in June 2019 and both parts of the Plan would be available on the Council’s website by the end of July as a more digitally accessible and graphical document.

 

            Part 2 of the Plan had also been presented to Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee the previous week, as the final document to be used by Overview and Scrutiny Committees to review progress in-year on a quarterly basis.  The feedback from Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee on how success and progress could be measured was as follows:

 

·         Explanations to be provided on indicators that had been reduced;

·         A full list of national accountability measures to be included;

·         A workshop on social value to be organised;

·         Content to be included on flexible funding and grants;

·         Need to be more clear on benefit claims and what the Council was aiming to achieve;

·         An explanation of Microcare;

·         Information on technology for road maintenance; and

·         More specific information on extra care and whether current demand would be met.

 

Councillor Thomas said it was important to capture the social value of the services provided by the Council.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That Part 2 of the Council Plan 2019/20 to support monitoring and assessment of the progress against the Council Plan Part 1 priorities be approved, including the amendments suggested at Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

32.

Annual Improvement Report 2018/19 of the Auditor General for Wales pdf icon PDF 138 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendation.

Minutes:

Councillor Mullin introduced the report which provided a summary of the audit and regulatory work undertaken at the Council by the Wales Audit Office (WAO) since the last report was published in November 2018.

 

            The Chief Officer (Governance) added that, overall the Auditor General for Wales had reached a positive conclusion of “The Council is meeting its statutory requirements in relation to continuous improvement but, as with all councils in Wales, it faces challenges going forward”. 

 

No formal recommendations had been made however a number of voluntary proposals for improvement were outlined in the report. The Council’s response to the proposals were outlined in Appendix 2 to the report.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Bithell, the Chief Officer explained that information on the number of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO’s) had been circulated to Members.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That Cabinet be assured by the Auditor General for Wales’ Annual Improvement Plan for 2018/19.

33.

Flintshire Deposit Local Development Plan (2015-2030) pdf icon PDF 195 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendations.

Minutes:

Councillor Bithell introduced the report on the Deposit Local Development Plan (LDP) which was the Council’s proposed land use plan covering the period 2015-2030.

 

                        Details of the milestones completed to date were outlined in the report which were in accordance with the Revised Delivery Agreement 2019.

 

                        The Deposit Plan and accompanying proposal maps were contained in Appendix 1 of the report.  The preparation of the Plan had been reported to monthly meetings of Planning Strategy Group over the last four years, and after considerable hard work and deliberation, Planning Strategy Group had endorsed the Deposit LDP.  Councillor Bithell took this opportunity to thank all Members and officers involved in Planning Strategy Group.

 

                        If approved at Cabinet, the LDP would be submitted to a special meeting of County Council on 23rd July prior to public consultation which would run for a six week period commencing Monday 30th September 2019 and ending on Monday 11th November 2019.  The purpose of the consultation was to establish whether the Deposit LDP met the tests of Soundness.  Those responding to the consultation would be required to indicate what test(s) were not met and why, as well as indicating what changes should be made to the Plan.  That information would inform the Inspector’s consideration of the soundness of the LDP at the Examination in Public.

 

                        The Delivery Agreement for the LDP with Welsh Government (WG) meant that its production could not be delayed and the dates for consultation starting at the end of September must be adhered to, not least because the Council was already four years into the Plan period.  A positive aspect of being four years into the Plan was that speculative developments had been brought forward by developers already.

 

                        Prior to formal consultation sessions would be held with all Town and Community Councils.

 

                        The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy) provided details of the broad timetable for the Plan which was outlined in the report.

 

                        The Planning Strategy Manager reiterated the comments of Councillor Bithell in that the work of Planning Strategy Group had focussed on getting the Plan right in order to demonstrate its soundness or fitness for purpose, and to learn the lessons experienced by other local planning authorities.  It was the view of officers, endorsed by Planning Strategy Group, that the Deposit LDP was both sound and deliverable, and represented a sensible and pragmatic approach to delivering growth and development, supporting the wider sub-regional growth vision, whilst minimising the impacts on Flintshire’s communities.

 

            RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the content of the Flintshire Draft Deposit Local Development Plan 2015-2030 be endorsed and recommend its approval by County Council on 23rd July 2019, to go out for public consultation; and

 

(b)       That the Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy) be authorised to make any additional minor wording, grammar, editorial or cartographic changes to the Deposit Local Development Plan which may arise or be necessary prior to formal consultation to ensure consistency with the ongoing LDP evidence base and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

34.

Alternative Delivery Models Phase 2 pdf icon PDF 129 KB

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendations.

Minutes:

Councillor Mullin introduced the report which sought support for the second phase of the programme for Alternative Delivery Models (ADMs).

 

            The Council adopted a programme of transferring selected services from direct delivery models to ADMs in 2014.  The programme was part of a renewed strategy for organisational change, and was designed to make significant annual revenue savings as a contributor to the Medium Term Financial Strategy, whilst ensuring the protection of those services into the future. The initial programme had been completed successfully.

 

            The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) explained that phase 2 of the programme was more expansive with a wide range of concepts for alternative service delivery models for existing services and new models for new service innovations.

 

            Linking to the earlier report on the Council Plan Part 2, Councillor Jones explained that clarity on Microcare was provided in the report.  It was an innovative approach to develop locally based care support models through co-operatives or social enterprises, as a way of strengthening the wider provision of home care due to shortages in independent provision.

 

            Councillor Thomas commented on the high level options outlined for Streetscene and Transportation Trading Services.  She explained that no approvals had been sought to date but the possibility of trading in certain specific areas of service where the Council had the expertise and extendable capacity, e.g. private vehicle MOTs and streetlighting could be explored.

 

            The Chief Officer (Governance) explained that there were four stages in the development and implementation of alternative or new delivery models, which were:

 

            Stage 1: Proof of concept;

            Stage 2: Planning, due diligence and approvals;

            Stage 3: Transition to the new model; and

            Stage 4: Settlement period for the new model.

           

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the second phase of the Alternative Delivery Model programme be approved and the report be referred to the Organisational Change Overview and Scrutiny Committee in September for review and comment; and

 

(b)       That further reports, evaluating each of the proposed service models for more detailed consideration prior to any formal decision on their future be submitted to Cabinet, noting that several of the models are well advanced and that on (the CCTV Monitoring Service) has been given a separate and prior approval.

35.

Homelessness Update on Local Action Plan pdf icon PDF 233 KB

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendation.

Minutes:

Councillor Hughes introduced the report which provided a homelessness update on the Local Action Plan.

 

            The Local Action Plan for Flintshire followed the Regional Homelessness Strategy with the following three main aims:

 

·         People: Youth homelessness, rough sleepers, complex needs and prison leavers;

·         Homes: Housing first, improved access to accommodation supply and temporary accommodation; and

·         Services: Prevention/intervention, welfare reform and health.

 

A significant amount of work had been undertaken to provide support, advice and signposting to some of the most vulnerable people in the County. It was a challenging area of work and he thanked officers for the work they undertook.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Bithell on prison leavers, the Chief Officer (Housing and Assets) explained that the ones the Council worked with would be Flintshire residents or would have strong local connections with the area.  Councillor Bithell also asked if a scheme was still in operation that brought back empty homes into use to which the Chief Officer said he would find out.

 

            RESOLVED:

 

That the updates provided against the Local Action Plan for Homelessness be supported.

36.

Welfare Reform Update pdf icon PDF 381 KB

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendation, plus an additional recommendation of:

 

(2)       That the Council write to the Minister highlighting the learning, and problems, experienced as a pilot location for Universal Credit.

Minutes:

Councillor Hughes introduced the report which provided an update on the impacts that Universal Credit ‘Full Service’ and other welfare reforms were having on Flintshire residents and the work that was ongoing to mitigate and support those households.

 

Details were provided on the existing welfare reforms of: removal of the spare room subsidy, benefit cap, universal credit and the welfare reform impact in Flintshire.

 

Councillor Thomas commented that Universal Credit was costing the UK Government more than any other legacy benefit but people were receiving less benefits.  She also commented on the fluctuation in Universal Credit received which was not helpful and said she felt it should be reversed.  Members concurred with the views of Councillor Thomas. 

 

Councillor Bithell asked how the 546 Flintshire Council House tenants in receipt of Universal Credit and who were in rent arrears (approximately £567,000) could get out of that situation.  He also asked what could be done to ensure eligible pensioners were receiving Pension Credit where it was applicable.  The Benefits Manager said that the service was aware of all of the issues, such as rent arrears, and explained that as Flintshire was a pilot area for Universal Credit, the impacts had been more pronounced at an early stage when compared with other areas.  The Welfare Response Team would continue to provide personal budgeting support to support residents.  On pensioners, the team continued to be proactive and more eligible pensioners were now claiming Pension Credit. 

 

Following a suggestion from Councillor Thomas, it was agreed that the Council would write to the Minister highlighting the learning, and problems, experienced as a pilot location for Universal Credit.

 

RESOLVED:

           

(a)       That the report and the ongoing work to manage the impacts that Welfare Reforms has and will continue to have upon Flintshire’s most vulnerable households be supported; and

 

(b)       That the Council write to the Minister highlighting the learning, and problems, experienced as a pilot location for Universal Credit.

37.

Joint Procurement Service Annual Report 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 120 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendation.

Minutes:

Councillor Mullin introduced the Joint Procurement Service Annual Report 2018/29 which reported on activity and performance against targets which were derived from the Procurement Strategy.

 

                        The Chief Officer (Governance) explained that there was a Service Level Agreement (SLA) which governed how the service was delivered.  The report also covered all aspects of the service, such as budget and structure, as well as performance against its Key Performance Indicators.

 

RESOLVED:

           

            That the annual performance report be noted and the proposed actions to improve performance, where required, be endorsed.

38.

Fees and Charges pdf icon PDF 260 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendations.

Minutes:

Councillor Thomas introduced the report which proposed a policy framework that included a consistent charging structure across all areas of service.

 

                        The Income Generation and Marketing Manager explained that the outcome of the annual review of fees and charges was set out in Appendix A to the report.  For each charge, the extent to which full cost recovery was being met was outlined.  The report also proposed an approach to the annual indexation of all fees and charges.

 

                        The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transporation) said it had been a long held ambition to have all fees and charges in one place and for them to be reviewed annually.  The new income streams identified in the report formed part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

 

                        It was proposed to raise the charge for the garden waste collection service by between £2 and £5 per season, depending on the chosen payment method and the date the payment was received by the Council.  This reflected the rising cost of delivering the service and would increase the projected income levels by between £70,000 and £130,000 per year.

 

                        There was a proposed charge for the new Food/Drink Ceremony Packages under Registration Services which was projected to generate additional income of in the region of £580 in 2019/20 and £850 in 2020/21.

 

                        The new charge for the transfer of grave ownership administration was to be confirmed. However, comparable charges in other Councils varied from £30 to £55 for the service.  Based on current service demand, implementing a £30 charge would generate approximately £15,600 per annum and a £55 charge £28,600 per annum.

 

                        Councillor Bithell commented that discretionary services should be fully funded by Welsh Government (WG) as local authorities no longer received sufficient budget to fund such things.  The Chief Officer (Governance) explained that such charges were forced upon the Council due to continuing austerity and the Council recognised the impact on the public.  He emphasised that services were proposed for cost recovery and not profit making, with a sensible indexation.

 

RESOLVED:

           

            (a)       That the fees and charges as outlined in Appendix A be approved;

 

(b)       That the Consumer Price Index, including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH), be approved as the annual inflation index to be used for uplifting fees and charges where it is appropriate to do so (or market rate/comparable/choice where applicable) along with the proposed inflationary implementation period documented in Appendix A;

 

(c)        That further work to establish whether full cost recovery (direct and indirect cost recovery) is being achieved for all services be supported, where it is permissible for them to do so;

 

(d)       That a further review of the current Income Generation Policy, with a view to developing a policy framework for income generation to include a consistent charging and cost recovery structure be approved;

 

(e)       That an annual review of the fees and charges format be approved, including an annual report in July each year, setting out the proposed fees and charges for all services, which will be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

39.

Revenue Budget Monitoring 2018/19 (Outturn) pdf icon PDF 389 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendations.

Minutes:

The Corporate Finance Manager introduced the Revenue Budget Monitoring 2018/19 (Outturn) report which provided the position for 2018/19 for the Council Fund and Housing Revenue Account.

 

                        The final year end position was as follows:

 

            Council Fund

·         An operating surplus of £0.608m (£0.931m at Month 11); and

·         A Contingency Reserve balance as at 31st March 2019 of £8.252m which, when taking into account the agreed contributions for the 2019/20 budged reduced to £6.031m.

 

Housing Revenue Account

 

·         Net in year expenditure was £0.067m lower than budget; and

·         A closing un-earmarked balance as at 31st March 2019 of £1.165m.

 

The report contained details of: achievement of planned in-year efficiencies; overview of the year; reserves and balances; council fund earmarked reserved 2018/19 and requests for carry forward of funding.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the overall report and the Council Fund contingency sum as at 31st March 2019 be noted;

 

(b)       That the final level of balances on the Housing Revenue Account as at 31st March 2019 be noted; and

 

            (c)        That the carry forwards requested be approved.

40.

Capital Programme Monitoring 2018/19 (Outturn) pdf icon PDF 169 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendations.

Minutes:

The Corporate Finance Manager introduced the Capital Programme Monitoring 2018/19 (Outturn) report which summarised the changes made to the Capital Programme during the last quarter of 2018/19.

 

                        The Capital Programme had seen a net increase of £1.024m during the period which was comprised of:

 

·         Net increases in the programme of £4.857m (Council Fund £4.792m and HRA £0.065m); and

·         Net Carry Forward to 2019/20 of £3.833m, consisting of £1.815m (additional School Maintenance Grant (£2.043m) partially offset by a Carry Forward reversal of £0.025m.

 

Actual expenditure was £66.423m.

 

The final outturn for 2017/18 was a minor funding deficit of £0.068m.  There had been a number of capital receipts in year and a small increase in capital funding announced in the Final Settlement.  In addition, in November Welsh Government (WG) announced an additional £100m of capital funding spread across 2018/19 to 2020/21.  Taken together, with an original projected shortfall of £8.216m in the capital programme 2018/29 to 2020/21 put the current funding deficit for the three year period at £1.187m.

 

RESOLVED:

           

(a)       That the overall report be approved; and

 

            (b)       That the carry forward adjustments be approved.

41.

Prudential Indicators - Actuals 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 192 KB

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendation.

Minutes:

The Corporate Finance Manager introduced the report which provided details of the Council’s actual Prudential Indicators for 2018/19 compared with the estimates set for Prudence and Affordability.

 

RESOLVED:

 

            That the report be noted and approved.

42.

Revenue budget monitoring 2019/20 (Interim) pdf icon PDF 140 KB

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendations.

Minutes:

The Corporate Finance Manager introduced the Revenue Budget Monitoring 2019/20 (Interim) report which was the first monitoring report of 2019/20.  The report detailed, by exception, on significant variances which could impact on the financial position in 2019/20 and the progress of achieving planned efficiencies against the targets set for the year.

 

                        The initial net impact of the emerging risks and variances, as detailed in the report, was projected to be £3.101m over the planned budget.  The figure was based on known significant variances of over £0.100m and would be subject to change over the course of the year.

 

                        Month 4 would be reported in September and would provide further details.

 

                        Councillor Thomas said the report had been discussed at Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee where they requested reports on the overspends in Streetscene and Transportation and Out of County Placements in Social Services.  Members responded to the comments made at Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Out of County Placements and said the cost and volatility of the service needed to be recognised by Welsh Government (WG).  The Chief Officer (Social Services) explained that the authority was looking at initiatives to make the Out of County Placement provision as sustainable as possible and details would be provided in the report to Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the report be noted and feedback from Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee be received; and

 

(b)       That a budget virement of £0.471m within Social Services be approved to support the new extra care facilities.

43.

Council Tax Discount Scheme for Flintshire Foster Carers pdf icon PDF 220 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendations.

Minutes:

Councillor Jones introduced the report which sought approval of a new Council Tax Discount Scheme for Local Authority Foster Carers which could provide a more competitive package in terms of allowances and benefits, and ultimately bring savings to the Council.

 

                        Foster Carers were vital to the support needs of young people in care and provided family based suitable care in a warm, safe, attentive and nurturing environment. 

 

                        At least 9 local authorities in England already operated Council Tax Discount Schemes, including in neighbouring local authorities like Cheshire East.

 

                        The cost of offering a 50% discount to Foster Carers in Flintshire would be approximately £92,000 and could be recouped should only three children be placed with in-house carers for a 12 month period, rather than external fostering agencies.

 

                        The Chief Officer (Social Services) said if supported, the introduction of the scheme could take effect from April 2020 using discretionary powers as set out in Section 13a (1) (c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

 

                        The Social Services Marketing and Recruitment Officer explained that there was already a significant challenge to find local residents with two spare bedrooms to accommodate siblings who were of an age where sharing a bedroom would not be appropriate.  A Council Tax Discount Scheme could encourage a local resident to consider fostering rather than downsizing.

 

                        The Revenues Manager explained that the forecast was that around 122 Flintshire Foster Carers could quality for the scheme.  Of those, 89 resided in the County – 33 resided out of County but to ensure consistency of approach, the scheme would include provision to make an in-direct financial award in the form of a financial assistance scheme in lieu of a Council Tax discount.

 

                        Councillor Jones thanked the Social Services Marketing and Recruitment Officer and her team for the work they undertook on recruiting Foster Carers.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the introduction, in principle, of a Council Tax Discretionary Discount Scheme for Foster Carers, to take effect from April 2020, be approved; and

 

(b)       That a 50% discount be the preferred option to align to the Council Tax Discount Schemes for Foster Carers that are in operation in other local authorities in the region.

44.

Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 125 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendations.

Minutes:

Councillor Mullin introduced the report which provided an overview of progress made in complying with the Welsh Language Standards, and identified areas for improvement.

 

                        The Chief Officer (Governance) explained that the Welsh Language Annual Report provided an opportunity to set out what the Council had done to meet the Standards and showcase exemplars of good practice, with some outstanding areas of achievement highlighted in the report.

 

                        Although there were positive areas of progress, issues remained as areas for improvement which were also outlined in the report.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That Cabinet be assured that progress has been made during the year to meet the Council’s statutory duties;

 

(b)       That areas for improvement be noted and a mid-year report on progress is to be built into the Forward Work Programme;

 

(c)        That approval be given for the publication of the report on the Council’s website; and

 

(d)       That the Welsh Language Annual Report is included on the Forward Work Programme of Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

45.

Review of Streetscene Standards pdf icon PDF 95 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendation.

Minutes:

Councillor Thomas introduced the Review of Streetscene Standards report and explained that the standards had not been reviewed since 2012.

 

                        The standards approved by Cabinet in 2012 formed the basis of the portfolio’s quarterly performance report which was scrutinised by Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet.

                        The updated 2019 Council Plan included a new performance measure of Streetscene standards under the Safe and Clean Council and as a result, the direct output of the portolio would be reported through the Overview and Scrutiny process.

 

                        A review of the standards had also been undertaken as despite significant changes to the scope of the portfolio, the standards had not changed for seven years.  Some of the standards were no longer relevant and some areas of the new Streetscene and Transportation service were not represented. 

 

                        The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) explained that the proposed standards had been reported to a recent meeting of Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee and were supported. 

 

RESOLVED:

 

            That the adoption of the Streetscene service standards detailed in Appendix 1, including the proposed additions to the revised list as a result of the portfolio changes, be approved.

46.

Pooled Budget Agreement for Care Home Accommodation for Older People 2019-2020 pdf icon PDF 132 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendations.

Minutes:

Councillor Jones introduced the Pooled Budget Agreement for Care Home Accommodation for Older People 2019-2020 report which advised on the proposed regional approach to fulfilling the authority’s legal requirements in relation to the establishment and maintenance of a regional pooled fund.  This was 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”).

 

                        The Chief Officer (Social Services) explained that a decision was required to endorse the regional approach to establishing a non-risk sharing pooled fund, to be hosted by Denbighshire County Council on behalf of the six North Wales Councils and Besti Cadwaladr University Health Board, insofar as regional spend on care home accommodation functions for older people was concerned.

 

                        There would be no delegation of functions involved which meant that all partners would retain full individual responsibility for fulfilling their statutory duties insofar as commissioning and provision of care home accommodation services was concerned.  Each partner would continue to be solely responsible for their own budgets and expenditure.

 

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 noted;

 

(b)       That the establishment of a non-risk sharing pooled fund for care home accommodation for older people, as set out in the report with Denbighshire County Council acting as the Host Authority, be approved, with the arrangements to be effective for the financial year 2019/20; and

 

(c)        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 establishment, operation and governance arrangements in respect of the pooled fund for a period of 3 years.

47.

Food Service Plan 2019-20 for Flintshire County Council pdf icon PDF 112 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendation.

Minutes:

Councillor Bithell introduced the Food Service Plan 2019/20 for Flintshire County Council report which provided an overview of the Food Service. 

 

It set out the aims and objectives for the forthcoming year and how they were to be achieved.  The Plan also contained a review of performance of the service against the Food Service Plan 2018/19 which were detailed in the report.

 

The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy) highlighted the new target for 2019/20 which was to undertake targeted Allergen Management inspections in Medium Risk takeaway premises which was welcomed by Members.

 

RESOLVED:

           

            That the Food Service Plan 2019/20 be approved.

48.

EXERCISE OF DELEGATED POWERS pdf icon PDF 133 KB

To provide details of actions taken under delegated powers.

Minutes:

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

 

Housing and Assets

  • Council Housing Rent – Write Off of Former Tenancy Arrears Following Eviction

Financial Procedure Rules (section 5.2) stipulates that individual bad debt and irrecoverable debts in excess of £5,000 are considered for write off in conjunction with the relevant Cabinet Member.  The decision to write off is in respect of 5 cases of unpaid rent in circumstances where the Council has already taken action to evict the tenants as a result of non-payment of rent.  Following the steps taken to evict, the former tenancy arrears in each case are considered to be irrecoverable and there is no prospect of securing payment.  The total amount of unpaid rent associated with the 5 cases is £31,277.12.

 

  • Council Rent – Application to Write Off Tenancy Arrears

Financial Procedure Rules (section 5.2) stipulates that individual bad debt and irrecoverable debts in excess of £5,000 are considered for write off in conjunction with the relevant Cabinet Member.  The write off request is in respect of one tenant who is subject to a Debt Relief Order (DRO).  Rent arrears of £5,173.61 are included in the DRO which are now recoverable as a result of the award of the DRO.

 

  • Housing Benefit Overpayment Write Off

Unable to recover this overpayment due to bankruptcy order.

 

  • Housing Benefit Overpayment Write Off

It is not in the public interest to pursue the recovery of this overpayment.

 

  • Housing Benefit Overpayment Write Off

Unable to recover this overpayment due to debt relief order.

 

  • Housing Benefit Overpayment Write Off

It is not in the public interest to pursue the recovery of this overpayment.

 

  • Transfer of Affordable Gifted Units to the Housing Revenue Account

In accordance with the s106 agreement dated 8th August 2017, it is considered that the 4. No. 2 bed bungalows affordable properties delivered as part of the Stewart Milne Ffordd Eldon development in Sychdyn, should sit within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) as part of the Council social rented stock for over 55’s.

 

Streetscene and Transportation

  • Hawarden Road, Chester Road and Silver Birch Way, Penyffordd – Proposed Prohibition of Waiting at any Time

To advise Members of the objections received following the advertisement of the proposed waiting restrictions on Hawarden Road, Chester Road and Silver Birch Way, Penyffordd.

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 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

49.

Flintshire Food Enterprise and the Food Poverty Response

Decision:

As detailed in the recommendation.

Minutes:

Councillor Hughes introduced the Flintshire Food Enterprise and the Food Poverty Response report which provided details of a proposed business model for a new social enterprise business with all partners having equal rights for the management and delivery of the operation.

 

                        Members welcomed the report and proposals and welcomed an update report at a later stage.

 

RESOLVED:

           

            That Cabinet agrees in principle to proceed with the proposed new Social Enterprise model which will make a significant contribution to reducing food poverty in the County.

50.

Members of the Press and Public in Attendance

Minutes:

There was 1 member of the press and no members of the public in attendance.