Agenda, decisions and minutes

Purpose: To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

None were declared.

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

The minutes of the meeting held on 14^th March 2017 had been circulated with the agenda. 

RESOLVED:

That the minutes be approved as a correct record.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Mullin introduced the Improvement Plan 2016/17 Outturn report. It was a positive report with 100% of agreed actions being assessed as making good progress and 82% likely to achieve the desired outcome.  In addition, 66% of the performance indicators met or exceeded the target for the year, whilst half showed improvement or remained stable. 

The Chief Executive explained that the risks were also being successfully managed with the majority being assessed as moderate (45%) or minor/insignificant (42%).  He added that none of the actions had a low (red) level of confidence in achievement of outcomes.

The Corporate Business and Communications Executive Officer explained the areas where the performance indicators showed a red RAG status, with full details being outlined in the report.

The Chief Executive added that the Improvement Plan end of year report would be submitted to the Overview and Scrutiny Committees.  Following that, the draft Council Plan 2017-23 would be presented to Cabinet on 18^th July prior to adoption at County Council on 27^th September.

On the Priority: Housing which showed a red RAG status, Councillor Thomas commented on the positive scheme undertaken with residents in Treuddyn who had switched to Gas Central Heating and were all pleased with the result.

Councillor Bithell commented on the positive reduction in school surplus places following the opening of the Holywell Campus.  This would increase further in the near future with the imminent closure of John Summers High School.

Councillor Shotton thanked the officers for the report and said he looked forward to being as equally ambitious in the coming months.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the levels of progress and confidence in the achievement of high level activities which seek to deliver the impacts of the Improvement Plan be agreed;

(b)       That the performance against the Improvement Plan performance indicators be agreed; and

(c)        That Members be assured by the delivery of plans and actions to achieve the priorities within the 2016/17 Improvement Plan subject to the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviews.

As detailed in the recommendation with the inclusion of an additional recommendation as detailed below:

That Welsh Government be requested that super-fast broadband be made available for local businesses.

Councillor Thomas introduced the report which proposed a response to Welsh Government (WG) consultation on the A55/A494/A48 Deeside Corridor.

            The consultation began in March 2017 on two possible options to improve the key route of the Deeside Corridor into North Wales from England. Details of the two options, the Blue Route and the Red Route, were appended to the report.

            At a recent Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee a third route which had been proposed by some residents was discussed and referred to as the Green Route.  Councillor Thomas explained that this was not one of the options put forward by WG those residents had been advised to submit that option direct to WG.

            Since the agenda had been despatched the Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) had been contacted by the Business Forum who requested that Superfast Broadband be provided in the area as part of the scheme which was supported by Cabinet Members and would form part of the formal response.

            The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) explained the options appraisals that had taken place on both routes with the favoured route being the Red Route.  However, there were a number of elements from the Blue Route that the internal study concluded would significantly improve the overall network by their inclusion in the final design layout for the overall project.  The internal study therefore recommended that the final decision should be a hybrid of the two options which would include key improvements along the route taken from both of the two options.  He also thanked WG for the extension to the consultation closing date which had been requested due to the local elections and the temporary suspension of Council meetings.

            Councillors Attridge and Jones welcomed the report and the proposed hybrid option.  Councillor Jones also commented on the need for the replacement of the Dee Bridge.

            Councillor Roberts said his main concern was the traffic from Northop towards Halkyn which currently had frequent tailbacks and if the Red Route was adopted then work should be undertaken to increase the capacity in that area.  The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) explained that this was contained in the response as “additional ‘Crawler Lane’ along the incline West bound section of the A55 towards Halkyn” and was deemed an essential requirement.

            Councillor Bithell welcomed the scheme which would benefit the whole of North Wales including benefitting the local economy and tourism.  He raised a similar concern to that of Councillor Roberts which related to the traffic problems from Oakenholt to Northop.  The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) said that would be emphasised in the final response.

            Councillor Shotton thanked the Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) on the work undertaken on the proposals through the full options appraisals.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Council’s own options appraisal for the two proposed routes be approved and the proposed formal Council response to the Welsh Government be as shown in Appendix 2; and

(b)       That Superfast Broadband be requested as part of the scheme.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Thomas introduced the report which provided an update on progress in delivering the duties of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 and advised on the commencement of the formal consultation period for the Council’s own planned future integrated network map.

            The Act required Local Authorities in Wales to produce active travel maps for the defined settlement areas and deliver year on year improvements on active travel routes and the active travel facilities within them.  It also required Highway Authorities in Wales to make enhancements to the routes and to consider facilities for pedestrians and cyclists in all new road improvement schemes and to have regard to the needs of walkers and cyclists. 

The integrated network maps had been developed and were ready for informal engagement and consultation and events with key stakeholders had been ongoing since March 2017. 

The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) explained that prior to submitting the integrated network map to Welsh Government (WG) by 3^rd November a report would be submitted to Cabinet in October 2017 seeking approval of the planned future integrated network map and accompanying schedules of proposed walking and cycling improvements that were required on the network.

Councillor Attridge commented on the importance of the publicity of this scheme including details of the consultation events. 

Councillor Jones welcomed the report and commented on the cycle routes currently in place which she felt would be used more if lighting could be improved on those routes. 

            RESOLVED:

That the content of the report be approved and the forthcoming consultation period on the Council’s Planned Integrated Active Travel Network Maps which was due to commence in July 2017.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Corporate Finance Manager introduced the Revenue Budget Monitoring 2016/17 (Month 12) report which provided details on the final revenue budget position for 2016/17 for both the Council Fund and Housing Revenue Account.  The final outturn would be reported in July following the completion of the closure of the accounts for 2016/17. 

The projected year-end position was as follows:

                        Council Fund

·         The net in year position comprised of an operating deficit of £0.846m; an increase in the deficit of £0.131m from the position reported at Month 10.

·         The overall projected in-year position included £2.886m due to the change in accounting policy for Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) as agreed by County Council.  This had the effect of eliminating the operating deficit and net spend was projected to be £2.050m lower than budget.

·         Projected contingency reserve balance of £5.144m.

Housing Revenue Account

·         Net in year expenditure forecast to be £0.047m greater than budget.

·         Projected closing balance as at 31^st March 2017 of £1.050m.

The report provided details on significant budget movements between original and revised budget, the programme of efficiencies, inflation, reserves and balances and requests for carry forward of funding.

The Chief Executive added that any unresolved risks from 2016/17 would be included in the report submitted to Cabinet in July.

Councillor Thomas commented on the inherited overspend on the budget for her portfolio and expressed concern on the ability to deliver basic services when carrying a deficit.  The Chief Executive explained that budget pressures would be maintained corporately and if any additional contributions to the budget were received, this would be for use corporately.  Councillor Shotton emphasised the level of austerity facing the Council and said that lobbying against that needed to continue. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the overall report and the projected Council Fund contingency sum as at 31^st March 2017 be noted;

(b)       That the projected final level of balances on the Housing Revenue Account be noted; and

(c)        That the carry forward requests be agreed.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Thomas introduced the report which provided details on the North Wales Residual Waste Treatment Project.

                        The procurement process had drawn to a close and a contract had been signed with Wheelabrator Technologies (WTI) for the construction and operation of the Parc Adfer waste treatment facility on Deeside with the facility being fully operational by 2020.  Wheelabrator Technologies Inc (WTI) had engaged with the local community and would continue to do so throughout the construction process and beyond.

                        The Chief Executive added that the five partner authorities had overseen the procurement process and had engaged Cabinets and Scrutiny Committees at key stages of the process.  The project had been supported by Welsh Government (WG) throughout and £140m over the 25 year contract term had been committed financially by WG.  Once operational a Community Benefit Fund would commence to the value of £230k per annum with £180k coming from the partner authorities and £50 from Wheelabrator.  The fund would be available to community projects in the Deeside area.

                        Councillor Attridge expressed his thanks to the former Cabinet Member for Waste Strategy, Public Protection and Leisure, Kevin Jones, who had worked hard on the project including maximising any funding from WG.

                        Councillor Butler said this was a good example of leadership by Flintshire County Council in collaborative projects for vital services.

                        Councillor Bithell asked how the emissions of fine particulate matter would be monitored.  The Chief Executive responded that this would be carried out on a frequent basis and more than was required in line with the industry standard; details of those monitoring results would be publically available.  In response to a further question from Councillor Bithell, the Chief Executive explained that the Community Benefit Fund would be restricted to the Deeside Partnership area.

                        Councillor Shotton commented on the inheritance of the project in 2012 from the previous administration.  Despite not supporting the technology he was pleased with the outcome on the Community Benefit Fund in that other Council’s would contribute to that Fund which would provide benefits for the Deeside area.

                        Councillor Jones thanked officers for the details on the level of monitoring that would take place which would be welcomed by residents.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the award of contract be noted; and

(b)       That the scheduled operational date for Parc Adfer be noted.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Roberts introduced the report which outlined the North Wales Construction Framework which expired in May 2018 and proposed an approach for renewing the Framework Agreement.

The Framework provided a streamlined, cost effective and collaborative mechanism to secure contractors for construction projects in schools and other public buildings across North Wales.

The Chief Officer (Education and Youth) said the current Framework had been a successful collaborative project and gave examples of successful projects such as Holywell Learning Campus and Deeside 6 – Coleg Cambria.

One of the main benefits of the Framework was the delivery of community benefits with the report providing details of 20 successful regional projects.

Renewing the Framework would ensure an effective mechanism for delivering the next phase of the 21^st Century Schools programme, as well as the construction or major refurbishment of other public buildings.  Details of the next generation North Wales Construction Framework were outlined in the appendix to the report which was welcomed by Members.

RESOLVED:

            That the approach outlined to procure the next generation North Wales Construction Framework be endorsed.

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Mullin introduced the report which explained that the existing Measured Term Contract 2015/16 was due to expire in September 2017.

                        The Chief Officer (Organisational Change) explained that a number of Measured Term Contracts had been successful since 2010 and over the last seven years they had consistently delivered the Council’s Capital Programme on time, on budget and to a high quality standard.  The Measured Term Contract 2017 to 2021 would continue with that approach.

                        In response to a question from Councillor Attridge, the Chief Officer (Organisational Change) explained that all Measured Term Contracts utilised local lead contractors and this would continue.

RESOLVED

That approval be given to proceed with the specification, procurement and delivery of a new Measured Term Contract covering the period 2017 to 2021.

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

• Facility Management Services – Sign off of Conditions to Enable Transfer of Services to Newydd the Local Authority Trading Company

Work completed to enable the signing off of the conditions to enable the transfer of services to Newydd to the new Local Authority Trading Company from 1^st May 2017.

• Community Asset Transfer of Holywell Leisure Centre (Canolfan Hamdden Treffynnon), Holywell

The transfer of Holywell Leisure Centre including the land edged red on the plan to the new organisation ‘Holywell Leisure Centre’.

• Former Perth Y Terfyn Infants School, Halkyn Road, Holywell

The property is to be sold to Wales and West Housing Association for the development of an Extra Care facility.

• 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.

• Acquisition of Land Adjoining St Andrew’s Church, Sealand Avenue, Garden City

The subject comprises a parcel of land adjoining St Andrew’s Church to be developed for affordable housing by the SHARP programme in conjunction with the adjoining site of the former Garden City Library owned by the Council.

• Land Adjacent to 29 Brynford Street, Holywell

Subject comprises a small parcel of land extending to approximately 59 square metres adjacent to the purchasers existing garden.

• Sewer at Tudor Court, Fagl Lane, Hope, Flintshire

To accept the transfer of the requisite land, easements and maintenance sum (the Sum) to the Council relating to surface water sewer (the Sewer) at Tudor Court, Fagl Lane, Hope, Flintshire in accordance with the terms of a Settlement Agreement dated 26^th September 2016.

Revenues

• Business Rates Write Offs

Financial Procedure Rules (section 9.6 – Income and Expenditure) stipulate that any individual debt between the values of £5,000 and £25,000 shall be reported to the Chief Finance Officer (Corporate Finance Manager / Section 151 Officer) for consideration to write off, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Finance.  The schedule, which is summarised by the category of write off involves 5 Business Rates accounts where the overall debt for each company is greater than £5,000.

• Council Tax Write Offs

Financial Procedure Rules (section 9.6 – Income and Expenditure) stipulate that any individual debt between the values of £5,000 and £25,000 shall be reported to the Chief Finance Officer (Corporate Finance Manager / Section 151 Officer) for consideration to write off, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Finance.  The delegated powers form details 2 council tax accounts where the overall debt is greater than £5,000.

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 paragraph 15 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Roberts introduced the report which provided an update on the Leisure and Libraries Alternative Delivery Model and outlined minor structural changes that were required prior to transfer of services to the new company.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the transfer of Flintshire Bibliographic Services (Newnet), currently housed in the Library Service, be transferred to the regional collaborative arrangements in Wrexham;

(b)       That the transfer of operational arrangements for Open Space functions currently in Leisure Services be transferred to Streetscene, Valuations and Estates Services, Planning and Environment Services and Education and Youth Services; and

(c)        That the change in line management of the Arts Development function to the Chief Officer (Organisational Change) from the Principal Librarian be agreed.

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Roberts introduced the report which sought support for a reshaping proposal for leadership of Integrated Youth Provision (IYP) following adoption of the integrated delivery plan for youth services and the continuum of need model for universal / targeted specialist services.

                        The Chief Officer (Education and Youth) thanked all Councillors who had engaged in the workshop and all staff in the operational teams.  The work was focussed on safeguarding the most vulnerable young people to stay safe in the virtual world and this saw an exciting time for youth engagement.  Councillor Shotton commented on the Notice of Motion that would be considered at County Council later that day which proposed the establishment of a Youth Council for Flintshire which would feature in the work of the Youth Service moving forward.

                        At this point Councillor Shotton took the opportunity to thank the Mr Ian Budd, Chief Officer (Education and Youth), on behalf of all Cabinet Members, for all of his hard work since his employment at Flintshire County Council and wished him well in his new role.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the reshaping of service leadership to deliver efficient and effective leadership of integrated youth provision and to enable succession planning be supported;

(b)       That the refocus of direct participation work with young people to include increased social media and digital literacy communications methods be supported; and

(c)        That the existing and growing service model innovation of commissioning out several areas of the service to 3^rd sector or to other external bodies be supported.

There were no members of the public and two members of the press in attendance.