Agenda, decisions and minutes

Purpose: To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

Purpose: To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2016 (copy enclosed).

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2016 were submitted.

Matters Arising

Minute number 11: Council Fund Revenue Budget 2017/18 - in response to Councillor Dolphin’s question, the Chief Officer confirmed that the Council’s own Bailiff Service was used to pursue law enforcement matters.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

(a)       That the Committee supports the ‘Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales’ as the basis for negotiation with the UK and Welsh Governments over a Growth Bid for the region; and

(b)       That the Committee supports and endorses the prospectus for Rail Improvement ‘Growth Track 360’.

Councillor Derek Butler introduced a report accompanied by ‘A Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales’ which set out regional ambitions on infrastructure development, skills and employment, and business growth.  Also received was the ‘Growth Track 360’ prospectus on rail improvement across North Wales and the Mersey Dee area, which had been developed with various key partners.  The documents, which had been shared with the UK Government and Welsh Government (WG), were being submitted to all six North Wales authorities for adoption and a further regional document on skills had been produced.  In stressing the importance of Flintshire’s position, Councillor Butler said that the cross-border growth bid was unique in the UK.

The Service Manager (Enterprise and Regeneration) gave an overview of the report which followed an earlier report on the Regional Economy.  He described it as a realistic vision with carefully focussed aims, which had been the subject of positive discussions with Ministers.  The vision was ambitious in seeking improved sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities for North Wales, with particular focus on the advanced manufacturing, energy and digital sectors.  Devolved powers were being sought to deliver local priorities and the vision supported the developing strategy for the Northern Powerhouse and would link with the growth bid by Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Councillor Ian Dunbar referred to the cost implications of the rail prospectus but supported the vision for growth and welcomed the benefits to local industry.  He asked about progress of discussions with new WG Ministers and potential changes to future plans.  The Chief Officer (Community & Enterprise) said that if the funding could be secured, this would be invested on early priorities to make improvements on the Wrexham to Bidston route, provide faster trains along the coast, upgrade stations and improve the overall customer experience.  Whilst WG had given a commitment to support the growth vision, negotiations with the WG and UK Government would continue on priorities, investment and collaboration to deliver schemes.  There would continue to be capital investment in major infrastructure programmes, for example the commitment by WG to ease congestion along the Deeside corridor through consultation on the Red and Blue routes.

Councillor Butler referred to the positive relationship and shared aspirations built up between the Council and the Mersey Dee Alliance over the years.

Whilst Councillor Rosetta Dolphin welcomed the report and understood the focus on the Deeside area, she raised concerns that other areas of the county could miss out on investment.  She also suggested that a workshop on the work carried out within the Economy & Enterprise portfolio could be of use to the Committee.

Councillor Hilary Isherwood welcomed the plans and acknowledged the traffic problems along the Deeside strip, but shared concerns about the benefits to other areas of the county, particularly in more rural areas.  She spoke about the WG wanting more housing developments but stated the importance of having a proper infrastructure in place first, supported by appropriate bus services giving young people access to employment.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

That the report be noted.

The Chief Officer (Community & Enterprise) introduced the regular update report to consider progress towards the delivery of the impacts set out in the 2016/17 Improvement Plan, focussing on the areas of under-performance relevant to the Committee during Quarter 1.

Housing

On the prevention of homelessness, the service was working within the budget but there were ongoing pressures to reduce the spend on bed and breakfast accommodation, particularly for young single people.  The Chief Officer said that a range of housing options were being explored and that legislative changes would offer more flexibility on shared tenancies.

Councillor Bernie Attridge was pleased to report that Supporting People funding had been protected by Welsh Government (WG).

The Service Manager (Council Housing Services) reported good progress on Year 2 of the programme to meet the Welsh Quality Housing Standards, with targets exceeded on the upgrading of bathrooms and kitchens.  Work was on target against the overall budget spend and progress was being maintained at the end of Quarter 2.

The Chairman paid tribute to the Service Manager (Council Housing Services) who was due to leave the Council and extended appreciation and best wishes on behalf of the Committee.  The Service Manager in turn thanked the Chief Officer and Committee Members for their support.

Councillor Rosetta Dolphin stressed that careful consideration should be given when allocating properties.  As an option to prevent homelessness, she suggested that 2 or 3-bedroom flats, which were unsuitable for families, could be split for easier letting.  Officers explained that this type of remodelling had been done in some areas and would be extended to other parts of the county.

Councillor Mike Reece referred to issues where some tenants were refusing refurbishment work and said that this could be resolved by giving them an opportunity to view completed work at other properties.  The Service Manager said that the work could not be forced upon tenants but that follow-up visits were made.  In response to comments about contractor performance, Councillor Attridge said that such concerns should be raised directly with Sean O’Donnell or Tony Jones for them to deal with the problem.  The Service Manager agreed to arrange for those officers to contact Councillor Reece.

Councillor Peter Curtis had raised with officers an issue about the standard of cleaning at a sheltered accommodation complex in his ward.  The Service Manager was aware of this and gave assurance that quality and consistency of services was being reviewed across all complexes.  The importance of tenant feedback was highlighted to help inform this review.

Economy and Enterprise

Amongst a number of positive outcomes in the report, the Service Manager (Enterprise and Regeneration) advised that the completion of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) remained an area of focus with good progress made on the action plan which had been developed to improve performance and sustain targets.

On DFGs, Councillor Bernie Attridge spoke about the different approaches taken by other councils and gave assurances that in Flintshire, the exact number of days was recorded until all issues had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme be noted; and

(b)       That the Facilitator, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, as the need arises.

The current Forward Work Programme was considered and the following actions agreed:

·         The Facilitator to confirm arrangements for the next meeting on 23 November 2016 to be held in Connah’s Quay followed by a site visit of the Custom House Lane development.

·         The Facilitator to arrange for the meeting on 1 February 2017 to be held at the Flint office incorporating a site visit to the local housing development.

·         Officers to follow up Councillor Dolphin’s request for a Committee workshop on the work of the Economy & Enterprise portfolio, possibly attached to a future meeting.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme be noted; and

(b)       That the Facilitator, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, as the need arises.

There was one member of the public and one member of the press in attendance.