Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

Councillors Paul Johnson and Tudor Jones declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the following item:

Item 6: Holywell Leisure Centre Community Asset Transfer.

            Councillors Paul Johnson and Tudor Jones declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the following item:

            Item 6: Holywell Leisure Centre Community Asset Transfer.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 13 May 2019.

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

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 May 2019 were submitted.

RESOLVED:

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

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme as submitted be approved;

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

(c)        That the progress made in completing the outstanding actions be noted.

The Overview and Scrutiny Facilitator presented the current Forward Work Programme for consideration.  She drew attention to the items scheduled for the meeting of the Committee to be held on 9 September 2019.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme as submitted be approved;

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

(c)        That the progress made in completing the outstanding actions be noted.

(a)       That the Committee supports the merging of the CCTV monitoring function with Wrexham having been assured over service continuity;

(b)       That the Committee is kept up to date with  the staffing implications/negotiations with an update report to be submitted to the Committee in 6/8 months; and

(c)        That the Committee support officers considering opening discussions with the Police and Crime Commissioner for a higher contributions to future CCTV costs.

The Chief Officer (Housing & Assets) introduced a report to inform Members of proposals for joint working with Wrexham County Borough Council regarding the merging of Flintshire County Council’s CCTV monitoring service with that of Wrexham.

The Chief Officer provided background information and advised that the report considered a number of options relating to CCTV installation as set out in the report.  Relocation of the CCTV service to Wrexham would provide a joint CCTV service managed by Wrexham.  Flintshire would remain responsible for fibre costs, camera maintenance and replacement.  Wrexham’s facility in Redwither Tower is modern with a layout which envisaged additional partners.  The option to merge services would provide resilience and manage costs more effectively.

The Chief Officer referred to the main considerations, as detailed in the report, around the Council’s CCTV service and the need for change.  He explained that there were a number of additional benefits that could be grown from a joint approach with Wrexham which included the provision of a key-holding service and alarm monitoring service.

During discussion the Chief Officer responded to the comments and questions raised by Members concerning the information provided on actual service costs and proposed costs split by Authority as appended to the report.  The Chief Officer also responded to the further questions and concerns raised around relocation costs, the implications for staffing arrangements and terms and conditions, and ongoing provision of a CCTV service in town and community Councils. Cllr Janet Axworthy asked that the Committee be kept up to date with the staff implications/negotiations.  It was agreed that an update report would be scheduled on the Forward Work Programme for consideration at a future meeting of the Committee in 6-8 months’ time.

Councillor Sean Bibby commented on the value of CCTV services to North Wales Police and asked if their financial contribution was being reviewed.  The Chief Officer confirmed that this matter would need to be raised with the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales.  He said that    Wrexham County Borough Council had already raised the issue of funding with North Wales Police noting that a more sustainable funding model for CCTV services in the future would need to be explored.

Councillor Dave Wisinger asked that Members of the Committee be given the opportunity to view the new facility when operational.  The Chief Officer confirmed that this would be arranged through Wrexham County Borough Council once the arrangements had “bedded-in” with Wrexham.  

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee supports the merging of the CCTV monitoring function with Wrexham having been assured over service continuity;

(b)       That the Committee is kept up to date with  the staffing implications/negotiations with an update report to be submitted to the Committee in 6/8 months; and

(c)        That the Committee support officers considering opening discussions with the Police and Crime Commissioner for a higher contributions to future CCTV costs.

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).

That the Committee support and endorse the Business Plan for Holywell Leisure Centre.

The Chief Officer (Housing and Assets) introduced a report to enable the Committee to review the progress of Holywell Leisure Centre Community Asset Transfer since establishment in April 2017.  He provided background information and context and advised that the report looked back on the last financial year, reviewed the current financial year’s business plan, and provided the business plan for 2019/20 for consideration. 

The Chief Officer reported on the main considerations as detailed in the report, and referred to the targets for 2018/19 and the business plan, appended to the report, which sets out the key priorities, action pan, and financial proposals up to 2020/21. 

Cllr David Wisinger expressed concerns around the cost for repair and maintenance works to be undertaken on the building.

During discussion Members commented on the revenue support provided by the Council to Holywell Leisure Centre.  Councillor Janet Axworthy proposed that the revenue support funding be provided beyond 2019/20 and potentially increased.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Dave Mackie.  When put to the vote this was not carried.  The Leader of the Council said that whilst he acknowledged the support to provide future funding, Members needed to be mindful of making commitments without considering details of funding levels for the Council for 2020/21.

The Chairman expressed thanks on behalf of the Committee to the Trustees and management team for the progress and achievements gained and the ongoing success of Holywell Leisure Centre. 

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Andy Dunbobbin and seconded by Councillor Dave Mackie. 

RESOLVED:

            That the Committee support and endorse the Business Plan for Holywell Leisure Centre.

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