Agenda, decisions and minutes

Purpose: To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

The Member Engagement Manager explained that Councillors Nancy Matthews and Sara Parker were in attendance as contributors to the meeting and not in their role as Members of the Council, but that they had both made personal declarations.

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

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

(i)         The minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2015 were submitted.

(ii)        The minutes of the meeting held on 15 February 2016 were submitted.

RESOLVED:

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

(a)       That the views expressed at the meeting by all contributors and the members of the Committee be incorporated into the final first year review of the Community Asset Transfer Scheme; and

(b)       That all who attended the meeting be formally thanked by the Committee for their contributions.

The Chair introduced a report on the Community Asset Transfer scheme.  He explained that it was intended that the views of the current applicants who had been involved in all stages of the scheme and Flintshire Local Voluntary Council, would be heard in the first instance.  Those views and the review of the scheme, as detailed in the report, would then be considered to enable the Committee to finalise its comments on the scheme to formalise a final review. 

            The Chair welcomed the applicants to the meeting.  He introduced Mr. Simon Morgan and Sarah Breeze, Cambrian Aquatics Limited (in relation to Connah’s Quay swimming pool), Councillor Nancy Matthews and Mr. Kevin Hughes (Gwernymynydd Village Hall Management Committee, in relation to Gwernymynydd Village Centre), and Councillor Sara Parker (Caffi Isa, in relation to Mynydd Isa Community Centre and Library).  The Chair invited each of the applicants to give a brief overview of their projects, their experience of the CAT scheme, and comments on what had worked well and what could be improved to inform future learning. 

            Mr. Simon Morgan provided verbal feedback concerning the transfer of Connah’s Quay swimming pool and explained that he felt there was room for improvement in the following areas:

·         liaison with staff at an early stage to resolve Human Resource issues

·         clarity on the requirements for a business model/business case

·         clarity around legal documents and completions

·         the need for some form of initial funding to be provided for set-up costs

·         some key elements to be addressed to ensure buildings are in a suitable condition before transfer       

Councillor Nancy Matthews and Mr. Kevin Hughes, spoke in relation to

Gwernymynydd Village Centre and gave background information and context.  Councillor Matthews and Mr. Hughes raised a number of concerns for community groups around the ‘hidden costs’ regarding the CAT scheme, such as legal fees and  responsibilities, and the personal liabilities of the trustees.    

            Councillor Sara Parker gave a brief overview of her experience in relation to Caffi Isa, Mynydd Isa Community Centre and Library.  She explained that her experience had been positive overall and that the project was scheduled to be completed in April 2016.  She raised a concern regarding communication to Council staff who are affected by the transfer and making sure it is clear how the community group best communicates with staff during the process. 

            The Chair thanked the applicants for their presentations and invited Members to raise questions.

            Councillor Paul Shotton referred to the financial contribution made by Connah’s Quay Town Council to the transfer of Connah’s Quay swimming pool and commented on the use of the pool by residents across the whole of Deeside.  He asked if other local Town and Community Councils had responded to a request for financial support for the project.  Mr. Morgan advised that Cambrian Acquatics Limited had written to all local Town and Community Councils, local industries and organisations, to seek support, however, only one formal response had been received to date and he urged Members to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

(a)       That the Play Sufficiency Assessment and the approach being taken

for the future of Summer Play Schemes and the core offer for children’s equipped play areas be endorsed; and

(b)       That the re-establishment of the Strategic Play Forum be supported.

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change 1) introduced a report to

inform of the summer play scheme programme 2015 and provide information with regard to the financial implications for delivery of the summer playscheme in 2016 and 2017.  

The Chief Officer provided background information and advised that the securing of play sufficiency would be about how the Council and its partners strategically planned to remove the barriers that prevented children accessing their right to play.  The Play Sufficiency Assessment 2016 aimed to promote inclusion and improve access to play opportunities for all children in the County.    The Chief Officer explained that information on the progress made by the Authority on the Play Action Plan 2013-2014 and the revised actions for 2016-17 was appended to the report.  He reported that Welsh Government feedback from the Play Sufficiency Assessment had been positive and was also appended to the report.

            The Chief Officer invited the Play Development Officer to report on play provision and schemes within the County during 2015.  She referred to the three play schemes which were delivered in partnership with Urdd Gobaith Cymru through the medium of Welsh and funded by the Families First grant.  The Play Development Officer advised that Welsh Government funding would not be available to support delivery of the Summer play scheme in 2016, although the Council had committed to funding for one year to ensure there are funds available for the delivery of the Summer 2016 programme.  Town and Community Councils were asked to consider increasing their contribution and to explore alternative delivery models to sustain the provision of play schemes in their areas.  Feedback from Town and Community Councils had indicated that it would be easier if they knew which play areas the Council could continue to provide and which it could not. 

            Councillor Ian Dunbar spoke of the value of the Quayplay scheme held at Connah’s Quay Sports Centre.   He commented on the pressure on Town and Community Council budgets due to reduced funding and said it may be difficult to make financial contributions in the future.  He asked what assistance and guidance  could be provided by the Authority to assist Town and Community Councils to help maintain such schemes going forward.       Councillor Kevin Jones and the Chief Officer gave an assurance that the Authority would do everything possible to assist Town and Community Councils and other willing organisations/partnerships to “take on board” play area provision.  Councillor Jones and the Chief Officer explained that it was planned to consult with Town and Community Councils around the beginning of May  on the core provision that the Council would potentially be able to provide in the future and the number of play areas in each community.  The Chief Officer commented that the Authority acknowledged that play was central to the physical and emotional well-being of children and referred to the need to increase opportunities for play within local communities and encourage greater use of the countryside as a more effective way to provide creative play for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

That the Quarter 3 Improvement Plan Monitoring Report be received.

The Member Engagement Manager introduced a report on the monitoring of progress for the third quarter of 2015/16 focusing on the areas of under performance relevant to the Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the Quarter 3 Improvement Plan Monitoring Report be received.

(a)       Approved with additions and the next meeting being held on Monday 25^th April at 10.00 a.m.; and

(b)       That the Member Engagement Manager, in consultation with the Chair

and Vice-Chair be authorised to vary the work programme between meetings.

The Member Engagement Manager introduced the Forward Work Programme.  He explained that following consultation with the Chair, it was proposed to move the meeting which had been scheduled for 27 April 2016 to Monday, 25 April 2016, to enable key contributors to be present.  This was agreed by the Committee. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       Approved with additions and the next meeting being held on Monday 25^th April at 10.00 a.m.; and

(b)       That the Member Engagement Manager, in consultation with the Chair

and Vice-Chair be authorised to vary the work programme between meetings.

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