Agenda item

(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 encourage support from other local Councils to sustain the project.  In response to the concerns raised by Councillor Ian Dunbar, Mr. Morgan explained that a meeting had been arranged with Connah’s Quay Town Council to be held in April 2016 to update on progress so far.    

            During discussion Officers responded to the further comments and observations put forward by the Applicants and Members.  The Chief Officer (Organisational Change 1) explained that learning had been developing for all stakeholders as the schemes progressed and areas where improvement was required were acknowledged and would be addressed to ensure a “smoother” transition in the future. He advised that a full review of the scheme taking on board the views of the above projects would be completed. 

Councillor Chris Dolphin commented on the financial pressures on local Town and Community Councils and referred to the need to consider additional  costs in the future through the potential transfer of other community assets from the Authority and cited play areas and village halls/community centres as an example. Councillor Robin Guest concurred with the comments expressed by Councillor Dolphin and emphasised there was a need to lobby for funding from business rates to support Town and Community Councils to take on board community asset transfers from the Authority.

            Councillor Robin Guest commented on the need for sustainability and expressed a concern that there could be a risk to the projects if key personnel/board members were unable to continue in their role.     The applicants explained the structures and measures in place to ensure no person was solely responsible for any aspect of the project and staff and volunteers had sufficient knowledge and experience to take forward.  

            The Chair invited Ann Woods, the Chief Officer of Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (FLVC), to present her views on the CAT process.  Mrs. Woods explained that her role as representative of the FLVC had been to provide independent support to applicants and help administer the scheme up to stage 3 business planning with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome for the local community.

            The Chief Officer (Organisational Change 2) reported on the initial Council review of the scheme, as detailed in the report, and referred to the key considerations around the learning that had developed as the scheme progressed and the areas where further improvement was required.

RESOLVED:

 (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.