The Environment & Economy Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Flintshire Council met on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, to discuss various significant topics, including the Workforce Travel Survey Report, the Audit Wales Assurance & Risk Assessment Review, and the Destination Management Plan. Key decisions were made, and several recommendations were approved.

Workforce Travel Survey Report

The committee reviewed the Workforce Travel Survey Report, which aimed to gather data on employee commuting habits to improve the council's carbon footprint calculations. The survey received 628 responses, representing about 10% of employees, excluding school staff. The most common mode of transport was private cars. Recommendations were made to support salary sacrifice schemes for ultra-low emission vehicles, review the council's cycle-to-work scheme, and investigate car-sharing platforms and barriers to active travel. The committee approved these recommendations with amendments to ensure the schemes are unsubsidized.

Audit Wales Assurance & Risk Assessment Review

The committee discussed the Audit Wales Assurance & Risk Assessment Review, focusing on building control services. The review highlighted the need for a local action plan, financial stability, collaboration, and risk management. The committee supported the actions to address the recommendations, despite concerns about the competitive market for building control services. A recorded vote was held, resulting in the approval of the recommendations.

Destination Management Plan

The Destination Management Plan was presented to outline the framework for tourism development in Flintshire. The plan aims to enhance visitor experiences, support local businesses, and promote the county as a tourist destination. Key priorities include improving skills and employment, marketing and communication, product and place development, and partnership and engagement. The committee endorsed the plan, recognizing the importance of tourism to the local economy.

Forward Work Programme and Action Tracking

The committee reviewed the Forward Work Programme and Action Tracking report. Councillor Mike Peers proposed adding an item to consider the operation of the Connects Centres. The committee approved the forward work programme with the proposed addition and authorized the facilitator to vary the programme as needed.

Other Discussions

• Local Toilet Strategy Review: The committee supported the revised Flintshire County Council Local Toilet Strategy 2024, emphasizing the need for adequate toilet facilities in tourist areas.
• Resource and Waste Strategy: The committee discussed the Council’s waste strategy, focusing on achieving Welsh Government’s statutory recycling target of 70%. Amendments were made to the recommendations to ensure a detailed report on increasing recycling waste would be presented in June.
• Bus Emergency Scheme: An update was provided on the termination of the Bus Emergency Scheme Funding and the introduction of the Bus Transition Funding. The committee noted the impact on service levels and future proposals.

The meeting concluded with no members of the press or public in attendance. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 5 March 2024 were confirmed as accurate, with a minor amendment noted by Councillor Chris Bithell.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the public reports pack and the minutes of the previous meeting.