This week, Flintshire Council held four meetings. The most impactful discussions took place during the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 18 June 2024.

Housing Strategy Action Plan Performance Updates

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Housing Strategy Action Plan. The council reviewed the progress of the Housing Strategy Delivery Plan 2019-24, focusing on the financial year 2023-24. The strategy outlines three key priorities:

1. Increase Supply: Provide the right type of homes in the right location.
2. Support Residents: Ensure people live and remain in the right type of property.
3. Improve Quality: Enhance the quality and sustainability of homes.

The council noted that 80 new affordable homes were completed last year, with 150 more in progress. This aligns with Flintshire's commitment to delivering affordable housing and creating sustainable communities. The strategy also includes aligning standards and intervention rates for acquisitions under the Social Housing Grant with those of the Transitional Accommodation Capital Program (TACP).

Together We Can: Community Resilience and Self-Reliance

The council discussed the Audit Wales report Together We Can, which focuses on building community resilience and self-reliance. The report recommends that local authorities shift from being direct providers to enablers. The council acknowledged the importance of this shift but highlighted the need for additional resources to implement the recommendations effectively. The council agreed to continue supporting voluntary organisations and individuals who contribute to community resilience.

Welsh Language Standards Annual Monitoring Report

The council reviewed the Welsh Language Standards Annual Monitoring Report for 2023-24. The report highlights Flintshire's efforts to comply with the Welsh Language Standards, including:

• Welsh Language Training: An increase in the number of employees learning Welsh, from 110 last year to 174 this year.
• Support for Welsh Speakers: Initiatives to support employees in using Welsh at work, including recordings of words and phrases.
• Recruitment of Welsh Speakers: Collaboration with partners to address the challenges of recruiting Welsh speakers.

The council also discussed the importance of promoting the Welsh language in meetings and providing training opportunities for elected members.

Social Services Care Inspectorate Wales Performance Evaluation

The council reviewed the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) Performance Evaluation Inspection report for both adults and children's services. The report commended Flintshire's stable and experienced senior management team and the innovative services developed in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. The council acknowledged the need to address workforce recruitment and retention and agreed to implement the recommendations outlined in the action plan.

Age-Friendly Communities

Flintshire's application to join the World Health Organization's Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities was discussed. The council highlighted the development of an online Age-Friendly Flintshire Hub and various initiatives to support older adults. The council's membership in the WHO network underscores its commitment to creating a supportive environment for the aging population.

Deferred Charges Audit Report

The council reviewed the internal audit report on deferred charges and the management of residential care liabilities. The audit identified eight actions needing attention, five of which are high priority. The council has established a task and finish group to address these actions and is implementing a new finance software system to support additional monitoring and control measures.

Building Safety in Wales

The council discussed the Audit Wales report Cracks in the Foundations, which assesses building control and safety services following the Building Safety Act 2022. The report highlights the need for local action plans and collaboration across the region. Flintshire is already reviewing its fees and charges for building control and exploring potential collaboration with neighboring authorities to strengthen resilience.

Destination Management Plan

The council reviewed the draft Destination Management Plan, which aims to enhance Flintshire's tourism sector. Key discussions included the need for adequate tourism infrastructure, such as toilet facilities and parking, and exploring ways to generate revenue from tourism. The plan aligns with Flintshire's efforts to promote sustainable tourism development.

Other Meetings

Additionally, the Clwyd Pension Fund Committee on Wednesday 19 June 2024, the Planning Committee on Wednesday 19 June 2024, and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Joint Committee on Friday 21 June 2024 took place. However, the transcripts for these meetings were not available, limiting our understanding of the discussions and decisions made.

In summary, this week's key discussions revolved around housing strategy updates, community resilience, Welsh language promotion, social services performance, age-friendly initiatives, deferred charges audit, building safety, and tourism development. The council's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to address public concerns, improve service delivery, and promote sustainable development in Flintshire.

This week, Flintshire Council held four meetings. The most impactful discussions took place during the Environment & Economy Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 11 June 2024.

Leadership Appointments

The meeting began with the appointment of Councillor Dave Evans as the chair for the municipal year. This was followed by the election of Councillor Ray Hughes as the vice-chair after a vote, highlighting the committee's commitment to democratic processes.

Forward Work Programme and Action Tracking

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the forward work programme and action tracking. Key discussions included:

• Household Recycling Centres (HRCs): Councillor Piers raised concerns about the recent closure of HRCs for two days a week, citing long queues and public dissatisfaction. The committee agreed to scrutinize this issue in the September meeting, reflecting ongoing efforts to address public concerns and improve service delivery.
• Street Scene Standards: Councillor Richardson and Councillor Banks emphasized the need for more meetings to discuss street scene standards, particularly regarding potholes, weed control, and recycling figures. The committee acknowledged the importance of these issues and agreed to include them in future meetings.
• Grass Cutting: Councillor Richardson raised concerns about the frequency and effectiveness of grass cutting, given the unusually high rainfall and warm temperatures. Chief Officer Katie Wilby explained the challenges faced due to budget cuts and reduced staffing, but assured the committee that efforts were being made to catch up.

Workforce Travel Survey Report

The committee reviewed the results of the workforce travel survey, which aimed to understand employee commuting patterns and explore ways to reduce carbon emissions. Key points included:

• Employee Commuting: The survey revealed that the majority of employees commute by private car, with significant barriers to using public transport and active travel options. The committee discussed potential solutions, including improving public transport reliability and investing in cycling infrastructure.
• Salary Sacrifice Scheme: The committee supported the introduction of a salary sacrifice scheme for ultra-low emission vehicles, provided it is not subsidized by public funds. This decision aligns with the council's commitment to reducing carbon emissions while ensuring financial prudence.

Building Safety and Control

The committee also discussed the Audit Wales report on building safety, which highlighted the need for a local action plan and collaboration across the region. Key points included:

• Local Action Plan: The committee agreed to develop a local action plan for building control by August 2024, ensuring compliance with Audit Wales recommendations.
• Collaboration: The committee supported exploring collaboration with other local authorities to improve resilience and consistency in building control services.

Destination Management Plan

The committee reviewed the draft destination management plan, which aims to enhance Flintshire's tourism sector. Key discussions included:

• Tourism Infrastructure: Councillor Piers emphasized the need for adequate toilet facilities and parking to support tourism. The committee acknowledged these concerns and agreed to work with relevant departments to address them.
• Revenue Generation: Councillor Richardson suggested exploring ways to generate revenue from tourism, such as charging for parking at popular destinations. The committee agreed to consider this as part of the broader strategy to support sustainable tourism development.

Other Meetings

Additionally, the Community & Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday 12 June 2024, the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 13 June 2024, and the Constitution and Democratic Services Committee on Tuesday 11 June 2024 took place. However, the transcripts for these meetings were not available, limiting our understanding of the discussions and decisions made.

In summary, this week's key discussions revolved around leadership appointments, forward work programme reviews, workforce travel survey results, building safety, and tourism development. The council's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to address public concerns, improve service delivery, and promote sustainable development in Flintshire.

This week, Flintshire Council held three meetings. The most impactful discussions took place during the Standards Committee on Monday 03 June 2024.

Declarations of Interest and Procedural Integrity

The meeting began with a focus on declarations of interest. Councillor Wren declared a personal interest in item number six due to his association with the councillor in question. This declaration highlights the committee's commitment to transparency and procedural integrity.

Civility and Respect Pledge

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Civility and Respect Pledge. Monitoring Officer Gareth Owens provided an update, noting that 20 councils have now signed up, an increase from 16 at the last meeting. Some councils have rejected the pledge, believing it adds nothing to the existing code. Owens emphasized the importance of understanding the pledge's commitments:

Actually, you know, if you look at it, there are slightly... it does commit you to certain things. But it's their choice. — Gareth Owens

This discussion underscores the ongoing efforts to promote civility and respect within the council, even as some councils question the added value of the pledge.

Annual Report Approval

The committee approved its draft annual report, which focuses on the committee's work over the past year. The report highlights the committee's visits to town, community, and county council meetings to observe practices and provide feedback. The report also comments on the compliance of group leaders with their duty to promote good behavior among their members. The committee expressed satisfaction with the current group leadership's compliance.

Implications of Councillor Attridge's Suspension

A significant discussion revolved around the suspension of Councillor Bernie Attridge. The committee reviewed the decision of the adjudication panel for Wales, which suspended Attridge for four months due to breaches of the code of conduct. The committee discussed the implications of his return and the need for training on safeguarding practices. Monitoring Officer Gareth Owens noted:

There are a number of practical issues that are nonetheless important, but in terms of less significant, simple things such as where he sits within the council chamber should he return following his suspension. — Gareth Owens

The committee agreed to engage an independent person to discuss the impact of Attridge's behavior and to provide support to employees who may feel anxious about his return.

Feedback to the Adjudication Panel for Wales

The committee decided to write to the adjudication panel for Wales to express concerns about the perceived leniency of the sanction. The letter will highlight the impact on the council's reputation and the trust in the system of elected representatives.

Other Meetings

Additionally, the Flintshire SACRE / STANDING ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC) meeting on Wednesday 05 June 2024 and the Social & Health Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 06 June 2024 took place, though the transcripts for these meetings were not available. The absence of detailed information limits our understanding of the discussions and decisions made during these sessions.

In summary, this week's key discussions revolved around procedural integrity, the Civility and Respect Pledge, and the implications of Councillor Attridge's suspension. The council's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to maintain transparency, promote civility, and address the challenges posed by breaches of conduct.

This week, Flintshire Council held two meetings. The most impactful discussions took place during the Education, Youth & Culture Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 28 May 2024.

Declarations of Interest and Procedural Integrity

The meeting began with a procedural query regarding declarations of interest. Councillor Healy raised concerns about members who had attended a meeting with ORRA (Organisation for Residents' Rights and Advocacy) earlier in the day. He questioned whether these members should declare a personal and prejudicial interest and recuse themselves from the discussion. The Chair clarified:

Under the Code of Conduct, there is no prejudicial interest on account of having had conversations about an issue which is to be subject to discussion indeed. — Councillor Ibertsen

This clarification underscores the council's commitment to procedural integrity while ensuring that members can engage in discussions without undue restrictions, provided they adhere to the Code of Conduct.

Confidentiality and Public Exclusion

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to deciding whether to exclude the public from certain discussions. The Chair emphasized the council's preference for transparency but noted the necessity of confidentiality for specific agenda items. The committee voted to move to a closed session, reflecting the ongoing challenge of balancing transparency with the need to protect sensitive information.

Substitutions and Attendance

The meeting also noted substitutions for absent members. Councillor Helen Brown substituted for Councillor Bill Crease, and Councillor Mel Buckley substituted for Councillor Paul Conaway. These substitutions ensure that the committee continues to function effectively despite absences, maintaining its operational integrity.

Implications and Themes

The discussions this week highlight recurring themes of procedural integrity and the balance between transparency and confidentiality. The council's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to navigate these complex issues while striving to maintain public trust and operational effectiveness.

Additionally, the Cabinet meeting on Thursday 30 May 2024 took place, though the transcript for this meeting was not available. The absence of detailed information limits our understanding of the discussions and decisions made during this session.

In summary, this week's key discussions revolved around procedural integrity, confidentiality, and ensuring effective committee operations through member substitutions. The council's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and operational integrity while navigating complex procedural challenges.

This week, Flintshire Council held one meeting. The most impactful discussions took place during the Education, Youth & Culture Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 23 May 2024.

Leadership Appointments

The meeting began with the appointment of Councillor Theresa Carvery as the chair for the municipal year, and Councillor Caroline Priest as the vice-chair. These leadership changes set the stage for the committee's work in the coming year.

Redundancy Payments

Councillor Mackay raised concerns about the recent changes in redundancy payments, which have shifted from the county to individual schools. He requested a report to understand the reasons behind this change and its implications on school budgets and teacher resignations. The committee agreed to add this to the forward work program. This shift could have significant financial implications for individual schools, potentially affecting their ability to retain staff.

VAT on Private School Fees

Councillor Parkhurst suggested assessing the potential impact of VAT being applied to private school fees, particularly for special needs students. He expressed concerns about the financial strain on public schools if there is an influx of students from private schools. The committee agreed to review this in the autumn term. This issue could lead to increased pressure on public school resources, highlighting the need for careful financial planning.

Financial Controls in Education

Councillor Parkhurst also called for a review of financial controls within the education portfolio, citing a high credit card bill that had gone unnoticed. The committee agreed to scrutinize this further. This discussion points to potential weaknesses in financial oversight that could affect the overall budget and resource allocation within the education sector.

Emergency Planning Arrangements

Councillor Parkhurst inquired about the emergency planning arrangements following school closures. The chair confirmed that these papers would be circulated to committee members. This ensures that the committee remains informed about contingency plans, which is crucial for maintaining educational continuity during emergencies.

School Improvement Delivery Models

Chief Officer Claire Homard provided an update on changes to school improvement delivery models in Wales. The Welsh Government has decided to review its funding mechanisms, diverting funds from regional consortia back to local authorities and schools. Flintshire has passported the majority of its funding back to the regional consortia, GwE, to maintain stability and continuity in school support. The committee discussed the effectiveness and cost of GwE, with some members questioning its value for money. This decision could impact how schools receive support and resources, potentially affecting educational outcomes.

Estyn Revised Frameworks

Claire Homard also briefed the committee on the revised Estyn frameworks for school inspections, which will come into effect from September 2024. The new framework reduces the number of inspection areas and introduces an interim visit. For local authority education services, the notification period has been reduced, and a dedicated inspection of youth services has been introduced. These changes aim to streamline the inspection process and provide more targeted feedback.

School Attendance and Exclusions

Jeanette Rock presented the annual report on school attendance and exclusions. Attendance levels are slowly improving post-pandemic, but exclusions, particularly in secondary schools, are on the rise. The committee discussed various initiatives to improve attendance and reduce exclusions, including the use of fixed penalty notices and trauma-informed practices. This ongoing issue of school attendance and exclusions is one we've discussed before, reflecting the persistent challenges in maintaining student engagement and discipline.

Elective Home Education

The committee noted an increase in elective home education, particularly among students in years 7 to 9. Judith Gana, the elective home education officer, emphasized the importance of building positive relationships with parents to ensure educational standards are maintained. This trend could indicate a shift in parental preferences and raises questions about the support and oversight of home-educated students.

In summary, this week's key discussions revolved around financial management in education, the impact of policy changes on school operations, and ongoing challenges in student attendance and exclusions. The council's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to navigate complex issues while striving to maintain educational standards and operational integrity.

This week, Flintshire Council held two meetings. The most impactful discussions took place during the Flintshire County Council meeting on Tuesday 14 May 2024.

Leadership Changes and Reflections

The meeting began with a review of the past year by the outgoing chair, who expressed gratitude to fellow councillors and supporters, including Father Paul Wheeler and Chief Officer of Governance Garrett. The chair also shared a personal loss, highlighting the importance of resilience.

The election of the new chair saw Councillor Dennis Hutchinson take over, with Councillor Jeanie as his consort. Hutchinson committed to fairness and good conduct in meetings. Councillor Mel Buckley was elected as vice-chair, praised for her community involvement and leadership skills.

The election of the council leader was contentious, with multiple nominations. Councillor Ian Roberts was re-elected as leader after a recorded vote, despite some opposition. Councillor Richard Jones and Councillor Andrew Parkers were also nominated but did not secure enough votes.

Meeting Schedule Adjustments

The council discussed the schedule of meetings for 2024/25, focusing on avoiding school holidays and regular meeting days. Authority was delegated to Democratic Services Manager Steve Goodrum to make necessary changes in consultation with relevant chairs. This decision aims to ensure better attendance and participation in council activities.

Addressing Child Poverty

The second Flintshire County Council meeting on Tuesday 14 May 2024 focused on two main topics: child poverty and the Get Home Safe campaign.

Councillor Parker proposed a motion to allocate £250,000 for summer holiday support to ensure children do not go hungry. Despite concerns about funding sources and potential impacts on council tax, the motion received broad support and was passed with a recorded vote. This decision underscores the council's commitment to addressing child poverty, a theme we've discussed before.

Get Home Safe Campaign

Councillor Ibertson introduced a motion to support the Get Home Safe campaign, aimed at protecting workers, especially women and low-income individuals, who travel home late at night. The motion called for incorporating the campaign into Flintshire's licensing policy and exploring municipal ownership of buses. Despite concerns about costs and feasibility, the motion was passed and will be included in the next policy review in 2026.

Procedural and Enforcement Issues

Other topics included questions about progress on tools to report rogue landlords and the use of stop notices in planning enforcement. Councillor Swash was informed that the tools would be ready within six months, while Councillor Ibertson learned that no stop notices had been issued in the past three years due to strict guidelines.

In summary, this week's key discussions revolved around leadership changes, addressing child poverty, and improving worker safety. The council's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to navigate complex issues while striving to maintain public trust and operational integrity.

This week, Flintshire Council held two meetings. The most impactful discussions took place during the Education, Youth & Culture Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Friday 10 May 2024.

Confidentiality and Public Access

A significant portion of the meeting focused on whether to exclude the press and public from discussions due to the sensitive nature of the topics. Councillor Andy Parkhurst challenged the exclusion, citing the importance of transparency and public interest:

The public interest in disclosure is particularly strong where the information in question would assist public understanding of the case. — Councillor Andy Parkhurst

Despite these arguments, the committee decided to move to a closed session, emphasizing the need for confidentiality in ongoing commercial negotiations. The Chief Executive explained:

The matters that we are going to discuss and the situation and position that we're in currently is a negotiation, a commercial negotiation with another party. Those conversations are sensitive and they're confidential. — Chief Executive

This decision underscores the delicate balance between transparency and the necessity to protect sensitive information during negotiations. The implications are clear: while the council aims to maintain openness, certain discussions must remain confidential to safeguard the council's interests and negotiation positions.

Substitutions and Apologies

The meeting also noted several substitutions and apologies. Councillor Richard Jones substituted for Councillor David Richardson, and Councillor Malbukly substituted for Councillor Gladys Healy. Apologies were received from Councillor Christine Jones and Mrs. Wendy White. These substitutions ensure that the committee continues to function effectively despite absences.

Flintshire County Council Meeting

Earlier in the week, the Flintshire County Council meeting on Tuesday 07 May 2024 took place, though the transcript for this meeting was not available. The absence of detailed information limits our understanding of the discussions and decisions made during this session.

In summary, this week's key discussions revolved around the tension between transparency and confidentiality in council operations. The decisions made highlight the council's ongoing efforts to navigate complex issues while striving to maintain public trust and operational integrity.

This week, Flintshire Council convened for three meetings, but the focus here is primarily on the impactful discussions held during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 24 April 2024.

Northeast Wales Archive Project

The Cabinet approved a significant initiative, the Northeast Wales Archive Project, which involves constructing a new archive center. This decision came after securing a grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund. Councillor Chris Biffle emphasized the project's necessity, stating:

Our current facilities are simply inadequate for the demands of modern archival needs. This new, purpose-built center will greatly enhance our service delivery and preservation capabilities across two counties.

The implications of this project are substantial. It promises to modernize the archival services in Flintshire, making historical documents more accessible and better preserved. This is crucial not only for historians but for anyone interested in the local heritage. The project is set to commence in mid-May, indicating a swift progression towards enhancing Flintshire's historical resources.

Breach of Confidentiality

The meeting also addressed a serious issue—a breach of confidentiality involving sensitive documents. The Chief Executive expressed deep disappointment and highlighted the breach's implications:

This breach of confidentiality not only undermines our trust but also jeopardizes our operational integrity.

An investigation is underway to pinpoint the source of the leak, with severe repercussions likely for those found responsible. This incident highlights a critical need for stringent information security measures within the council, possibly prompting a review and strengthening of current protocols to prevent future occurrences.

In summary, this week's Cabinet meeting was pivotal, not only in advancing the Northeast Wales Archive Project but also in addressing significant security concerns within the council. These discussions reflect ongoing efforts to improve local governance and infrastructure, while also dealing with challenges that could affect the council's credibility and operational effectiveness.