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.