The Cabinet of Flintshire Council met on Tuesday 18 June 2024 to discuss various significant topics, including updates on the housing strategy, age-friendly communities, building safety, and communal heating charges. Key decisions were made on the internal transfer of properties and the approval of new heating charges.

Housing Strategy Action Plan Performance Updates

The Cabinet received an update on the Housing Strategy Action Plan 2019-24, focusing on the financial year 2023-24. The strategy outlines three priorities: increasing the supply of homes, ensuring people live in the right type of property, and improving the quality and sustainability of homes. The report highlighted the alignment of standards and intervention rates for acquisitions under the Social Housing Grant with the Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme. The Cabinet noted the progress and approved the recommendations.

Age-Friendly Communities

The Council's application to join the World Health Organization's Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities was discussed. Flintshire has developed an online Age-Friendly Flintshire Hub and shared its progress in various forums. The Cabinet acknowledged the progress and committed to continued support for developing age-friendly communities.

Building Safety in Wales - Audit Wales Report

The Cabinet reviewed the Audit Wales report on building safety, which assessed the preparedness of local authorities to implement the Building Safety Act 2022. Flintshire's response includes developing local action plans, reviewing financial management, exploring collaboration opportunities, and enhancing risk management. The Cabinet supported the actions taken to address the recommendations.

Communal Heating Charges

The Cabinet approved new communal heating charges for council properties with communal heating systems, effective from 31 July 2024. The charges are based on the prior year's energy use to ensure full cost recovery. The Council is also working on individualised metering for future billing.

Purchase of Buybacks Using Welsh Government Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme

The Cabinet approved the internal transfer of properties at 93 and 95 Harden Road, Hope, from the Council fund to the Housing Revenue Account. The properties, previously derelict, have been refurbished and will be used as social housing. The transfer cost of £150,000 will be met through the Welsh Government's Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme.

Social Services Care Inspectorate Wales Performance Evaluation Inspection

The Cabinet noted the positive findings of the Care Inspectorate Wales inspection of Flintshire's social services. The report commended the stable and experienced senior management team and the innovative services developed in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. An action plan has been produced to address the recommendations.

Together We Can - Community Resilience and Self-Reliance

The Cabinet discussed the Audit Wales report on community resilience and self-reliance. The report highlights the need for local authorities to shift from being direct providers to enablers. The Cabinet acknowledged the recommendations but noted the challenges in implementing them due to financial constraints.

Audit Wales Equality Impact Assessments

The Cabinet reviewed the Audit Wales report on equality impact assessments (EIAs). Flintshire is part of a pilot project with the University of Manchester to implement a decision support tool for EIAs. The Cabinet supported the ongoing review and implementation of the recommendations.

Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report

The Cabinet approved the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report 2023-24, which outlines the Council's progress in complying with Welsh language standards. The report highlights initiatives to increase the use of Welsh among employees and the community.

Destination Management

The Cabinet discussed the Destination Management Plan, which aims to promote Flintshire as a tourist destination. The plan includes priorities for skills development, marketing, product enhancement, and partnership engagement. The Cabinet supported the plan and its implementation.

Deferred Payments Audit

The Cabinet reviewed the Deferred Payments Audit report, which identified areas for improvement in the monitoring processes for deferred payments and residential care liabilities. An action plan has been established to address the recommendations, and progress is being monitored.

Use of Performance Information - Service User Perspective and Outcomes

The Cabinet considered the Audit Wales report on the use of performance information from a service user perspective. The report recommends better use of customer feedback and pre-consultation for large-scale service changes. The Cabinet approved the proposed action plan to address the recommendations.