Here's a summary of the key discussions and decisions made during the Flintshire Council Cabinet meeting:

The Cabinet approved the 2024/25 annual performance report, a new operating model for Flintshire Connects, a policy framework for council tax discretionary discounts, and a number of debt write-offs. They also discussed the concerning budget position for 2026/27 and approved changes to the council's standby and call-out policy.

• Medium Term Financial Strategy and Budget 2026/27

  The Cabinet received an update on the concerning budget position for 2026/27, noting that the council faces a serious budget challenge. The report indicated a revised additional budget requirement of £27.450m, taking into account various pressures and reductions.

  Ongoing risks were highlighted, including potential changes to public sector pay, service demand, and inflation. Funding solutions are being explored, including a strategic transformation programme, actuarial valuation, and a review of cost pressures, school budgets, and reserves.

  The Cabinet agreed to the approach to address the budget challenge, which will involve further consideration by overview and scrutiny committees and member budget briefings.

  Councillor Paul Johnson, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Social Value, had previously introduced a report which was the first stage of developing the budget for 2026/27 in July.

• Flintshire Connects Service Review and Future Operating Model

  The Cabinet approved a peripatetic model (option 3) as the preferred model for the future delivery of Flintshire Connects, the council's face-to-face customer service. This model involves staff working from a range of community locations and in partnership with local organisations.

  The decision followed a review of the service and a public consultation, which found that nearly half of respondents were unaware of Flintshire Connects. The new model aims to increase the service's reach and accessibility, while also achieving cost savings.

  The Cabinet agreed to consult all elected members on potential locations for new community surgeries and agreed to the criteria for determining the location and frequencies of the new community surgeries. Further consideration is to be given to financial concerns raised at the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the proposed model.

• Council Tax – Policy Framework for s13a Discretionary Discounts

  The Cabinet adopted a revised policy framework for awarding discretionary discounts to council taxpayers under section 13a of the Local Government Finance Act 1992[^2]. The framework sets out the principles and criteria for considering applications for locally defined discounts, which can be used in exceptional circumstances such as crisis situations and severe financial hardship.

  The Cabinet also supported the inclusion of a Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) bid for a ring-fenced annual budget provision of £15,000 from 2026/27 to fund the cost of future discretionary awards.

  The Revenues and Procurement Manager will consider feedback from the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee and whether changes or amendments would be necessary, with a report back to Cabinet in October.

• Revenue Budget Monitoring 2025/26 (Month 4)

  The Cabinet noted the month 4 revenue budget monitoring position for 2025/26, which projects an operating deficit of £6.452m for the Council Fund, reducing to £3.748m with the full use of the budget risk reserve. The report also noted that the contingency reserve balance as at 31 March 2026 is projected to be £0.803m.

  The Cabinet also noted the measures being put in place to improve the financial position by the end of the financial year, including action plans from Social Services and Streetscene and Transportation.

• Capital Programme Monitoring 2025/26 (Month 4)

  The Cabinet approved the overall Capital Programme Monitoring report for Month 4 of 2025/26. The report presented information on the month 4 capital programme information for 2025/26.

  The Cabinet approved carry forward adjustments and an additional allocation, as detailed in the report.

• Annual Performance Report 2024/25

  The Cabinet approved the Annual Performance Report for 2024/25, which provides a high-level summary of the council's performance against key objectives and indicators. The report covers areas such as key achievements, areas for improvement, council plan performance, budget monitoring, social value, risk management, and climate change.

• Treasury Management Annual Report 2024/25

  The Cabinet recommended the draft Treasury Management Annual Report 2024/25 to County Council for final approval on 23 September. The report provides an overview of the council's treasury management activities during the financial year, including borrowing, investment, and debt management.

• Corporate Self-Assessment 2024/25

  The Cabinet accepted and approved the findings of the Corporate Self-Assessment 2024/25 and approved the opportunities for improvement identified in the report. The Corporate Self-Assessment is a comprehensive assessment of the corporate organisation and not a detailed assessment of the performance of individual portfolios.

• Social Partnership Duty Annual Report 2025

  The Cabinet approved the Social Partnership Duty Annual Report to be submitted to the Social Partnership Council for scrutiny. The report summarises the actions taken by the council to implement the duty, which requires public bodies to seek consensus or compromise with recognised trade unions when setting well-being objectives and making strategic decisions.

• Pathway of Care Transformation Grant - Implications for Workforce Establishment

  The Cabinet approved an increase in workforce establishment to enable the delivery of the Pathway of Care Transformation Grant. The grant, worth £1,473,745 from the Welsh Government, will support activity towards timely assessment and provide packages of care to ensure people can leave hospital when they are medically fit to do so.

• Corporate (Social Services) Debt in Excess of £49k for Write Off Consideration

  The Cabinet approved the write-off of a social services debt amounting to £49,708.34 in respect of unpaid care costs for an individual. The debt is no longer recoverable due to legal complexities related to the individual's marital status and property ownership.

• Business Rates – Write Offs

  The Cabinet approved the write-off of two business rates debts totaling £107,581.59. The debts relate to Druid Inn (Mold) Ltd (£33,394.28) and Premier Grip Trading Limited (£74,187.31), both of which are in liquidation and have no prospect of recovery.

• Standby, Called-out and Called-on

  The Cabinet approved the implementation of changes to the Council’s Standby, Called-on and Called-Out Policy and associated payments.

• Exercise of Delegated Powers

  The Cabinet noted a report detailing actions taken under delegated powers, specifically regarding a joint portfolio project for the former HSBC Bank, 17 High Street, Holywell.