Minor changes to Denbighshire Cabinet portfolios
The Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE has announced some minor changes to his Cabinet Portfolios.
Whilst all previous members have been given portfolios, there are small changes being made to their responsibilities.
The Cabinet portfolios are:
Leader and Cabinet Lead Member for the Economy and Corporate Governance - Councillor Hugh Evans OBE: Economic & Business Development/Support; Regional Economic Strategy(inc. Growth Deal); Employability & Skills; Rhyl Regeneration; Tourism Strategy; Digital Strategy; Strategic Partnerships; Major projects and Events; Corporate Governance and Management of Cabinet.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets: Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill: Revenue and Capital Budgets; Financial Legislation and Treasury Management; Housing Revenue Account; Revenue and Benefits; Corporate Risk; Corporate Plan and overall performance of the Council and Strategic Planning; Health and Safety; Procurement; Internal Audit; Management of the Council’s physical assets; Contracts and Facilities (inc. Catering Services); Arm’s Length Companies; Commercial Strategy.
Cabinet Lead Member for Well-being and Independence - Councillor Bobby Feeley: Adult Social Care; Extra Care Housing; Supported Independent Living; Homelessness; Anti-Poverty Lead on Partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Public Health Wales; Integration of Social Service and Health; Leisure Strategy and Culture and Heritage.
Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement - Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts: Education (School Improvement); Children’s Services; GwE; 21st Century Schools; School Transport Policy; Youth Services; Early Years; Welsh Language Strategy; Communication and Marketing Strategy; Public Engagement (including Customer Relationship Management); Reputational Management; Corporate Parenting and Safeguarding.
Cabinet Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment: Councillor Brian Jones: Environmental Impact (including Low Carbon Initiatives, Energy Efficiency/Conservation); Highways; Traffic, Parking and Road Safety; Sustainable Transport Solutions; Public Realm and Clean & Tidy Streets; Fleet Management; Waste and Recycling and Flood Risk Management.
Cabinet Lead Member for Corporate Services and Strategic Direction: Councillor Richard Mainon: HR Policies & Strategy; Union Relationships; Policy Development; Legal and Democratic Services; Equalities and Diversity; Emergency Planning; ICT and Website Development; Member Training and Development; Third Sector Relationships; Armed Forces Champion
Cabinet Lead Member for Housing and Communities: Councillor Tony Thomas: Housing Strategy (including Affordable Housing, Gypsy and Traveller provision, Private Sector Housing, Empty Homes, Housing Grants/Loans); Denbighshire Housing including Partnership with Tenants; Library Strategy; Countryside (including Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty); Nature Conservation and Biodiversity; Rural Development; City, Town and Community Councils Relationships; Community Funding.
Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities: Councillor Mark Young: Land use Planning (including Local Development Plan); Building Control; Built Conservation; Public Protection & Enforcement (including Environmental Health, Trading Standards, Licensing, Environmental Crime, Housing Enforcement); Safer Communities; Domestic Abuse.
The Leader, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “I’m pleased to share the new portfolios, following a review of their remit.
“There are also a number of emerging issues for councils across Wales over the coming years that have influenced the changes, including how we manage energy, reducing carbon emissions, housing and the digital agenda.
“Key to all of this is to provide Denbighshire residents with the best possible services”.
Countdown to the Urdd begins
The countdown has begun as Denbighshire prepares to welcome the youth of Wales to the county.
The county is hosting the Urdd Eisteddfod, to be held on Kilford Farm on the outskirts of Denbigh from 25-30 May, 2020.
Urdd Gobaith Cymru are arranging the event and are being supported by local communities who have already arranged and held countless fund-raising activities. The Council is also fully supporting the Eisteddfod with arrangements.
The festival provides opportunities for young people to compete in a wide range of competitions, ranging from singing, reciting, cerdd dant, drama, dance, art, craft, science and cookery – this list is not exhaustive.
There will be opportunities for the youth in Denbighshire to compete in local and county events. The winner in each competition at county level then represents Denbighshire at the national eisteddfod.
Whilst preparations are well under-way for the main Eisteddfod, the next major step will be the Proclamation Ceremony being hosted in Prestatyn on Saturday, October 5th. Keep the dates clear in your diaries.
Further information will be shared over the coming months.
For further details about the Urdd, please visit their website, namely www.urdd.cymru
Council launches great opportunities for work placements
A brand new work placement scheme is being introduced, to help unemployed people get back to the world of work.
The Work Start scheme will be offering 15 paid work placements, at 16-30 hours a week work for a period of three months. There will also be 15 unpaid placements available, lasting six to eight weeks. These jobs will be wide-ranging with the potential to lead to a permanent position for the right candidate and will be available in the Council’s main services.
The scheme is part of the Working Denbighshire project, which helps people get into work by providing support and guidance with a range of issues, including: motivation and confidence; one to one advice and guidance; training opportunities; volunteering; CV writing; work experience; interview techniques; applying for jobs; personal finances; caring responsibilities and anything else that is preventing you getting into education, employment or training
This scheme is available to existing and new participants of the Working Denbighshire scheme which means you will receive the support necessary to guide you through your placement.
People are encouraged to keep an eye on Denbighshire’s website and social media accounts for details of when the placements become available.
Leader, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “This is a great opportunity for individuals out of work to gain some valuable experience and support that will get them onto a career ladder and improve their prospects of gaining further employment in the future.
“Whilst there is no guarantee of a job with the Council, it could be the best stepping stone ever into a brand new career or a change in direction. All placements will be closely monitored, to make sure all individuals taking part maximise the opportunity to gain as much as possible from the experience”.
To find out more about the programme, please contact the team, on 01824 706489. Further details about the Working Denbighshire scheme can be found at: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/workingdenbighshire.