Calls for Wrexham Council to revise meeting times

Calls for changes to Wrexham Council’s timetable of meetings have been made in a bid to resolve issues with attendance for members who work alongside their role as councillors.

Previously council meetings, such as executive board and planning meetings, were held in the early afternoon / early evenings.

However in 2015 a revised timetable which saw meetings staggered throughout the day – with the latest being held at 4pm – was introduced, along with other changes including the removal of the ‘politically balanced executive board’.

A report presented to councillors three years ago cited a series of ‘disadvantages’ to the later starting meetings, including ‘increased costs in terms of heating and lighting, in the region of £1,500 per annum’ and ‘staff working long, unsociable hours to support evening meetings’.

Timetable changes and a shift to the executive board as we now know it did face fierce opposition by councillors in 2015. However in what we described as a ‘farcical vote’ at the time (more here), eventually saw a majority of councillors vote in favour of introducing the new format.

At the time Labour Councillor Kevin Hughes spoke out about the proposed changes to meeting times, pointing out that there had been a ‘lack of consultation’ on the move.

Speaking at last week’s Annual Meeting of Council Cllr Hughes commented on the current timing of council meetings and the issues they present to working councillors.

Cllr Hughes said: “I very much welcome the report, particularly as it addresses some of the issues that I have been making representations about over the last three years or so, namely the timings of the meetings.

“It has gone a long way tonight to addressing some of the issues I have in extending the workshops in part to 4pm in the afternoon.

“I believe this council could go further and extend that to other council meetings, possibly even later in the early evening, perhaps 5pm.

“Could I suggest that at the end of this municipal year that a full review of the calendar of meetings takes place before the council’s AGM given there is sufficient time to come to democratic services.

“I think it will go a long way in addressing some of the issues I have as a working member of this council and others.”

Council Leader Mark Pritchard said: “You’re right we have tried to be flexible and help every elected member. It is a mixed bag as some work shifts, some work 9-5. We try to cater for everyone and it is sometimes impossible.

“I won’t change the recommendations, but you mention democratic services. If they want to spend sometime on it I am happy to facilitate and look at how we can improve this for next year.”

You can read the 2015 report outlining timetable changes and the removal of the politically balanced executive board here – and if you want to check out the forthcoming timetable for councillors it is at the bottom of this report from last week.