The Monitoring Officer declared a personal
interest in item 7, 'Annual Review - Council's Pay Policy 2022/23' on behalf of
the chief officers who were present as the report involved their salaries.
He was of the opinion that it was a prejudicial
interest and, along with the Corporate Director, the Statutory Head of Finance
and the Head of Housing and Property Department, the Monitoring Officer
withdrew from the meeting during the discussion on the item, as they did not need
to be in attendance to advise.The Chief
Executive and the Head of Corporate Support remained in the meeting to advise.
In reference to item 12 - Review Report - Joint
Local Development Plan, the Monitoring Officer noted that a few members of the
Councils were among the responders to the consultation; however, due to the
nature of the report and assuming that there would be no specific discussion on
the details of the plan, he did not believe that anyone needed to declare an
interest.
Condolences were extended to the family of the
former chair of this Council, Evie Morgan Jones, and Councillor Annwen Hughes
paid tribute to him.
Condolences were also extended to the following:-
·Councillor
Menna Baines and her family on the passing of Menna's
father.
·Councillor
Eirwyn Williams and his family on the passing of Eirwyn's
mother at a hundred years old.
·The
Member of Parliament for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Liz
Saville Roberts and her family, at the passing of Liz's mother.
·The family of Aled Roberts,
the Welsh Language Commissioner, who had died recently.
It was also noted
that the Council wished to sympathise with everyone in the county’s communities
who had recently lost loved ones.
The Council stood in
silence as a mark of respect and remembrance.
The
Leader gave a statement on behalf of the Council on the situation in Ukraine.He noted:-
·That he wished to express the Council's support to the people of Ukraine
and their fundamental right to decide their own fate, without being oppressed
through violence by a dictatorial state.
·That Gwynedd Council would be ready to play its part in welcoming any
refugees and offering them unconditional sanctuary.
·That he was angry that the Westminster Government was not accepting refugees
unconditionally in the same way as other European nations, and that their
attitude was merciless and cruel.
·That he had attended a meeting the previous day between the leaders of
Welsh councils and Welsh Government and voluntary organisation representatives,
and that the work of coordinating and making preparations
was underway.
·That the people of Gwynedd were eager to help in every way possible, and
that the Council would do its best to provide guidance and support wherever it
could.
·That the links recommended by the Government in terms of assisting and
making contributions would be shared with the members in due course.
The Leader noted further
that he had received a question about any commercial links to Russian
companies, and specifically regarding the investments of the Gwynedd Pension
Fund. He explained that the Gwynedd Pension Fund invested via the Wales Pension
Partnership and that a statement prepared by that partnership noted:-
"The
total of our links to Russian Investments are very small and are less than
1%.Nevertheless, in light of the awful
events we are seeing and the economic sanctions set internationally, we have
made a mutual decision that we should divest from these holdings as soon as practicably
possible.
Under the
circumstances, we do not believe that being involved with these companies is a
possible option."
The Leader noted further that the huge tragedy in this
case was that a close and friendly relationship existed between the people ofUkraine and the people of Russia, and that it was
also important to realise that the people of Russia were also suffering, and
that this was not their war. He added that the bravery of those who were
prepared to express their objection to this war in the face of harsh
prosecution was to ... view the full minutes text for item 4.
5.
URGENT ITEMS
To noteanyitemswhichareurgentbusinessin the opinion of the Chairsotheymay be considered.
(The Cabinet Members' written responses to the questions had been
distributed to the members in advance).
(1) A question from
Councillor Aeron Maldwyn Jones
“When does this Council anticipate that staff will be back at their
desks?"
Response from the Cabinet Member for
Corporate Support, Councillor Nia Jeffreys
"Thank you to all Council staff for their
work during the crisis.The question
asks when will staff be back at their desks.Of course, all Council staff have continued to work for the benefit of
the people of Gwynedd, despite the fact that the desk may sometimes be located
in an attic or at the kitchen table.The way the staff have adapted at short-notice has been incredible, and
I am very grateful to them.A lot of
work has gone into this, and I have had the opportunity to report to the
Cabinet, and a report has gone to the Audit and Governance Committee, but I am
glad to have the opportunity today to repeat this to the Full Council.
Considerable talk and attention has been given
to "the working world of the future" at an all Wales level over the
past year, with Welsh Government declaring an aim of enabling 30% of the
country's workforce to be able to work close to, or from their homes.
Gwynedd Council is no
different from any other organisation in its planning in this regard.An "Offices Group" has been
established since early 2021, which coordinates the preparation work in the
local area, with the Chief Executive, the Director, the Head of Corporate
Support and human resources officers, health and safety officers, information
technology officers and property officers all serving on that Group.
The vision for future
working within the Council has been approved by the Cabinet in February and the
Audit and Governance Committee had scrutinised the content prior to that.That vision is the output of the efforts of
the Offices Group, but it is also based on a consultation with various cohorts
of Council staff, as well as local trade union representatives.
The aim of the vision
is that the Council provides the best possible service for the people of
Gwynedd, whilst also showing the Council to be a good place to work, and thus
attract and retain quality staff.
With the most recent statements from Welsh
Government, and the likelihood of the further easing of restrictions in the
near future, the time to implement the vision is getting ever closer and the
Chief Executive has shared an outline of an action plan with staff, which is a
plan that is looking to be implemented gradually, in three phases, over the
coming weeks and months, namely:-
·To
allow all those employees who must, or wish to work from their work centres all
the time, to do so from 7 March,
·To confirm the arrangements
for those employees who will mainly work from home, with a view to complete
this step before the Easter holidays.
To approve the
recommendation of the Chief Officers Appointment Committee to adopt the Pay
Policy for 2022/23.
Minutes:
The Chair of the
Chief Officer Appointment Committee presented a report recommending that the
Council approves the recommendation of the Chief Officer Appointment Committee
to adopt the Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23.
Members were given an
opportunity to make observations and ask questions.
A member noted that Gwynedd
Council did not make carers a special case, since we were losing staff from the
Care Department.In response, it was explained:-
·That Welsh Government had set out an aspiration to see care workers
receiving pay that was equivalent to the living wage.That this would happen here in Gwynedd, and
it would be above the living wage level if the expected increase expected in
national salaries in April would be realised.
·That the vast majority of the Council's carers followed the long-awaited
agreement obtained at the beginning of this year, as well as the national pay
increase.The vast majority of carers
were on a salary of £9.99 per hour, backdated to 1 April 2021.That national discussions would commence
again during April / May on the 2022/23 pay rise, and there was a strong
likelihood that next year's pay increase would be a percentage higher than what
had been determined for the year gone by.This meant that the carers would certainly be on a salary of between £10
and £10.50 per hour, backdated to 1 April, 2022.
To adopt the
Gwynedd Council Plan 2018-2023: 2022/23 Review for it to be implemented during
2022/23.
Minutes:
The Leader, Councillor
Dyfrig Siencyn, presented the report, inviting the Council to adopt the Gwynedd
Council Plan 2018-23: 2022/23 Review for it to be implemented during 2022/23.
The Leader thanked the Business Support Service
Manager and his team for their heroic work in preparing the plan.
Members were given an
opportunity to make observations and ask questions.The following matters were raised by
individual members:
·The Government's intention to provide free school meals to all primary
aged pupils was welcomed, however, a question was asked as to whether this
would incur additional costs that would need to be shouldered by the
Council.In response, it was noted that
the scheme was not as simple as it appeared, but to date, there had been financial
commitment from Welsh Government to meet the additional cost.Discussions were taking place between each
council and the Government in order to establish the exact amount of those
costs.
It was explained that the cost of
providing, or paying for the dinner was one element, and that the cost of
providing buildings, space within those buildings and support services, etc.,
was an additional element that was not, possibly, fully costed at this point in
time.More information would be shared
with the members as the details developed, but the officers were quite
confident about the current situation.The Leader noted that he would place pressure on the Government to fully
fund the scheme.In response to a
further question about the impact of the plan on school budgets, it was noted
that everyone realised that the plan was having a substantial impact on some
schools, particularly large schools, but it was confirmed that this was
included in the discussions with the Government.
·Concern was expressed about the direction under Improvement Priority 6 to
give priority to the Dolgellau and wider Meirionnydd area when identifying
opportunities for care provisions, and it was emphasised that the highest
priority should be given to provide a nursing care home on the Penrhos site, since no nursing beds were left in Pen Llŷn anymore.In response, it was emphasised that there was no competition between
Meirionnydd and Pen Llŷn.There was an excellent opportunity in Penrhos to create a very special resource that would
combine all care and nursing services on one site, and it was confirmed that
the Council would continue to place pressure and collaborate with the Health
Service and the housing association to realise this ambition.
·With reference to the bid (under item 9 on the agenda), to abolish the
£300 fee for a post-16 travel pass, it was noted that parents in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd (particularly in the rural areas),
who had been paying this fee over the past 10 years had suffered real
inconsistency and unfairness, and it was suggested that the Council had
considered the additional money as bait for parents in Arfon to send their
children to the colleges.In response,
it was noted that should the Council approve the bid, ... view the full minutes text for item 8.
1.
To approve the recommendations
of the Cabinet, namely:-
(a) A budget of
£295,232,820 should be set for
2022/23, to be funded by £213,210,400 of Government Grant and £82,022,420
of CouncilTaxincome, withanincrease of 2.95%.
(b) Establish a capitalprogramme of £59,074,980 in 2022/23, to be fundedfrom the sources set outinAppendix
4 of the report.
2. That
it be notedthat the
Cabinet Memberfor Finance,
in a decisionnoticedated 9 November, 2021, approved the calculation of the followingamountsfor 2022/23 inaccordancewithRegulationsmadeunderSection 33 (5) of the LocalGovernment Finance Act 1992
(“The Act”):-
(a) 53,715.10 being the
amount calculated in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of
Council Tax Base) (Wales) Regulations 1995 as amended, as its Council Tax base
for the year.
(b) Parts of the
Council’s Area – Communities Tax Base -
Aberdaron
571.25
Llanddeiniolen
1,840.10
Aberdyfi
1,095.65
Llandderfel
501.76
Abergwyngregyn
124.71
Llanegryn
164.55
Abermaw (Barmouth)
1,210.43
Llanelltyd
308.89
Arthog
654.41
Llanengan
2,289.52
Y Bala
781.39
Llanfair
335.58
Bangor
3,974.34
Llanfihangel y Pennant
232.58
Beddgelert
323.40
Llanfrothen
233.04
BetwsGarmon
138.27
Llangelynnin
433.07
Bethesda
1,701.20
Llangywer
145.28
Bontnewydd
436.43
Llanllechid
348.06
Botwnnog
460.05
Llanllyfni
1,425.75
Brithdir a Llanfachreth
457.62
Llannor
906.33
Bryncrug
340.19
Llanrug
1,137.62
Buan
227.96
Llanuwchllyn
316.77
Caernarfon
3,640.35
Llanwnda
807.58
ClynnogFawr
470.35
Llanycil
205.27
Corris
305.84
Llanystumdwy
885.48
Criccieth
972.85
Maentwrog
303.24
Dolbenmaen
624.58
Mawddwy
362.81
Dolgellau
1,275.63
Nefyn
1,535.07
DyffrynArdudwy
817.14
Pennal
231.82
Y Felinheli
1,165.68
Penrhyndeudraeth
792.98
Ffestiniog
1,786.14
Pentir
1,272.62
Y Ganllwyd
88.69
Pistyll
264.01
Harlech
821.55
Porthmadog
2,160.67
Llanaelhaearn
466.26
Pwllheli
1,779.02
Llanbedr
351.64
Talsarnau
343.74
Llanbedrog
780.02
Trawsfynydd
506.49
Llanberis
788.78
Tudweiliog
478.76
Llandwrog
1,051.46
Tywyn
1,691.37
Llandygai
1,001.64
Waunfawr
569.37
being the amounts calculated as the amounts of its Council Tax base for
the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special
items relate.
3. That the
following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2022/23 in
accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Act:-
(a)
£443,927,600
Being the aggregate of the amounts which the
Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(2)(a) to (e) of the Act
(gross expenditure).
(b)
£146,536,120
Being the aggregate of the amounts which the
Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(3)(a) to (c) of the Act
(income).
(c)
£297,391,480
Being the amount by which the aggregate at 3(a)
above exceeds the aggregate at 3(b) above, calculated by the Council, in
accordance with Section 32(4) of the Act, as its budget requirement for the
year (net budget).
(ch)
£212,714,737
Being the aggregate of the sums which the Council
estimates will be payable during the year into its fund in respect of the
National Non-Domestic Rates and Revenue Support Grant, less the estimated
cost to the Council of discretionary non-domestic rate relief granted.
The Chair noted, in
line with the Constitution, that the Head of Finance had to receive notice of
any amendment to the budget in writing in advance, and that this amendment had
to lead to a balanced budget, if it was to be discussed.All Council members had been reminded of this
the previous week, and as the Head of Finance had not received any notice of an
amendment by the designated deadline, it would not be possible for the Council
to consider any amendment to the budget.
The Cabinet Member for
Finance, Councillor Ioan Thomas submitted the following:-
·A report recommending a budget for the Council's approval for 2022/23;
·The draft decision on the Council Tax based on the Cabinet's
recommendation to the Council (based on an increase of 2.95%), along with
tables showing the Council Tax level and the increase per community.
The Head of Finance reminded the members of some of
the main risks in Appendix 10 of the report, and he confirmed, having
considered all risks and mitigation steps, that he was of the opinion that the
Council Budget for 2022/23 was sound, sufficient and deliverable.
Members were given an
opportunity to make observations and ask questions.
The following matters were
raised by individual members:
·A question was asked about how much less the Council Tax increase would
have been if the Council had not approved 1 March as an additional day's leave
for staff.In response, it was explained
that the expenditure on allowing a holiday on St David's Day was expenditure from
the current financial year, and as explained to the Cabinet and the Audit and
Governance Committee, it had been funded from an underspend in specific
corporate budgets. It was explained that the maximum of £200,000 earmarked for
that was a one-off bid, and that no decision had been made to fund the bank
holiday on 1 March every year.As a
result, it would not have had any impact on the budget submitted before the
Council.
·It was noted that the Council had transferred the cost of the additional
day of leave for staff to the next financial year in order to reduce the tax
increase, and it was asked how much £200,000 would be as a percentage of the
tax.In response, it was explained, in
brief, that a 1% increase (or reduction) in Council Tax equated to around
£800,000, so £200,000 would be around 0.25%.
·It was noted that the people of Gwynedd were angry that the Council had
approved an additional day's leave for staff, and that the timing of this had
been disgraceful.
·It was noted, although the fact that money was available to spend on
various bids this year, it was the greatest disappointment that general members
were not given an opportunity to weigh up those bids in workshops similar to
the cuts workshops held in the past, since the input of members could have led
to a situation where the Council would not be looking at ... view the full minutes text for item 9.
The Cabinet Member
for Finance, Councillor Ioan Thomas, submitted a report, providing a high-level
overview on the manner capital expenditure, capital funding and the treasury's
management activity contributed to the provision of local public services.The report also gave an overview of the way
associated risks could be managed, and the implications for future financial
sustainability.
RESOLVED to adopt the Capital Strategy for
2022/23.
The Project Manager, Adults, Health and
Well-being Team, elaborated further on the content of the report.
Councillor Gwynfor Owen enquired whether he should
declare an interest as he had recently used the North Wales Integrated Autism
Service, and as he was also involved with other matters within the field.In response, the Monitoring Officer explained
that the member was within his rights as this was a report of a general
assessment for North Wales.
Members were given an opportunity to make observations and ask
questions.The following matters were
raised by individual members:
·It was noted that it was understood that this was a live document, and it
was enquired how quickly it could be changed. In response, it was explained
that the document submitted was a version that would be approved by the Council
today, it was hoped, and by the Regional Partnership Board further along in the
month, before it would be forwarded to Government and published. The officers
were undertaking more detailed work on Gwynedd's details and needs,
therefore anything could be adapted as a part of that work.The document would also be reviewed within 5
years, but the officers would also carry out some work during that time.It was noted that the Gwynedd document would
be a separate assessment, that was not linked to any statutory publication
date, and this would be the actual live document that would be available to
amend and add to it from day-to-day.
·Concern was expressed that members only had five days to read this
450-page document, and it was asked how it had been possible for them to
scrutinise the matter and ask detailed questions.It was also suggested, since members could
only speak once on a matter in the Full Council, that important matters were
being pushed through without discussion.It was also questioned how valuable a document of this size would be for
the people of Gwynedd.In terms of the
observations regarding the 'live' document, it was noted that the members had
heard about such things previously, and had subsequently found out that it was
not possible to change those documents for years. There was also concern that
the new Council would be told that they could not change the document, as the
previous Council had adopted it, and a call was made for the Cabinet Member and
the officers to be more considerate from now on.
·It was noted that the Care Scrutiny Committee had scrutinised this
matter, and had supported and sympathised with the officers, who had had to
prepare the documents in a very short time-frame.
To agree to publish the Review
Report in Appendix 1 to the report and to present it to Welsh Government, so
that the preparation of the Replacement Plan can commence.
Minutes:
The Chair explained
that a report on the next step of the process of reviewing the Local
Development Plan was being submitted, and that this was not an opportunity to
have a discussion on individual planning policies.He explained, should the Council agree to
proceed to hold a full review of the current plan, then there would be many
opportunities to have input into individual policies and discuss specific
fields at a later date.
The Cabinet Member
for the Environment, Councillor Gareth Griffith, submitted a report seeking
approval from the full Council to publish a Review Report and forward it to
Welsh Government, in order to proceed with the work of preparing an Amended
Plan.
The Assistant Head of
the Environment Department elaborated on the content of the report.
Members were given an
opportunity to make observations and ask questions.The following matters were raised by
individual members:-
·It was noted that a lot of work had gone into the report, and the Cabinet
Member and officers involved with this were thanked.
·It was expressed that the phraseology and bureaucracy associated with the
document was immense and incredible, and that the entire planning system was so
complex, so that the majority of people, including elected members, did not
fully understand what was going on.It
was suggested that the latest consultation work could be used as an example of
that, since only 5 members had responded to this all-important
consultation.
·Disappointment was expressed that officers were not of the opinion that
the one out of almost 80 indicators used to save the Welsh language highlighted
that harm was being caused to the language, and that it appeared, without
Brexit and Covid, that no changes would be mentioned at all.
·Concern was expressed about what exactly was being submitted, and what
exactly would be returned from Welsh Government, and worse than that, there was
major concern that the Joint Planning Policy Committee would be dealing with
any changes.
·It was noted, in 2017, that the Joint Planning Policy Committee had given
its approval to bring the plan before the Council, and it had been passed there
by a whisker.All members could do at
the time was approve it or refuse it, and it was not possible to ask for more
time in order for the new members at the time to have an opportunity to discuss
the policies.
·It was noted that we were seeing, time and time again, that planning
policies were working against the wishes of members to seek to protect our
Welsh communities, and it was concerned, when a response was received from
Welsh Government, that the new members would not understand the importance or
significance of this.
·A wish to abolish the Joint Planning Policy Committee was expressed, so
that Gwynedd Council implemented this on its own, but it was concerned that
this would not happen, despite all evidence highlighting that there was a major
difference between our wishes in Gwynedd and the wishes of Anglesey. ... view the full minutes text for item 12.
To appoint Mr Hywel Eifion Jones, Mrs Sharon Warnes, Mr Elwyn Rhys Parry and
Mrs Clare Hitchcock as Lay Members of the Governance and Audit Committee for a
period of 5 years
Minutes:
The Chair of the
Interview Panel, Councillor John Pughe Roberts, submitted a report asking the
full Council to appoint Mr Hywel Eifion Jones, Mrs
Sharon Warnes, Mr Elwyn Rhys Parry and Mrs Claire Hitchcock as lay members of
the Audit and Governance committee for a period of 5 years.
Members were given an
opportunity to make observations and ask questions.The following matters were raised by
individual members:
·Disappointment was expressed that so few had applied for the role.
·It was suggested that it would have been of interest for the Council to
obtain some more background information on the 4 persons that could be
recommended for appointment.In
response, the Monitoring Officer explained that the usual process had been
followed, and that the Council needed to be satisfied that the interview panel
had followed the appointment criteria, and had submitted recommendations that
corresponded to those criteria.
The Chair of the Interview
Panel confirmed that the panel was completely happy with these 4 persons.
RESOLVED to appoint Mr Hywel Eifion Jones, Mrs Sharon Warnes, Mr Elwyn Rhys Parry and
Mrs Clare Hitchcock as Lay Members of the Governance and Audit Committee for a
period of 5 years.
Councillor Gwynfor
Owen declared a personal interest as, in his translation business, he received
a great deal of work from Mr Aled Jones.
The member was of the
opinion that it was a prejudicial interest, and he withdrew from the meeting
during the discussion on the item.
The Monitoring
Officer submitted a report noting that the membership term of Mr Aled Jones, an
independent member on the Standards Committee, was ending, and recommended to
the Council that he be re-appointed to serve for a further four-year term.
It was noted, as an
existing member of the Standards Committee, that information on Mr Aled Jones
was available in the Standards Committee's Annual Report.
Members were given an
opportunity to make observations and ask questions.
A member expressed his
discontent that no background information was submitted regarding this person,
and he emphasised the need for openness and transparency, noting that there was
a need to look at how these appointments were being made.
The Chair noted that he was
given to understand that this person had been serving on the Standards
Committee already, and that he had done praiseworthy work in the past.
RESOLVED to re-appoint Mr Aled Jones as an
independent member of the Standards Committee to serve for a further four-year
term.
The Head of Democracy
Services submitted a calendar for the dates of Council meetings for 2022/23.
Members were given an
opportunity to submit observations and ask questions.The following matters were raised by
individual members:
·It was questioned whether there was a point approving the calendar, since
many of the current members would not be serving on the Council after May.In response, it was noted, despite the
observation, that the calendar for the year needed to be arranged and dates put
in place, and for officers to make arrangements, with
plenty of notice.
·In response to a question regarding the practicality of holding a meeting
of the Council on 2 March, 2023, that should an additional day's leave for
staff be approved on 1 March, it was confirmed that this would not cause any
difficulties whatsoever.
RESOLVED to adopt the Committees Calendar for
2022/23.
That the Council calls on Welsh Government,
Westminster Government and the relevant organisations to commit to:
- professionalise women's sport so that women
have the same opportunities and pay as men.
- ensure
that women are represented on sports bodies at all levels.
- ensure
facilities suitable for women's sport particularly football and rugby.
- that
women's sport is given coverage equal to that of men's sport in the media and
Press.
Minutes:
(A)Submitted - the following notice of motion by Councillor Judith
Humphreys, in accordance with Section 4.20 of the Constitution, and it was
seconded:-
"That the Council calls on Welsh Government, Westminster Government
and the relevant organisations to commit to:
- professionalise women's sport so that women have the same
opportunities and pay as men.
- ensure that women are represented on sports
bodies at all levels.
- ensure facilities suitable for women's sport
particularly football and rugby.
- that women's sport is given coverage equal to
that of men's sport in the media and Press."
The member set out the context to her motion,
noting that:
·That fewer women than
men took part in sports, and that women were more likely to not continue with
sports after they started.
·According to the
"Women's Sports Foundation" established by Billie Jean King, the main
reason for having equal opportunities in sports was in order for women to also
receive the important benefits obtained by participating in sports - i.e. the
psychological, physiological and social benefits.
·That
this was a matter that merited serious attention from public health officers,
sports leaders, educators and our politicians.
·Historically, that women
did not have the right to participate in sports, but that the sporting culture
in our society to date was more male-orientated than female-orientated, with
greater status given to male sports, because male sports received much more
investment and it was much more obvious and visible in the media.
·According
to the "Women's and Sports Fitness Foundation", that commercial
investment, and the attention that women's sports received in the media, were
intertwined.
·In
order to increase women's participation in sports, women needed to see
inspiring role models in the media, and receive the encouragement that men
received.
·Although S4C was to be
praised for the attention they gave women's sports on the whole; women were
much less visible in the media and the Press than men.
·In 2018, a report on the
visibility of women's sports in the media across European countries was
published.Five countries were under the
spotlight, and the results of the report showed that the proportion of women's
sports broadcasting did not raise above 10% in any of the five countries.Around 7% was the percentage for broadcasting
women's sport in Britain!
·Also, unfortunately, when
women received attention, the focus could be on what they wore, instead of
their athletic conquests.
·That
there was very little commercial investment in women's sports.This means that women's pay is less, as well
as less opportunity to have quality coaches and facilities.
·Considering
the lack of attention, the type of attention, the lack of promotion and
investment, it was no surprise that women had less motivation to participate.
·That
it was no surprise that women were worried about being criticised, worried that
they were not good enough, and that many women pulled out of sports when they
were teenagers.
In
accordance with the Notice of Motion received under Section 4.20 of the
Constitution, Councillor Beca Brown will propose as follows:-
“With the cost of living
rising sharply and people and families often having to choose between eating or
heating, there is more demand than ever before on the services of local food
banks and food schemes.According to FareShare Cymru, there were four food schemes in North
Wales before the pandemic, but that figure is expected to rise to approximately
40 by April this year.
Local voluntary groups must pay
an annual membership fee to receive food from schemes such as FareShare and, during lockdown, Welsh Government funded the
first year of membership only.
However, after the first year,
local food schemes must find the money to pay their own membership fee, which
can be approximately £3,000 a year.
We call upon Welsh Government
to commit to funding 70% of the cost of food (i.e. the membership fee of FareShare or similar distribution schemes) for a period of
5 years in order to protect these local food schemes which provide a crucial
service to people and families at a time of great hardship.”
With the cost of living rising sharply and
people and families often having to choose between eating or heating, there is
more demand than even before on the services of local food banks and food
schemes.According to FareShare Cymru, there were four food schemes in North
Wales before the pandemic, but that figure is expected to rise to approximately
40 by April this year.
Local voluntary groups must pay an annual
membership fee to receive food from schemes such as FareShare
and, during lockdown, Welsh Government funded the first year of membership
only.
However, after the first year, local food
schemes must find the money to pay their own membership fee, which can be
approximately £3,000 a year.
We call upon Welsh Government to commit to
funding 70% of the cost of food (i.e. the membership fee of FareShare
or similar distribution schemes) for a period of 5 years in order to protect
these local food schemes which provide a crucial service to people and families
at a time of great hardship.
Minutes:
(A)Submitted - the following notice of motion by Councillor Beca Brown, in
accordance with Section 4.20 of the Constitution and it was seconded:-
"With the cost of living rising sharply and people and families
often having to choose between eating or heating, there is more demand than
even before on the services of local food banks and food schemes.According to FareShare
Cymru, there were four food schemes in North Wales before the pandemic, but
that figure is expected to rise to approximately 40 by April this year.
Local voluntary groups must pay an annual membership fee to receive food
from schemes such as FareShare and, during lockdown,
Welsh Government funded the first year of membership only.
However, after the first year, local food schemes must find the money to
pay their own membership fee, which can be approximately £3,000 a year.
We call upon Welsh Government to commit to funding 70% of the cost of
food (i.e. the membership fee of FareShare or similar
distribution schemes) for a period of 5 years in order to protect these local
food schemes which provide a crucial service to people and families at a time
of great hardship."
The member set out the context to her motion,
noting that:-
·As FareShare
delivered surplus food, that would otherwise be thrown out, that the scheme not
only provided necessary support to people in need, but also contributed to
reducing food waste.
·That the substantial
increase in the number of food schemes in North Wales had happened before the
cost of living crisis had really struck, and who knows how many food schemes
would arise across the county and the rest of the country in another year.
·Although
the money received from Welsh Government to fund the first year's membership in
the FareShare scheme was greatly appreciated, having
assurance that 70% of the membership money had been paid by the Government for
a five-year period, whilst people faced the double challenge of finding their
feet after the pandemic and dealing with the cost of living crisis, would take
the stress and anxiety off food schemes of having to think where the money
would come from.This, in turn, would
give assurance to the people who received the food that this essential service
would not end abruptly.
Due to a glitch in the audio during her
presentation, the proposer was asked to send a written copy to the members
after the meeting.
Members expressed support to the proposal and noted:-
·That the Councillors for Bangor and Plaid Cymru Bangor volunteers
supported the food scheme established by Councillor Steve Collings, and that he
had introduced the idea of FareShare in Bangor.
·That the motion was praiseworthy and ensured that vulnerable people and
people in need received the food they needed, and addressed social
inequality.It also helped to save the
planet and was a way of reducing waste.
(i)To submit, for
information - Letter from the UK Government in response to Councillor Elwyn
Edwards’ notice of motion to the 7th October, 2021 Council meeting regarding
officially recognising St David’s Day as a bank holiday in Wales.
(ii)To submit, for
information – Letter from the Welsh Government in response to Councillor Gethin
Glyn Williams’ notice of motion to the 2nd December, 2021 Council meeting
regarding the creation of woodlands in Wales.
(a) A letter from the Westminster Government in
response to Councillor Elwyn Edwards's notice of motion at the Council meeting
on 7 October, 2021, regarding acknowledging St David's Day formally as a bank
holiday in Wales.
(B) A letter from Welsh Government in response
to Councillor Gethin Glyn Williams's notice of motion at the Council meeting on
2 December, 2021, regarding the creation of woodlands in Wales.