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No. | Item |
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APOLOGIES Additional documents: Minutes: The Cabinet Members and Officers
were welcomed to the meeting. An apology was received from Dafydd Gibbard, Chief
Executive. |
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DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of interest were
received from Councillors - Dyfrig Siencyn, Craig ab Iago, Nia Jeffreys, Gareth
Thomas, Ioan Thomas and Catrin Wager for item 10 - Primary, Special and
All-through Schools Meal Prices, September 2021 as they had children or
grandchildren in primary schools within the County. |
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URGENT ITEMS Additional documents: Minutes: There were no urgent items |
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MATTERS ARISING FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY Additional documents: Minutes: There were no matters
arising from overview and scrutiny. |
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 15 JUNE 2021 PDF 249 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair
accepted the minutes of the
meeting held on 15 June 2021, as a true record. |
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2020-21 ANNUAL REPORT, STRATEGIC EQUALITY PLAN 2020-2024 PDF 219 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr Nia Jeffreys Additional documents:
Decision: To approve
and note the content of the 2020-21 Annual Report, Strategic Equality Plan
2020-24. Minutes: The report was submitted
by Cllr. Nia Jeffreys. DECISION To approve
and note the content of the 2020-21 Annual Report, Strategic Equality Plan 2020-24. DISCUSSION The report was submitted,
noting that it was the
2020-21 Annual Report for the 2020-24 Strategic Equality Plan. It was explained that the report was for a very unusual
and difficult year as a result of the pandemic and it had been necessary to look at different ways of working which had highlighted inequalities in Gwynedd. It was emphasised that the pandemic had been worse for
some individuals and its impact
had been more prominent on people from
ethnic minority backgrounds. Attention was drawn to the protests
held including those by the Black Lives Matter organisation during last year. It was noted that
the service had achieved what it had hoped to during the year, although the timetable had been adjusted and
the method of working had changed. It was noted that there
had been adjustments to the
five objectives which were highlighted.
It was explained that it would be necessary to revisit the objectives and adjust these
as required following the pandemic. It was emphasised that equality was the duty of all within the Council and the principles must be embedded in the Council's everyday work. Pride was expressed in the plan and confidence was noted that it would
be more than just a box-ticking
exercise. The satisfaction
of being able to drive this work
forward was highlighted. Observations arising from the discussion ¾
Attention was drawn to objective 3: Building on the
work already carried out to embed Equality Impact Assessments as a tool to
ensure better decision-making noting the need to look at the assessments made
and to also train staff and Councillors to challenge the assessments. ¾
Pride was noted in the report as well as in the
Council's work. ¾
It was highlighted that some changes were now being
seen specifically in some of our male-dominated fields, with more women
stepping into these roles and this would encourage more women in the
future. ¾
It was emphasised that the report was easy to read
and that equality had been embedded quickly into the Council's decisions. ¾
The Cabinet Member was thanked for her guidance
during the year and it was emphasised that the pandemic had highlighted
equality and there was a need to continue to think about equality moving forward. Awdur: Delyth Williams |
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EQUALITY AND INCLUSION POLICY PDF 181 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Nia Jeffreys Additional documents:
Decision: To approve
the Equality and Inclusion Policy. Minutes: The report was submitted
by Cllr. Nia Jeffreys
DECISION To approve the Equality and Inclusion
Policy. DISCUSSION The report was presented,
noting that the policy set principles to ensure equality across the Council. It was explained that this Policy replaced
the Equality / Equal Opportunities Policy and the Access Policy, which were now
very dated. It was emphasised that it was not mandatory to have a policy, however, it was a tool to provide guidance on how
the Council ensured that as many people
as possible could have full access
to Council services with dignity and
respect. It was explained that the policy would eradicate any barriers to individuals prior to giving consideration to receiving a service. It was explained that
the Policy, in accordance with the 2010 Equality Act, provided guidance on how
to eradicate discrimination
and that the Council worked to foster equal opportunities. Observations arising from the discussion ¾
It was expressed that the work undertaken by the Cabinet Member ensured
that equality was at the top of the agenda and was part of everything the
Council did. Awdur: Delyth Williams |
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ELECTIONS ACT (WALES) 2021 PDF 447 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Nia Jeffreys Additional documents:
Decision: To adopt the arrangements and protocol to
continue to meet virtually until they are reviewed in accordance with the
report. Minutes: The report was submitted
by Cllr. Nia Jeffreys
DECISION To approve the Equality and Inclusion
Policy. DISCUSSION The report was presented,
noting that the policy set principles to ensure equality across the Council. It was explained that this Policy replaced
the Equality / Equal Opportunities Policy and the Access Policy, which were now
very dated. It was emphasised that it was not mandatory to have a policy, however, it was a tool to provide guidance on how
the Council ensured that as many people
as possible could have full access
to Council services with dignity and
respect. It was explained that the policy would eradicate any barriers to individuals prior to giving consideration to receiving a service. It was explained that
the Policy, in accordance with the 2010 Equality Act, provided guidance on how
to eradicate discrimination
and that the Council worked to foster equal opportunities. Observations arising from the discussion ¾
It was expressed that the work undertaken by the Cabinet Member ensured
that equality was at the top of the agenda and was part of everything the
Council did. Awdur: Geraint Owen and Iwan Evans |
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IMMERSION EDUCATION SYSTEM TOWARDS 2032 AND BEYOND PDF 264 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Cemlyn Williams Additional documents:
Decision: To approve
and implement the vision of the “Immersion Education System towards 2032 and
beyond”, to invest £1.1 million of Welsh Government Welsh-medium education
capital funding to establish new immersion education sites in Tywyn and Bangor,
as well as improving existing facilities at Porthmadog, in accordance with the
report. Minutes: The
report was submitted by Cllr. Cemlyn Williams DECISION To
approve and implement the vision of the “Immersion Education System towards
2032 and beyond”, to invest £1.1 million of Welsh Government Welsh-medium
education capital funding to establish new immersion education sites in Tywyn and Bangor, as well as improving existing facilities
at Porthmadog, in accordance with the report. DISCUSSION The
report was presented and the pleasure of being able to submit the vision was
noted. It was explained that Language Centres had been in existence in Gwynedd
since the 1980's and at that time they were pioneering. It was emphasised that
the vision presented today was just as pioneering and built on the good work of
the Centres. Attention was drawn to a financial threat seen two years ago,
however, the pandemic period had afforded an opportunity to re-visit the
provision. It
was explained that the Cabinet was today being asked to invest £1.1m to expand
the sites at Bangor and Tywyn. It was stressed that
the vision highlighted a contemporary and flexible provision. It was stated
that the proposed system had been presented to the Language Committee and to the Education and
Economy Scrutiny Committee and there was unanimous support. It was noted that a
meeting had taken place with the New Education Minister and he had identified
with the scheme and was anxious to spread the word about the good work
undertaken here in Gwynedd. It was emphasised that it was heartening that there
was support for the Plan. The
Head of Education added that adding two new locations for the Language Centres
was very exciting. It was noted that last year had been successful and the
service had been re-purposed as it was not possible to have face-to-face
meetings. It was explained that re-purposing had ensured that more children had
received support and it was noted that this had highlighted that technology was
key in the future. Attention was drawn to the fact that the new model looked
similar to the Middle School model with year 5 to year 9 children being taught
together. It was also emphasised that the welfare of children was central and
the new model ensured that children attended their school for a day a week to
continue to develop a relationship with their peers. The
Education Corporate Services Manager noted that the needs of children were
totally central to the system together with raising awareness of the importance
of Welsh-medium education. It was explained that the new system would work in
partnership with schools for joint provision. It was emphasised that the day in
school for pupils within the immersion system was an opportunity for pupils to
integrate back into the school following the immersion period. Everyone was thanked for participating in the
discussion including the learners themselves.
Observations
arising from the discussion: ¾ The department was thanked for its work leading on this across Gwynedd and it was noted that if other counties followed then the Government would need ... view the full minutes text for item 9. Awdur: Debbie Anne Williams Jones |
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PRIMARY, SPECIAL AND ALL-THROUGH SCHOOL MEAL PRICES - SEPTEMBER 2021 PDF 299 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Cemlyn Williams Additional documents: Decision: Not to
raise Primary, Special and All-through School meal price in September 2021. Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr.
Cemlyn Williams DECISION Not to raise Primary, Special and All-through
School meal prices in September 2021. DISCUSSION The report was presented, noting that
permission was sought not to raise the price of school meals in September 2021.
It was noted that annually the schools income target increased in line with
inflation. The situation was compared with other counties in Wales and it was
noted that if it was to be raised then Gwynedd would be amongst the highest counties
in terms of the price of school meals. It was noted that there would be a financial
gap and this gap needed to be addressed. The Assistant Head - Revenue and Risk
noted that the possibility of not increasing the price of school meals had been
addressed when setting the budget for the year.
Observations arising from the discussion ¾
It was noted that this sum was small but was an
important part of supporting vulnerable families. ¾
It was explained that many families had had a
hard time this year and may not be eligible for free school meals, therefore it
was necessary to support families and to keep the price as low as
possible. Awdur: Owen Owens |
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PERFORMANCE REPORT OF THE CABINET MEMBER FOR CHILDREN AND SUPPORTING FAMILIES PDF 427 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Dilwyn Morgan Additional documents: Decision: To note and accept the information in the
report. Minutes: The
report was submitted by Cllr. Dilwyn Morgan DECISION To note and accept the information in the
report. DISCUSSION The
report was presented and it was noted that the department was at the forefront
with the new performance challenge system.
It was explained that the timetable had been very challenging and
officers were thanked for their input.
It was stated that the department had ensured that work proceeded with
regular talks about the measures. It was added that improvement priorities were
now the basis of the risk register. Attention
was drawn to the projects in the Council Plan, noting that work was proceeding
as anticipated with the Strategy for Keeping Families Together. It was added
that this would be submitted to the Cabinet soon. In terms of supporting the
Well-being of People, it was explained that this had been difficult over the
pandemic period, however, work had now recommenced to focus on responding to
the challenges and side-effects of the pandemic. It was explained in terms of
ensuring that families and children with autism had access to the support they
needed, that a draft Autism Plan had been drawn up and concern was noted about
the waiting list for assessments. In
terms of the department's concerns, it was stated that the capacity of the
workforce was a priority with a shortage in the required number of social
workers. It was also emphasised that there was concern regarding the WCCIS
system, which held the department's records of cases and families, and it was
explained that the matter was being discussed at a national level. In terms of
measures, the Cabinet Member noted that he was completely happy with the
department's performance and specifically that 45% of the children open to the
department lived with parents/family or friends that corresponded to one of the
department's priority projects. It
was noted that the department was looking to stay within budget this year,
however, it was emphasised that the department was not aware of who would
require support during the year. The
Corporate Director added that a number of the officers felt the pressure as a
result of the department's capacity. It was added that the number of children
staying at home or with family or friends had meant less need for
placements. Observations
arising from the discussion: ¾
Thanks was given for the report and the development of an Autism strategy
was welcomed as there were evident challenges with the waiting lists on the
social impact and the mental health of these young people. The need to ensure equality and equal support
to the individuals was highlighted. ¾
Thanks was given for the report and it was noted that it highlighted the
Council's day-to-day work and the department was congratulated on its
work. Awdur: Morwena Edwards |
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PERFORMANCE REPORT OF THE CABINET MEMBER FOR ADULT, HEALTH AND WELL-BEING PDF 348 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Dafydd Meurig Additional documents: Decision: To note and accept the information in the
report. Minutes: The
report was submitted by Cllr. Dafydd Meurig DECISION To note and accept the information in the
report. DISCUSSION The report was submitted noting that the
pandemic had given the department several challenges and now it was pleasing to
be able to sit back and look at where the department was in terms of further
work. Attention was drawn to the schemes in the Council plan. Firstly, it was highlighted that the Suitable
and Sustainable Care Provision for the Future scheme was continuing and the
need for nursing homes in Llŷn was highlighted.
It was explained that there were plans afoot for the Penrhos
Site. The second scheme was Re-designing
Care Services. It was emphasised that work was proceeding to create a flexible
Service tailored for individuals and to look at how it would be possible to
assist individuals to remain home for as long as possible. The third was the
Workforce and Recruitment in the Care field and it was explained that work was
continuing with this scheme and it was a continuous challenge for the
department. Attention was drawn to the successes seen in Tywyn
by adapting work patterns and to ensure more established hours for individuals
that had led to less staff turnover and a better Service for individuals. It was noted that in terms of performance that
there were moves afoot to use a system to look more consistently at the
measures. It was stated that although it
was early on in the financial year it was noted that if there was slippage with
some of the savings schemes then the department would review the schemes and
seek alternative ones. The Corporate Director added that the
department had been working on an integrated scheme with the Health Board. It
was explained that it had not been easy, despite the wish to work together and
to share the same vision. It was stated that there had been a discussion with
the Health Board's Chief Executive and it was explained that she was very
supportive of the scheme and if it indicated better results that staff should
proceed with the work. Staff were thanked for all their work over the last year
and the period had highlighted ways of working in the future. Observations arising from the discussion ¾
Front-line staff were thanked for their work
over the last few months. ¾
In terms of the welfare of residents, that
receiving a Service through the medium of Welsh was vital, and it was asked how
much emphasis was placed on the Welsh language when recruiting. It was
explained that recruitment was a continuous challenge; however, it was
explained that appointing Welsh-speaking staff in some parts of the county was
more of a challenge. In addition, it was noted that the number of
non-Welsh-speaking staff who applied for a post was increasing, and it was
emphasised that they were persons who wished to learn Welsh and were excited
about the department's new way of working.
Awdur: Morwena Edwards |