Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member – Councillor Nia Jeffreys

To submit a report on the above.

To accept the report and to note the observations.

The Assistant Head of Economy and Community and the Maritime Service Manager were welcomed to the meeting.
 

The report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy Operational Matters invited the committee to scrutinise the arrangements for beach management in Gwynedd.

The Cabinet Member set the context and the Assistant Head of Economy and Community elaborated on the content of the report.  Members were then given the opportunity to ask questions and offer observations.

With reference to Table 1 in paragraph 5.2 of the report, it was questioned whether the increase in employee costs was due to an increase in overtime pay. In response, it was noted:- 

·         That the expenditure patterns highlighted the immense pressure on the coast over the last 2-3 years which had resulted in extending the period for beach wardens along with paying overtime.

·         That the current permanent structure consisted of only one Senior Beach Officer and one other Beach Officer, and as part of the increase in income, it was proposed to establish two more posts to address the gap, namely a Beach Officer for Meirionnydd and a Beach Officer for Morfa Bychan.

·         Much of the preparation took place over the winter period and it was recognised that the structure needed to be strengthened in that regard.

It was asked whether there was a possibility of a getting a bylaw to give the beach officers powers to fine people who misbehave with cars, etc., on the beach. In response, it was noted:- 

·         That the Service worked closely with the Police, and in particular at Morfa Bychan, which was the only beach in Gwynedd where driving and parking was allowed on the beach.

·         That there were strict rules in place with signs on the beach with the Police and Council logo on them.  Staff walking the beach used body cameras and staff also had cameras in the vehicles, so evidence could be passed on to Police. 

·         That it would be beneficial if the beach officers, particularly the chief officers, had powers to introduce punitive fines for beach offenders, and it was believed that this required guidance from the Legal Department.

It was asked whether beach management was safe from cuts, etc., given that it was a non-statutory service to local government. In response, it was noted:- 

·         Although the service was non-statutory, the field touched on several statutory responsibilities, and although there was uncertainty in terms of the legal framework, it was not believed that neither the Department nor the Service would recommend that there be no responsibility at all, be that as almost a moral responsibility, more than a legal responsibility.

·         There had been previous service interruptions due to the need to secure savings, but unfortunately, it had been observed that not providing a service could lead to problems.

·         That it was a matter for all the members to identify how the Council would respond to the financial challenges, but that the Department was aware of the importance of providing the provision on our beaches.

·         There  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7