Issue - meetings

To accept and note the information in the report.

The report was submitted by the Head of Economy and Community Department.

DECISION

To accept and note the information in the report.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted, reminding members that the Department was responsible for three schemes within the Council Plan. It was reported that a general risk was seen in all of those schemes, which was that their main funding source would come to an end at the end of March 2025.

It was explained that updates had been confirmed since submitting this written report to the Cabinet. There was an update that the Government's 'Levelling up' plan funding had been extended until March 2027. It was reiterated that the Department was expecting confirmation that the SPF (Shared Prosperity Fund) budget was being extended for an additional year, with an official confirmation on its way.

It was acknowledged that financial uncertainly continued with some funds, namely the ARFOR fund. It was noted that more information regarding this budget was expected following the Welsh Government's budget announcement within the next few weeks.

Details were given on the Regenerating Communities and Town Centres project, noting that there was progress to the project's development following the SPF budget. It was explained that 22 enterprise and local organisations projects were being implemented within the project. It was confirmed that a budget of £1.8 million was currently being used to develop these projects until March 2025. It was reported that a Placemaking Plan had been developed for Pwllheli, Porthmadog and Bala, with a plan being prepared for Dolgellau. It was reiterated that additional Transforming Towns funding had been confirmed to improve Canolfan Bro Tegid, Bala and Cynllun y Tŵr, Pwllheli.

It was confirmed that the Strategic Outline Case for the Bangor Health and Well-being Hub had been approved by Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, noting that a request for financial contribution from the Welsh Government had already been submitted.

Attention was drawn to the 'Creating the best possible circumstances in Gwynedd for community enterprises and businesses to thrive, and support the people of Gwynedd into work' project. It was explained that a £1.4 million budget funded by the SPF had been delegated to Business Development Funds, with 45 Gwynedd businesses having received offers of support to date.

Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn was thanked for his prominent work to ensure an ARFOR budget to Authorities in west Wales, with the hope that the funding would continue for the next financial year. It was also reiterated that he had also been doing leading work within the North Wales Growth Deal Application plan, giving special attention to the Digital Programme, Energy, Tourism, Agri Food and Land and Property plans.

Reference was made to the 'Gwynedd Business Week' held in October. It was explained that it had been a very successful week with many businesses taking part in events in Dolgellau, Bangor and Pwllheli. It was confirmed that a specific newsletter would be shared with all Gwynedd Councillors with further details about the events and the feedback received from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8