Issue - meetings

To accept and note the information in the report.

The report was presented by Cllr R. Medwyn Hughes

DECISION

To accept and note the information in the report.

DISCUSSION

It was reported that the Department has succeeded in achieving progress in many Cyngor Gwynedd Plan 2023-28 priority projects for which the Department was responsible for, namely:

·       Promoting our Culture and a Sustainable Visitor Economy

·       Regenerating Communities and Town Centres

·       Creating the best possible circumstances in Gwynedd for businesses and community enterprises to thrive, and support the people of Gwynedd into work

·       Supporting the residents of Gwynedd to live full and safe lives in our communities

Some of the Department's main risks were highlighted, with uncertainty about the future of the budgets of the ARFOR Programme, the Levelling Up Fund and SPF. It was noted that this may have an impact on the Department's ability to deliver these four priority projects in a timely manner.

Particular attention was drawn to the ARFOR programme, since an evaluation of the programme showed clear benefits for businesses and communities, that it promoted the use and visibility of the Welsh language and highlighted employment opportunities for young people within the region. Disappointment was expressed that the future of the programme remained uncertain, as there was no commitment from the Welsh Government to fund it in 2025/26.

The members were updated that a contract to build 10 business units was underway at Minffordd, with the intention of commencing construction in the second quarter of 2025.

A member expressed concern that the number of Gwynedd pupils receiving swimming lessons at Byw'n Iach centres continued to decline. The member recalled that 85% of Key Stage 2 children were receiving swimming lessons there before the Pandemic, noting that this figure had dropped to 54% by the end of Summer 2024. Concern was expressed that the schools with the highest levels of deprivation in the County had the lowest levels of swimming skills. It was confirmed that this concern had been shared with the schools, following discussions with the Cabinet Member for Education.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       It was agreed that a reduction in the number of pupils receiving swimming lessons was worrying. The member was assured that the Council would work with Byw'n Iach and schools in Gwynedd to ensure that the challenges preventing children from receiving these lessons would be resolved. The Corporate Director of Social Services (Co-Chair of the Cross-Departmental Supporting People Board) shared his wish for that Board to consider how it can help to find a solution to this issue.

·       Another member echoed the dissatisfaction regarding the Welsh Government's lack of commitment to date to fund the ARFOR programme in 2025/26. They were concerned that there would be significant challenges to delivering projects within this scheme in a timely manner if a formal decision on funding was not announced soon.