Issue - meetings

To approve Cyngor Gwynedd's Annual Performance Report and Self-Assessment 2024/25 and it was recommended that it be adopted by Full Council.

The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys.

DECISION

To approve Cyngor Gwynedd's Annual Performance Report and Self-Assessment 2024/25 and it was recommended that it be adopted by Full Council.

DISCUSSION

Pride was expressed in the submission of the report, noting that this was the second performance report on the Council's Plan 2023-2028.

It was mentioned that attention had been paid to the comments of the Governance and Audit Committee, which would be included in the report.

It was stated that the fact that the Council had been able to achieve so much this year with a completely inadequate budget, was miraculous.

It was noted that the documents collated a wide range of information, and these reports would be included as evidence for next year's Panel Performance Assessment.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       The improvements to the infrastructure of some of the County's leisure centres, which include a new Padel court, were mentioned.

·       Reference was made to the list of work that had been carried out under the heading 'A Prosperous Gwynedd', and it was reiterated that the current situation meant that the Council would not have the money to achieve half as much going forward.

·       The importance of external partners and Council staff to be able to carry out all the work under the heading 'A Caring Gwynedd' was highlighted.

·       The link between the provision of suitable housing and the ambitions set under the 'A Homely Gwynedd' priority area was noted. It was added that it was complex and long-term work, which was intended to address a number of wider problems. The need to work collaboratively with the Welsh Government and housing associations was highlighted to be able to achieve the goal. 

·       Reference was made to the additional Social Housing Grants that had been attracted by the Welsh Government, noting that the grant received in 2024/25 would enable the Council's partners to construct at least 50 additional units.

·       It was recognised that pressures in terms of homelessness were increasing, noting that projects had been completed or were underway to provide emergency accommodation for homeless people across the County. Reference was made to the need for more social housing to be able to tackle homelessness.

·       Referring to the challenge of attracting staff into the field of care, pride was expressed about the Care Academy that had been launched and the many fantastic staff members who had come through the Academy.

·       It was stated that extensive investment was being made in Gwynedd's school buildings and the Language Centres within the County. It was reiterated that this was part of the intention to offer schools and education that met the needs of all children and young people in Gwynedd.

It was warned that the further financial shortfall the Council was facing would make it even harder for the Council to be able to deliver to the same level as it had done in the past.