Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies were received from Councillors: Dylan Bullard, Annwen Daniels, Anwen Davies, Dylan Fernley, Louise Hughes, Linda Ann Jones, Linda Morgan, W. Roy Owen and Gareth Thomas.

The Chair shall propose that the minutes of the meetings of the Council held on the following dates be signed as true records:-

·         28^th June, 2021 (Extraordinary Meeting)

·         8^th July, 2021

The Chair signed the minutes of the previous meetings of the Council held on the following dates as a true record:

·         28 June 2021 (Extraordinary Meeting)

·         8 July 2021

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

The Monitoring Officer explained that:

·         In terms of item 9 (Amendments to the Inter Authority Agreement of the Wales Pension Partnership), being a member of the Pension Scheme did not constitute an interest.

·         As item 12(c) (Notice of motion from Councillor Gruffydd Williams) was not involved with raising the level of Council tax premium, there was no need for those members who had declared an interest at the time of setting the premium to declare a connection in this case.

No declarations of personal interest were received.

To receive any Chair’s announcements.

Condolences were extended to the following:

·         Councillor Edgar Wyn Owen as his brother had passed away recently.

·         The family of Twm Bryn Jones, a young staff member from the Highways and Municipal Department.

·         The family of Ann Rhydderch, the Council's former Chief Archivist and Heritage Officer.

It was also noted that the Council wished to sympathise with everyone in the county’s communities who had recently lost loved ones.

The Council stood in silence as a mark of respect and remembrance.

Best wishes were extended to Councillors John Brynmor Hughes and Selwyn Griffiths, who had recently undergone surgery.

The following were congratulated:

·         Councillor Gareth Griffith who had recently participated in the London Marathon to raise funds for the Children with Cancer UK charity.

·         Elfyn Evans on his victory in the World Rally Championship in Finland and Councillor John Pughe Roberts was invited to say a few words.

·           Everyone from Gwynedd who had been successful at the Alternative National Eisteddfod of Wales 2021, and especially Lleucu Roberts, Rhostryfan, on winning two of the main prizes, namely the Daniel Owen Memorial Prize and the Prose Medal.

·           Megan Angharad Hunter, Penygroes on winning the Wales Book of the Year Award 2021, Literature Wales with her novel “Tu ôl i’r Awyr”.

It was further noted that the High Sheriff’s Charity Golf Day was recently held at Porthmadog Golf Club.  It was explained that the aim of the event was to raise money for the High Sheriff's charities this year, namely Pact and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.  It was noted that a group of young people, who were working with Nia Rees from Ysgol Eifionydd and members of the Gwynedd Youth Duke of Edinburgh Award, had been facilitators on the day, as part of their work for the award. As a thank you for their continuous work, this group was rewarded with a one-day golf lesson with Mark Pilkington, a professional golfer at the club.  It was also noted that the Gwynedd Youth Service had a team sponsored by the Chairman of the Council competing on the day. This team, which included Tomos Dobson, Jamie Williams and Sïon Endaf Parry, was one of 14 teams that participated on the day, with Andrew Owen, Youth Worker (Botwnnog and Glan y Môr Catchment Area) keeping track of all the scores. This Team won the competition and huge congratulations were extended to them.

To note any items which are urgent business in the opinion of the Chair so they may be considered.

None to note.

To consider any questions the appropriate notice for which have been given under Section 4.19 of the Constitution.

(The Cabinet Members' written responses to the questions had been distributed to the members in advance).

(1)     Question from Councillor Mike Stevens

"Many members feel they were completely misled when we were forced to accept the Joint Local Development Plan (JLDP) in 2017.  At the time we were told the plan was a living document that could be updated at any time.  Now we are told the plan cannot be altered for three years.  Given the desperate housing crisis and the massive housing shortage we now face what direction will be given to planning officers to be more flexible and not so draconian in their interpretation of planning guidelines to allow greater development?"

Response by the Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn

"I do not accept that members were misled in 2017 when they adopted the Joint Local Development Plan. The comprehensive report set out the annual monitoring arrangements which have been undertaken since its adoption.  The concept of constant monitoring and review is built into the Local Plan process, an arrangement which was not part of previous development plan systems.

Annual monitoring reports have been prepared since the Plan was adopted, and considered against the monitoring framework. The first annual monitoring report was presented to the Communities Scrutiny Committee, of which you are a member, in 2019, and at the same time briefing sessions were arranged for all Members to communicate the findings of the report. In 2020 Welsh Government relaxed the statutory requirement to formally submit annual monitoring reports, due to the pandemic. However, the Council still produced a draft annual monitoring report which is on the Council’s website and again, briefing sessions were arranged for all Members.  The evidence from the annual monitoring reports did not support the need for an early review of the plan.  It is now four years since the adoption of the Plan and there is therefore a legal requirement to undertake a review. Evidence from all the annual monitoring reports will feed into this process. 

As reported to the Council in June 2021, there are steps which need to be followed in the review process in order to decide on changes to the Plan. 

Whether they are members of the Planning Committee or Officers making delegated decisions planning decisions must be made in accordance with the adopted Local Development Plan unless material planning considerations indicate otherwise. That is the legal requirement.

The idea that a direction might be given to approach these decisions in any other way is merely inviting members and officers to act unlawfully. I also take exception to the statement that officers are inflexible or draconian in their advice. When such an allegation is made outside appropriate channels, with no reference to any evidence, it serves to unfairly undermine officers and the confidence to the public in the planning system and the control development."

A supplementary question by Councillor Mike Stevens

"The fact that the Local Development Plan fails the people of Gwynedd is clear from the crisis we are now  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To submit the report of the Council Leader.

To adopt the Diversity Declaration below and request that the Democratic Services Committee develop a work programme to support the declaration:-

“This Council commits to being a Diverse Council.  Therefore, we wish to reflect the community in which we live by, in the first instance, increasing the number of females, young people, disabled and ethnic minority who stand in the elections to be a Gwynedd Councillor.  

We agree to:-

·                Provide a clear public commitment to improving diversity in democracy

·                Demonstrate an open and welcoming culture to all, promoting the highest standards
of behaviour and conduct

·                Promote actions as a Diverse Council ahead of the 2022 local elections

·                Work towards the standards set out in the Wales Charter for Member Support and
Development

·                Demonstrate a commitment to a duty of care for Councillors

·                Consider how to provide flexibility in council business by reviewing our practical
arrangements

·                Continue to encourage all members to take up the allowances and salaries to which
they are entitled, particularly any reimbursement for costs of care, so that
all members receive fair remuneration for their work and that the role of member is
not limited to those who can afford it.

·                Work towards ensuring that councillors from under-represented groups are represented whenever possible in high profile, high influence roles.”

The Leader submitted a report which recommended:

·         That the Full Council adopted the Diversity Declaration in order to publicly state that Gwynedd Council encouraged and promoted diversity in democracy.

·         Request that the Democratic Services Committee led on developing a full work programme to realise the declaration, submitting the work programme to the full Council at its next meeting on 2 December, 2021.

The Leader of the Independent Group was invited to say a few words, and then the Cabinet Member for Corporate Support elaborated on preparations to hold a Democracy Week in Gwynedd, that would commence on 18 October.  She asked everyone to share the messages that would be tweeted and shared during the week, noting that it was intended to re-run the campaign in January after having an opportunity to learn lessons from the first campaign.

Members were then given an opportunity to make observations and ask questions. The following matters were raised by individual members:

·         Concern was expressed that something major was wrong when so many members were elected to the Council unopposed, and that it could not be certain that what was being recommended would change the situation in terms of attracting people to stand for election.

·         It was noted that the declaration was commendable and the campaign to try to get more diversity from different backgrounds to stand as councillors was welcomed.

·         It was suggested that the declaration should include, not only women, young people, disabled people and ethnic minorities, but also people of colour and people with other characteristics that were included in the equality legislation, such as gender and sexual orientation. In response, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Support noted that she welcomed the observation and that she would ensure that the declaration was amended to reflect this important point.  She would also ensure particular attention to this in the work programme that would be developed to support the declaration.

·         It was noted that there was a clear role for political parties to reach out and hold events to raise awareness of councillors' work.

·         Frustration was expressed that the delay in publishing Welsh Government's decision regarding electoral boundaries could have delayed the process of trying to attract a variety of candidates to stand for election in May 2022.

·         It was suggested that a change of culture was needed within the Council to make it more dynamic, as it seemed that only a little was taking place in Gwynedd compared to some other counties, and it was enquired whether this was due to the attitude of senior officers towards some councillors.

RESOLVED to adopt the Diversity Declaration below and request that the Democratic Services Committee develop a work programme to support the declaration:

"This Council commits to being a Diverse Council.  Therefore, we wish to reflect the community in which we live by, in the first instance, increase the number of females, young people, disabled and ethnic minority who stand in the elections to be a Gwynedd Councillor. 

We agree to:

·           Provide a clear public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To submit the report of the Cabinet Member for Corporate Support.

To accept the report for information.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Support submitted a report updating the Council, following the approval of arrangements at the previous Council meeting on 8 July, 2021, to hold Council meetings in order to address the new requirements in Part 3 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.

The Head of Democracy Services elaborated on the progress of background work noting that, although the original timetable had slipped slightly, work to upgrade the Dafydd Orwig and Hywel Dda Chambers to hold hybrid meetings in future had now been completed.  He also noted that initial trials of the technology bode well but minor elements needed further attention.

Members were given an opportunity to make observations and ask questions.

A number of members referred to the advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid meeting system.

In terms of the advantages, it was noted that it would:

·         Reduce costs and travel time to meetings.

·         Reduce carbon emissions.

·         Facilitate the participation of all types of different people, namely people who work, disabled people, carers etc.

In terms of the disadvantages, it was noted that:

·         Members saw value in meeting on a face to face basis, and that they missed the conversation and sharing of experiences that occurred naturally before and after a meeting.

·         A virtual or hybrid system would change the dynamic of meetings and that it was not possible to recognise body language etc.

·         Joining a meeting remotely could be a lonely experience.

The following matters were raised by individual members:

·         The need to spend £130,000 on developing the hybrid system was questioned.  In response, it was explained that this amount was for the upgrade of 17 committee rooms across the county, and there was a need to ensure that we had a modern and reliable system in place. It was also noted that the majority of other councils faced the same level of costs.

·         As teachers and children were now allowed to go to schools, it was enquired why councillors were not allowed to go to the Chamber to meet on a face-to-face basis?  In response, it was explained that Welsh Government guidance was quite clear that we should work from home if possible, and until that guidance would change, it would not be possible to hold face-to-face meetings.

·         It was noted that the Senedd and Westminster Parliament already met in a hybrid manner and the need to move forward with arrangements in Gwynedd as soon as possible was emphasised.  In response, it was explained that Welsh Government had invested at a very early stage during the period, and that a large number of officers were working in the background.  In terms of the progress of technical work, Gwynedd was about half way among Welsh councils, but the sooner the trialling work etc. could be undertaken, the better so that we would be in a position to act sooner, rather than later, should Government guidance change.

·         Whilst accepting that the current Government guidance was for everyone to continue to work from home  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To submit the report of the Chair of the Pensions Committee.

To approve the amendments to the Inter Authority Agreement of the Wales Pension Partnership as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report to the Council.

The Chair of the Pensions Committee submitted a report asking the Council to approve amendments to the Inter-Authority Agreement of the Wales Pension Partnership as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report.

Members were given an opportunity to make observations and ask questions.

Members supported the proposal on the basis:

·         The partnership had served the Gwynedd Pension Fund very well, and the changes would be of assistance to improve performance and the method of service delivery by the Wales Pension Partnership.

·         As we were moving into the private market, there was a need to appoint a private market allocator with extensive experience and knowledge of private markets, and the potential advantages for the fund in the long-term would undoubtedly outweigh the costs of the appointment, which would fall on the partnership, and not Gwynedd.

·         The selection of the scheme member representative from amongst members of the pension boards and the inclusion of such person on the joint committee would extend the decision-making process, by ensuring that all the scheme’s members are included in the discussions.

RESOLVED to approve the amendments to the Inter-Authority Agreement of the Wales Pension Partnership as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report to the Council.

To submit the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment.

·                To adopt, county-wide, the provisions of Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, as amended by the Crime and Policing Act 2009, to become operational no earlier than 1 December 2021.

·                To instruct the Head of Legal Services to publish the statutory notices associated with the decision to adopt for two consecutive weeks, with the first no later than 28 days before the date when the decision to adopt comes into force.

·                To delegate the matters of determining fees, setting standard conditions and a plan for processing applications to the General Licensing Committee.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment submitted a report asking the Council to adopt powers to regulate sex establishments and associated requirements.

The Assistant Head of the Environment Department elaborated on the background information.

The Monitoring Officer noted that the third recommendation in the report needed to be rectified, which referred to delegating the matters of determining fees, setting standard conditions and a plan for processing applications to the 'Central Licensing Committee', to read 'General Licensing Committee'.

Members were given an opportunity to make observations and ask questions.  Individual members submitted the following observations:

·         The report was welcomed and gratitude was expressed to the Department that had been working urgently on this policy matter.

·         It was emphasised that it was important to get the right to regulate this field and although low level establishments were in question, and they were very scarce in the county, if at all, it had to be ensured that sex shops continued to be modern places, that were friendly to women and couples, and not only for men, as they had been in the past.

·         Although it was not anticipated that the Council would receive an application to license an adults' cinema in the current on-line digital age, it was noted that the ability to manage the type of products that could be exhibited in such an establishment was all important.

·         Although it was not anticipated that sex entertainment premises would come to Gwynedd, it was noted that it was essential that we had powers in place to be able to protect the well-being and safety of women working in such establishments, as they were among the most vulnerable in society, and often very young. 

·         Although the current discussion had been instigated by an application to open a sex shop, it was noted that it was important to remember that the same relevant act here included sex entertainment premises. As a result, it was a requirement to consider the far-reaching implications of the discussion in case we had to face such applications in future.

·         It was noted that sex establishments reinforced damaging cultural attitudes towards women, and normalised women being seen as sex objects, and that the link between seeing women as sex objects, dehumanising them and violence against women had been recognised. There was also a great deal of concern about the way women working for these businesses were treated and exploited.  Reference was made to research that showed that women felt more forlorn and vulnerable in public spaces when sexual images of women were displayed there, along with other research work that showed that the cases of sexual harassment and violence against women increased in the vicinity of these businesses.

·         Should the Council prohibit these businesses, it was suggested that this would send a clear message to the people of Gwynedd, which could reduce the damaging attitudes of men towards women, and this policy would be consistent with the Council's efforts to promote equality and consistent with the message  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

Report to follow.

To accept the report for information.

The Leader submitted a report on the decision of Rebecca Evans MS, Minister for Finance and Local Government to accept the recommendations of the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales in relation to the county of Gwynedd.  

Members were given an opportunity to make observations and ask questions.  The following matters were raised by individual members:

·         Although the Council had done everything it could to ensure that members' wishes were relayed to Welsh Government, it was noted that the Government had ignored those observations.

·         It was noted that there was no specific reference in the report to some of the Dwyfor wards that were affected by these changes, and concern was expressed that 3 out of 6 seats would be lost in Dwyfor. In response, it was noted that the report before the Council was very brief, and information that had been received very late in the day, but that the full information was attached to it and also available on the members' intranet.  It was noted that officers shared the frustration of members that the official decision had been received so late in the day, especially as the review had been carried out for nearly three years, but anyone was welcome to contact the Chief Executive or the Democracy and Language Services Manager to discuss any part of the review in particular.

·         Frustration was expressed that the Bethel Ward was joining another ward. It was emphasised that multi-member wards were a step backwards for democracy and accountability and the change was questioned as the current system worked fine as electors knew who to contact. It was further noted that it was hoped the Council could reject the report. In response, it was noted that there was sympathy with the observations and that the frustration regarding the contents of the document was understood; however, the report was submitted to members for information only, and that the question should be referred to the Minister for Finance and Local Government.

·         Tremendous disappointment was expressed that Bangor would lose 3 seats and 3 wards on the Council, and the need to retain, or even increase, the current number of councillors was emphasised in order to maintain the democracy of the city. As a university city, with very few students registering to vote, the demography of Bangor was very different to some other areas in the county, and the new wards proposed for Bangor were enormous considering the local population and the student population that lived in them.

·         As a tourism area with a high number of holiday homes, it was noted that the demography of some parts of Pen Llŷn was also very different to other parts of the county, as very few second home owners registered to vote. 

·         It was noted that work pressures on the 69 members who would try to achieve the work of the current 75 members would be enormous.  In response, it was noted there would be, perhaps an unfair, requirement for everyone to undertake  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

In accordance with the Notice of Motion received under Section 4.20 of the Constitution, Councillor Elwyn Edwards will propose as follows:-

1.         That the Council asks the Cabinet to consider officially recognising St David’s Day by giving a day's leave to its workforce in order to celebrate our Patron Saint's Day on 1 March 2022 and every year thereafter.

2.      That the Council calls on Westminster Government to devolve to Welsh Government the power to create bank holidays for Wales (via the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971) - in the same manner as already happens in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

1.         That the Council asks the Cabinet to consider officially recognising St David’s Day by giving a day's leave to its workforce in order to celebrate our Patron Saint's Day on 1 March 2022 and every year thereafter.

2.         That the Council calls on the Westminster Government to devolve to Welsh Government the power to create bank holidays for Wales (via the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971) – in the same manner as already happens in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

(A)     Submitted - the following notice of motion by Councillor Elwyn Edwards in accordance with Section 4.20 of the Constitution, and it was seconded:

1.         That the Council asks the Cabinet to consider officially recognising St David’s Day by giving a day's leave to its workforce in order to celebrate our Patron Saint's Day on 1 March 2022 and every year thereafter.

2.       That the Council calls on Westminster Government to devolve to Welsh Government the power to create bank holidays for Wales (via the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971) - in the same manner as already happens in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The member set out the context for his motion by recounting some of the history of our patron saint and his significance to us Welsh, while also emphasising that the purpose of the motion was to try to reclaim some self-respect in terms of our distinctiveness and our national identity. 

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Support noted:

·         She fully agreed with the principle and supported the call to establish St David's Day as a bank holiday in Wales.

·         In terms of the first part of the motion, should the Council grant an additional day's leave for staff, it was important to note that it would not be possible for the Council to grant that day to some staff, and not other staff who worked under the same employment terms and conditions. The additional day would have to be granted to those staff working on St David's Day in order to take it on another day during the year, and a cost would be associated with this should you wish to provide the additional day for this purpose. If there was a wish to use one of the current 1.5 additional day's leave provided by the Council to this end, a formal consultation with recognised trade unions would need to be undertaken, with a view to securing a collective agreement before action could be taken.

·         In terms of the second part of the motion, she fully supported the call as it was disgraceful and an embarrassment that the right to create bank holidays had been granted to the Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, but not to Welsh Government and she was ready to ensure that a letter would be submitted formally to the Westminster Government.

During the discussion, the following observations were submitted by individual members:

·         It had been an insult to us for centuries that we did not have the right as a country to celebrate the day of our patron saint. Cost was still the argument but a bank holiday was an incredible boost for a rural economy and celebrating St David's Day should be part of the Council's post-Covid economic recovery programme.

·         It had to be made clear that St David's Day should be a holiday for the whole nation, and not only the workforce.

·         The Government and every other council in Wales should fight for this.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12a

In accordance with the Notice of Motion received under Section 4.20 of the Constitution, Councillor Catrin Wager will propose as follows:-

1.         This Council wishes to declare a warm welcome to refugees from Afghanistan who have recently, or will shortly, be arriving in Gwynedd. 

2.         This Council supports the fundamental principles of:-

·         Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, which recognizes the right of persons to seek asylum from persecution in other countries, and the

·         1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees.

3.         The Council is concerned that the UK government’s proposed New plan for Immigration does not uphold the principles outlined above, and objects to the criminalisation of the act of seeking refuge.

1.         This Council wishes to declare a warm welcome to refugees from Afghanistan who have recently, or will shortly, be arriving in Gwynedd.

2.         This Council supports the fundamental principles of:-

·         Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, which recognizes the right of persons to seek asylum from persecution in other countries, and the

·         1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees.

3.         The Council is concerned that the UK government’s proposed new plan for Immigration does not uphold the principles outlined above, and objects to the criminalisation of the act of seeking refuge.

4.         This Council expresses its gratitude to the residents of Gwynedd for their immense generosity and their willingness to support refugees over the years, and to the county's voluntary organisations such as Pobl i Bobl, Croeso Menai and Cefn for their exceptional work in this field.

(B)     Submitted - the following notice of motion by Councillor Catrin Wager, in accordance with Section 4.20 of the Constitution, and it was seconded:

1.         That this Council wishes to declare a warm welcome to refugees from Afghanistan who have recently, or will shortly, be arriving in Gwynedd.

2.        This Council supports the fundamental principles of:

·               Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, which recognizes the right of persons to seek asylum from persecution in other countries, and the

·               1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees.

3.            The Council is concerned that the UK government’s proposed New plan for Immigration does not uphold the principles outlined above, and objects to the criminalisation of the act of seeking refuge.

The member set out the context to her motion, noting that:

·         She was extremely pleased that this Council had been so willing to step in to offer a home for refugees from Afghanistan, and this was the right thing to do, in principle and morally.

·         It was also important that we recognised the generosity of the county's residents, who had contributed goods and substantial funds via voluntary organisations in the county for the refugees.

·         The Westminster Government did not view the situation in the same way, and that was why the Council had been asked to take a step further, and to recognise the fundamental right to flee, as defined by the 1951 Convention and 1967 Protocol.

·         These rights were at risk of being undermined by the UK Government's New Plan for Immigration and the Nationality and Borders Bill, which had already had its first reading.

·         Labelling refugees as offenders would not help the situation, and even more so, it was immoral and set a terrifying precedent regarding the way we treated our fellow man.  It was an attempt to tear society apart and to turn a person in need against another, and we had to reject it.

These observations were reiterated by another member, and an amendment to the motion was proposed, namely that the Council also expressed its gratitude to the residents of Gwynedd for their immense generosity, and their willingness to support refugees over the years, and to the county's voluntary organisations such as Pobl i Bobl, Croeso Menai and Cefn for their exceptional work in this field. The amendment was seconded.

The proposer of the original proposal and the seconder agreed to amend the proposal on these grounds with the Council’s consent.

Enthusiastic support was expressed for the amendment by many members.

RESOLVED to adopt the amendment, namely:

1.       That this Council wishes to declare a warm welcome to refugees from Afghanistan who have recently, or will shortly, be arriving in Gwynedd.

2.       This Council supports the fundamental principles of:

·               Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, which recognizes the right of persons to seek asylum from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

In accordance with the Notice of Motion received under Section 4.20 of the Constitution, Councillor Gruffydd Williams will propose as follows:-

That this Council, in light of the housing crisis caused by the increase in property prices, the increase in second homes and the influence of on-line short-term property letting platforms, request that the Cabinet earmarks all funds collected through the council tax premium on second homes / holiday homes on meeting the needs of the residents who live in the areas where the housing crisis is at its worst, namely in those areas where the majority of the tax premium is collected. Welsh Government encourages local authorities to use any additional revenue generated by charging the premium to assist with meeting the local housing needs, in accordance with the objectives of the premiums policy. Whilst accepting that the Council does not have to do this, it is the right thing to do, and it is what is expected by the majority of Council members and the wider public.

To reject the notice of motion.

(c)     Submitted - the following notice of motion by Councillor Gruffydd Williams, in accordance with Section 4.20 of the Constitution, and it was seconded:

That this Council, in light of the housing crisis caused by the increase in property prices, the increase in second homes and the influence of on-line short-term property letting platforms, request that the Cabinet earmarks all funds collected through the council tax premium on second homes / holiday homes on meeting the needs of the residents who live in the areas where the housing crisis is at its worst, namely in those areas where the majority of the tax premium is collected. Welsh Government encourages local authorities to use any additional revenue generated by charging the premium to assist with meeting the local housing needs, in accordance with the objectives of the premiums policy. Whilst accepting that the Council does not have to do this, it is the right thing to do, and it is what is expected by the majority of Council members and the wider public.

The member set out the context to his motion, noting that:

·         At the Council meeting in December 2016, when a discussion was held on charging a 50% premium on second homes and vacant properties, an amendment was proposed that the majority of funds received from charging the premium should go towards helping young people in our communities to obtain an affordable home, and that this additional clause had motivated many councillors to vote for the amendment.

·         The 2021-2027 Housing Action Plan earmarked a total of £23m in expenditure from Council tax premium funds, and although plans to reduce homelessness, to improve care accommodation and support for people with needs were totally worthy, it was a cause for concern that no finance had been earmarked for these elements from the Council's core or developing sources.

·         It appeared that over £10m from the Council tax premium fund was earmarked for requirements beyond meeting the lack of housing crisis, although Welsh Government encouraged local authorities to use any additional returns generated by charging the tax premium to help to meet the housing needs of local residents.

The Cabinet Member for Housing expressed a strong objection to the proposal, noting that:

·         The Council had adopted a Housing Strategy and Housing Action Plan valued at £77m in response to the housing crisis.  Officers were implementing this by housing local people in our communities in safe, green and affordable homes, and his role, as a Cabinet Member, was to challenge that day-to-day work.

·         Despite the pandemic and the unprecedented increase in homelessness and the number of people on the housing waiting list, and loss of Head of Department, the Department managed to spend £1.4m on restoring empty homes, including several homes in the areas mentioned in the proposal.  £500,000 was spent towards adapting homes for people with disabilities, an additional £1m was spent towards the ‘Homebuy’ scheme, four innovative pods were created for vulnerable adults and four youth support flats.  Work was in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

In accordance with the Notice of Motion received under Section 4.20 of the Constitution, Councillor Kevin Morris Jones will propose as follows:-

That this Council calls on Welsh Government to change the planning act in order that it is compulsory for any person wishing to convert a dwelling-house into a holiday home to receive planning permission to do so and that thresholds are set to restrict the numbers of holiday homes in any area. 

(CH) The Chair noted that he would defer the following notice of motion submitted by Councillor Kevin Morris Jones, in accordance with Section 4.20 of the Constitution until the next meeting of the Full Council.

That this Council calls on Welsh Government to change the planning act in order that it is compulsory for any person wishing to convert a dwelling-house into a holiday home to receive planning permission to do so and that thresholds are set to restrict the numbers of holiday homes in any area.