Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Glyn Daniels, Anwen Davies, John Brynmor Hughes, Dafydd Meurig, Llio Elenid Owen, Gareth Roberts, Dyfrig Siencyn and Hefin Underwood.

The Chair shall propose that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Council held on 11^th July, 2024 be signed as a true record.

The Chair signed the minutes of the previous meeting of the Council held on 11 July 2024 as a true record.

To receive any declarations of personal interest.

No declarations of personal interest were received.

To receive any Chair’s announcements.

Condolences were extended to the following:-

·         The family of Mandy Parry from the Corporate Services Department, and Ian Jones, Head of Department gave her a tribute.

·         The family of Dewi 'Pws' Morris who had settled in Nefyn for many years, and who was best known as an actor, singer and a second to none leg puller, but who was also a poet, author, presenter, composer and language campaigner.

It was also noted that the Council wished to express condolences to everyone within the county’s communities who had lost loved ones recently.

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

It was noted that several Council members had been ill recently and they were wished a full and speedy recovery.

The following were congratulated: -

·         Everyone from Gwynedd who had been successful recently at this year's National Eisteddfod in Rhondda Cynon Taf were congratulated, especially Eurgain Haf, Pontypridd, who was originally from Penisarwaun, on winning the Literary Medal, and Carwyn Eckley from Penygroes on winning the Chair for an ode in remembrance of his father, Padrig Eckley, who was a solicitor with this Council before his untimely and premature death in 2002. 

·         The band, Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, for winning the Album of the Year.

·         Councillor Louise Hughes on her award as the Army Cadet Force volunteer of the year.

·         The Council's Procurement Service Team who had been nominated for a national award as a result of their work to demand social benefits to Gwynedd when tendering a food contract.

·         The Housing and Property Department for reaching the short-list for the Best Supported Housing Development: Rural/Suburban in the Inside Housing Development awards.  It was noted that this was the second time that the Department had reached the short-list, and although they were not successful on this occasion, it was a huge credit that they had reached the short-list from the hundreds of nominations received. 

·         ⁠Cricieth Creadigol community arts group on coming to the fore in the Creative Lives Awards 2024, their aim was to celebrate and recognise the importance of creative activities of all sorts in local communities.

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 4.18 of the Constitution.

(1)       Question by Councillor Angela Russell

Given that Wales' climate is getting wetter year on year, I would like to ask, what steps are Cyngor Gwynedd taking to upgrade the A499 road between Pwllheli and Llanbedrog. This would save the residents of Llanbedrog, Abersoch, Botwnnog, Sarn and Aberdaron from having to use narrow lanes past Cefn Llanfair and Rhydyclafdy etc. which means congestion as lorries and buses come face to face on these narrow lanes.

Reply - Cabinet Member for Highways and Municipal and Gwynedd Consultancy, Councillor Berwyn Parry Jones

As you can see from the written reply before you, Natural Resources Wales is the body that leads on the Flooding Management Project in the Pwllheli area. You will see that work on the A499 is an additional option that is being considered, but further work is required before an enhancement scheme can be drawn up for this road. However, I can assure you that we as a Council will press to have a road enhancement scheme as part of the project, and of course, we will update you as matters move forward.  

(2)       Question by Councillor Huw Rowlands

What use does Cyngor Gwynedd's Highways, Engineering and YGC Department make of external contractors, and what monitoring takes place to ensure quality, value for money and compliance with their contracts?

Reply - Cabinet Member for Highways and Municipal and Gwynedd Consultancy, Councillor Berwyn Parry Jones

It is true to say that the Department uses a number of contractors for the different work areas we undertake, this means a considerable amount of monitoring work by officers.   Moving forward, we are trying to internalise some of these contracts to try and ensure better accountability and consistency, and also to develop the internal workforce's skills and keep the benefit local. In addition to this, for example, there are many grass cutting contracts that are ending and there will be a need to re-tender. The hope is that it may be possible to create smaller packages that will mean that more local contractors can cope with the work, in the hope that all of this will improve the service to Gwynedd residents.

Supplementary Question from Councillor Huw Rowlands

Can the Department report back once they have had an opportunity to re-consider how matters will be implemented? 

Reply - Cabinet Member for Highways and Municipal and Gwynedd Consultancy, Councillor Berwyn Parry Jones

Certainly, we will report back following this. Also for information, the grass contracts will go out to tender hopefully at the beginning of the year so that there will be new contractors in place by spring.

(3)       Question by Councillor Rhys Tudur

Considering the comments from the Officers and Cabinet Member of this Council that the procedure for active travel grant applications puts rural areas at a disadvantage, what means has this Council used to press on the Welsh Government to change the procedure, and to what extent has the pressure been effective?

Reply - From the Deputy Leader, Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To submit the report of the Council Leader.

Approval and adoption of Cyngor Gwynedd's Annual Performance Report and Self-Assessment 2023/24.

In the absence of the Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn, the Deputy Leader, Councillor Nia Jeffreys presented the report asking the Council to approve and adopt the Annual Performance Report and Self-assessment 2023/24.

The Deputy Leader thanked all Council employees for their work over the year, during a very challenging period. ⁠ She also thanked the members of the Governance and Audit Committee for their observations and to the Cabinet Team for their work leading on the specific areas.

The Deputy Leader referred to some priority areas in the report, namely:- 

·         Gwynedd Yfory - nearly 5,000 primary age children received a hot, nutritious lunch, every day in schools.

·         ⁠A Homely Gwynedd - over 200 additional homes had been created for Gwynedd residents.

·         A Caring Gwynedd - the first house had been purchased for the Small Group Homes service for children in the Porthmadog area and the light extra care housing provision for adults had opened in Pwllheli.

·         A Green Gwynedd - work to transform two landfill sites in Gwynedd had led to the restoration of 74 acres at Ffridd Rasus, Harlech and 32 acres at Llwyn Isaf, Penygroes.

The Deputy Leader then referred to one story behind the statistics, highlighting the importance of putting a face  to Council work and names to the statistics and also to acknowledge successes.

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

·         It was noted that the story behind the statistics was not at all unique and all the work undertaken by officers made a positive difference to the lives of Gwynedd residents, despite the financial crisis. The Deputy Leader's gratitude was reiterated to all Council staff.

·         Special thanks was given to the Ardal Ni Teams, the street cleaners, street enforcement staff and also the refuse disposal staff for their hard work in all weathers.

·         It was noted that the statistics indicated that 5,400 people had left Gwynedd during the year, and it was asked what the reason for this was.  In response, it was explained that a very high percentage of the 5,400 was as a result of deaths and lack of births, rather than outward migration. Obviously, young people were also leaving the County, however, it was trusted that work opportunities, provision of affordable housing, together with other schemes in the Council Plan would assist to attract them back.

·         It was noted that Osian Rhys, a young officer working on the Arfor Scheme, had given an inspired presentation in a Seren Network evening in Pontio recently on the benefits of returning to this area to live and work. It was intended to give him an opportunity to give this presentation to a wider audience as many young people were bound to identify with him and his passion and wish to see young people returning to Gwynedd. These messages needed to be maximised and disseminated.

·         The Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Well-being was thanked and everyone working to push the Penrhos Site Scheme  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

In accordance with the Notice of Motion received under Section 4.19 of the Constitution, Councillor Cai Larsen will propose as follows:-

As we now approach a year since the war in Gaza began, Cyngor Gwynedd states that:

More than 40,000 Gaza residents have been killed by Israel security forces - the vast majority civilians.

Approximately 10,000 people - mostly civilians - remain undiscovered but are almost certainly dead.

Over 90,000 have been injured - again with the majority of them civilians.

Close to 200,000 have died due to the indirect effects of Israel's army campaign.

The vast majority of the 2.2m people living there have lost their homes, or have had to move out of their homes.

That people whose families live in Gaza are among the residents of Gwynedd.

Considering this, and numerous other atrocities happening at present such as Ukraine, Yemen and Maymar, the Full Council calls, as part of the process of annually reviewing the Investment Strategy, for consideration to be given to adding a provision which addresses the principles of safeguarding human rights and respects international law.

As we now approach a year since the war in Gaza began, Cyngor Gwynedd states that:

More than 40,000 Gaza residents have been killed by Israel security forces – the vast majority civilians. Approximately 10,000 people – mostly civilians – remain undiscovered but are almost certainly dead. Over 90,000 have been injured – again with the majority of them civilians.

Close to 200,000 have died due to the indirect effects of Israel's military campaign. The vast majority of the 2.2m people living there have lost their homes, or have had to move out of their homes. There are people whose families live in Gaza among the residents of Gwynedd.

In view of this, and in view of a number of other current horrific situations such as Ukraine, Yemen and Myanmar, the Full Council, as part of the process of the annual review of the Investment Strategy, calls for consideration to be given to adding a provision that meets the principles of protecting human liberties and respecting international law.

The following notice of motion was submitted by Councillor Cai Larsen under Section 4.19 of the Constitution, and it was seconded: -

As we now approach a year since the war in Gaza began, Cyngor Gwynedd states that:

More than 40,000 Gaza residents have been killed by Israel security forces - the vast majority civilians.

Approximately 10,000 people - mostly civilians - remain undiscovered but are almost certainly dead.

Over 90,000 have been injured - again with the majority of them civilians.

Close to 200,000 have died due to the indirect effects of Israel's military campaign.

The vast majority of the 2.2m people living there have lost their homes, or have had to move out of their homes.

There are people whose families live in Gaza among the residents of Gwynedd.

In view of this, and in view of a number of other current horrific situations such as Ukraine, Yemen and Myanmar, the Full Council, as part of the process of the annual review of the Investment Strategy, calls for consideration to be given to adding a provision that meets the principles of protecting human liberties and respecting international law.

The member set out the context to his motion, and noted:-

·         That things had moved on since he drafted the proposal in terms of the number of deaths and the extent of destruction, and also in terms of the geographical location of the destruction, but that he didn't want to refer to those atrocities specifically because the proposal spoke for itself.

·         That the people of Gwynedd had responded to what was happening in the Middle East by holding regular vigils in Caernarfon and demonstrations in various places in the county, including a long-lasting and brave demonstration by students in Bangor.

·         He wished to explain why he believed the Council should review its investment policies and strategies to prioritise ethical investments in the Israeli context, and in the context of a long record by that country's leaders of ignoring international law and human rights and doing so deliberately over a long period of time when there was no war ongoing.

·         That this long-term behaviour included: -

Ø   Constant and long-lasting abuse of Palestinians.

Ø   Overuse of force.

Ø   Unjustified murders.

Ø   Depriving people of the right to assemble and move freely.

Ø   The practice of extending the Israeli presence on the West bank of the Jordan, which was contrary to the 4th Geneva Convention, a convention that prohibited an occupying power from moving its own population to lands they had occupied.

Ø   Mass punishment - even before the current raid the blockade of Gaza deprived Gaza residents of easy access to food, medicine and economic opportunities, which in itself created a humanitarian crisis before this raid had begun.

Ø   Discrimination against people of Arab background within Israel's borders, discrimination in terms of democratic representation, economic opportunities and access to services.

Ø   The use of military courts to prosecute civilians and the use of a parallel military prosecution system that reduced transparency,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8a

In accordance with the Notice of Motion received under Section 4.19 of the Constitution, Councillor Dewi Jones will propose as follows:-

1.      Cyngor Gwynedd states that we believe responsibility for the Crown Estate should be devolved to the Welsh Government. Any profits generated by the Crown Estate, here on Welsh lands and waters, should remain in Wales, for the benefit of our residents and communities. Responsibility for the Crown Estate is already devolved to the Scottish Government.

2.      This Council also states our dissatisfaction that we are obliged to pay annual fees (in the form of leases) to ensure that Gwynedd residents and visitors have access to various sites, including our beaches and other facilities. In 2023, Cyngor Gwynedd paid a total of over £161,000 to the Crown Estate. Lease fees in 2023 ranged from £35 for 'Bangor beach front', to £8,500 for 'Dwyfor beach front', to £144,000 for 'Hafan Pwllheli'. In a period of severe financial hardship for public services, we believe that it is immoral that such fees go towards the maintenance of the British Monarchy and to the coffers of the Treasury in London. This money should remain in Gwynedd to support the people of Gwynedd.

3.      We call on the Chief Executive to make arrangements to open discussions with the Crown Estate regarding the fees paid by Cyngor Gwynedd.  We will encourage the Chief Executive to endeavour to persuade the Crown Estate to delay further invoicing until such time as the Council’s financial situation has improved. We note that the Crown Estate’s profits have more than doubled from £443 million in 2022/23 to £1.1billion in 2023/24.  During the same period Cyngor Gwynedd has seen their budget cut in real terms.

1.          Cyngor Gwynedd states that we believe responsibility for the Crown Estate should be devolved to the Welsh Government. Any profits generated by the Crown Estate, here on Welsh lands and waters, should remain in Wales, for the benefit of our residents and communities. Responsibility for the Crown Estate is already devolved to the Scottish Government.

2.          This Council also states our dissatisfaction that we are obliged to pay annual fees (in the form of leases) to ensure that Gwynedd residents and visitors have access to various sites, including our beaches and other facilities. In 2023, Cyngor Gwynedd paid a total of over £161,000 to the Crown Estate. Lease fees in 2023 ranged from £35 for 'Bangor beach front', to £8,500 for 'Dwyfor beach front', to £144,000 for 'Hafan Pwllheli'. In a period of severe financial hardship for public services, we believe that it is immoral that such fees go towards the maintenance of the British Monarchy and to the coffers of the Treasury in London. This money should remain in Gwynedd to support the people of Gwynedd.

3.          We are calling on the Chief Executive to arrange to open discussions with the Crown Estate regarding the fees paid by Cyngor Gwynedd. We would urge the Chief Executive to try to persuade the Crown Estate not to charge rent on the Council until the Council's financial position has improved. We note that the Crown Estate's profits have more than doubled from £443 million in 2022/23 to £1.1 billion in 2023/24, in the same period Cyngor Gwynedd has seen their budget cut in real terms.

Submitted - the following notice of motion by Councillor Dewi Jones, under Section 4.19 of the Constitution, and it was seconded:-

1.         Cyngor Gwynedd states that we believe responsibility for the Crown Estate should be devolved to the Welsh Government.  Any profits generated by the Crown Estate, here on Welsh lands and waters, should remain in Wales, for the benefit of our residents and communities. Responsibility for the Crown Estate is already devolved to the Scottish Government.

2.         This Council also states our dissatisfaction that we are obliged to pay annual fees (in the form of leases) to ensure that Gwynedd residents and visitors have access to various sites, including our beaches and other facilities. In 2023, Cyngor Gwynedd paid a total of over £161,000 to the Crown Estate. Lease fees in 2023 ranged from £35 for 'Bangor beach front', to £8,500 for 'Dwyfor beach front', to £144,000 for 'Hafan Pwllheli'.  In a period of severe financial hardship for public services, we believe that it is immoral that such fees go towards the maintenance of the British Monarchy and to the coffers of the Treasury in London. This money should remain in Gwynedd to support the people of Gwynedd.

3.         We are calling on the Chief Executive to arrange to open discussions with the Crown Estate regarding the fees paid by Cyngor Gwynedd. We would urge the Chief Executive to try to persuade the Crown Estate to delay further invoicing until the Council's financial position has improved. ⁠ We note that the Crown Estate's profits have more than doubled from £443 million in 2022/23 to £1.1 billion in 2023/24, in the same period Cyngor Gwynedd has seen their budget cut in real terms.

The member set out the context to his motion, and noted:-

·         In a period of serious financial hardship, that it was a disgrace that this Council had to pay a number of leases to the Crown Estate to ensure that residents and visitors to Gwynedd have access to our beaches and other facilities.

·         That a further delay in further invoicing would create a financial saving that would contribute to protecting essential services that are under so much stress at the moment.

·         Wales is a country that is rich natural resources, with her land, coastline and seas that possess the potential to power our economy, to reinforce our communities and support us to lead the way when addressing climate change.  However, at the moment, these resources were managed by a body accountable to the Westminster Government, not to the people of Wales and the revenue that derives from the Crown Estate in Wales goes to the UK's Treasury in London. 

·         Should the responsibility for the Crown Estate be devolved, the profit generated from Welsh land and sea would remain in Wales, enabling us to invest in infrastructure, public services and community projects to suit our specific needs.

·         Wales could lead the world in the field of renewable energy development, especially sea wind, tide energy and other innovative green technology,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8b

In accordance with the Notice of Motion received under Section 4.19 of the Constitution, Councillor Elwyn Edwards will propose as follows:-

Cyngor Gwynedd is calling on the Westminster Government to hand over the right to the Welsh Government in Cardiff to designate 1^st March of each year as an official national holiday in Wales recognising St David as the Patron Saint of Wales. This is done in the case of the Saints of Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Council also seeks the support of the Welsh Government for this (it has previously stated its support) as well as all County, Town and Community councils in Wales.

Cyngor Gwynedd is calling on the Westminster Government to hand over the right to the Welsh Government in Cardiff to designate 1st March of each year as an official national holiday in Wales recognising St David as the Patron Saint of Wales. This is done in the case of the Saints of Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Council also seeks the support of the Welsh Government for this (it has previously stated its support) as well as all County, Town and Community councils in Wales.

Submitted - the following notice of motion by Councillor Elwyn Edwards, in accordance with Section 4.19 of the Constitution and it was seconded:-

Cyngor Gwynedd is calling on the Westminster Government to hand over the right to the Welsh Government in Cardiff to designate 1st March of each year as an official national holiday in Wales recognising St David as the Patron Saint of Wales. This is done in the case of the Saints of Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Council also seeks the support of the Welsh Government for this (it has previously stated its support) as well as all County, Town and Community councils in Wales.

RESOLVED to adopt the motion, namely: -

Cyngor Gwynedd is calling on the Westminster Government to hand over the right to the Welsh Government in Cardiff to designate 1st March of each year as an official national holiday in Wales recognising St David as the Patron Saint of Wales. This was done in the case of the Saints of Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Council also seeks the support of the Welsh Government for this (it has previously stated its support) as well as all County, Town and Community councils in Wales.

In accordance with the Notice of Motion received under Section 4.19 of the Constitution, Councillor Meryl Roberts will propose as follows:-

Cyngor Gwynedd is fully opposed to the brazen and cruel cuts of the Westminster Government to abolish Gwynedd pensioners' fuel payments this winter. These cuts will mean that at least 85%, namely over 20,000 Gwynedd pensioners, will miss out on fuel payments. To this end, we send steadfast correspondence to Keir Starmer, as prime minister of the United Kingdom, criticising his cruel policy and asking if he can overturn it.

Cyngor Gwynedd is fully opposed to the brazen and cruel cuts of the Westminster Government to abolish Gwynedd pensioners' fuel payments this winter. These cuts will mean that at least 85%, namely over 20,000 Gwynedd pensioners, will miss out on fuel payments. To this end, we send steadfast correspondence to Keir Starmer, as prime minister of the United Kingdom, criticising his cruel policy and asking if he can overturn it.

Submitted - the following notice of motion by Councillor Meryl Roberts under Section 4.19 of the Constitution, and it was seconded: -

Cyngor Gwynedd is fully opposed to the brazen and cruel cuts of the Westminster Government to abolish Gwynedd pensioners' fuel payments this winter.  These cuts will mean that at least 85%, namely over 20,000 Gwynedd pensioners, will miss out on fuel payments. To this end, we send steadfast correspondence to Keir Starmer, as prime minister of the United Kingdom, criticising his cruel policy and asking if he can overturn it.

Members expressed their keen support to the motion. During the discussion, the following matters were raised:-

The Council's Age Friendly Champion, Councillor Dilwyn Morgan referred to the work that was underway within the Council to support people, such as: - 

·         Encouraging people eligible for Pension Credit to claim it, and by doing so to receive a heating payment automatically.

·         Assisting people on the borderline of eligibility for Pension Credit by promoting the additional benefit that are available to them.

·         It was intended to establish a cross-departmental Winter Payments Taskforce for Pensioners very soon with the aim of developing a campaign to ensure that the county's residents are aware of, and receive what they were entitled to. 

·         Holding a series of Living Well, Living Healthily events.  The first of these events would take place at Canolfan Glaslyn, Porthmadog on 7 October, where over 20 different agencies would be present to hand out information and to assist people to complete application forms etc.  An event had been organised in Caernarfon on 1 November, with further events to follow in the south of the County and in the Bangor area.

·         Working with the Government's services and the Department of Work and Pensions to determine what was the best way to communicate with individuals.

·         A meeting had taken place with Rhian Bowen-Davies, the  Older People Commissioner, who also reiterated her concern regarding the proposal to stop the winter fuel payments.

·         A session took place in Porthmadog for Council members to given them advice on where to refer people who approach them for information. It was noted that the number who attended the session was disappointing, but it was intended to organise another session soon.

According to the recent figures, 1,977 of Gwynedd residents did not receive their due Pension Credit, a loss to Gwynedd of £456,000. However, since the Government had made the announcement, 20% of those people eligible to receive Pension Credit now received it because organisations such as Cyngor Gwynedd and others had been encouraging people to claim. This meant that the savings made as a result of revoking the winter fuel payments would be less than the Westminster Government had expected.

RESOLVED to adopt the motion, namely: -

Cyngor Gwynedd is fully opposed to the brazen and cruel cuts of the Westminster Government to abolish Gwynedd pensioners' fuel payments this winter.  These cuts will mean that at least 85%, namely over 20,000 Gwynedd pensioners, will miss out on fuel  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8d