Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Gareth A Roberts. 

The Chair shall propose that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Council held on 3^rd July 2025 be signed as a true record.

The Chair signed the minutes of the previous Council meeting held on 3 July 2025 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 family of the late William Tudor Owen - former Member and Chair of this Council, and Cllr Dewi Jones paid tribute to him. 

Condolences were extended to the family of the late Ieuan Roberts, Porthmadog, who had been a Member of this Council. A tribute was paid to him by Cllr June Jones.

Also noted was the recent death of the famous minister, Reverend Marcus Robinson, and condolences were extended to his family also.

It was further 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 members of the Council had been unwell recently and they were wished a full and speedy recovery. 

Councillor Wendy Cleaver was welcomed to her first meeting after she had been elected Councillor for Barmouth during the summer, and she was wished well in her role.

Catrin Thomas was welcomed back to the Council on her commencement in post as Corporate Director.

The following were congratulated:

·       Everyone from Gwynedd who had recently been successful at this year's National Eisteddfod in Wrexham was congratulated, especially Owain Rhys from Cardiff, but originally from Llandwrog, the son of former Councillor Richard Morris Jones, on winning the Crown. 

·       The Sir Gaernarfon Organising Committee who had been sponsoring the Royal Welsh Show this year.

·       Chris Williams from Bethesda, who had been running the Cefn y Ddraig Race to thank the North Wales Society of the Blind for their support to his wife, Councillor Einir Williams.  

·       To the swimmer, Ela Letton-Jones from Felinheli, on winning a silver medal for Britain in the World Para-Swimming Championships in Singapore.

·       Cedron Dafydd from Pentir, on winning a Silver Medal in the World Rowing Competition. 

·       Richard Eirig Rowlands on winning the Wales Darts Championships 2025. 

·       Nick Thomas on winning a gold medal in the World Para-Archery Championships. 

·       Ymgynghoriaeth Gwynedd Consultancy on winning the ICE Cymru Diversity awards for the Hirael Bangor flood prevention project.

Attention was drawn to the fact that it had been 60 years since Llyn Celyn was officially opened, contrary to the wishes of local politicians and the community. It was expressed that it was integral to remember, and remind the nation, of the travesty of drowning Cwm Celyn, and many other valleys, to supply water to cities in England. It was noted that we will remember Tryweryn.

The Chair invited the Chief Executive to provide an update to the Full Council on the Child Practice Review. The Chief Executive expressed that it was not customary to make this kind of statement, but that it was essential for him to address the matter. A week ago, he explained, that arrangements were in place to publish this essentially important report, with a briefing session for Councillors arranged. But, at 16:30 the night before, a message was received to delay the publication. It was emphasised that the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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.

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

It was expressed that the questions had been late arriving the members today and they asked for an explanation regarding why they were received so late. Apologies were expressed for this, noting that a large number of questions had been submitted and that responding to them took time. It was noted that they would arrive earlier for the next meeting.

1. Question from Councillor Dawn Lynne Jones 

I am aware that a full review was initiated on Derwen services back in 2024 due to concerns about the increasing number of children waiting for access to or for the services of Derwen. I wonder if the cabinet member can give an update on the results of the review by now, and indeed, on Derwen's situation. 

Response from the Cabinet Member for Children and Supporting Families, Councillor Menna Trenholme

The decision to hold a review of the Derwen Service was made at the Management Board on 7 November 2024. As it was a joint Management Board with Anglesey, and as the Health Board was an integrated part of the services in both authorities, the review run concurrently across both counties. 

Following the decision to carry out the review, a request was made for regional money to commission external support to lead on this. Money had been attracted for the purpose and a tendering process was followed in order to commission the work. An external adviser was appointed at the end of February 2025, with a work programme to run from May until September 2025. For reasons beyond the control of both services, the work programme had slipped and it was now expected for the review to be completed by the end of December 2025. 

The scope of the review included considering the existing access criteria, analysing the service's current arrangements, understanding the needs of children and their parents, understanding the expectations of stakeholders and considering the design of the service for the future. 

The final report will be submitted to the Management Board initially, and the work will be included on the agenda of the Care Scrutiny Committee. 

It should also be noted that internal research was being carried out to look at Gwynedd population trends, including the number of births, the existing child population, as well as the number of disabled and neurodiverse children. The purpose of this work will be to discover whether the number of disabled children and young people is increasing, even as the number of births in Gwynedd reduced since 2012, and understand the reasons for this. 

The work will also consider the ability of social services and the Education Department (Additional Learning Needs), to meet the needs over the coming twenty years. The work will follow the pattern of the Llechen Lân report on older people's social services in the future, which was published in autumn 2024. 

Supplementary Question from Councillor Dawn Lynne Jones

She gave thanks for the response and for the reference  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To submit the report of the Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee.

To accept the report.

The Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee gave a presentation, noting that it was a summary of the work done in 2024/25. It was explained that the report not only met the statutory requirements but also added value to the Council's governance arrangements, ensuring resilience in difficult periods.

It was reiterated that the financial challenges continued, and that they were scrutinising budgets to make sure that they made the best use of money. The staff and committee members were thanked for their priceless collaboration. Tribute was paid to the late Sharron Warnes and Cllr Rob Triggs, who had both passed away in recent months.

The Chair and members were thanked for their work, and gratitude was expressed for the special tributes to the two former members.

RESOLVED

To accept the report.

To submit the report of the Statutory Director of Social Services.

The content of the report presented by the authority's Statutory Director for Social Services was noted.

The report was submitted, noting that it had been some year for Social Services in Gwynedd, with the workforce facing challenges. It was highlighted that two years had passed since Foden's arrest, and that the work had been heavy on everyone, including Councillors.

It was explained that this report was statutory in order to report on the work being done and all staff were thanked for their work. It was emphasised that the work of the Child Practice Review had been very challenging over the last year, with both departments completely shook. Despite the awful things, it must be emphasised that good work is being done and take pride in the workforce who work so hard. It was expressed that the celebration is mitigated by the impact of what has happened and this needed to be acknowledged.

Six original principles were highlighted which safeguards the Council, i.e., empower, prevent, safeguarding, balance, protect, work in partnership and accountability.

It was emphasised that there was no "us" and "them" when talking about social care as anyone could need the service. It was explained that a huge increase had been seen in the demand and this was highlighted in the data and the most prominent was the number of referrals to the children's department. When looking at safeguarding, it was noted that the magnitude of the work was almost 8,000 referrals, which highlighted the additional pressures on staff to respond to the need required. It was emphasised that only one miscreant was needed to make a mess of the whole system.

Attention was drawn to the progress made in direct payments, noting that it was hoped that further progress would be seen over the coming years. Through this progress, it was noted that more people would be living in their community, but the flip side of that, people were constantly waiting for domiciliary care.

The incredible plans that had been achieved over the years were highlighted, which had endless new projects. It was noted that the Council had received a Gwynedd Age Friendly Accreditation and that they had received money to continue with the work. It was expressed that a New Care Academy had been launched, with success seen with recruitment and some tens of people taking advantage of the training. It was explained that the Llechen Lân research was looking at Gwynedd's demography, looking at how this could respond to future challenges. It was emphasised that a work programme would be discussed soon. It was noted that the number of people with disabilities in work had doubled, which enabled people to earn a wage and dignity, and hopefully this would double again. It was explained that progress had been made in the use of technology (Technology Enabled Care/TEC). As a result, it was noted that there were many things to be proud of.

It was expressed that problems continued with the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), as waiting lists were lengthy. Nevertheless, following the recommendation of the Care Scrutiny Committee, it was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To submit the report of the Chair of the Strategic Safeguarding Panel.

To accept the report presented on the work of the Strategic Safeguarding Panel for the 2024/25 year.

The report was submitted by Councillor Menna Trenholme, the Chair of the Safeguarding Strategic Panel during 2024/25.

She expressed thanks for the opportunity to share the report which highlighted how the Council was achieving its statutory safeguarding duties, which included children, vulnerable adults, serious violence and counter-terrorism. It was explained that the Operational Group, as well as an external inspection, ensured that safeguarding arrangements were robust across the Council.

It was noted that during 2024/25, there had been a substantial increase in the referrals of children with complex needs, which had placed substantial pressure on the workforce.

It was expressed that there had been a serious incident at Ysgol Friars in September 2023 and this had led to urgent action with a desktop review and the commissioning of a Child Practice Review by the North Wales Safeguarding Board. A specialist barrister in the child protection field had been commissioned to look specifically at what had been raised in the court case.

In the Adults field, it was explained that the number of referrals was increasing gradually, with the complexity of cases intensifying. It was highlighted that the DoLS work continued to be challenging but that further investment and resources were now in progress.

It was explained that substantial steps had been taken to strengthen safeguarding in Schools, with every school now receiving a visit within 18 months. It was added that high percentages among staff and governors had now completed specific and basic training. Attention was drawn to an increasing number of children who were home educated.

It was explained that the Council continued to raise awareness and acted pro-actively by means of training, multi-agency partnerships and case reviews. It was noted that there had been an increase in cases of stalking and harassment which had led on partnership work with the Police. It was highlighted that a reduction had been seen in anti-social behaviour, but that modern slavery continued to be a matter of concern.

Looking ahead, it was noted that the Panel's priority was for the workforce to understand safeguarding systems, and completing the necessary training, and learning continuously. It was reiterated that safeguarding arrangements continued to develop in response to legislation, regional partnerships and experiences, and thus ensure the safety of the residents of Gwynedd.

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

Gratitude was expressed for the report and a request was made for confirmation as to whether the reviews within schools were carried out by staff outside the school. It was confirmed that a team within the Education Department went to the schools to carry out the safety inspections.

It was highlighted in the Terms of Reference that Health and Safety staff were not a part of the monitoring group.

Attention was drawn to the increase in the number of children being home educated, enquiring how the department would safeguard these children. It was noted that the department sought to get to the root of the reasons, as they were eager to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To submit the Scrutiny Annual Report.

To accept the report.

Councillor Beth Lawton, Chair of the Scrutiny Forum during 2024/25, presented the report.

It was noted that the report gave an overview of the scrutiny work done in 2024-25, highlighting the reason for scrutinising and the impact of the scrutiny work. It was highlighted that 41 items had been scrutinised. Attention was drawn to several pieces of work done, which included the establishment of the Safeguarding Arrangements in Schools Scrutiny Investigation, which would report on the work in 2025/26. Another example where the Care Scrutiny Committee had invited external partners on three occasions, and the Communities Scrutiny Committee had pre-scrutinised the proposal to introduce an Article 4 Direction to control the use of second homes and holiday accommodation.

It was expressed that practical adjustments had been made to scrutiny arrangements to make effective use of time by holding informal meetings. It was noted that briefing meetings would be held to give focus on the questioning strategy at the meeting. It was noted that making clear and purposeful recommendations was critical to good scrutiny, and it was explained that they were continuing to develop this element, which, in turn, would enable them to identify the impact of scrutiny.

The officers and members were thanked for their work, as well as the Forum members for the collaboration and the discussions which had contributed to improving scrutiny arrangements.

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

It was expressed that in terms of the report, it was difficult to see what the end of the journey would be and that the actual impact of scrutiny was not obvious. A response was given by noting that this had been identified, but some were expressing that they were moving in the right direction in order to get a system that worked better.

Cabinet Members expressed gratitude for the work of the Scrutiny Committee, and that it was reassuring that recommendations were proposed, and that they were highlighting whether the work was going in the right direction.

RESOLVED

To accept the Report.

To submit the report of the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Legal Services.

It was resolved to adopt the amendments to the Officers’ Delegation Scheme relating to the acquisition and disposal of land.

The report was submitted, noting that reports sometimes came with a change in the constitution. This was one of them. It was expressed that this work was the fruits of the labour of collaboration between the Legal Department and the Housing and Property Department to adapt the thresholds for buying, selling and letting land. It was explained that this was because of a change in land costs over the past year. As a result, there was a need to revisit the delegation scheme.

It was detailed that the current procedure was difficult to understand and its wording was vague, and that it had been the subject of some confusion in terms of officer rights. It was explained that the new delegation scheme had higher values, as the vast majority of decisions were made almost without exception by means of a Cabinet Member decision notice. It was expressed that the new arrangements facilitated the department's efficiency. It was emphasised, obviously as with other Delegation Schemes, conditions would be subject to aspects such as Council policies, standing orders and consultation with local members when disposing of land. It was noted that the latest Scheme provided more flexibility but ensured regular communication with the Cabinet Member.

It was noted that the Scheme had been submitted to the Governance and Audit Committee, who had supported it. It was emphasised that this scheme was moving from an unclear position to a modern procedure. It was explained that the Legal Department had looked at similar schemes across North Wales, and that the Council was going for a middle-ground scheme in comparison.

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

One member expressed their objection to the Scheme as there were cases where the Council was buying houses with a 106 condition on them, and thus reduced the stock of scarce affordable housing available in the county. Attention was drawn to a case where the Council had offered a price that was much higher than the asking price, which prevented a local person from buying the house. It was expressed that this was the risk posed by delegating the decision to officers and the need for Cabinet Members to continue to make the decision was noted, as the Members believed that a democratic body should make the decision.

Officers responded by noting that the Scheme did not change rights, but rather changed the financial threshold. It was explained that almost twenty years had passed since they had been set, and that they did not reflect today's rights. It was expressed in this case and it was noted that this had happened at the start of the house purchase and that a solution had been found immediately. It was noted that the Council did not want to compete with individuals when buying houses, but rather wanted to buy houses that did not sell or where there was a risk that they would be bought by someone from outside the county. It was emphasised that such  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To submit the report of the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Legal Services.

To approve:

1.     the Final Proposals under sections 25 and 31 of the Local Government (Democracy)(Wales) Act 2013 and publish the Final Reports

2.     To authorise the Head of Legal Services to make and seal the Order for Review under Section 31

3.     The submission of recommendations for change under Section 25 to the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales

The report was submitted by Councillor Llio Elenid Owen, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Legal.

It was noted that the purpose of the report was to submit the final proposals of the Community Reviews for approval. It was explained that two types of reviews had been held. The first of community boundary surveys where matters had been brought to our attention, and the second survey of electoral arrangements in every community, looking at whether communities should be split into wards for the purposes of community council elections.

Back in March 2024, the Council agreed to conduct the reviews and a statutory consultation was held on the proposal and terms of reference. Subsequently, draft plans were developed and submitted to the Council in March, and then a statutory consultation was held on the draft proposals.

The responses received were considered and modifications were made where appropriate to create the final proposals. It was explained that if approved, those involved with boundary changes would be presented to the Boundaries Commission for decision on whether to create an order to implement them. It was emphasised that the Council has the right to make an order to bring changes to community wards into force, however, initially, a report would need to be published, including the Final Proposals, and for it to be sent to the bodies and persons prescribed in the Act. When creating the order, consideration must be given to any representations being received from the Council during the six week period after publication.

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

A request was made for confirmation of when the second statutory consultation was carried out. It was confirmed that it was undertaken from March to May.

            RESOLVED

To approve:

1.     the Final Proposals under sections 25 and 31 of the Local Government (Democracy)(Wales) Act 2013 and publish the Final Reports

2.     To authorise the Head of Legal Services to make and seal the Order for Revision under Section 31

3.     To present the recommendations for change under Section 25 for submission to the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales

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

1.     Recognising that the Pensions Committee has and intends to address these issues as part of a review of the Responsible Investment Policy that Gwynedd Council is requests the Committee and the Wales Pension Partnership, to consider the extent it can move as soon as possible to disinvest in fossil fuels as part of the desire to be  net zero carbon, in a transparent and accountable manner and in line with its legal duties to the fund.

2.     That Gwynedd Council calls on the UK Government to establish an annual conference on ethical and sustainable investing with a view to promoting the best use of the funds available.

In accordance with the Notice of Motion received under Section 4.19 of the Constitution, Councillor Beca Roberts proposed as follows:

1.     Recognising that the Pensions Committee has and intends to address these issues as part of a review of the Responsible Investment Policy that Cyngor Gwynedd requests the Committee and the Wales Pension Partnership, to consider the extent it can move as soon as possible to disinvest in fossil fuels as part of the desire to be net zero carbon, in a transparent and accountable manner and in line with its legal duties to the fund. 

2.     That Cyngor Gwynedd calls on the UK Government to establish an annual conference on ethical and sustainable investing with a view to promoting the best use of the funds available.

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

1.     Recognising that the Pensions Committee has and intends to address these issues as part of a review of the Responsible Investment Policy that Cyngor Gwynedd requests the Committee and the Wales Pension Partnership, to consider the extent it can move as soon as possible to disinvest in fossil fuels as part of the desire to be net zero carbon, in a transparent and accountable manner and in line with its legal duties to the fund.

2.     That Cyngor Gwynedd calls on the UK Government to establish an annual conference on ethical and sustainable investment with a view to promoting the best use of the funds available.

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

·       That Wales is a unique nation where vows are included in the law, by means of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, to consider the next generation.

·       A duty to invest responsibly in the financial future and environmental future of the county was highlighted.

·       It was noted that looking after pensions involved securing robust investments that looked towards the future.

·       It was highlighted that there was no long-term sense or guarantee in investing in fossil fuels as the world moved towards renewable energy.

·       Investing in renewable energy, affordable homes and local infrastructure would offer a more prosperous, safe and reliable future.

·       She expressed that only 2.5% of the Pension Fund was invested in fossil fuels, but what about investing in things that would bring direct benefits to communities, such as affordable housing, regenerative agriculture and funds for Social Enterprises.

·       If Gwynedd showed leadership in this arena, it would provide a clear example of good practice in relation to the application of the Well-being of Future Generations Act to secure the best outcomes.

Support was expressed to the amendment.

RESOLVED to adopt the motion, namely:-

1.     Recognising that the Pensions Committee has and intends to address these issues as part of a review of the Responsible Investment Policy that Cyngor Gwynedd requests the Committee and the Wales Pension Partnership, to consider the extent it can move as soon as possible to disinvest in fossil fuels as part of the desire to be net zero carbon, in a transparent and accountable manner and in line with its legal duties to the fund.

2.     That Cyngor Gwynedd calls on the UK Government to establish an annual conference on ethical and sustainable investment with a view to promoting the best use of the funds available.

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

3.     Recognising that the Pensions Committee has and intends to address these issues as part of a review of the Responsible Investment Policy that Cyngor Gwynedd requests the Committee and the Wales Pension Partnership, to consider the extent it can move as soon as possible to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

Letter from the Welsh Government in response to Councillor Elwyn Edwards’ Notice of Motion to the 3rd October, 2024 Council meeting regarding St David’s Day.