Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Elfed Wyn ap Elwyn, Stephen Churchman, Linda Morgan, Dafydd Davies and Jina Gwyrfai.  

The Chair shall propose that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Council held on 2^nd of October 2025 be signed as a true record.

The Chair signed the minutes of the previous Council meeting held on 2 October 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 expressed to Councillor Anne Lloyd Jones, Glyn Daniels and Delyth Lloyd Griffiths who had all experienced a recent bereavement. 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.  

Councillor Gwion Emyr, the new member for Bethel and Felinheli Ward, was welcomed to his first meeting of the Council.     

Elfyn Evans from Dolgellau was congratulated on coming a very close second at the World Rally Championships in Saudi Arabia. As well as Ifan Dafydd from Meirionnydd Harriers who came second in the Eryri Marathon this year.   

Congratulations were also expressed to the Magic Lantern Cinema, Tywyn, for winning the award for Cinema of the Year in the British Independent Film Awards recently. Congratulations to them on their success and important contribution to the economy and cultural scene of Tywyn and Meirionnydd. 

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.) 

1. Question by Councillor John Pughe Roberts  

Given the statutory obligations under the Education Act 2002 (s.175) and Keeping  
Learners Safe (Welsh Government, 2021), governing bodies must ensure effective  
safeguarding arrangements, provide robust challenge, and verify that procedures are  
followed. The Child Practice Review identified significant shortcomings, including:   
• inadequate challenge and oversight from governors;   
• over-reliance on assurances from senior leaders rather than verification;   
• insufficient safeguarding training;   
• unclear or delayed communication with the LADO and Local Authority.   
 

In the interests of transparency, accountability and public confidence, I ask the Leader to  
confirm that no individual connected to these failures is currently serving in her Cabinet?  

⁠  

Response from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Nia Jeffreys  

One of the Cabinet Members serves as a governor at Ysgol Friars, and I know that the member wishes to apologise to the victims for the far-reaching impact of the Governing Body’s failures, which have been highlighted in the Our Bravery Brought Justice report. As a Cabinet and Council, we fully accept the report. Our responsibility now is to act on all its recommendations and findings. The courage of the victims compels us to act swiftly and decisively.   

⁠  

Members will also be aware that we are currently drafting a new version of our Response Plan, and all recommendations from Our Bravery Brought Justice report relating to school governance will receive detailed attention as part of that work. In addition, I am pleased to hear that the Welsh Government has announced a review of the School Governance system, and as a Council we are very keen to play every possible part in that process. We will need to look at the Council’s governance arrangements, and I will commission  
the Chief Executive to work with an external body such as the WLGA. We would welcome cross-party collaboration on the terms of reference for this work.  

The Supplementary Question of Councillor John Pughe Roberts 

The response does not offer much credibility in the Cabinet, and I ask for an Extraordinary meeting of the Council to look into these matters only, and I ask whether this will happen. 

Response from the Leader, Councillor Nia Jeffreys 

Before the Leader responded, the Monitoring Officer highlighted that this item was a question for the Leader, and it could not lead to any decision beyond these responses. 

The Leader responded that the call for an extraordinary meeting was not a specific decision for her, but that she was happy to hold a discussion on the matters in the item on today's agenda.  It was explained that this was not a decision for the Leader to make. 

The Chief Executive added, in terms of the principle of holding the discussion, that three specific committees had been scheduled for January regarding this matter - i.e., two Scrutiny Committees and an item at the Governance and Audit Committee. 

2. Question by Councillor Angela Russell   

In light of the publication of the Child  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To submit the report of the Cabinet Member for Finance.

The following was agreed for the 2026/27 financial year:

·       That Cyngor Gwynedd allows NO discount on class A second homes, in accordance with Section 12 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (i.e. no change).

·       That Cyngor Gwynedd allows NO discount and RAISES A PREMIUM OF 150% on class B second homes, under Section 12B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (i.e. no change). 

·       That Cyngor Gwynedd allows NO discount on homes that have been empty for 6 months or more and RAISES A PREMIUM OF 150% on homes that have been empty for 12 months or more, under Section 12A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992) (i.e. increase the premium from 100% to 150%).

The report was submitted, noting in line with the Local Government Finance Act 1992 that an annual decision was needed on charging a council tax premium. It was explained that if no decision was made, then they would be forced to offer a discount of 50%. The current situation was noted, i.e. that a premium of 150% was payable on second homes, and 100% on long-term empty properties, and that this had been the case since April 2023. The officer stated that the money being raised through the premium had been used for housing schemes.   

It was highlighted that the number of long-term empty properties had remained high, with around 1120 long-term empty properties in June 2025. It was expressed that the department had looked at the experiences of other counties and that it had strongly highlighted that a premium of 150% was most effective to get houses back into use, and as a result it was noted that this was one of the recommendations in the decision sought. 

The Cabinet Member took the opportunity to respond to some of the comments he had received during the day, e.g. he emphasised that there was no council tax payable when working through probate, or for 6 months following the decision. Attention was also drawn to the exemption system that was now in place in the Council. 

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

An enquiry was made on taking an individual vote on each clause; however, it was explained that it was a single decision within the process and that the only way to adapt the clauses was by proposing an amendment to the whole proposal. 

It was expressed that charging a premium on second homes was not intended to place an unfair financial burden on locals who let houses to visitors on a small-scale; however unintentional harm had been caused to these families from a decision that was made without fully considering them; and they faced huge, unexpected bills out of the blue. Assurances were sought that it would be possible to refine the exemption policy to incorporate these types of cases at pace, as some of these were a perfect example of sustainable tourism. 

It was highlighted that two things were missing in terms of information about empty homes; the reasons why they were empty, as well as the Exemption Policy. The need for an exemption policy from the outset was expressed, as there were situations and circumstances where there was no reason to charge a tax, such as renting rooms within homes. It was noted in response that the Exemption Policy was now in place since the introduction of Council Tax, such as individuals going into care homes. It was expressed that the Revenues Service does not collect information on why properties are empty as there is no reasons to do so,  but that the Housing Department was carrying out research into this and to see how people could be assisted to bring houses  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To submit the report of the Cabinet Member for Finance.

Resolved:

1.     That Cyngor Gwynedd's Local Scheme for the year commencing 1 April 2026 continues as it was during 2025/26. Therefore, the following conditions (a - c below) regarding the continuation of the discretionary elements would continue: 

a.     to apply a 100% disregard for war disablement pensions, war widows’ pensions and war widowers’ pensions, for both pensioners and working age claimants.

b.     Not to increase the extended reduction periods for pensioners and working age claimants from the standard four weeks in the Prescribed Scheme.

c.     Not to increase the backdated period for pensioners and working age claimants from the standard three months contained within the Prescribed Scheme.

2.     Where appropriate, to delegate powers to the Head of Finance Department, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to make minor amendments to the scheme for 2026/27, on condition that it will not change the substance of the scheme.

The item was submitted noting that there was a statutory requirement to present this item annually. It was explained that the purpose of the report was to make a decision on the arrangements to implement the council tax reduction scheme. It was explained that there was no change to this year's scheme, and that this needed to be submitted for a decision for 2026/27. It was emphasised that the report was specifically for a reduction where there was a need to satisfy the benefits service's means testing and not for other exceptions such as a single person reduction. 

The decision was noted.   

RESOLVED 

Resolved:  

1. That Cyngor Gwynedd's Local Scheme for the year commencing 1 April 2026 continues as it was during 2025/26. Therefore, the following conditions (a - c below) regarding the continuation of the discretionary elements would continue:   

a.    to apply a 100% disregard for war disablement pensions, war widows’ pensions and war widowers’ pensions, for both pensioners and working age claimants.  

b.    Not to increase the extended reduction periods for pensioners and working age claimants from the standard four weeks in the Prescribed Scheme. 

c.     Not to increase the backdated period for pensioners and working age claimants from the standard three months contained within the Prescribed Scheme.  

2. Where appropriate, to delegate powers to the Head of Finance Department, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to make minor amendments to the scheme for 2026/27, on condition that it will not change the substance of the scheme. 

To submit the report of the Council Leader.

Cyngor Gwynedd's Annual Performance Report and Self-assessment 2024/25 was approved and adopted.

The report, which summarised the Council's work over the past year, was submitted.  It was expressed that the Our Bravery Brought Justice report had been submitted after this report had been formulated, but it was emphasised that the Council would fully implement the report's findings. 

It was noted that it was miraculous that the Council had achieved so much, considering the financial gap, but that it was committed to protect the services used daily by residents. Upon reflection, it was expressed that there was so much to report and that the attention needed to be on people, not statistics. Attention was drawn to various plans, which included Supporting People. Attention was also drawn to the progress made to plans which addressed poverty and the cost-of-living, by supporting community hubs and food banks. 

⁠The work of Gwynedd Werdd was highlighted, noting that there were many examples of staff going above and beyond in all areas of Gwynedd. Attention was drawn to a high number of successful grants, and specifically £2m for Slate Communities with the LleChi LleNi scheme, which celebrated slate heritage. 

It was emphasised that the Council was facing major challenges, and that the financial situation would force very difficult decisions, but it was ensured that they would lobby and voice discontent about the lack of investment in Local Government, specifically in rural areas.  

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

Members gave thanks for the report and attention was drawn to several aspects. In terms of travelling and national developments - enquiries were made about whether the developments would include rural areas such as Pen Llŷn. Gratitude was expressed for the developments happening in Penrhos, however, concern was expressed about flooding on the A499, which was serious at present. The response given stated that in terms of buses, yes, there were national changes, but it remained to be seen what would be offered in relation to rural paths. The need to carry out additional work on the A499 was highlighted, as it had been a problem for years, and it was explained that a request had been made for additional funding. 

The members gave thanks for the balanced report, which was ready to highlight risks. Attention was drawn to the engagement with staff and residents, drawing attention to two questionnaires - Staff Questionnaire and Data Cymru Questionnaire. Concerns were expressed about the low number of staff who responded to the staff satisfaction questionnaire, and in term of the Data Cymru Questionnaire, despite the encouraging responses, that a response was needed to all questions, and not just half of them. A response was given, noting that work needed to be done to obtain a higher number of responses from staff, and that a full version of Data Cymru responses would be circulated. It was also explained that consultation happened on several levels across the Council. 

Looking at A Prosperous Gwynedd, it was asked whether it was possible to obtain confirmation on how a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

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

The amended Internal Resolution Procedure was adopted.

The report was submitted, noting that there was a local resolution procedure included within the Constitution. This was a system to deal with situations, with Members mainly, regarding low-level complaints where there was no justification to approach the Ombudsman. It was explained that the procedure had been in place since 2013 and it responded to complaints and sought reconciliation following allegations of lack of respect in the chambers or in discussions, in the main. 

Last year, the Ombudsman had collated information on all local resolution procedures across Wales, and it was highlighted that on the whole it was well implemented in Gwynedd.  The procedure in Gwynedd was highlighted as follows: the first step was the Investigation and seeking a simple resolution; the second step was mediation on a more formal level, and the third step was a discussion at the Standards Committee. It was noted that Counsel opinion noted that there was no role for the Standards Committee as there was no framework for the Committee in terms of mediation, and if the complaint went to the Ombudsman, there would be no role for the Standards Committee as it was already a part of the procedure. As a result, it was asked to agree to remove the role of the Standards Committee from the local resolution procedure.  

It was noted that the Standards Committee had discussed a response back in November and had approved changing the procedure and to obtain more clarity on cases within the procedure. 

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

A request was made for a copy of the Ombudsman's views and Counsel's observations. ⁠The response stated that it had been shared in full with the Standards Committee and that a summary had been shared, but that anyone could contact the Monitoring Officer to view the document; however, it was explained that there was a need to be careful in terms of sharing it publicly, due to the legal implications. 

Reference was made to the Equality Act, noting that translations of the definitions of "gender" and "gender identity" had been wrongly translated in the document, and that the High Court had noted "gender" and "gender identity" as an ideology, instead of fact. As a result, it was noted that it was not appropriate to be noted in the code of conduct, which could lead to members being accused and investigated for breaching it in reality when acting to safeguard women. A question was asked about who decided on the definition of when a Member breached the Code of Conduct, as the above statement could lead to prosecution if the Member did not agree with the views or beliefs of the Monitoring Officer. It was emphasised that the wording of the document corresponded with the Ombudsman's guidance, but that he was willing to change if it required. It terms of determining who breached the Code of Conduct, it was noted that noted that it fell on the Code of Conduct, Standards Committee, Monitoring  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

(A)  NOTICE OF MOTION BY COUNCILLOR BECA BROWN

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

We would like to welcome the publication of the Child Practice Review on 4 November, noting our deep thanks to chair, Jan Pickles, for her careful work, and so too to the panel and to the North Wales Safeguarding Board.

We would like to note the title of the report, which is Our Bravery Brought Justice. It is important that we always acknowledge the title when discussing this report, as it pays a well-deserved tribute to the bravery of children – children who were supposed to be safe in their schools, and children who ended years of horrific offending by one of the most powerful men in this county. We owe them a great deal. Our thoughts are with them, and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their remarkable determination and resilience.

We as a council are committed to learning all the lessons that come from the report, but beyond that, we are committed to looking at any relevant issues that have fallen outside the remit of the CPR, which looked at the case of this offender in the period from 2017 to September 2023.

We therefore call on the Cabinet to consider what further independent investigations are needed to address matters outside the boundaries of the CPR. We are fully alert to the fact that further work needs to be done and ask the Cabinet to work tirelessly to identify what is yet to be achieved. 

We once again express our sincere apologies to the children who have suffered harm, and we pledge to leave no stone unturned to ensure, to the best of our ability, that 'never again' means 'never again'

(B)  NOTICE OF MOTION BY COUNCILLOR NIA JEFFREYS

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

Propose that the Council

1. Notes: that suicide figures in Wales registered in 2024 were 15.7 per 100,000 people which was an increase on the figure for 2023, which was 14.0 per 100,000.

There are several factors associated with suicide, including: poverty, unemployment, mental and physical health problems, grief, abuse, loneliness, relationship problems, alcohol and substance misuse etc.

We also note that suicide is the leading cause of death of young people up to the age of 35 according to the Papyrus charity, because young people rarely die from other causes.

Middle-aged men between the ages of 30-44 in Wales are most likely to commit suicide. 76% of deaths by suicide were men. There is a correlation between poverty and suicide, with 15.8 in 100,000 suicides occurring in deprived areas, and 8.6 in 100,000 in the least deprived areas.

126.7 in 100,000 are unemployed.

Suicide is preventable, and support is available.

2. Believes: That the people of Wales have a right to live  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

1.     Letter from the Welsh Government in response to Cllr. Gwynfor Owen’ Notice of Motion to the 3 July 2025 Council meeting regarding devolution of the Welsh Rail Network.

2.     Letter from the Welsh Government in response to Cllr. Rhys Tudur’ Notice of Motion to the 3 July 2025 Council meeting regarding the language shift seen in Gwynedd.