Agenda, decisions and minutes

Cabinet Members and Officers were welcomed to the meeting.

No apologies were received.

A declaration of personal interest was received by Cllr. Dilwyn Morgan for item 6 as his grandson attended Ysgol Bro Tegid. It was a prejudicial interest and he withdrew from the meeting for this item.

There were no urgent items

There were no matters arising from overview and scrutiny.

The Chairman signed the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 13 March 2018, as a true record.

To implement the proposal published on 26 February 2018 to close Ysgol Bro Tegid, Ysgol Beuno Sant and Ysgol y Berwyn in Bala on 31 August 2019 and establish a 3-19 Learning Campus, Welsh Medium, community status, (“The Campus”), on the existing Ysgol y Berwyn site to open on 1 September 2019.

The item was submitted by Cllr Gareth Thomas 

RESOLVED

To implement the proposal published on 26 February 2018 to close Ysgol Bro Tegid, Ysgol Beuno Sant and Ysgol y Berwyn in Bala on 31 August 2019 and establish a 3-19 Learning Campus, Welsh Medium, community status, (“The Campus”), on the existing Ysgol y Berwyn site to open on 1 September 2019.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting that on 13 February, the Cabinet approved the proposal for the closure of Ysgol Bro Tegid, Ysgol Beuno Sant and Ysgol y Berwyn on 31 August 2019 and for the Welsh Medium 3-19 Learning Campus, community status, to be established on the existing site of Ysgol y Berwyn to open on 1 September 2019. An objection period was then held and statutory notices were issued on the proposal to close the schools. No objections were received during this objection period.

It was added that this would be the last step in the process of opening the new Campus. It was noted that a Shadow Governing Body would be established following the Cabinet's decision that would appoint a new Head teacher to the Learning Campus. It was explained that the building would be ready in September 2018, there would be a bridging period where the schools would be able to use the resources available at the new building

To approve Gwynedd Council's response to the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission's draft proposals published in January 2018 subject to strengthening point 36 of the response and emphasising the unique circumstances of wards in Bangor in light of the substantial influx of students in the Garth and Menai wards.

The report was submitted by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn

DECISION

To approve Gwynedd Council's response to the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission's draft proposals published in January 2018 with the aim of strengthening point 36 of the response and emphasising the unique circumstances of the wards in Bangor in light of the substantial influx of students in the Garth and Menai wards.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting that the draft response to the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission consultation had been created based on the clear instructions given by the Full Council.  It was added that the Council had resolved to respond to the draft proposals by submitting alternative proposals for Gerlan and Ogwen and Dolgellau and to confirm the Council's proposals.

It was explained that substantial work had been done to engage with the members and specifically the Local Members representing wards where it was considered prudent to chose an alternative option. 

Observations arising from the discussion

-        It was noted that the report offered sensible answers to the Boundary Commission's draft Proposals. When looking at the Porthmadog area the proposed boundaries disregarded the historic boundaries of the old counties and this had caused dissatisfaction locally.

It was noted that comments had been received noting that the Commission had completely ignored the number of students living in the Garth and Menai wards for most of the year and there was a need to strengthen point 36 in the response

To approve the bid for funding from the Welsh Government Green Growth fund to deliver a scheme to change the remainder of the Council's street lights to LED technology. 

The report was submitted by Cllr Gareth Griffith

DECISION

To approve the bid for funding from the Welsh Government Green Growth fund to deliver a scheme to change the remainder of the Council's street lights to LED technology. 

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting that the Highways and Municipal department was eager to bid for an investment of £1,298,795 from the Welsh Government Green Growth Fund to change 7778 street lights to LED technology. It was noted that this was a financial loan to be repaid with no interest to the Government. It was added that the first application for the money had been approved, and the Cabinet's seal of approval was required before proceeding with the application.

It was noted that this scheme would succeed to the current £1.4 million, 4 year plan, which was funded by the Welsh Government's Invest to Save fund. As part of this project, by September 2018, the Council would have changed 10,279 street lights to LED technology.

Observations arising from the discussion

-        Members noted their support for the plan, and a discussion was held on the price of carbon emissions for every pound and the differences between the carbon emissions we would be saving in future when compared to those of the past, and the comparative financial saving from doing so.

      i.        To commit £50,000 of the Council's Transformation Fund during the 2018-19 financial year to realise the 'Increasing the Benefits of Major Events' Scheme.

    ii.        To review the progress of the activity and further commitments to support the remaining period of the Scheme before the end of 2018.

The report was submitted by Cllr Ioan Thomas

DECISION

      i.        To commit £50,000 of the Council's Transformation Fund during the 2018-19 financial year to realise the 'Increasing the Benefits of Major Events' Scheme.

     ii.        To review the progress of the activity and further commitments to support the remaining period of the Scheme before the end of 2018.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting that this was a request to commit £50,000 of the Council's Transformation Fund during 2018-19 to realise the 'Increasing the Benefits of Major Events' Scheme. As a consequence of the project, over the last five years it was noted that £3.13m had been spent directly in Gwynedd by events organisors. It was also noted that a £163,000 investment by Welsh Government had been made to support major events as a result of Gwynedd Council's contribution, and that events had generated £24.24m in Gwynedd.

It was expressed that it was not intended for Gwynedd Council to give grants to event organisors but rather to work with them to invest in their events to get the best outcomes for the county. It was noted that without the money to invest in events, the Council would not be able to collaborate as efficiently with organisers or have as much influence to increase the benefits for the County.

Observations arising from the discussion

       i.        It was discussed whether the areas that were receiving investment through major events were aware that the Council was investing. It was noted that the Council's presence could be seen in the events and on all marketing material, but it was possible there was room for improvement. It was noted, as part of the plan, that staff were trying to raise the profile of the Council and encourage organisers to spend locally.

The Forward Work Programme included with the meeting papers was approved. 

The report was submitted by Cllr. Dyfrig Siencyn

DECISION

The Forward Work Programme included with the meeting papers was approved. 

DISCUSSION

The forward work programme was submitted, noting that there would be some additions to the forward work programme nearer to the dates