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No. | Item |
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APOLOGIES Additional documents: Minutes: The Cabinet Members
and Officers were welcomed to the meeting. Apologies were
received from Morwena Edwards, Corporate Director. |
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DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST Additional documents: Minutes: No declarations of
personal interest were received. |
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URGENT ITEMS Additional documents: Minutes: There were no urgent
items. |
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MATTERS ARISING FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY Additional documents: Minutes: There were no
matters arising from overview and scrutiny. |
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 6 JULY 2021 Additional documents: Minutes: The Chairman signed
the minutes of the Cabinet meeting
held on 6 July 2021, as a true record. |
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Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Nia Jeffreys and Cllr. Ioan Thomas Additional documents: Decision: It was agreed
to use the £130,000 from
the 'Recovery Arrangements Fund as a result of Covid19' to fund schemes to enable hybrid meetings and remote attendance
at Council meetings in accordance with
the requirements of the Local
Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.
Minutes: The item was
submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys RESOLVED It was agreed to use the £130,000 from the 'Recovery Arrangements Fund as a result of Covid19' to fund schemes to enable hybrid meetings and remote attendance
at Council meetings in accordance with
the requirements of the Local
Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.
DISCUSSION The report was
submitted, noting that it was a request for resources to enable remote
attendance at meetings. It was
highlighted that a report had been submitted to the Cabinet and the previous
Full Council, outlining the new requirements as a result of the Local
Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, specifically the need to ensure
remote attendance at meetings to members and to ensure access to the public.
The Cabinet and the Full Council adopted the interim arrangements and currently
continue to hold virtual meetings. It was explained that it will be a requirement to provide a hybrid
provision in the future with some members in the Chamber and others attending
remotely. It was stated that this was likely to be part of the new normal and
consequently it would need to be simple and to run smoothly for Members and
officers from wherever they connect. The benefits of offering the provision included reducing the carbon
footprint and ensuring a better use of individuals' time. It was noted that the
financial support was required to upgrade the technology. Observations arising from the discussion ¾
Support
was shown to funding the plans in order not only to reduce the carbon footprint
but to attract more variety of people to apply to be Councillors in next year's
elections. ¾
The
request for funding was supported as so many were used to using technology
following last year. It was noted that
the sum appeared to be high, however, the travel costs of councillors had been
reduced as a result of using technology.
¾ The need for firm chairing was highlighted if hybrid meetings were to be held in order to ensure fairness. ¾ It was asked if the technology would only be in the chambers, it was noted that meeting rooms in the Council's main offices at Cae Penarlâg, Ffordd y Cob, Penrhyndeudraeth, Penrallt and the Headquarters would be upgraded, using the same technology at each location, this would facilitate remote access and give flexibility. Awdur: Geraint Owen |
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UNIT 2A SNOWDONIA BUSINESS PARK, PENRHYNDEUDRAETH Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Nia Jeffreys Additional documents: Decision: It was agreed to use the £83,000 from the 'Business Transformation Fund' to realise adaptations to Unit 2a, Snowdonia
Business Park, Penrhyndeudraeth in
order to facilitate contact between Adult, Health and
Well-being Department and Health Service staff, and to create a 'Siop Gwynedd' to
serve the residents of the area. Minutes: The item was
submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys RESOLVED It was agreed to use the £83,000 from the 'Business Transformation Fund' to realise adaptations to Unit 2a, Snowdonia
Business Park, Penrhyndeudraeth in
order to facilitate contact between the Adults Department and the Health services and to create a 'Siop Gwynedd' to serve
the area's residents. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted noting that it sought an investment of £83,000 from the Business
Transformation fund to realise adaptations to the building in Penrhyndeudraeth. The
need to adapt the building was expressed to facilitate contact between the
Council and residents. It was explained
that prior to the pandemic, the number of staff based at the Galw Gwynedd office had reduced, and now only a maximum of
12 staff and a Team Leader would be based at the call centre at any one
time. As a result of this change it was
highlighted that there was an opportunity to make better use of the building
that was in a convenient location for staff serving Eifionydd.
It was noted that Siop Gwynedd would be established
there together with an office base for staff from the Adults Department who
work closely with the health service and would be within a reasonable distance
to Ysbyty Alltwen. The Head of the Corporate Support Department added that undertaking
these adaptations would fill a gap in provision in the area and give care and
health service staff an opportunity to work together at one location. Observations arising from the discussion: ¾ It was noted that making adaptations to the building would offer an opportunity for a better service to Gwynedd residents and would encourage better cooperation between the Adults Department and the Health sector. ¾ It was asked, as the offices would be integrated between Health and the Adults department, if the Health Board would contribute to the costs. It was explained that there were integrated Health Service locations in the field where the Council also worked from and therefore there would be no requirement for any contribution. Awdur: Geraint Owen |
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WELSH IN EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2022-2032 Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Cemlyn Williams Additional documents: Decision: The
Welsh in Education Strategic Plan 2022-2032 was approved
to enter a period of public consultation in the 2021 autumn term. Minutes: The report was
submitted by Cllr Cemlyn Williams RESOLVED The Welsh in Education
Strategic Plan 2022-2032 was approved
to enter a period of public consultation in the 2021 autumn term. DISCUSSION The report was submitted, noting that it was a pleasure to present the
Welsh in Education Strategic Plan. It
was explained that the plan would come into force in September 2022, and would
continue for 10 years. It was emphasised
that the plan would set a clear vision and direction for the Council regarding
Welsh in education. It was highlighted that this was the second plan by the Education
Department that re-visited the Welsh education provision over the last few
weeks and it was highlighted that the Council led throughout Wales on the use
of the Welsh language in education together with the immersion education
system. The Head of Department noted that there was an obvious interconnection
between the vision for the immersion system and this ambitious plan. It was
emphasised that the plan was ambitious and challenging and set specific
targets. It was noted that the
flexibility of the immersion system would enable the department to attain the
targets. The Secondary Education Officer guided members through the presentation
and outlined the strategy's outcomes.
Attention was drawn to the steps that will be taken to deliver the
strategy with the stakeholders and this included defining the language
categories of schools, re-introduction of the language charter and establishing
a Language Forum to ensure clear accountability and to keep an eye on the
targets. The timetable for the formal consultation period was highlighted. The Cabinet Member highlighted that there was exceptionally good work
in the county and he recognised that good work was undertaken by the county's
schools. Observations arising from the discussion ¾ It was noted that immersion occurred in
Gwynedd schools as 100% of the education was conducted through the medium of
Welsh and it was highlighted that the Council led on this throughout Wales. It
was emphasised that it was essential for every child to receive education
through the medium of Welsh. ¾ It was stated that exceptional work was being done via the schools, however, it was asked if support was available for parents who were anxious to home-school their children. It was explained that there had been an increase in the number of children who are home-schooled, however, the strategic plan looked specifically at schools as this was the department's remit as well as where the department's power lay. It was explained that parents had a choice to receive a support pack if they were eager to promote the Welsh language when educating from home. ¾ It was asked if it was mandatory for schools to use the strategy, it was noted that there was now a need for schools to show that they move forward and develop their language designations. Awdur: Rhian Parry Jones |
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NORTH WALES REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP BOARD 2020/21 Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Dafydd Meurig Additional documents: Decision: Work and progress
made in 2020/21 was noted in the areas
of work that were brought forward
regionally through the
North Wales Regional Partnership
Board. Minutes: The report was
submitted by Cllr Dafydd Meurig. RESOLVED Work and progress
made in 2020/21 was noted in the areas of work that were brought forward
regionally through the North Wales Regional Partnership Board. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted, noting that it was a statutory requirement to present an annual
report to the Government on the work of the North Wales Regional Partnership
Board in accordance with the Social Services Act. It was explained that this year had been
different, however, the commitment of staff across the region had been
exceptional. It was highlighted that the
year had been challenging as a result of Covid-19. It was noted that the board focused on
people, patients, staff and to ensure that seamless
support was maintained. It was
emphasised that everyone aimed towards the same goal namely to make a difference
to individuals. It was explained that
there was a need to look to recovery following Covid-19. It was noted that
the Government allocated a portion of their funding via the Regional Boards and
the partners agreed jointly on the funding.
Observations arising
from the discussion ¾ It was highlighted that there were a number of regional boards now, and concern was noted regarding what will be the role of Local Councillors in matters that affect the residents of their county. It was emphasised that there was not much full information within the reports and the need was noted for additional information about projects with expenditure of over £19 million. ¾ It was emphasised that good work was being done at the Regional Board, concern was highlighted about regionalising some services as there were major differences across the county. It was explained that the action had to occur at a local level and not regionally. Awdur: Morwena Edwards |
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PUBLIC SPACES PROTECTION ORDER : DOG CONTROL Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Catrin Wager Additional documents:
Decision: It was
approved to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in relation to
dog control throughout the county, in accordance with the draft Proposed Order
appended, on the basis that they were satisfied that the test under section 59
of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 had been met. One-off
costs of £30,500 were approved to introduce PSPO, together with £67,620 from
this year's additional revenue budget from the Transformation Fund. Also, to confirm the priority as the
implementation would address the priorities of the people of Gwynedd and would
prejudice a 'bid' for £75,620 from an additional permanent revenue budget in
the 2022/23 budget. The Head
of Highways and Municipal Department was authorised to undertake and introduce
the PSPO. Minutes: The report was
submitted by Cllr Catrin Wager. RESOLVED It was approved to introduce a Public Spaces Protection
Order (PSPO) in relation to dog control throughout the county, in accordance
with the draft Proposed Order appended, on the basis that they were satisfied
that the test under section 59 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing
Act 2014 had been met. One-off costs of £30,500 were approved to introduce a
PSPO, together with £67,620 from this year's additional one-off revenue budget
from the Transformation Fund. In addition, the priority was confirmed as the
implementation would address the priorities of Gwynedd residents and
prejudicing a 'bid' for £75,620 from the additional permanent revenue in the
2022/23 budget. The Head of Highways and Municipal Department was
authorised to undertake and introduce the PSPO. DISCUSSION The report was
presented, and it was noted that back in May the Cabinet agreed to have a
statutory consultation on the process of introducing a Public Spaces Protection
Order in relation to dog control. It was
further explained that the consultation had closed and over 1300 responses had
been received. Every person who had
taken time to respond and be part of the consultation were thanked. Attention
was drawn to the main observations from the consultation and these included 95%
who were in favour of banning dogs from children's play areas, 93% were in
favour of banning dogs from playing fields and 99% where in favour that dog
owners should clean up after their dogs when they defecate in a public place,
and to dispose of the faeces in a responsible way. It was explained
that this report was a request to proceed to introduce the PSPO, however, it
was explained that the department was eager to go a step further. It was
highlighted that the consultation had noted that 80% of the responders were of
the opinion that dog fouling was a problem within their communities and it was
explained that this evidenced what the majority of Councillors heard at a
grass-roots level. The need to act was emphasised and it was explained that the
report sought additional resources to improve signage, provide more bins and to
appoint two officers who would be employed to get to the root of the
problem. It was explained that these
were the suggestions of residents and therefore the consultation has assisted
in drawing-up the work programme. The Streetscene Manager noted that dog
fouling was a national problem and a great deal of work would be undertaken to
raise awareness specifically in October.
Observations arising
from the discussion ¾
Support
was expressed for the report and it was highlighted that the problem had
increased during lockdown. It was highlighted that the report indicated that 10
councillors had responded to the consultation, it was noted that they hoped
that the numbers were higher but had not clicked the councillor box. ¾ It was emphasised that this was the problem of irresponsible owners and not the dogs or the Council, but individuals ... view the full minutes text for item 10. Awdur: Steffan Jones |