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Contact: Lowri Evans 01286 679878
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APOLOGIES Additional documents: Minutes:
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DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST Additional documents: Minutes: The following members declared a personal interest
for the reasons noted: ·
Councillor
Peredur Jenkins, in item 8 on the agenda, because he owned a personal property
and rented business property ·
Councillor
Dyfrig Siencyn, in item 8 on the agenda, as he owned a second property ·
Councillor Mandy
Williams-Davies, in item 8 on the agenda, as her husband had inherited an empty
property from his parents The Members
were of the opinion that they were
prejudicial interests, and withdrew from
the Chamber during the discussion on the item noted. |
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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 1ST NOVEMBER 2016 PDF 138 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Chairman signed
the minutes of the Cabinet meeting
held on 1 November 2016, as a true record. |
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REVENUE BUDGET 2016/17 - SECOND QUARTER REVIEW (SEPTEMBER 2016) PDF 78 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng/Cllr. Peredur Jenkins Additional documents:
Decision: To accept the report on the second quarter
review of the Revenue Budget (position as at 30 September 2016) and consider the latest financial situation regarding to the budgets of each department/service, and ask the Cabinet Members and the relevant heads of department to take the appropriate steps regarding matters under their leadership/management. · To transfer (£135k) from a corporate budget to the Adults, Health and Well-being Department to finance the additional costs resulting from the change in charging
for the first six weeks of residential
and nursing care. · To allow the Regulatory Department to use (£200k) of their underspend to finance specific plans to improve the condition of car parks. · To transfer (£300k) from the Regulatory Department to the Corporate Redundancy Fund to assist with the changes facing us as
a Council. · To harvest (£300k) from the favourable Council Tax collections, and (£290k) from the Benefits underspend, together with (£200k) of the underspend included within 'Other', and transfer
as follows: -
use (£20k) of the underspend
as a financial contribution to the independent
Harlech Swimming Pool as a one-off bridging
payment for the period to 31 March 2017, in accordance with the Cabinet decision on 4 October
2016. -
use (£135k) to finance
the financial obligations
of the change in the Care
Act 2014 by the Adults, Health and Well-being Department. -
the remainder of (£635k)
to be set aside in the Transformation Fund. Minutes: The item was presented by Cllr Peredur
Jenkins. RESOLVED To accept the report on the second quarter
review of the Revenue Budget (position as at 30 September 2016) and consider the latest financial situation regarding to the budgets of each department/service, and ask the Cabinet Members and the relevant heads of department to take the appropriate steps regarding matters under their leadership/management. · To transfer (£135k) from a corporate budget to the Adults, Health and Well-being Department to finance the additional costs resulting from the change in charging
for the first six weeks of residential
and nursing care. · To allow the Regulatory Department to use (£200k) of their underspend to finance specific plans to improve the condition of car parks. · To transfer (£300k) from the Regulatory Department to the Corporate Redundancy Fund to assist with the changes facing us as
a Council. · To harvest (£300k) from the favourable Council Tax collections, and (£290k) from the Benefits underspend, together with (£200k) of the underspend included within 'Other', and transfer
as follows: -
use (£20k) of the underspend
as a financial contribution to the independent
Harlech Swimming Pool as a one-off bridging
payment for the period to 31 March 2017, in accordance with the Cabinet decision on 4 October
2016. -
use (£135k) to finance
the financial obligations
of the change in the Care
Act 2014 by the Adults, Health and Well-being Department. -
the remainder of (£635k)
to be set aside in the Transformation Fund. DISCUSSION The Cabinet Member noted that the report included the latest review of
the Council's revenue budget for 2016/2017 and a summary for each Department
was submitted. Compared with quarter 1, it was reported that the situation had
improved and that this derived from good collaboration between Cabinet Members
and Heads of Service who have ensured good control. Comments arising from the discussion: ·
That the increase in car
park income reflected increased use of car parks in a prosperous year in
tourism terms. ·
That the financial position
was very good given the challenges facing the Council. It appeared that the
financial responsibility had cascaded through the Council's departments and
that this was now a good foundation for sound planning. ·
This was effective control
of expenditure by moving and transferring funds. This allowed investment in
different methods of providing services. ·
Welcome transfers to
corporate funds towards the Council's priorities in order to plan appropriately
for the future. The services were thanked for
their financial discipline. Awdur: Dafydd Edwards |
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CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2016/17 - SECOND QUARTER REVIEW (SEPTEMBER 2016) PDF 151 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng/Cllr. Peredur Jenkins Additional documents: Decision: To accept the report on the second quarter review (30 September 2016 position) of the capital programme, and approve the revised financing as shown in part 4 of the report, that is: · an increase of £1.367m in the use of other borrowing (including unsupported borrowing) · a decrease of £1.174m in the use of grants and contributions · an increase of £0.035m in the use of revenue contributions · an increase of £0.938m in the use of renewal and other reserves Minutes: The item was presented by Councillor Peredur
Jenkins. RESOLVED To accept the report on the second quarter review
(30 September 2016 position) of the capital programme, and to approve the
revised financing as shown in part 4 of the report, namely: • an increase of £1.367m in the use of
other borrowing (including unsupported borrowing) • a decrease of £1.174m in the use of
grants and contributions • an increase of £0.035m in the use of
revenue contributions • an increase of £0.938m in the use of
renewal and other reserves DISCUSSION Councillor Peredur Jenkins noted that the report
was a technical one and was a part of the 2016 budget monitoring procedure. He
highlighted the main findings which arose from the situation together with the
main changes according to source of funding. Comments arising: - that a significant investment had been made in educational buildings
across the county and that these included excellent resources which have a
significant impact on children's education. - that capital funding made a difference in all parts of the County. -
that the future of grants
was uncertain as a result of the decision to leave the European Union - we must
prepare and plan for this gap. The officers were thanked for the information. Awdur: Dafydd Edwards |
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COUNCIL TAX PREMIUM ON LONG TERM EMPTY PROPERTIES AND SECOND HOMES PDF 565 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng/Cllr. Dyfed Edwards Additional documents:
Decision: DECISION To recommend
to the Full Council: For the 2017/18 Financial Year: 1. That Gwynedd Council allows NO discount
under Section 12 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992
to the two classes of second homes (classes
A and B), as defined in the Council Tax (Prescribed Class of Dwellings) (Wales) Regulations 1998. 2. That Gwynedd
Council allows NO discount in 2017/18 in respect
of empty homes (class C). For the 2018/19 Financial Year: 3. That Gwynedd
Council allows NO discount on class A second
homes for 2018/19, in accordance with
Section 12 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. 4. That Gwynedd
Council allows NO discount and RAISES A PREMIUM OF 50% on class B second homes for 2018/19, in accordance with
Section 12B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. 5. That Gwynedd Council allows NO discount and RAISES A PREMIUM OF
50% on homes that have been
empty for 12 months or more for 2018/19, in accordance with Section 12A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. Minutes: The report was submitted by Councillor Dyfed
Edwards. RESOLVED To recommend to the Full Council: For the 2017/18 Financial Year: 1. That Gwynedd Council allows NO discount for 2017/18 in accordance with
Section 12 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to the two classes of
second homes (classes A and B), as defined in the Council Tax (Prescribed Class
of Dwellings) (Wales) Regulations 1998. 2. That Gwynedd Council allows NO discount in
2017/18 in respect of empty homes (class C). For the 2018/19 Financial Year: 3. That Gwynedd Council allows NO discount on
class A second homes for 2018/19, in accordance with Section 12 of the Local
Government Finance Act 1992. 4. That Gwynedd Council
allows NO discount and RAISES A PREMIUM OF 50% on class B second homes for
2018/19, in accordance with Section 12B of the Local Government Finance Act
1992. 5. That Gwynedd Council
allows NO discount and RAISES A PREMIUM OF 50% on homes that have been empty
for 12 months or more for 2018/19, in accordance with Section 12A of the Local
Government Finance Act 1992. DISCUSSION The Council Leader noted that the report was a
result of wide-ranging discussions in a field in which Gwynedd Council had
lobbied hard over the years to increase the additional taxation levels on
second homes and empty properties. One outcome of the increase would be to
invest a sum of money for a fund to support those who have difficulties
accessing housing - this was a basic right. It was noted that the Council had
consulted with the public and that additional work had been carried out by the
Scrutiny Investigation Group (Corporate Scrutiny Committee) to look into the
recommendations in detail. Comments arising from the discussion: ·
We must be clear about the
impact of implementing any policy. ·
When considering empty
houses, we must take sensible action. That there was a twofold element here -
creating a detrimental impact on the environment visually and devaluing
neighbouring houses together with the impact on the condition of the housing
stock. ·
If
action were to be taken, an adequate fund must be created to make a difference
to housing schemes. ·
To comply, the Finance
Department would require funding to carry out inspection work; therefore, the
matter must be looked at in detail. ·
The
change could have a positive impact on those who cannot access housing. The Head of Finance Department submitted the recommendations of the scrutiny investigation group; the Cabinet accepted the recommendations and the scrutiny members were thanked
for the detailed consideration given to the matter Awdur: Dafydd Edwards |
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PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCIES PDF 232 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng/Cllr. Dyfed Edwards Additional documents: Decision: a) To accept the Commission's proposals in respect
of the proposed Isle of
Anglesey and Arfon parliamentary
constituency; b) To disagree with the proposals set out by the Commission for South Clwyd and Gwynedd constituency and to present alternative proposals that would keep the County's boundaries intact but by
also including similar areas in
relation to culture and language to obtain the necessary electorate within the constituency as noted in the report; c) To press upon the Commission to adopt Welsh names for constituencies
in Wales ch) To present suggestions for appropriate names for the Gwynedd constituencies, such as Gwynedd Uwch Conwy, which is an old historical name Minutes: The report was submitted by the Chief Executive. RESOLVED a)
To
accept the Commission's proposals in respect of the Isle of Anglesey and Arfon parliamentary constituency; b)
To
disagree with the proposals set out by the Commission for South Clwyd and
Gwynedd constituency and to present alternative proposals that would keep the
County's boundaries intact but by also including similar areas in relation to
culture and language to obtain the necessary electorate within the constituency
as noted in the report; c)
To press upon the Commission to adopt Welsh
names for constituencies in Wales; ch) To
present suggestions for appropriate names for the Gwynedd constituencies, such
as Gwynedd Uwch Conwy, which is an old historical
name. DISCUSSION The
Chief Executive noted that the matter had been under discussion for some years and
that the Boundary Commission for Wales had now announced its proposals for
changing parliamentary constituencies in Wales and reconciling the number of
people that each constituency would represent. It was noted that the report
included other arguments and possible options that the Commission could
consider. The observations would be submitted to the Commission by 5 December. Comments arising from the discussion: ·
That
there was a lack of understanding by the Commission of 'Traditional
Communities' that were very important to Gwynedd ·
Concerns
were raised about how Gwynedd Council would be able to work effectively · Concerns about the collaboration element with
Members of Parliament who may be representing three counties ·
Identity must be
safeguarded in vast parts of Gwynedd ·
Important
to use native Welsh names as new names ·
That
the response was acceptable and that the proposals made sense ·
These
were Mathematicians not logical Historians. ·
Propose the name Gwynedd Uwch
Conwy in the decision Awdur: Dilwyn Williams |
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CONSULTATION ON THE FUTURE OF THE FIRE SERVICE PDF 345 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng/Cllr. Dyfrig Siencyn & Peredur Jenkins Additional documents:
Decision: To propose
the observations noted in part 4 of the report in response
to the Fire Service consultation suggesting also to other councils that it would
perhaps be beneficial to have a joint scrutiny committee to scrutinise the fire
service in order to be able to come to an opinion about the relative priority
that should be given to an application for additional resources. Minutes:
DISCUSSION It was noted that the report responded to the
consultation by the Fire Service in light of the financial squeeze and the
likely threat to the service. Cllr. Aeron Maldwyn Jones noted that he had been
a member of the Authority for a year. He said that the front-line work was
excellent but that the management system and the administrative arrangements
needed to be looked at. He added that salaries appeared high given the
responsibilities compared with management salaries in the Council. Comments arising from
the discussion: ·
It
did not appear that a thorough process of identifying efficiency savings had
taken place before moving on to cuts. ·
A
suggestion was made to accept the average increase of the settlement until
evidence would be provided that further efficiency savings were not possible. ·
Who
scrutinised the Service's financial strategy? ·
The
Council, which had an interest as one of the subscribers, must seek to
collaborate. ·
It
must be ensured that there would be no risks for the residents of Gwynedd. ·
The Service had robust
working conditions, but there were opportunities to look at the situation. ·
A
suggestion was made to form a Joint Scrutiny Committee (across north Wales)
which would have independent expertise to co-ordinate and advise. This would
ensure an understanding of the budgets together with broader, less traditional elements. ·
There was a need to look at
the national position and the possibilities of working with other emergency
services. ·
A
fuller picture must be obtained of the considerations given to the cuts by the
Service. It was proposed and seconded to add the suggestion
to form a Joint Scrutiny Committee across north Wales and that this should be
added to Gwynedd Council's response to the consultation. Awdur: Arwel Ellis Jones & Dafydd L Edwards |
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PERFORMANCE REPORT: CABINET MEMBER FOR ADULTS, HEALTH AND WELLBEING PDF 171 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng/Cllr. W Gareth Roberts Additional documents: Decision: To accept and note the information in the
report. Minutes: The
item was submitted by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn in the absence of Cllr. W Gareth
Roberts. The main points were highlighted by Morwena Edwards (Corporate
Director). RESOLVED To accept and note the information in the report. DISCUSSION When
referring to Strategic Plan G2 - Integrated Working Project, focusing on
what counts for individuals, it was highlighted that the work in Eifionydd was going from strength to strength with the
number of traditional packages reducing. It was noted that there had been some
delay with consultation processes with Health Board staff, but it was hoped
that a robust structure would be in place by April 2017. Strategic
Plan G3 - Restructuring the Adults, Health and Well-being Department -
it was noted that the report on the structure of the Adults Safeguarding Team
would be submitted to the Cabinet. Strategic
Plan G5 - Frondeg - it was confirmed that Grŵp Cynefin was eager to be
a development partner. Strategic Plan G7 Capacity and sustainability of the care and health arrangements - New
Care Model - it was noted that the work of developing Llys
Cadfan Residential Home continued with the key task
of drafting a statement of purpose underway. Having completed this, it would be
possible to request that the Care Inspectorate changed the registration of the
home. It was noted that this new model was being addressed nationally. Performance
of measure SCA/001 - the rate of delayed transfers of care for social
care reasons per 1,000 population aged 75 or over - significant concern was
noted if the trend were to continue. It was reported that work was being done
to get to grips with the problem and that a session facilitated by specialists
had been arranged for January to better understand the process of transferring
patients. Deprivation
of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Assessment - it was
reported that a number of staff had now qualified to carry out the assessments,
but we continued in a situation of battling against the numbers. Overspend of £303k - continued to collaborate with
the Finance Department to ensure that savings would be realised by transforming
services. Collaboration with the Health Board to understand the process of transferring patients was welcomed - this was considered an important
step forward and a good opportunity to better understand the situation. Awdur: Morwena Edwards |
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Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng/Cllr. Ioan Thomas Additional documents: Decision: To accept and note the information in the
report. Minutes: Scheme T9 Housing Supply
Strategy - Establishing Affordable
Housing for Gwynedd residents in rural areas - that we needed to establish
our own brand in order to ensure that Gwynedd Council would get recognition.
When discussing the provision for homeless people, it was noted that work was
being done to look at the current provision in Corris. In the context of measuring performance - Homelessness
Unit, concerns were highlighted that a high number of individuals needed to be
housed and that the number of people contacting the unit was increasing. It was
noted that work was underway to try to respond to this. The recent increased
pressure on Galw Gwynedd and Siopau
Gwynedd Units to respond to calls regarding the changes in the brown bin
arrangements was highlighted. When referring to the four objectives of the Gwynedd
Council Strategic Equality Plan, it was highlighted that creating the
circumstances for people from different backgrounds to represent the people of
Gwynedd by standing for election to be an elected member was challenging, but
that good work had been done recently with a video clip released on the
Council's website. In terms of the financial situation, it was noted that
94% of the savings had been realised and the remainder would be realised before
the end of the year. A request was made to look in more detail at
establishing a brand for Gwynedd Council in the context of Affordable Housing:
an opportunity to consider the public impact and ensure recognition for the
Council. In the context of Communities First, it was noted that
though it may not have been the best scheme, it was a robust foundation for
many things. There was a need to look at the effects of this and try to sustain
the projects which would be affected significantly. There was a suggestion for
the Council to try to influence the Minister. What was the Government's plan to
respond to poverty? Concern that there was no long-term vision. The Cabinet Member was thanked for the information and for the work and progress with the projects within a very wide-ranging portfolio. The Cabinet Member thanked ... view the full minutes text for item 12. Awdur: Morwena Edwards |