Venue: Siambr Hywel Dda, Council Offices, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1SH
Contact: Annes Siôn 01286 679490
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APOLOGIES Additional documents: Minutes: The Cabinet Members
and Officers were welcomed to the meeting and staff who had been working in all
weathers during recent storms were thanked. No apologies were
received. |
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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 MEETINGS HELD ON THE 21 AND 28 JANUARY PDF 102 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair signed the minutes of the meetings held on 21 and
28 January 2020, as a true record. |
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Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng/Cllr Cemlyn Williams Additional documents:
Decision: It
was resolved to accept the observations received during the statutory
consultation period as well as agreeing to:
i.
Approve the proposal to close Ysgol Llanaelhaearn on 31 August 2020, and
provide a place for the pupils at Ysgol Bro Plenydd, Y Ffôr from 1 September
2020.
ii.
Approve the publication of statutory notices on the proposal in (i)
above in accordance with the requirements of Section 48 of the Schools
Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013.
iii.
Approve the transport arrangements for the transition period only, when
free transport will be available for those pupils enrolled at Ysgol
Llanaelhaearn currently, to Ysgol Bro Plenydd, Y Ffôr or Ysgol Chwilog
specifically, if they live over two miles from the chosen school, or that they
receive free transport because of the nature of the roads in accordance with
Gwynedd Council's current transport policy. Minutes: Submitted by Cllr Cemlyn Williams DECISION It was resolved to accept
the observations received during the statutory consultation period as well as
agreeing to:
i.
Approve the proposal
to close Ysgol Llanaelhaearn on 31 August 2020, and provide a place for the
pupils at Ysgol Bro Plenydd, Y Ffôr from 1 September 2020.
ii.
Approve the publication of statutory notices on the proposal in (i)
above in accordance with the requirements of Section 48 of the Schools
Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013.
iii.
Approve the transport
arrangements for the transition period only, when free transport will be
available for those pupils enrolled at Ysgol Llanaelhaearn currently, to Ysgol
Bro Plenydd, Y Ffôr or Ysgol Chwilog specifically, if they live over two miles
from the chosen school, or that they receive free transport because of the
nature of the roads in accordance with Gwynedd Council's current transport
policy. DISCUSSION The report was submitted and it was noted that the Cabinet
had approved a request in December to commence a statutory consultation period
on the proposal to close Ysgol Llanaelhaearn in accordance with the Schools
Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013. It was emphasised that the number
of pupils had reduced to eight in recent years and that projections were
highlighting the probability that numbers would reduce further over the next
five years and that this, inevitably, was a prominent factor. The Head of Education Department noted that seven responses
had been received during the consultation period, along with a response from
Estyn and that sessions had been arranged with pupils. The Area Officer noted
the observations raised by pupils which emphasised that they were saddened that
closing the school was an option and that they were eager to attend Ysgol
Chwilog rather than Ysgol Bro Plenydd as a result of existing connections with
the school. It was reiterated that Ysgol Chwilog and Ysgol Llanaelhaearn had
been working closely but that Ysgol Bro Plenydd had been selected as an
alternative school as it was geographically closer. It was added that it was
possible for Ysgol Bro Plenydd to cope with the additional number of pupils and
the school catchment area would be extended as a result. As the pupils were
eager to attend Ysgol Chwilog, it was also elaborated that the Department would
be willing to pay transport costs for the school's current pupils to attend the
school if that was the wish of their parents and whether it would be possible
to register them at the school. In that regard, it was underlined that this
would depend on place availability in Ysgol Chwilog, bearing in mind that
children from the catchment area would be given priority. Based on the
situation as it currently stood, and unless things would change substantially
in September, this should not be problematic. The local member expressed his disappointment and sadness at closing the school. He thanked and praised the staff for providing education to the remaining pupils and to the Governors for attempting to get ... view the full minutes text for item 6. Awdur: Gwern ap Rhisiart |
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Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng/Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn Additional documents:
Decision: It was
resolved to approve the Gwynedd Council Plan 2018/23 - 2020/21 Review to be
submitted to the Council on 5 March 2020, subject to the following: ¾
Adding
clauses to the Housing Department section to note the Council's actions and
priorities for the forthcoming year in relation to the provision problem which
is being created as a result of the number of holiday homes in the county. ¾
Revisions
to the order of the Education Department's information in the plan. Minutes: The report was presented by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn DECISION It was
resolved to approve the Gwynedd Council Plan 2018/23 - 2020/21 Review to be
submitted to the Council on 5 March 2020, subject to the following: ¾
Adding
clauses to the Housing Department section to note the Council's actions and
priorities for the forthcoming year in relation to the provision problem which
is being created as a result of the number of holiday homes in the county. ¾
Revisions
to the order of the Education Department's information in the Plan. DISCUSSION The report was submitted and it was noted that the Council
Plan had been originally adopted by the Full Council in 2018. It was added that
the Plan would be reviewed annually. It was stated that the Council was
attempting to make the Plan coherent for residents and outlined the main
projects of the Council for the forthcoming year. Attention was drawn to two new items that had been added to
the Plan - Work of the Climate Change Scheme and the Housing and Property
Service. It was stated that these fields addressed responsibilities in the
climate change field and showed the substantial prioritisation done by the
Council in the Housing Field. Observations arising from the
discussion ¾
The addition from the Housing and Property
department was welcomed and it was emphasised that the field was challenging as
a high number of houses in the county were holiday homes. It was reiterated
that a clause needed to be added to the section noting their priorities for the
coming year in terms of the problem being created in terms of supply in light
of the number of holiday homes in the county. ¾
Pride was expressed that climate change could be
seen in the Plan and challenges faced by Gwynedd Consultancy to protect
communities were highlighted. It was emphasised that the Highways Department
was also maximising recycling, reducing the amount of litter sent to landfill
and attempting to reduce the creation of waste through different schemes. It
was added that the Climate Change Group covered all departments and explored
ways to move forward. ¾
The information of the Education Department in
the report was discussed. It was noted that if you looked at it as a citizen
that the information did not mention much about the work of the schools
themselves, starting with the schools improvement service. In order to ensure
clarity, it was emphasised that the Education Department's plan needed to be
amended. ¾
Attention was drawn to Priority 8 - Businesses
Receiving Support to Prosper, and it was enquired whether this work was
undertaken on a daily basis. It was stated that supporting businesses was day
to day work but that it had been maximised as the future was uncertain as a
result of Brexit. ¾
It was emphasised that the report provided a
clear picture of the Council’s work and highlighted a clear direction. ¾ It was highlighted that the document was ultimately being created for residents ... view the full minutes text for item 7. Awdur: Dewi Jones |
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Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng/Cllr Ioan Thomas Additional documents:
Decision: Resolved
to: a)
Recommend to the Council (at its meeting on 5 March 2020) that: 1.
A budget of £261,837,750 should be set for 2020/21, to be funded by
£187,579,040 of Government Grant and £74,258,710 Council Tax income, with an
increase of 3.9%. 2.
A capital programme of £44,247,260 should be established in 2020/21, to
be funded from the sources noted in Appendix 4 of the report. b)
Approve moving forward with implementing the list of savings schemes in
Appendix 3, in order to establish the budget recommended to the full Council. Minutes: Submitted by
Cllr Ioan Thomas DECISION Resolved to: a)
Recommend to the Council (at its meeting on 5 March 2020) that: 1. A budget of £261,837,750 should
be set for 2020/21, to be funded by £187,579,040 of Government Grant and
£74,258,710 Council Tax income, with an increase of 3.9%. 2. A capital programme of
£44,247,260 should be established in 2020/21, to be funded from the sources
noted in Appendix 4 of the report. b)
Approve moving forward with implementing the list of savings schemes in
Appendix 3, in order to establish the budget recommended to the full Council. DISCUSSION The report was submitted and it was noted that the budget
would be submitted to the Full Council at the beginning of March. It was
explained that Gwynedd's draft settlement was one of the highest in Wales and
better than what had been anticipated. However, it was stated that the draft
settlement was insufficient to meet inflation and additional demand on
services. It was noted that the settlement in full would be announced by the
Government on 25 February. Revenue expenditure was discussed drawing attention to the
Discontinuation of Specific Grants and noting that the Government funded
schemes with grants and then noted that grants would not continue in the
following year and that the money would not be transferred to the settlement
either. As a result, it was noted that the Council needed to provide the funding.
Attention was drawn to the bids seen under the Pressures on Services heading
and the Chief Executive was thanked for his work to examine all bids. It was
stated that the budget noted that staff collective agreement adjustments would
be abolished completely this year. It was noted that the Pension Fund had
received better than expected returns in recent years and, as a result, the
Council would not need to add as much into the fund next year. It was explained that savings schemes had been discussed at
the Scrutiny Committees over the past few months and it was emphasised that a
number of them were contentious. Following these discussions, it was stated
that the number of savings schemes had reduced. Attention was drawn to the
budget setting table which highlighted the Council's spending needs and that
the financial deficit would be met by raising Council tax by 3.9%. As the
future was currently so unclear, it was added that there was no need to look
further this year and it was recommended for the report to be discussed at the
Full Council meeting. Should the settlement be lower than what had been published, the Head of Finance Department added that there were plans to use reserves in order to manage risk. It was stated that balances would not need to be used this year. It was emphasised that there was a lot of uncertainty regarding the future and a budget was needed by the Chancellor. It was stated that the department would return to the Cabinet in May or June to ... view the full minutes text for item 8. Awdur: Dafydd L Edwards |
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Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Dafydd Meurig Additional documents: Decision: Resolved to
contribute £200,000 from the Transformation Fund to finance two full-time
positions (in Pwllheli and Porthmadog) and two 7-hour a week posts (in Tywyn
and Caernarfon) to continue the provision of the Community Dementia Go Support
Service Scheme until March 2022. Minutes: Submitted by Cllr Dafydd Meurig DECISION Resolved to contribute £200,000 from the
Transformation Fund to finance two full-time positions (in Pwllheli and
Porthmadog) and two 7-hour a week posts (in Tywyn and Caernarfon) to continue
the provision of the Community Dementia Go Support Service Scheme until March
2022. DISCUSSION The report was submitted and it was noted that there was an
increase in demand for support for those living with dementia. It was stated
that this funding was for a temporary two-year period in order to fund the
Dementia Go scheme. It was emphasised that after two years, it was hoped that
this work would become the day-to-day work of the department. However, research
work was required in order to ensure this, and evidence needed to be gathered
to measure the impact of the Scheme. The Dementia Go Programme Manager added that the scheme held
activities across Gwynedd with approximately 110 people participating in them
on a weekly basis. It was highlighted that being active was obviously a central
part of the work to ensure balance and strength but that support was also a key
part. It was stated that activities were an opportunity for people to get
together at a comfortable location in their community. Observations arising from the discussion ¾ Pride was expressed in seeing the scheme working and to receive a report by the Research and Analytics Service to undertake a full evaluation. It was added that there was great benefit from the scheme and a clear impact on carers and individuals. ¾ It was emphasised that there was support for the scheme and that members were very hopeful that robust evidence would highlight its impact. Attention was drawn to the fields that would witness an impact in future which included the Health Field as well as the care services. It was enquired whether or not the Health Board was willing to contribute, it was noted that they were supportive of the scheme. It was added that it would be possible to emphasise the benefits to the Health Field by gathering evidence Awdur: Aled Davies |
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EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC The Chairman shall propose that the press and public
be excluded from the meeting during the discussion on the following item due to the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph Paragraph
14 and 16 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government act 1972 14.10.2 Exempt Information – Discretion to Exclude Public (a) The public may be excluded from meetings whenever
it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, or the
nature of the proceedings, that exempt information
would be disclosed. There is an acknowledged public interest in openness in
relation to the use of public resources and related financial
issues. It is also acknowledged that there are occasions,
in order to protect the financial interests that matters related to commercial information need to be discussed without being publicised.
The report deals specifically with the financial affairs of other bodies and related discussions. Publication of such commercially sensitive information could adversely affect the interests of the bodies and the Council. This would be contrary
to the wider public interest of securing the best overall outcome.
For those reasons the Monitoring Offier is satisfied that the matter should be exempt in the public interest. Additional documents: Minutes: Submitted by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn DECISION It was resolved to exclude the press and public from the
meeting during the discussion on the following item due to the likely disclosure
of exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 and 16, Schedule 12A of the
Local Government Act 1972. A request was made
for the item to be exempt under the following section: 14.10.2 Exempt
Information – Discretion to Exclude Public (a) The public may
be excluded from meetings whenever it is likely in view of the nature of the
business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings that confidential
information would be disclosed. There is an acknowledged public
interest in openness in relation to the use of public resources and related
financial issues. It is also
acknowledged that there are occasions, in order to protect the financial
interests of public authorities that matters related to commercial information
need to be discussed without being publicised.
The report was specifically regarding the financial matters of other
bodies and associated discussions. Publishing commercially sensitive
information of this type could be detrimental to the interests of the bodies
and the Council. This would be contrary to the wider public interest of
securing the best overall outcome. For these reasons, the Monitoring Officer
was satisfied that the matter was closed for the public interest. |
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POLISH HOUSING SOCIETY Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng/Cllr Dafydd Meurig Additional documents: Decision: Resolved
to: 1.
Support
the proposal to develop a detailed business plan which would suggest options
for maintaining the existing care services on the site and consider whether the
facilities on the site are viable in the short term and longer term. 2.
Subject
to receiving a viable business case, to offer financial support in order to
safeguard the care and nursing provision on the site, while developing a new
building / facilities subject to ensuring a fair contribution from the Health
Board. 3.
Approve
Clwyd Alyn's application to operate in Gwynedd as a social housing provider, so
that the Penrhos site or elements of the site can be transferred to Clwyd Alyn
Housing Association. 4.
Support
the principle of prudential borrowing, subject to the receipt of a
satisfactory, detailed business case. Minutes: The report was presented by Cllr Dafydd Meurig DECISION Resolved to: 1.
Support
the proposal to develop a detailed business plan which would suggest options
for maintaining the existing care services on the site and consider whether the
facilities on the site are viable in the short term and longer term. 2.
Subject
to receiving a viable business case, to offer financial support in order to
safeguard the care and nursing provision on the site, while developing a new
building / facilities subject to ensuring a fair contribution from the Health
Board. 3.
Approve Clwyd Alyn's application to operate in
Gwynedd as a Social Housing provider, so that the Penrhos site or elements of
the site can be transferred to Clwyd Alyn Housing Association. 4.
Support
the principle of prudential borrowing, subject to the receipt of a satisfactory,
detailed business case. DISCUSSION The report was discussed Awdur: Arwel Wyn Owen |