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Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Siambr Hywel Dda, Council Offices, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1SH

Contact: Annes Siôn  01286 679490

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

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.

 

2.

DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST

Additional documents:

Minutes:

No declarations of personal interest were received.

3.

URGENT ITEMS

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no urgent items.

4.

MATTERS ARISING FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no matters arising from overview and scrutiny.

5.

MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD ON THE 21 AND 28 JANUARY pdf icon 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.

6.

YSGOL LLANAELHAEARN pdf icon PDF 1 MB

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

7.

COUNCIL PLAN pdf icon PDF 100 KB

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

8.

2020/21 BUDGET pdf icon PDF 230 KB

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

9.

DEMENTIA GO pdf icon PDF 101 KB

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

10.

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 InformationDiscretion 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.

           

11.

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