Agenda, decisions and minutes
Venue: Virtual Meeting
Contact: Annes Siôn 01286 679490
Media
No. | Item |
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APOLOGIES Additional documents: Minutes: The Cabinet Members and Officers were welcomed to the
meeting. No apologies were received. |
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DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST Additional documents: Minutes: A declaration of interest was received from Cllr Dyfrig
Siencyn for item 12 as a close family member owned a second home or vacant
property. |
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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 26 JANUARY 2021 PDF 185 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair accepted the minutes of the meeting held on 26
January 2021 as a true record. |
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BUS EMERGENCY SCHEME PDF 172 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Gareth Griffith Additional documents: Decision: It was
agreed that the Council would join the BES2 Scheme in accordance with the
report. Delegated
powers were granted to the Head of Environment Department in consultation with
the Head of Finance Department and Head of Legal to agree and complete the
Voluntary Regional Partnership Agreement for the implementation of the scheme
in North Wales. Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Gareth Griffith
DECISION It was agreed that
the Council would join the BES2 Scheme in accordance with
the report. Delegated powers
were granted to the Head of Environment Department in consultation
with the Head of Finance Department and Head of Legal Services to agree and complete
the Voluntary Regional Partnership Agreement for the implementation of the scheme in North Wales. DISCUSSION The report was submitted noting the decision namely that the Council would join the Welsh Government's BES2 Scheme in accordance with
the report. The Head of Environment Department added that two
schemes had been implemented previously to support public transport by ensuring sufficient financial support throughout the emergency period. It was highlighted that the scheme was a partnership between Local Authorities,
Welsh Government, Transport Wales and
operators. It was noted that the scheme ensured sufficient financial support for operators and
the objectives seen in the report were
highlighted. It was emphasised
that it was a temporary scheme that would
come to an end in July
2022 and that it gave more control for Welsh Government and Transport Wales in terms of prioritising services and influencing
ticket prices. It was highlighted that the scheme was far-reaching. It was noted that it was a period of great change with
re-designing across the country and the importance of being part of this scheme
was highlighted in order to influence to ensure specific services in rural
services across the county, which would
be considered as more of a challenge
in Gwynedd. Observations arising from the discussion ¾ It was enquired whether or not committing to the temporary scheme would further
commit the Council to the scheme. It was noted that there was a number of work streams and that
joining would ensure that streams
moved forward, highlighting that there was a correlation and that one
could only influence by joining. ¾
It was stated that the recommendation noted to join in order
to influence, it was enquired
what were the implications of not joining. It
was stated that it was not entirely clear at present, but it was noted that companies
would see the most impact but the need to be able to influence was emphasised. ¾
It was noted that Welsh Government would have a role for
the main streams but the need for a local
role was highlighted in order to look
out for Gwynedd residents. It was also elaborated that there was much expertise locally. It was noted that it was encouraging that Welsh Government was interested in the work undertaken
by us on social value when
prioritising transport. The
need for more control and local
expertise was explained. ¾ Some concerns were highlighted with regards to giving more powers to Transport Wales in the field of buses and that this could hinder local democracy once again if we were not careful ... view the full minutes text for item 6. Awdur: Dafydd Wyn Williams |
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Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Gareth Griffith Additional documents:
Decision: The
amendments to the Parking Strategy were adopted by changing the parking
management arrangements and implementing the parking fees structure in Gwynedd
to be implemented from 1 April 2021. It was agreed on an additional late
adjustment to the report, reconciling the enforcement hours of Band 1 Car Parks
to be operational between 10am and 4:30pm, and to keep the income level under
review during 2021/22, with a view to assist the Environment Department should
the real income from parking fees be lower than the target in the budget due to
this late adjustment. The Head of Environment was authorised to take the
necessary statutory steps to implement the revised fee structure from 1 April
2021. Minutes: The report was
submitted by Cllr Gareth Griffith. DECISION ·
The amendments to the Parking Strategy were
adopted by changing the parking management arrangements and implementing the
parking fees structure in Gwynedd to be implemented from 1 April 2021. It was
agreed on an additional late adjustment to the report, reconciling the
enforcement hours of Band 1 Car Parks to be operational between 10am and
4:30pm, and to keep the income level under review during 2021/22, with a view
to assist the Environment Department should the real income from parking fees
be lower than the target in the budget due to this late adjustment. ·
The Head of Environment Department was
authorised to take the necessary statutory steps to implement the revised fee
structure from 1 April 2021. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted, noting that it was an item that had been discussed for a while but
it had been held back as a result of the pandemic. It was stated that Council
policies had not changed for many years and that the Education and Economy
Scrutiny Committee had resolved to create a task-force to examine the county's
arrangements. It was highlighted that this report was the result of the
task-force's work. The Head of
Environment Department added that the current strategy had been adopted back in
2015. It was explained that a number of things had changed since then such as
an increase in electric vehicles, less use of cash along with an increase in
the number of outdoor events. Attention was also drawn to the increase seen
during lastsummer in the number of motor homes. It was emphasised that these
had highlighted more challenges in terms of parking. It was noted that
the Cabinet and the Full Council had agreed to increase income in the field as
part of the savings scheme. With an increase in inflation along with the
savings target, it was highlighted that an income increase of approximately
£400k would be required. It was explained that the brief of the task-forcewas
to address the increased income but to keep the impact on local residents to a
minimum. It should be emphasised that the work undertaken by the Task-force had
been very thorough. It was noted that
the task-force had highlighted that the car park banding system was too complex
and that it had been simplified from 5 bands to 3. It was noted that the task-force could have
increased the price by 10% across the whole location but the task-force had
decided to look at the field differently and the main changes were
outlined. The need to ensure that the
short-stay parking fee in the main centres remained the same was noted, but that
enforcement hours would be adapted in Bangor to 9am until 5pm. It was stated
that the long-stay price would be increased specifically in band 2 car park
fees and that there would be an increase in season tickets to correspond with
inflation. Parking options during the Christmas period were highlighted along with the ... view the full minutes text for item 7. Awdur: Dafydd Wyn Williams |
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BUY TO LET SCHEME TO LET PROPERTIES FOR GWYNEDD RESIDENTS PDF 501 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Craig ab Iago Additional documents: Decision: The
business case to invest £15.4m to purchase approximately 100 houses to let to
Gwynedd residents on an affordable rent was approved with every purchase to
demonstrate its own financial viability on a case-by-case basis. It was
agreed that the Head of Housing and Property in consultation with the Head of
Legal Services and the Head of Finance Department review the statutory
arrangements for implementing the Scheme following the publication of revised
Government Housing Revenue Account Guidance and report further to Cabinet if
additional decisions are needed. Minutes: The report was
submitted by Cllr Craig ab Iago. DECISION The business case to invest £15.4m to purchase approximately
100 houses to let to Gwynedd residents at an affordable rent was approved with
every purchase to demonstrate its own financial viability on a case-by-case
basis. It was agreed that the Head of Housing and Property
Department in consultation with the Head of Legal Services and the Head of
Finance Department will review the statutory arrangements for implementing the
Scheme following the publication of revised Government Housing Revenue Account
Guidance and report further to Cabinet if additional decisions are needed. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted, noting that Gwynedd was currently in the middle of a housing crisis.
It was stated that the Council had been attempting to raise awareness about the
problem and had asked both Governments to take action. It was noted that the
department was endeavouring to find answers within its ability and to take
action. It was highlighted that this scheme was part of the Housing Action Plan
and that it was an example of what the department sought to do to assist
residents. It was noted that it was a pleasure to submit the scheme as it was a
positive and innovative scheme and found ways of housing residents. The Head of Housing
and Property Department added that the scheme was part of the Housing Action
Plan. The purpose of the scheme was
highlighted, namely to purchase one hundred houses to renovate and let out to
residents. It was noted that the investment in the Housing Action Plan was
approximately £77m and the combination of funding sources was noted. It was
stated that the Cabinet had highlighted its ambition for the scheme by noting
its desire for a loan scheme for this scheme in accordance with a robust
business plan. It was noted that the report noted the costs and its funding
method and showed that it was a viable scheme. It was explained that risks were
being highlighted but that a business case for each individual purchase would
reduce the risks, and that the individual purchases would not be made if risks
were too high. Observations
arising from the discussion ¾ Gratitude
was expressed for the report and pride was highlighted in turning back the
clock to see the Council investing once again in housing for Gwynedd residents.
It was asked whether or not there was a difference between housing on the open
market and former social housing. It was stated that it was difficult to purchase
former social housing and, therefore, there was a need to be operational in
getting social housing back within the Council. ¾
The scheme was welcomed and it was enquired
whether or not it would be possible to tailor the scheme for specific families.
It was noted that there was a need for rented housing within the county and
that a range of housing was required for people who needed support but it would
obviously have to be prioritised. Awdur: Dafydd Gibbard |
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GWYNEDD COUNCIL PLAN 2018-23 - REVIEW FOR 2021/22 PDF 362 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Dyfrig Siencyn Additional documents:
Decision: The Gwynedd
Council Plan for 2018-23, Review 2021/22 was approved subject to amendments to
the wording of Priority 4 and Priority 7, and to recommend that the Full
Council adopted the Plan at its Full Council meeting on 4 March 2021. Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn DECISION The Gwynedd Council Plan for 2018-23, 2021/22 Review was approved subject to amendments to the wording of Priority 4 and Priority 7, and to recommend that the Full Council adopts
the Plan at its Full Council meeting on 4 March 2021. DISCUSSION The report was submitted
noting that the scheme was being submitted noting the work of the Council over the past year. It was noted that sessions
had been held with all members who had showed their support to the improvement priorities. It was stated that the sessions with all members had highlighted that the appearance of communities was essentially important for residents this
year. It was emphasised that positive elements
had arisen as a result of
Covid-19, namely the desire
of residents to help each other and to volunteer.
Members had noted the need to keep the momentum of helping and volunteering for the future. Observations arising
from the discussion ¾
It was emphasised that looking after
your local area was very important
and that the Clean and Tidy
Communities scheme was one of the priorities of the Highways and Municipal Department. It was hoped that the scheme would meet the needs of members and work with
the communities. ¾
In terms
of priority 4.5, Businesses
Receiving Support to Prosper,
it was highlighted that there were awful
problems, not only as a result of Covid-19, but due to the way the Government dealt with Brexit
as well. ¾ It was noted that sessions with members had been encouraging, with issues raised being included within schemes such as the Area Regeneration Plan. ¾ Attention was drawn to the amendments to note in priority 4.4, The transfer of holiday units from Council Tax to Business Rates, in order to add a wording regarding the planning work that was ongoing in the field. Priority 7.4 - Realising Savings, was also to be amended in order to highlight that the savings programme had reviewed the need to achieve the amended order. Awdur: Dewi Wyn Jones |
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THE COUNCIL'S CAPITAL STRATEGY PDF 192 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Ioan Thomas Additional documents: Decision: It was
agreed to: ·
finance
the funding gap for Canolfan Dolfeurig (£600,000) ·
finance
the funding gap for the former Llanrug school house site (£150,000) and recoup
the majority of the initial investment by selling the house and part of the
land for affordable housing to local people and to make improvements to the
primary school ·
that
a further £2m is provided to commence work on constructing industrial units in
the county ·
wait
to see what the outcome of the discussions held with Welsh Government regarding
Barmouth Promenade will be, before considering any further allocations in the
Asset Plan. Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Ioan Thomas DECISION It was agreed to: ·
finance the funding gap for Canolfan Dolfeurig (£600,000) ·
finance the funding gap for the former Llanrug school house site (£150,000) and recoup the majority of the initial investment by selling the house and part
of the land for affordable housing to local people and
to make improvements to the
primary school ·
that a further £2m is provided to commence work on
constructing industrial units in the county ·
wait to see what the outcome
of the discussions held with Welsh Government regarding Barmouth Promenade will be, before considering any further allocations in the Asset Plan. DISCUSSION The report was submitted noting that the Full Council had adopted an Asset Plan for a ten year
period back in March 2019. It was highlighted
that the plan anticipated
the resources the Council would have for
the 10 years and prioritised all of the plans proposed by the Departments. It
was emphasised that the
Plan was live and flexible and that
the resources situation had
changed somewhat since the plan had been approved. It was stated that there
had been an awareness at the time of preparing the Plan that it would be possible that additional schemes could come
forward and it was agreed to reserve £0.5m per year in order to address
the requirements for small schemes mainly.
It was reiterated that substantial schemes needed consideration for 2021/22. Attention was drawn
to Canolfan Dolfeurig in
Dolgellau explaining that when the scheme was initially considered, a request had been made for £1.2m, but after undertaking
further work, costs were nearer
to £1.8m. The demand for industrial
units across the county in recent
years was highlighted, and although the North Wales Growth Deal ensured
strategic sites, the need for smaller
units to meet local demand was noted. On the basis
that units would cost approximately £200,000 each (excluding land costs), it was asked for the Cabinet's support to add funding in order
to ensure it. It was originally stated that the Council had anticipated that £1.6m would need to be spent on the restoration
of the promenade in
Barmouth as a result of damage.
Also, as a result of undertaking much more detailed work, it was highlighted that the cost of restoring would likely be between £16m and £22.5m, which meant that the Council would need
to find £3.75m as a contribution
in order to deliver the work. At its meeting in October 2017, the Cabinet agreed to purchase a piece of land near Ysgol Gynradd Llanrug, in case it would be required for educational purposes in the future. By now, it was noted that only an element of the land would be required and that it would be possible to re-claim an element of the cost by selling pieces of the land for affordable housing but it was highlighted that a likely gap would need ... view the full minutes text for item 10. Awdur: Dilwyn Williams |
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Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng. / Cllr Ioan Thomas Additional documents:
Decision: It
was agreed to recommend the following to the Full Council on 4 March: 1. Establish a budget of £271,751,360
for 2021/22 to be funded through a 2. Establish a capital programme of
£47,085,960 in 2021/22, to be funded from the sources noted in Appendix 4 of
the report. It
was noted that the figures in recommendation 1 above would change in line with
the figures in Appendix 5 of the report should the Full Council increase the
Council Tax Premium from 50% to 100%. Minutes: The report was
submitted by Cllr Ioan Thomas DECISION It was agreed to recommend the
following to the Full Council on 4 March: 1.
Establish
a budget of £271,751,360 for 2021/22 to be funded through a 2.
Establish
a capital programme of £47,085,960 in 2021/22, to be funded from the sources
noted in Appendix 4 of the report. It was noted that the figures in
recommendation 1 above would change in line with the figures in Appendix 6 of
the report should the Full Council increase the Council Tax Premium from 50% to
100%. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted noting that the Council this year had received a grant increase,
which met inflation and was a fairer settlement than those in the years before
2020/21. Nevertheless, as unavoidable increases in the cost of some core
services needed to be funded, it was noted that the Tax would have to be
increased by 3.7%. It was emphasised that increasing the tax was necessary in
order to protect essential services for the people of Gwynedd, as it would be
impractical to implement additional savings schemes this year. Attention was drawn
to the fact that most Council members had attended a series of consultation
workshops, and a positive discussion had been held at the Audit and Governance
Committee. By 2021/22, it was noted that expenditure would need to increase by
£10.6m in order to stand still, including £3.6m to meet pressures on the
services’ budgets. In order to address the financial gap, it was explained that
£725k could be harvested in 2021/22 from the savings schemes already planned,
but Council Tax would have to be increased by 3.7%. It was added that
the Welsh Government’s official figures showed that the Council would receive a
grant increase of £6.4m by next year, which was an increase of 3.4%. It was
explained that Welsh Government would announce the final grant settlement on 2
March, along with the Welsh Government's final budget. The Cabinet was guided
through the revenue expenditure highlighting that the estimated salary
inflation was £3.5m. Despite the UK Government Chancellor’s desire for a pay
freeze, it was noted that there would be a pay increase of £250 pro rata to
staff on salaries of £24,000 or less, together with prudent provision for all
Council staff. It was also highlighted that there would be a 3.1% salary
increase for Gwynedd’s school teachers for the period April – August 2021. It was noted that other inflation was £2.6m, which included provision for the effect of the ‘living wage’, along with an increase in inflation on fuel and energy budgets and an increase in re-tendering prices. It was emphasised that there were pressures on services and it was recommended to approve applications worth £3.59m that had been submitted by the departments for additional permanent resources. It was noted that total Government support in light of the Covid-19 crisis was expected to ... view the full minutes text for item 11. Awdur: Dafydd Edwards |
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COUNCIL TAX PREMIUM ON SECOND HOMES AND LONG TERM EMPTY PROPERTIES PDF 497 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Ioan Thomas Additional documents:
Decision: It was
resolved to recommend to the Full Council in March that Gwynedd Council: ·
Allowed
no discount on class A second homes, in accordance with Section 12 of the Local
Government Finance Act 1992 ·
Allowed
no discount and raised a premium of 100% on class B second homes, in accordance
with Section 12B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 ·
Allowed
no discount on homes that have been empty for 6 months or more and raised a
premium of 100% on homes that have been empty for 12 months or more, in
accordance with Section 12A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. Minutes: The report was
submitted by Cllr Ioan Thomas DECISION It was resolved to recommend to the Full Council in March
that Gwynedd Council: ·
Allows no discount on class A second homes, in
accordance with Section 12 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 ·
Allows no discount and raises a premium of 100%
on class B second homes, in accordance with Section 12B of the Local Government
Finance Act 1992 ·
Allows no discount on homes that have been empty
for 6 months or more and raises a premium of 100% on homes that have been empty
for 12 months or more, in accordance with Section 12A of the Local Government
Finance Act 1992. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted noting that the Full Council in December had resolved to defer a
decision on the Council Tax Premium on second homes and long-term empty
properties. It was noted that the Council had requested the Cabinet to hold a
consultation on the propriety of increasing the level up to 100% in accordance
with Section 12, 12B and 12A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. According to the
1992 Act, it was noted that any decision on the Premium must be made by the
Full Council before the commencement of the relevant financial year and, therefore,
it was not possible to delay the decision. The context was highlighted noting
the regulations of the Council Tax where 'second homes' had been categorised
into two classes (A & B) and that class C referred to empty properties. The
numbers within Gwynedd were reported - 811 within class A, 4,718 within Class
B, and 1,130 in class C in November 2020. When giving
councils powers to raise a Premium of up to 100%, it was noted that the
Government had published statutory guidance to administrate the Premium. It was
added that the guidance outlined what needed to be considered by the Council
when proposing to introduce the Premium.
It was noted that when the Premium was introduced back in 2016,
attention had been given to two studies, a detailed analysis undertaken in 2013
along with the 2013-16 Housing Strategy. It was noted that the Council had now
adopted a new Housing Strategy and two key reports, namely Holiday Homes
Research Work and the Housing Action Plan. The consultation
responses were outlined, noting that the consultation had been advertised on
social media and letters had been sent to every second home and long-term empty
property owner informing them of the consultation. 6,227 responses had been
received to the questionnaire and approximately 100 separate letters and
messages. From the responses, 41% stated that they did not own a second home,
53% noted that they owned a second home. It was noted that
almost 4 in 5 respondents who owned a second home thought Awdur: Dewi Morgan |