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Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Virtual Meeting

Contact: Annes Siôn  01286 679490

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Members and Officers were welcomed to the meeting.

No apologies were received.

2.

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.

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 MEETING HELD ON 26 JANUARY 2021 pdf icon PDF 185 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair accepted the minutes of the meeting held on 26 January 2021 as a true record.

6.

BUS EMERGENCY SCHEME pdf icon 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

7.

PARKING REVIEW pdf icon PDF 401 KB

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

8.

BUY TO LET SCHEME TO LET PROPERTIES FOR GWYNEDD RESIDENTS pdf icon 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.

¾  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Awdur: Dafydd Gibbard

9.

GWYNEDD COUNCIL PLAN 2018-23 - REVIEW FOR 2021/22 pdf icon 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

10.

THE COUNCIL'S CAPITAL STRATEGY pdf icon 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

11.

2021-22 BUDGET pdf icon PDF 227 KB

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
Government Grant of £194,793,140 and £76,958,220 of Council Tax income with
an increase of 3.7%.

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
Government Grant of £194,793,140 and £76,958,220 of Council Tax income with
an increase of 3.7%.

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

12.

COUNCIL TAX PREMIUM ON SECOND HOMES AND LONG TERM EMPTY PROPERTIES pdf icon 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
that second homes had a positive impact on local communities, while 3 in 5 respondents who did not own a second home thought that they had a negative impact on local communities. A clear difference of opinion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Awdur: Dewi Morgan