Venue: Virtual Meeting
Contact: Annes Siôn 01286 679490
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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: 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 MEETING HELD ON 20 APRIL 2021 PDF 111 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair accepted
the minutes of the meeting held on 20 April
2021 as a true record. |
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NEW SCHOOL IN CRICIETH PDF 433 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Cemlyn Williams Additional documents:
Decision: To confirm
finally the proposal made through a statutory notice, to increase the capacity
of Ysgol Treferthyr to 150 and relocate the school to an alternative site
referred to as the A497 site on 1 September 2023, in accordance with Section 53
of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 and the requirements
of the Schools Organisation Code 11/2018.
Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Cemlyn Williams.
DECISION To confirm finally
the proposal made through a statutory notice, to increase the capacity of Ysgol Treferthyr to
150 and relocate the school to an alternative
site referred to as the
A497 site on 1 September 2023, in accordance with Section 53 of the School Standards and Organisation
(Wales) Act 2013 and the requirements
of the Schools Organisation
Code 11/2018. DISCUSSION The report was submitted, noting that it was a pleasure to present it. It was noted that it was a report back to the Cabinet following the objection period for increasing
the capacity of Ysgol Treferthyr
and to relocate to an alternative site. It was stressed that this scheme
was a substantial investment
in the area and that it was a part of the Education Modernisation programme. Attention was drawn to the Plaid Cymru Manifesto for the 2017 Local Government election which highlighted the need to improve education resources within the county. It was noted that this scheme
complied with the vision within the manifesto. The Head of Education Department added that this scheme
was an exciting one and the need
for investment in the area was highlighted. The Education Officer noted that this
item had been discussed many times at the Cabinet and that this decision
would be the final statutory step. It was noted that, back in
January, the Cabinet had decided
to start an objection period and that, during
the period, no objections had been received. It was emphasised that Welsh Government had agreed with the scheme's business case and confirmed
a contribution of £3.174m towards
the £5m Scheme. Observations arising from the discussion ¾ The report was welcomed and it was noted that the lack of objection highlighted the strength of the conversation held locally. It was asked whether there would
be a call-in period. It was
noted that there was a call-in period with specific
criteria but that the department did not anticipate any specific problems.
¾ It was
noted that increasing the numbers was a good decision as numbers tended to
increase following the construction of a new school. ¾ In
response to a question, it was noted that the new school would open in
September 2023, but that initial planning stages would start during the summer. Awdur: Gwern ap Rhisiart |
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APPRENTICESHIPS SCHEME AND "CYNLLUN YFORY" SCHEME FOR MANAGERS AND EXPERTS PDF 384 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Nia Jeffreys Additional documents: Decision: To commit £1.1m of one-off
funding from the Covid-19 grant receipt to fund the Apprenticeships scheme, as
well as the “Cynllun Yfory” Scheme for managers and experts. Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys DECISION To commit
£1.1m of one-off funding from the Covid-19 grant receipt to
fund the Apprenticeships scheme, as well as the “Cynllun Yfory” Scheme
for managers and experts. DISCUSSION The report was presented,
noting the decision to commit £1.1m to fund the Apprenticeships Scheme, as well
as the “Cynllun Yfory” Scheme for
managers and experts. It was highlighted that these schemes
not only developed the skills of individuals but also assisted
to develop the workforce for the future. It was noted two years ago that
the Council had earmarked an amount to fund
the Apprenticeships Scheme,
and with this money, it had been possible to appoint 35 apprentices and nine of these
had been appointed to posts within the Council. It was expressed that this scheme
had been a success and had realised more than what was planned two years ago. It was noted that the scheme had tried to encourage not only young people to take part in
the scheme but also older people.
It was noted that there was a shortage of bilingual apprenticeship provision in the county, and that
this aspect was at the forefront of the scheme. It was highlighted that the apprenticeships opportunities were in specific locations
in order to ensure the future of services. It was also noted that the funding would contribute also to the "Cynllun Yfory" scheme
for managers and experts. It was noted that it was a scheme for graduates
which provided jobs in key locations.
It was emphasised that this scheme had existed for some
years and had proven its worth,
and it was explained that it was in-keeping with the members' vision. Observations arising from the discussion ¾
It was noted that funding this scheme was essential in order to create
sustainable communities. ¾
The report was welcomed, and it was asked whether the apprenticeships
would lead to permanent posts within the Council. It was noted that nine had
received permanent posts and eight continued on the apprenticeships scheme. It
was noted that it was a popular scheme and that the number of candidates for
the electrician apprentice post and within the information technology field were
high. ¾
Both schemes were positive and there were fully supported. It was asked
whether there was support for the unsuccessful candidates. It was also asked if
there was a lot of interest, whether it would be possible create more
opportunities within the field. It was noted that there was a relationship with
providers and that they were confident that it would be possible to hold a
dialogue to guide individuals who were unsuccessful. ¾ Attention was drawn to the slogan - Tai, Gwaith, Iaith (Housing, Employment, Language) - and it was stressed that the housing action plan was in place for the housing aspect, and that there was a need ... view the full minutes text for item 7. Awdur: Geraint Owen |
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PUBLIC SPACES PROTECTION ORDER - DOG CONTROL PDF 151 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Catrin Wager Additional documents:
Decision: To approve the undertaking of the process of considering the
introduction of a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in relation to dog
control throughout the county, in accordance with the draft Proposed
Order. To authorise the Head of Highways and Municipal Department to undertake
a consultation process for a period of 28 days, starting on 24 May 2021, with
the matter to return to Cabinet for decision as to whether a dog control PSPO
should be introduced, as well as any associated delegations. Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Catrin Wager. DECISION To approve the undertaking of the process of
considering the introduction of a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in
relation to dog control throughout the county, in accordance with the draft
Proposed Order. To authorise the Head of Highways and Municipal
Department to undertake a consultation process for a period of 28 days,
starting on 24 May 2021, with the matter to return to Cabinet for decision as
to whether a dog control PSPO should be introduced, as well as any associated
delegations. DISCUSSION The report was
presented, noting that the paper was asking for permission to commence a public
consultation on dog control within the county. It was stressed that there were
very strong feelings about dogs and that the regulations needed to respect the
wide range of feelings about dogs. It was stressed that many individuals took
dog control very seriously but that dog fouling had become unacceptable. The
campaigns held by the Council to seek to reduce the occurrence of dog fouling
on streets were highlighted. It was stressed that
regulations had been in place for some time, and it was explained that this
would be a new order as a result of legislative changes; the nature of the
regulations would not change. It was reported that there were very few changes,
with the exception of some beaches, specifically amending boundaries in Tywyn, Abersoch, Y Friog and Cricieth. It was noted
that there would be some changes for the entire county, specifically keeping
dogs on leads and picking up dog mess.
It was noted that a fine could be imposed for not picking up dog mess
and for not paying fines on time there was a possibility of court proceedings. It was explained that
there was a general feeling, specifically after a year of many people walking
more in their local areas, that there was a great deal of dog mess seen on the
streets. The need for clean and tidy communities was stressed, and citizens
were asked to take the time to voice their opinions. Observations arising
from the discussion ¾
It was stressed that there was a lot of interest in this field among citizens
and the importance of commencing the consultation. The timeline was
highlighted, noting that the department would report back to the Cabinet in
July in order to move on to issue the Order. ¾
It was emphasised that this field was very important to local people and
that the past year had highlighted the problem but that this report
highlighted the Council's intention to do something about it. Awdur: Steffan Jones |
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HOSTING AUTHORITY FOR THE SPORT NORTH WALES PARTNERSHIP PDF 268 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Gareth Thomas Additional documents: Decision: To agree for Gwynedd Council to act as the host authority for the Sport
North Wales Partnership. To delegate the power to the Head of Economy and Community Department in
consultation with the Head of Legal Services and Head of Finance Department to
agree and complete a revised joint-working agreement. Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Gareth Thomas DECISION To agree for Gwynedd Council to act as the host
authority for the Sport North Wales Partnership. To delegate the power to the Head of Economy and
Community Department in consultation with the Head of Legal Services and Head
of Finance Department to agree and complete a revised joint-working agreement. DISCUSSION The report was presented and it was noted that, back in
December, the Cabinet had approved
being a part of the Partnership. It was noted that, when the decision had been made, it was intended for Conwy Council to act as host authority. By now, it was noted that Conwy Council had failed to meet the requirements in terms of the host authority element, and that there
was a request for Gwynedd Council to take that role instead.
It was stressed that the Council was host authority for the North Wales Economic Ambition Board and GwE, but that hosting
the Partnership would involve much less
work for Council officers. The decision sought was noted. Observations arising from the discussion ¾
As the Council was host for a range of schemes across north Wales, a
question was asked about the volume of work involved with hosting. The Head of
Finance Department noted that this scheme was on a much smaller scale, and that
it was not a joint-committee as it was an informal partnership. Although there
was work to do to allocate the grant, it was on a much smaller scale in terms
of annual accounts. ¾
It was noted that as the Council hosted so many schemes,
there was room to congratulate the Council for being successful
with this work. It was added that Gwynedd was leading on several schemes
and that we needed to take pride in that,
but the need to monitor this and ensure
that it did not affect the day-to-day work
of the Council was stressed. Awdur: Sioned Williams |
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CARE INSPECTORATE WALES ASSURANCE AUDIT LETTER PDF 134 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Dafydd Meurig and Cllr. Dilwyn Morgan Additional documents: Decision: To accept
the contents of the Assurance Audit Letter issued by Care Inspectorate Wales
(CIW) regarding their findings about Gwynedd Council social services following
the audit held on 18-22 January 2021. Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Dafydd Meurig and Cllr Dilwyn Morgan. DECISION To accept
the contents of the Assurance
Audit Letter issued by Care Inspectorate Wales
(CIW) regarding their findings about Gwynedd Council social services following the audit held on
18-22 January 2021. DISCUSSION The report was submitted, noting that it was presented for information to Cabinet members. It was noted that the audit had been held during
January and during the second wave of the pandemic. The audit was welcomed as a means of ensuring standard within the services. It was explained that the letter praised the work of both departments on the whole. Attention
was drawn to the main messages in
terms of the Adults Department which included the fact that good work
was being done in the preventative field but that
they would appreciate more investment in the field. The need to improve waiting times for
occupational therapy was noted, but it was also noted that
the Cabinet had recently agreed
to increase the budget within this field
to increase the department's
resources. It
was stressed that the Council had coped well with the pandemic and the timely use of digital methods, distributing the personal protective equipment as well as ensuring that individuals returned home following
a hospital stay in a timely manner.
The Cabinet Member for Children and
Families added that the partnership with the Care Inspectorate was very important and it was explained that the audit looked specifically at safety and well-being. It was noted that it was a good feeling that the letter highlighted issues that the department was aware of and which were
part of the work programme. The inspectorate staff
were thanked for the way they
arranged the audit as well
as the staff for assisting them in the middle
of a pandemic and the service users for
giving their time as well. The Corporate Director also thanked
the heads, managers and staff for being
so willing to arrange the audit as well as ensuring that their
day-to-day work was prioritised. The Inspectors were thanked for the way they went
about their work, ensuring that it was not too much of a burden on staff. It was emphasised that it was good to have a report that
did not raise any new issues, and
that the majority of the issues had been identified in the work programme. It was noted that the Letter had been sent to the Scrutiny Committee for information also. Observations arising from the discussion ¾
It was noted that, as this was such a wide-ranging and contentious
field, the content of the letter was good. It was added that it was
particularly good that the letter identified fields which the departments were
already aware of. Awdur: Morwena Edwards |
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FINAL ACCOUNTS 2020-21 - REVENUE OUT-TURN PDF 459 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Ioan Thomas Additional documents:
Decision: 1.1 To note the
final financial position of the Council’s departments for 2020/21. 1.2 To approve the
amounts to be carried forward (the “Revised Over/ (Under) Spend” column of the
summary in Appendix 1), namely -
1.3 To approve the
following recommendations and financial virements (as outlined in Appendix 2) -
·
The Children and Families
Department to receive one-off financial assistance of £1,261k to cancel the
overspend entirely, given the exceptional circumstances involving the crisis
this year. To allow
the department to move on to face the challenges of 2021/22. ·
In accordance with the
Financial Regulations, it is recommended that the usual practice is adhered to
in order to allow the Education Department to keep (£100k) of its underspend,
and to move (£159k) which is the sum above (£100k), to be used to support the
department that has overspent in 2020/21. ·
To allow the Housing and
Property Department to transfer (£848k) relating to corporate maintenance to
the repair and maintenance fund to fund the expenditure in future. ·
In accordance with the
Financial Regulations, it is recommended that the usual practice is adhered to
in order to allow the Corporate Management Team to keep (£100k) of its
underspend, and to move (£6k) which is the sum above (£100k), to be used to support
the department that has overspent in 2020/21. ·
On Corporate budgets: ¾
use (£926k) of the
Corporate net underspend to assist the Children Department that has overspent
in 2020/21. ¾
that (£2,047k) of capital schemes that are to be funded from revenue to be
transferred to a fund to allow the reprofiling of the resource. ¾
that £600k is released from the Council’s General Balances. ¾
That (£4,000k) is allocated to the Council's Transformation fund to
support transformational and one-off work. ¾
That (£2,519k) is allocated to a fund for recovery arrangements post
Covid19. 1.4 To approve the
virements from the specific reserves as outlined in Appendix 4 following
a review of the funds, harvesting (£170k) from funds to assist the Children
Department that has overspent in 2020/21. Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Ioan Thomas. DECISION 1.1 To note the final financial position of the Council’s departments for 2020/21. 1.2 To approve the amounts to be carried forward (the “Revised Over/ (Under) Spend” column
of the summary in Appendix 1), namely -
1.3 To approve the following recommendations and financial virements (as outlined in Appendix
2) - The Children and Families
Department to receive one-off financial assistance of £1,261k to cancel
the overspend entirely, given the exceptional circumstances involving the crisis this year.To
allow the department to move on to face
the challenges of 2021/22.
1.4 To approve the virements from the specific reserves as outlined in Appendix 4 following a review of the funds, harvesting (£170k) from funds to assist the Children Department that has overspent
in 2020/21. DISCUSSION The report was submitted,
noting that the report elaborated on the Council's expenditure in 2020/21. Attention was drawn to a summary
of the final position of
all departments seen in the report with
the amounts to be carried forward at the end of the financial year in the “Revised Over/ (Under) Spend”
column. The main matters and fields where signficant differences were seen were highlighted. It was noted that the financial impact of Covid had been substantial for the Council, with £20m claimed from the hardship fund and Furlough ... view the full minutes text for item 11. Awdur: Ffion Madog Evans |
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CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2020/21 - END OF YEAR REVIEW (31 MARCH 2021 POSITION) PDF 335 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Ioan Thomas Additional documents: Decision: To accept the report on the end of year review
(31 March 2020 position) of the capital programme. To note the £27,667,000 spend on the capital programme
during the 2020/21 financial year, which will be included in the statutory
financial statements for 2020/21. To approve the revised financing as shown in
part 4 of the report, namely: ¾ £3,000 increase in the use of
borrowing ¾ £10,561,000 increase in the use of
grants and contributions ¾ No change in the use of capital
receipts ¾ £234,000 increase in the use of
revenue contributions ¾ No change in the use of the capital
reserve ¾ £200,000 increase in the use of
renewal funds and others Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Ioan Thomas. DECISION To accept the report
on the end of year review (31 March 2020 position) of the capital programme. To note the £27,667,000 spend
on the capital programme during the 2020/21 financial year, which will be included
in the statutory financial statements for 2020/21. To approve the revised
financing as shown in part 4 of the report, namely: ·
£3,000 increase in the use of borrowing ·
£10,561,000
increase in the use of grants and
contributions ·
No change in the use
of capital receipts ·
£234,000
increase in the use of revenue contributions ·
No change in the use
of the capital reserve ·
£200,000
increase in the use of renewal funds and others
The report was submitted,
noting that its purpose was to present the revised capital programme and to approve the relevant financing sources. It was noted that the report provided an analysis
per department of the £114.6m capital
programme for the three years between
2020/21 - 2022/23. It was added that
the report detailed the sources to fund the net increase of approximately £11m since the previous review. It was noted that
the Council had succeeded in spending £27.7m in 2020/21 on capital
programmes, and £18.2m had been funded through
specific grants. It was explained that the impact of Covid-19 and the lockdown could be seen clearly. It was added that £14.1m had been reported upon
in the previous 2020/21 reviews, that a further £19.3m of proposed expenditure had been re-profiled to 2021/22 with the
main schemes including the
£4.5m 21st Century Schools Programme, £3.3m on Vehicle Renewal, £2.2m on Schools Maintenance which arrived in March 2021, with specific right
for Welsh Government to replace current funds and slip them to the subsequent year and £1.7m for the Aberdyfi Quay scheme. Attention was drawn to additional grants the Council had managed to attract since the previous review, which included £7.2 million from the Local Transport and Safe Routes Fund,
£0.6m Ground-breaking Housing
Grant to assist with reducing homelessness and £0.5m Intermediate Care Fund Grant. The Head of Finance Department noted that the report involved capital schemes. It was added that the performance monitoring procedure would restart imminently
and that capital scheme monitoring would be incorporated in this procedure as well. Observations arising
from the discussion ¾
It was noted that it was astounding that the Council would spend
£64m on capital schemes over the coming year to invest in the future
of the county. Staff were thanked for ensuring
that schemes were in place
ready for when opportunities arose, and to be so willing to make
use of late grants. ¾ Attention was drawn to some of the schemes behind the figures, specifically the circular economy schemes which highlight the substantial shift from how to deal with waste in a different way and ensuring that resources are re-used and kept in ... view the full minutes text for item 12. Awdur: Ffion Madog Evans |
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FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME PDF 285 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Dyfrig Siencyn Additional documents: Decision: To approve the Forward Work
Programme included with the meeting papers.
Minutes: To approve the Forward Work
Programme included with the meeting papers.
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