• Calendar
  • Committees
  • Community Councils
  • Consultations
  • Decisions
  • Election results
  • ePetitions
  • Forthcoming Decisions
  • Forward Plans
  • Library
  • Meetings
  • Outside bodies
  • Search documents
  • Subscribe to updates
  • Your councillors
  • Your MPs
  • Your MEPs
  • What's new
  • Agenda, decisions and minutes

    The Cabinet - Tuesday, 13th May, 2025 1.00 pm

    • Attendance details
    • Agenda frontsheet PDF 53 KB
    • Agenda reports pack PDF 11 MB
    • Printed decisions PDF 189 KB
    • Printed minutes PDF 210 KB

    Venue: Hybrid Meeting - Siambr Hywel Dda, Council Offices, Caernarfon, LL55 1SH and on Zoom

    Contact: Sioned Mai Jones  01286 679665

    Media

     
    Items
    No. Item

    1.

    APOLOGIES

    Additional documents:

    • Webcast for 1.

    Minutes:

    Apologies had been received from Councillor Craig ab Iago.

     

    2.

    DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST

    Additional documents:

    • Webcast for 2.

    Minutes:

    No declaration of interest was received.

    3.

    URGENT ITEMS

    Additional documents:

    • Webcast for 3.

    Minutes:

    There were no urgent items.

    4.

    MATTERS ARISING FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY

    Additional documents:

    • Webcast for 4.

    Minutes:

    There were no matters arising from overview and scrutiny.

    5.

    MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 08 APRIL 2025 pdf icon PDF 203 KB

    Additional documents:

    • Webcast for 5.

    Minutes:

    The minutes of the meeting held on 8 April 2025 were accepted as a true record.

    6.

    FLYING START EXPANSION pdf icon PDF 138 KB

    Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Menna Trenholme

    Additional documents:

    • Webcast for 6.

    Decision:

    1.    Accept the grant offer to expand the Flying Start Programme in the county by

    o   extending the full scheme to the rest of the Penygroes area due to the reduction of eligible children in the current programme

    o   extending the childcare element only to additional areas – Phase 3 

     

    2.    Support the Head of Children and Supporting Families Department, in consultation with the Head of Finance, to submit business cases and accept grant offers for the Childcare and early years Capital Programme.

     

    Minutes:

    The report was submitted by Cllr Menna Trenholme.

     

    DECISION

     

    1.    To accept the grant offer to expand the Flying Start Programme in the county by  

    ·         extending the full scheme to the rest of the Penygroes area due to the reduction of eligible children in the current programme  

    ·         extending the childcare element only to additional areas – Phase 3   

     

    2.    To support the Head of Children and Supporting Families Department, in consultation with the Head of Finance, to submit business cases and accept grant offers for the Childcare and early years Capital Programme.  

     

    DISCUSSION

     

    The report was submitted by the Cabinet member for Children and Supporting Families which gave an overview of the proposal to extend the Flying Start Scheme. It was noted that the report included the full extension of the Flying Start scheme to the rest of the Penygroes area due to a reduction in the numbers eligible for the current programme and the extension of the childcare element to additional areas.

     

    It was explained that the Flying Start programme was already available in seven communities in Gwynedd. It was noted that the service had provided the first phase of expansion of the work in parts of Tregarth, Bethesda and Blaenau Ffestiniog. It was reported that a new area had been added in 2023, namely Deiniolen. It was stated that the project was still facing a decline and following analysis of the most deprived areas it was explained that extending the service to the rest of Penygroes would be the best step.

     

    As for phases 2 and 3, it was reported that phase 2 had been operational since 2023 and served eight LSOA areas. Attention was drawn to the challenges within the sector such as lack of provision in rural areas, the sustainability of the Childcare Sector and increased staffing costs. It was noted that the success of the next steps would depend on close collaboration between early years services, local providers and Welsh Government funding.

     

    It was noted that the Government had announced the third phase of expanding Flying Start, again limiting it to funding the childcare element only. It was explained that the scheme would target an additional 147 2-year-olds during 2025 in more areas in Gwynedd. It was explained that areas for 2025 had been identified.

     

    It was explained that the Early Years Service was working with the Housing and Education departments on major capital projects in Tywyn, Penygroes, Deiniolen, Bangor and Cricieth (total capital expenditure of approximately £3.5million) which was a great investment for children in those areas. It was reported that taking advantage of these two early years programmes would contribute towards the Priority areas of "Gwynedd Yfory" and "Gwynedd Gymraeg" in the Council Plan by giving children the best possible start in life.

     

    Observations arising from the discussion:

    ·         Gratitude was expressed for the important work being undertaken and it was applauded but concern was expressed about the challenges facing the provision of this service. It was highlighted that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

    Awdur: Sioned Owen: Early Years Service Manager, Children and Supporting Families Department

    7.

    HOUSING ACTION PLAN pdf icon PDF 363 KB

    Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Paul Rowlinson

    Additional documents:

    • Appendix 1 , item 7. pdf icon PDF 7 MB
    • Appendix 2 , item 7. pdf icon PDF 161 KB
    • Webcast for 7.

    Decision:

    1.    Extend the period of the Housing Action Plan for another two years until the end of the 2028/29 financial year

     

    2.    Commit the usual annual sum of £6m from the Council Tax Premium fund towards funding the extra two years.

     

    Minutes:

    The report was submitted by Cllr Paul Rowlinson.

     

    DECISION

     

    1.      To extend the period of the Housing Action Plan for another two years until the end of the 2028/29 financial year  

    2.      To commit the usual annual sum of £6m from the Council Tax Premium fund towards funding the extra two years. 

     

    DISCUSSION

     

    The report was submitted by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Property who provided an update on the Housing Action Plan. A request was made to extend the period of the Scheme until the end of the 2028-29 financial year. It was noted that the Cabinet needed to make a decision to enable the Housing and Property Department to plan ahead to ensure that key projects and schemes were realised in a timely manner and to their full potential.

     

    An overview of the scheme's background was provided stating that the Full Council had decided to use a percentage of the money received from raising the second home premium to provide housing for young people in their communities. To implement this, it was explained that the Housing Action Plan had been approved by the Cabinet to include 33 projects across five key areas to ensure that the people of Gwynedd had a suitable, affordable and quality home.

     

    It was noted that there had been significant changes to the housing situation in Gwynedd in recent years, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit and, therefore, the opportunity had been taken to review the Scheme, taking advantage of new opportunities to expand and help even more residents of the county with their housing situation.

     

    Overall, it was reported that good progress had been made on the Scheme so far with almost £70m invested to help the people of Gwynedd with their housing situation. It was noted that new opportunities may arise during the scheme, as national circumstances were continually changing. It was explained that the flexibility already allowed to vary the exact allocation for individual projects would enable the department to act proactively in the face of any changes in the housing market over time.

     

    Observations arising from the discussion:

     

    ·         Support for the Premium on empty houses was highlighted, questioning whether it was possible to raise the higher Premium on long-term vacant properties. In response, it was agreed with the comments stated that the current premium was appropriate. However, it was noted that consideration should be given to raising the premium for houses that had been vacant for a very long time.

    ·         Concern was raised about the condition of houses held by the Council in the smallholding sector. In response, it was explained that the Smallholdings Estate currently offered homes to 39 families in Gwynedd areas. It was noted that the Council had a responsibility to ensure that the houses met the requirements in terms of condition and health and safety. It was explained that there had been no investment in the vast majority of the houses attached to the smallholdings. Also, as a result, it had led  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

    Awdur: Carys Fôn Williams: Head of Housing and Property Department

    8.

    FINAL ACCOUNTS 2024/25 - REVENUE OUTTURN pdf icon PDF 936 KB

    Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng. Huw Wyn Jones

    Additional documents:

    • Appendix 1 , item 8. pdf icon PDF 328 KB
    • Appendix 2 , item 8. pdf icon PDF 366 KB
    • Appendix 3 , item 8. pdf icon PDF 184 KB
    • Webcast for 8.

    Decision:

     

    DECISION

     

    To accept the report and consider the final financial position of the Council’s departments for 2024/25:

     

     

    Column

    A

    Column B

    Column C

    Column CH

    Column D

     

    ⁠Gross Over/(Under) Spend 2025/25

    Recommended Adjustments

    Adjusted Over/(Under) Spend 2024/25

     

    £ ‘000

    £ ‘000

    £ ‘000

    £ ‘000

    £ ‘000

     

    Adults, Health and Well-being

     

    857

     

     

    (757)

    100

    Children and Families

     

    3,805

     

     

    (3,705)

    100

    Business and Care Commissioning Service

    (15)

    15

     

     

    0

    Education

     

    (191)

    191

     

     

    0

    Economy and Community

     

    281

     

    (281)

     

    0

    Highways, Engineering and YGC

     

    656

     

     

    (556)

    100

    Environment

     

    1,349

     

    (1,100)

    (149)

    100

    Housing and Property

     

    (3)

    3

     

     

    0

    Corporate and Legal Management Team

    (48)

    48

     

     

    0

    Corporate Services

     

    (42)

    42

     

     

    0

    Finance

    (5)

    5

     

     

    0

     

     

    Noting that there is significant overspend by the Adults, Health and Well-being Department, the  Children and Families Department, the Highways, Engineering and YGC Department, and the Environment Department in 2024/25 (please see column A in the table above), Approve the following financial virements (which are explained in Appendix 2 to the report) - 

    ·         In line with the Cabinet decision of 21 January 2025, to not allow departments to carry any underspend into the next financial year by excluding clause 16.3.1. (C) of the Financial Regulations (See column B in the table above).

    ·         Confirm the financial support of £281k above the contractual payment to Cwmni Byw'n Iach, and use £1.1m from the Parc Adfer Contributory Earnings Recovery fund to fund the overspend in the Waste field (See column C in the table above).

    ·         The departments that are overspending to receive one-off financial support, limiting the level of overspend to be carried forward by the Department to £100k (See column CH in the table above).

    ·         On Corporate budgets:

    -       use (£5.144 million) of the underspend on corporate budgets to assist the departments that have overspent in 2024/25.

    -       the remainder of the underspend of (£1.548 million) on Corporate budgets to be transferred to the Transformation Fund, to be used for the Council's priorities.

     

    Approve the amounts to be carried forward (the “Adjusted Over/(Under) Spend” column in column D above and in Appendix 1).

    ⁠

     

    The financial virements from the specific reserves were approved as outlined in Appendix 3 following a review of the reserves:

    -       harvest £1.275 million from various funds and transfer it to the Transformation Fund.

    -       De-commit £375k of historical or non-committed schemes in the Transformation Fund.

    -       Move £2.5 million from the Financial Strategy Support fund to the Transformation Fund so that they are available for the Council's priorities and to fund one-off bids into the future.

     

     

     

    Minutes:

    The report was submitted by Cllr Huw Wyn Jones.

     

    DECISION

     

    To accept the report and consider the final financial position of the Council’s departments for 2024/25:  

      

     

    Column  

    A  

    Column B 

    Column C 

    Column CH 

    Column D 

     

    ⁠Gross Over/(Under) Spend 2025/25 

    Recommended Adjustments 

    Adjusted Over/(Under) Spend 2024/25 

     

    £ ‘000 

    £ ‘000 

    £ ‘000 

    £ ‘000 

    £ ‘000 

     

    Adults, Health and Well-being 

     

    857 

     

     

    (757) 

    100 

    Children and Families 

     

    3,805 

     

     

    (3,705) 

    100 

    Business and Care Commissioning Service 

    (15) 

    15 

     

     

    0 

    Education  

     

    (191) 

    191 

     

     

    0 

    Economy and Community 

     

    281 

     

    (281) 

     

    0 

    Highways, Engineering and YGC 

     

    656 

     

     

    (556) 

    100 

    Environment 

     

    1,349 

     

    (1,100) 

    (149) 

    100 

    Housing and Property 

     

    (3) 

    3 

     

     

    0 

    Corporate and Legal Management Team 

    (48) 

    48 

     

     

    0 

    Corporate Services 

     

    (42) 

    42 

     

     

    0 

    Finance 

    (5) 

    5 

     

     

    0 

     

     

    It was noted that there was significant overspend by the Adults, Health and Well-being Department, the Children and Families Department, the Highways, Engineering and YGC Department, and the Environment Department in 2024/25 (please see column A in the table above). The following financial virements (which were explained in Appendix 2 to the report) were approved -   

    ·         In line with the Cabinet's decision on 21 January 2025, to not allow departments to carry any underspend into the next financial year by excluding clause 16.3.1.(C) of the Financial Regulations (See column B in the table above).  

    ·         Confirm the financial support of £281k above the contractual payment to Cwmni Byw'n Iach, and use £1.1 million from the Parc Adfer Contributory Earnings Recovery fund to fund the overspend in the field of Waste (See column C in the table above).  

    ·         The departments that were overspending to receive one-off financial support, limiting the level of overspend to be carried forward by the Department to £100k (See column CH in the table above).  

    ·         On Corporate budgets:  

    ·         use (£5.144 million) of the underspend on corporate budgets to support departments that had overspent in 2024/25. The remainder of the underspend of (£1.548 million) on Corporate budgets to be transferred to the Transformation Fund, to be used for the Council's priorities.  

     

    Amounts had been approved to be carried forward (the "Over/(Under) Adjusted Expenditure" column in column D above and in Appendix 1).

     

    The financial virements from the specific reserves were approved as outlined in Appendix 3 following a review of the reserves:  

    ·         harvest £1.275 million from various funds and transfer it to the Transformation Fund.  

    ·         De-commit £375k of historical or non-committed schemes in the Transformation Fund.  

    ·         Move £2.5 million from the Financial Strategy Support fund to the Transformation Fund so that they are available for the Council's priorities and to fund one-off bids into the future. 

     

    DISCUSSION

     

    The report detailing the final financial position of the Council departments was submitted outlining the reasons for the overspending or underspending. It was highlighted that the situation had improved since the August and November reviews. It was noted that overspending continued in the out-of-county care areas of the Children and Supporting Families Department, the Derwen Service, Domiciliary Care Service and the field of Waste. It was explained that significant grant  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

    Awdur: Ffion Madog Evans: Assistant Head of Finance Department - Accountancy and Pensions

    9.

    CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2024/25 - END OF YEAR REVIEW (31 MARCH 2025 POSITION) pdf icon PDF 917 KB

    Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Huw Wyn Jones

    Additional documents:

    • Webcast for 9.

    Decision:

    ·         Accept the report on the end of the year review (31 March 2025 position) of the
    capital programme. 

    ·         Approve the revision to the Capital Budget approved on 7 March 2024 and revised on
    15 October 2024 and 21 January 2025 from the programme’s financing perspective
    (as shown in part 3.2.3 of the report), that is:

    -       an increase of £4,409,000 in the use of borrowing

    -       an increase of £17,639,000 in the use of grants and contributions 

    -       an increase of £75,000 in the use of capital receipts 

    -       a decrease of £422,000 in the use of revenue contributions 

    -       a decrease of £3,898,000 in the use of the capital reserve 

    -       an increase of £1,555,000 in the use of renewal and other reserves.

     

    Minutes:

    The report was submitted by Cllr Huw Wyn Jones

     

    DECISION

     

    To accept the report on the end of the year review (31 March 2025 position) of the
    capital programme.   

     

    To approve the revision to the Capital Budget approved on 7 March 2024 and revised on 15 October 2024 and 21 January 2025 from the programme’s financing perspective (as shown in part 3.2.3 of the report), that is: 

    • an increase of £4,409,000 in the use of borrowing  

    ·         an increase of £17,639,000 in the use of grants and contributions   

    • an increase of £75,000 in the use of capital receipts   
    • a decrease of £422,000 in the use of revenue contributions   
    • a decrease of £3,898,000 in the use of the capital reserve   
    • an increase of £1,555,000 in the use of renewal and other reserves. 

     

     

    DISCUSSION

     

    The report was submitted stating that its main purpose was to deliver the revised capital programme, and approve the relevant funding sources as part of the 2024/25 year-end system. It highlighted that £82.5m had been invested in capital schemes, 72% of which was funded through specific grants.

     

    It was added that £33.4m of proposed additional expenditure had been re-profiled from 2024/25 to 2025/26 and 2026/27. It was noted that some of the main schemes included £16m from Schools Schemes – Sustainable Learning Communities and Others, and £10m from the Levelling Up Fund.

     

    Since the last review, it was highlighted that the Council had been successful in attracting additional grants of £19.382m which included a £10.613m Shared Prosperity Fund Adjustment from the UK Government and a £1.8m Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme Grant from the Welsh Government.

     

    Awdur: Ffion Madog Evans: Assistant Head of Finance Department - Accountancy and Pensions

    10.

    URDD EISTEDDFOD pdf icon PDF 229 KB

    Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr Nia Jeffreys

    Additional documents:

    • Webcast for 10.

    Decision:

    The Cabinet resolved to:

    a.    approve the commitment in principle to hold the Urdd National Eisteddfod in
    Gwynedd in 2028 

    b.    approve a contribution of £200k from the transformation fund as a contribution
    towards the costs of hosting the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Gwynedd.  

     

    Minutes:

    The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys.

     

    DECISION

     

    The Cabinet resolved to:  

    a)    approve a commitment in principle to invite the Urdd to hold a National Eisteddfod in Gwynedd in 2028  

    b)    approve a contribution of £200k from the transformation fund as a contribution towards the costs of hosting the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Gwynedd. 

     

    DISCUSSION

     

    The report was submitted emphasising the importance of the Urdd along with its message of peace and goodwill in Wales and beyond. Pride was highlighted in inviting the Urdd to Gwynedd to host the Urdd Eisteddfod in 2028.

     

    The Executive Support Team Leader added that the report asked for the support of the Cabinet to invite the Urdd along with approving the associated financial element. It was explained that the Council had been very lucky to have held many Festivals and Eisteddfodau over the years, but it was highlighted that there would be a demand for resources, but that it would bring benefits and a boost to the area.

     

    It was explained that the Urdd and National Eisteddfod had been in the county over the years, and it was emphasised that it was a matter for the Urdd to decide on the exact location of the field and the region it would be located. By establishing the principle, it was expressed that the Council would need to contribute £200k which would be funded from the transformation fund. Despite the contribution, it was explained that the economic benefit would be much higher than this.

     

    Observations arising from the discussion:

     

    ·         Gratitude was expressed for the report and the desire to invite the Urdd was supported highlighting the importance of the Urdd's work to young people, not only locally but nationally. 

     

    Awdur: Ffion Mai Jones: Executive Support Team Leader, Corporate Leadership Team

     

  • Last 7 days
  • Month to date
  • Year to date
  • The previous Month
  • All Dates Before
  • All Dates After
  • Date Range
Start Date
PrevNext
July 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
End Date
PrevNext
July 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
  • Y saith diwrnod diwethaf
  • Y mis hyd yma
  • Y flwyddyn hyd yma
  • Y mis blaenorol
  • Pob dyddiad cyn hynny
  • Pob dyddiad ar ôl hynny
  • Ystod y dyddiadau
Start Date
BlaenorolNesaf
Gorffennaf 2025
LlMaMeIaGwSaSu
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
End Date
BlaenorolNesaf
Gorffennaf 2025
LlMaMeIaGwSaSu
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031