Venue: Siambr Hywel Dda, Council Offices, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1SH
Contact: Annes Siôn 01286 679490
No. | Item |
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APOLOGIES Additional documents: Minutes: Cabinet
Members and Officers were welcomed to the meeting. No
apologies were received. |
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DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST Additional documents: Minutes: There were no declarations of personal interest |
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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 12 DECEMBER PDF 105 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair
signed the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 12 December 2017, as a true
record. |
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INTEGRATION AGREEMENT WITHIN THE CARE AND HEALTH FIELD REGIONALLY PDF 284 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. W Gareth Roberts Additional documents:
Decision: It was decided to agree to The
Integration Agreement as set out in Appendix 1. This agreement provides the
governance arrangements for Social Care Services to work in partnership across
the region and to satisfy legislative requirements as noted in Part 9 of the
Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act. It was also agreed that the
Cabinet Member would approve individual agreements for specific projects unless
specific implications arose which made it appropriate to seek the Cabinet's
opinion on them. Minutes: The item was
submitted by Cllr W Gareth Roberts RESOLVED Resolved: -
It
was resolved to agree to The Integration Agreement as set out in Appendix 1.
This agreement provides the governance arrangements for Social Care Services to
work in partnership across the region and to satisfy legislative requirements
as noted in Part 9 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act. -
It was agreed that the Cabinet Member would approve
individual agreements for specific projects unless specific implications arose
which made it appropriate to seek the Cabinet's opinion on them. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted and it was noted that six Local Authorities in north Wales together
with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (the Health Board) have worked
together informally as a collaboration for a number of years, in order to
ensure improvements for the social care field. They had collaborated since 2014
using the Collaboration Framework to agree strategically on service
developments. It was expressed that the arrangements needed to be formalised in
order to continue to govern correctly and in accordance with the duties set out
in the Social Services and Well-being Act and the Code of Practice. It was noted that by enabling this agreement, it would be possible to create regional combined funds, however, it was emphasised that this was not compulsory. It was reiterated that this agreement established a framework and formal guidelines for the region and did not transfer responsibilities Awdur: Morwena Edwards |
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PROPOSED GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS FOR GWYNEDD COUNCIL'S LEISURE COMPANY PDF 246 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Craig ab Iago Additional documents: Decision: Resolved to: -
Delegate authority to
the Head of Economy and Community Department, in consultation with the Head of
Legal Services, to prepare company limited by guarantee constitutional
documents incorporating the main issues and principles recommended in the
report. -
To authorise the Head
of Economy and Community Department, in consultation with the Head of Legal
Services, to register the Company at Companies House in accordance with the
Leisure Project requirements and timetable and take any necessary steps to
achieve this. -
To confirm that the
process of appointing a Board of Directors and Managing Director is to begin. Minutes: The
report was presented by Cllr Craig ab Iago DECISION Resolved: -
To delegate authority to the Head of Economy and Community Department, in
consultation with the Head of Legal Services, to prepare company limited by
guarantee constitutional documents incorporating the main issues and principles
recommended in the report. -
To authorise the Head of Economy and Community Department, in consultation
with the Head of Legal Services, to register the Company at Companies House in
accordance with the Leisure Project requirements and timetable and take any
necessary steps to achieve this. -
To confirm that the process of appointing a Board of Directors and Managing
Director is to begin. The report
was submitted noting that on 3 and 5 October, the Cabinet and the Full Council
approved the establishment of a Company, limited by guarantee, managed by the
Council, to provide leisure facilities in Gwynedd. It was explained that
submitting the report to the Cabinet was a matter of procedure in order to
begin the work of establishing the Company. It was
reiterated that the proposed terms had been submitted to the Economy and Community
Scrutiny Committee on 13 December and their observations and recommendations
were considered within the report. Awdur: Sioned Williams |
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DEVELOPING A NEW ASSET STRATEGY FOR THE PERIOD 2019/20 TO 2028/29 PDF 123 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Peredur Jenkins Additional documents: Decision: To approve the
procedure for establishing a new asset strategy for the period 2019/20 until
2028/29 set out in clauses 18 to 21 of the report. Minutes: The report was presented by Cllr. Peredur Jenkins DECISION To approve the procedure for establishing a new asset strategy for the
period 2019-20 until 2028/29 set out in clauses 18 to 21 of the report. DISCUSSION The
report was submitted and it was noted that in 2009 the Council had conducted a
assessment of its likely capital needs for the next 10 years. During the same
period an assessment of the capital resources available for the period was
drawn up. Following the assessment, and in recognising the fact that the
resources would not allow the Council to meet all capital requirements, a
series of workshops were held with Council members to establish capital
priorities for the coming 10 years. As 2018/19 would be the final year of the current
strategy, a new strategy would need to be established for the coming 10 years.
It was noted that departments were considering their capital requirements for
the coming 10 years. It was expressed that the demand was much higher than the
available resources therefore there would be a need to prioritise. It was
suggested to follow a similar procedure to the one that was followed last time,
which was to hold a series of workshops to enable all members to express their
opinion before the Cabinet would make formal recommendations to the full
Council. The plan would follow the same timetable as had been noted in the
report Awdur: Dilwyn Williams |
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REVENUE BUDGET 2017/18 - THIRD QUARTER REVIEW (DECEMBER 2017) PDF 77 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Peredur Jenkins Additional documents:
Decision: To accept
the report on the third quarter review of the Revenue Budget (situation on 31
December 2017) and consider the latest situation of each department/service's
budget, and ask the Cabinet Members and the relevant heads of department to
take appropriate steps on matters under their leadership/management. It was
resolved that (£270k) from the underspend on Council Tax Reduction, (12k)
one-off underspend on bids and (803k) from grants received and favourable
conditions on other Council budgets, would have been collected and transfer it
to the Financial Strategy Reserve to assist with unavoidable one-off pressures
on the Council’s budgets, with an element of it returned to compensate for the
possible impact of school taxis overspend at year end. Minutes: The report was presented by Cllr. Peredur Jenkins DECISION To accept the report on the third quarter review of
the Revenue Budget (situation on 31 December 2017) and consider the latest
situation of each department/service's budget, and ask the Cabinet Members and
the relevant heads of department to take appropriate steps on matters under
their leadership/management. It was resolved that (£270k) from the underspend on
Council Tax Reduction, (£12k) one-off underspend on bids and (£803k) from
grants received and favourable conditions on other Council budgets, would be
collected and transferred to the Financial Strategy Reserve to assist with
unavoidable one-off pressures on the Council’s budgets, with an element of it
returned to compensate for the possible impact of school taxis overspend at
year end. DISCUSSION The
report was submitted noting that this report was being submitted much earlier
than usual and that this was part of a tighter procedure to close the Council's
accounts at the end of the year. It was noted that the situation on the whole
was similar to the situation at the end of the second quarter. It was expressed
that this report reflected acceptable financial control by a number of the
Council's departments, however, a combination of specific actions were
recommended to the Education, Adults, Health and Well-being, Children and
Supporting Families and Highways and Municipal Departments to ensure control of
their budgets by 31 March 2018. Details
were provided about some Departments, specifically: Children and Supporting Families Department: It was
expressed that the department was aware of an overspend in the department,
specifically when locating placements for young people. It was noted that this was
a challenging period and that the department was looking for a solution to the
overspend. It was emphasised that the placements were specialist ones,
therefore the numbers were low, and that it was a problem across the region's
counties. It was noted that discussions were taking place regionally to discuss
a way forward. Adults, Health and Well-being Department It was
noted that the Department's problem was due to unfulfilled savings plans. It
was emphasised that the Department was trying to work on a different way of
working, and it was hoped that it would be possible to re-submit the savings
plans packages to the Cabinet soon, and that these packages would provide
better services for the residents of Gwynedd. Education Department It was
noted that an increase in expenditure on school taxis was the main reason for
the overspend. It was expressed that a consultation was being held with the
Head of the Environment Department to explore different ways of providing
transport to reduce costs. Highways and Municipal Department It was noted, following a previous discussion at
the Cabinet about overspend, the Department had successfully reduced the
overspend from £600,000 to £400,000. It was emphasised that the Department was
working to reduce the figure by the end of March Awdur: Dafydd Edwards |
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CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2017/18 - THIRD QUARTER REVIEW (DECEMBER 2017) PDF 151 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Peredur Jenkins Additional documents: Decision: To
accept the report on the third quarter review (December 2017 position) of the
capital programme, and approve the revised financing as shown in part 4 of the
report, that is: -
(£21,000) decrease in the use of the capital reserve -
£567,000 increase in the use of grants and contributions -
£27,000 increase in the use of capital receipts -
£71,000 increase in the use of revenue contributions -
£132,000 increase in the use of renewal funds and others Minutes: The report was presented by Cllr Peredur Jenkins DECISION The report was accepted on the third quarter review
(December 2017 position) of the capital programme, and the revised financing as
shown in part 4 of the report was approved, that is: -
(£21,000) decrease in the use of the
capital reserve -
£567,000 increase in the use of grants
and contributions -
£27,000 increase in the use of capital
receipts -
£71,000 increase in the use of revenue
contributions -
£132,000 increase in the use of renewal
funds and others DISCUSSION The
report was submitted noting that the report was an analysis of the 2017/18
capital budgets. It was emphasised that the main conclusions was that there
were firm plans in place to invest approximately £30.6m in 2017/18 with £5.8m
of it funded through specific grants, which equates to 19%. The departments
were thanked for ensuring that the capital plans were continuing. Observations arising from the discussion -
Whist looking at the revised proposed programme
of the capital programme for 2017/18 to 2019/20, it was noted that capital
funding reduced or there were no plans in place which would result in a
reduction in capital funding. It was noted that funding levels for the future
were slightly smaller, however, many reasons impacted capital funding. Future plans were discussed, and the importance of
having mature plans in place was emphasised. It was expressed that it would be
possible to receive European grants for the next two years, and the importance of
having mature plans in place was noted in order to take full advantage of this
funding. It was noted that the Council had a good history of successfully
obtaining European funding Awdur: Dafydd Edwards |
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PERFORMANCE REPORT OF THE CABINET MEMBER FOR HOUSING, CULTURE AND LEISURE PDF 258 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Craig ab Iago Additional documents:
Decision: To accept and note
the information in the report. Minutes: The report was presented by Cllr. Craig ab Iago DECISION To accept and note the
information in the report. DISCUSSION The report was submitted, noting that he was satisfied with the
performance on the whole. Attention was drawn to some specific projects. It was
noted that the work of modifying and re-modelling the Youth service and the
Leisure service was continuing. Development work which had been taking place at
Neuadd Buddug, Y Bala, Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli and Storiel in Bangor was
mentioned. It was emphasised that priority had been given to the Joint-effort
Against Poverty project, and specifically the collaboration with external
partners, to work together as the county progressed towards Universal Credit.
It was emphasised that the Universal Credit scheme had slipped slightly, and
the service would be rolled out to the Jobcentre Plus across Gwynedd (except
Caernarfon) in July rather than March as was initially planned. It was
reiterated that staff were being trained in order to deal with any problems
that may arise as a result of Universal Credit. It was emphasised that good work was being undertaken by the
homelessness unit, in addition to this a Multi Agency Board had been
specifically created to look at housing. It was noted that the first meeting
had been held and that it had been positive and constructive. Generally, the Members were happy with the performance. It was noted
that work was being undertaken with the departments in order to consider
meaningful measures. It was expressed that the measures needed to be clear that
could be understood by Gwynedd residents, and that work was being undertaken to
look at these measures. Observations arising from the
discussion The Homelessness Unit was discussed and it
was noted that cases were increasing. It was expressed that there had been a
decline in the meters, but that the Government's expectations were much higher
although there had been a reduction in the level of funding. It was noted that
the Unit was succeeding but that there was much work to be done. It was
emphasised that it was a national problem, but that Gwynedd on the whole was
performing well nationally Awdur: Iwan Trefor Jones |
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PERFORMANCE REPORT OF THE CABINET MEMBER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PDF 157 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Ioan Thomas Additional documents:
Decision: To accept and note
the information in the report. Minutes: The item was submitted by Cllr. Ioan Thomas DECISION To accept and note the information in the report. DISCUSSION The
report was submitted and it was noted that the Member was happy on the whole
with the performance of the majority of projects and that every one was on the
right track. Attention was drawn to specific projects. It was expressed in
regards to High Value and Quality Jobs that the work programme was continuing,
and that since the previous report that 10 high value jobs had been created in
the County and that 92 high value jobs had been safeguarded. It was noted that
many of the jobs had been created/safeguarded in the Arfon area, and that the
main reason for this was because the high value sectors were more developed in
Arfon. However, foundations were being set to enable significant developments
in the Meirionnydd and Dwyfor areas. Digital
Gwynedd was discussed, and it was noted that there were some delays in the new
scheme which is under way by the Government, but a confirmation had been
received recently confirming that Superfast Cymru 2 will begin in 2018. By now,
86% of homes and businesses received superfast broadband in the county. In
regards to the Work Heritage Site project, it was noted that work was
continuing in Harlech and Caernarfon. It was noted that the work of supporting
local partners in Harlech to respond to the needs had taken a step forward with
a report on Prioritising Strategic Opportunities in the area now concluded. It
was also noted that the County had successfully attracted investment for the
Red Bull Hardline Mountain Biking Event in Dinas Mawddwy. Observations arising from the discussion The Gwynedd Digital scheme was discussed. He noted
that he was aware that at the end of this scheme, that individuals could get in
touch to request broadband in an individual house. It was asked if there was a
resource within the Council for groups to come together to submit an
application for a specific area. It was emphasised that it was the intention of
the second phase to secure faster internet to those areas which were yet to
receive it. It was confirmed that data was available about those areas which
still do not receive broadband - in order to target these areas during the next
phase Awdur: Iwan Trefor Jones |
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PERFORMANCE REPORT OF THE CABINET MEMBER FOR ADULTS, HEALTH AND WELL-BEING PDF 227 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. W Gareth Roberts Additional documents:
Decision: To accept and note
the information in the report. Minutes: The report was presented by Cllr. W Gareth Roberts DECISION To accept and note the information in the report. DISCUSSION The report was submitted and attention was drawn to the fact that the
Cabinet Member was more than happy with the Department's performance. It was
noted that firm arrangements were in place and the Head of Department and Staff
were thanked for their hard work. Some specific projects were highlighted. It was noted that the process of
integrated working between Gwynedd Council staff and the Health Board was now
transferring to the new structure. Much has been learnt by creating the
integrated teams and implementing the principles of Ffordd Gwynedd and these
were now showing results. It was expressed that there had been some slippage in
the construction timetable of the Extra Care Housing in Porthmadog. Despite
this, 58 applications had been accepted for the scheme which has 40 flats. As noted in the previous report, staff recruitment continues to be an increasing
problem. In terms of Phase 2 of the Llys Cadfan project, there was a risk that
the Health Board would fail to recruit nurses in the area which would impact
the scheme's full potential. The Department was continuing to endeavour to
attract staff and keep staff, and it was added that this was a problem which
could also be seen in the private sector. The importance of carers was
acknowledged and it was noted that steps had been taken to incorporate carers'
support work into the well-being / preventative agenda. When looking at performance, attention was drawn to the rate of delayed
transfers of care for social care reasons, which has seen an improvement in the
performance. Only one case of delay had been recorded in October. It was noted
that it was positive that there was an ongoing increase in the percentage of
cases that had received a period of enablement, with an increase in the
percentage who have completed an enablement package and can cope and live at
home. It was noted that the department was busy trying to ensure that the needs
of the residents were at the centre of everything they did. Observations arising from the discussion -
The Extra Care Housing in Porthmadog was discussed. It was enquired as to
why there was a need for marketing when 58 applications had been received for
40 flats. It was noted that there was a need to ensure that the needs of the
individuals matched the flats, therefore, it was likely that not all applicants
would qualify for one of these flats. -
It was noted whilst discussing integrated working that Ysbyty Alltwen had
been successful, and it was asked where the next integrated work developments
would be taking place. It was explained that the county had been divided into
five areas and that every area was following a different path, it was noted
that in south Meirionnydd that the principles had been strongly established
within the team. The shortage of nurses and the ... view the full minutes text for item 13. Awdur: Morwena Edwards |
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SAVINGS OVERVIEW: PROGRESS REPORT ON REALISING SAVING SCHEMES PDF 115 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Peredur Jenkins Additional documents:
Decision: To note the encouraging progress towards realising the 2015/16 - 2017/18 savings
schemes. Minutes: The report was presented by Cllr. Peredur Jenkins DECISION To note the encouraging progress
towards realising the 2015/16 - 2017/18 savings schemes. DISCUSSION The
report was submitted and it was noted that the Council's Financial Strategy for
2017/18 had planned £7,414,751 of savings for the year. It was noted that the
current forecasts in terms of realising plans noted that from the 122 plans,
103 had been fully or partly realised, and seven were now on track to be realised
in a timely manner. When looking at the 2016/17 departmental plans, it was
noted that 99% of the savings had now been realised. It was
noted that the Adults Department would submit a report outlining their plans to
combine a number of individual plans to be submitted in February 2018. As a
result of this, it could be predicted that a significant amount of the savings
within the 2017/18 plans would be realised in a timely manner. It was noted
that one of the Highways and Municipal Department's plans was a cause for
concern, however steps were being undertaken to submit a report to the Scrutiny
Committee to consider the situation. Generally,
the Member was happy with the progress that had been done to realise what had
slipped in the historic plans, and that the predictions in terms of the 2017/18
plans were promising on the whole. Awdur: Dafydd Edwards |