Venue: Siambr Hywel Dda, Council Offices, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1SH
Contact: Annes Siôn 01286 679490
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APOLOGIES Additional documents: Minutes: Cabinet Members and Officers were welcomed to the meeting. Apologies were received from the following Cabinet Members -
Cllr Craig ab Iago, Cllr W. Gareth Roberts and Cllr Ioan Thomas. An apology was received from the following Local Members -
Cllr Gareth A Roberts, Cllr Mair Rowlands and Cllr Elin Walker-Jones for item
7. Apologies were received from the following Elected Members
who served on the Fire Authority - Cllr Annwen Daniels, Cllr John B. Hughes and
Cllr Dilwyn Lloyd for item 10.
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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 11 AND 18 SEPTEMBER PDF 79 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair signed the minutes of
the Cabinet meeting held on 11 and 18 September 2018, as a true record |
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A GROWTH DEAL FOR THE ECONOMY OF NORTH WALES: PROPOSITION DOCUMENT PDF 141 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn Additional documents: Decision: Subject to the decision not committing the Council to financial
investment at this stage and that the financial risks and benefits are
considered in full when the final Deal is submitted to the Council for
approval: That the Cabinet endorse the Proposition Document to be approved for
adoption by the Council as 1. A
basis for a longer-term regional strategy for economic growth 2. The
regional bid for the priority programmes and projects used to create the
content of the Growth Deal at the Heads of Terms stage with the Governments. Authorise the Leader to
commit the Council to Heads of Terms with the Governments alongside the
political and professional leaders from the nine other statutory partners
represented on the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, and the North Wales
Mersey Dee Business Council, with the Proposition Document forming the
boundaries for the Heads of Terms agreement. Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn RESOLVED Subject to the
decision not committing the Council to financial investment at this stage and
that the financial risks and benefits are considered in full when the final
Deal is submitted to the Council for approval: That the
Cabinet endorse the Proposition Document to be approved for adoption by the
Council as 1. A
basis for a longer-term regional strategy for economic growth 2. The
regional bid for the priority programmes and projects used to create the
content of the Growth Deal at the Heads of Terms stage with the Governments. Authorise the
Leader to commit the Council to Heads of Terms with the Governments alongside
the political and professional leaders from the nine other statutory partners
represented on the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, and the North Wales
Mersey Dee Business Council, with the Proposition Document forming the
boundaries for the Heads of Terms agreement. DISCUSSION The report was submitted
and it was noted that the Proposition Document was the fruit of months of
regional work across the north. It was
added that the Plan was a partnership project that included six Local
Authorities, two Universities and two Higher Education Colleges. It was reiterated that the private sector
role was central to the Plan and a number of sessions had been held to discuss
the Plan with them. It was expressed
that historically, there had been 15 to 20 Economic Plans across the region;
however, as a result of the Growth Deal, there would only be a single
Plan. It was emphasised that the vision
and ambition in the scheme was clear, namely to disseminate growth projects and
plans across the north Wales region. It
was added that the Document provided a foundation to encourage further
resources to invest in order to develop the north Wales economy for the coming
years. It was noted that
16 projects provided the basis to the plan, and this would ensure that the
investment would be divided across the north.
The projects were elaborated upon and it was noted that some would be
site specific and some would be for the entire region. It was explained that the Document had been submitted at the Education and Economy Scrutiny committee meeting and that the scrutinisers had approved it following a constructive discussion and challenging questions. It was added that sessions had been held for the private sector, which had shown enthusiasm towards the plan. It was expressed that the Proposition Document would be submitted before the Full Council before the end of the month; however, it was emphasised that the Council's support to the document would be sought at that time, and that the current decision would not lead to a financial commitment, and that a subsequent recommendation would be brought before the Council again, with more definite information regarding the cost . By supporting the Proposition Document, it would be possible to trigger the discussion regarding the Plan with the Westminster Government and Welsh ... view the full minutes text for item 6. Awdur: Iwan Trefor Jones |
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VOLUNTARY CODE FOR THE CONTROL OF TO LET SIGNS IN BANGOR PDF 89 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Dafydd Meurig Additional documents:
Decision: The Voluntary Code for the control of to let signs in Bangor was adopted
and powers were delegated to the Senior Planning and Public Protection Service
Manager to put arrangements in place to implement the Voluntary Code. That the success of the Voluntary Code will be monitored and assessed
before the end of March 2020 and the conclusions will be reported back to the
Cabinet before September 2020. Minutes: The item was submitted by Cllr Dafydd Meurig RESOLVED The Voluntary Code for the control of to let signs in Bangor
was adopted and powers were delegated to the Senior Planning and Public
Protection Service Manager to put arrangements in place to implement the
Voluntary Code. That the success of the Voluntary Code will be monitored and
assessed before the end of March 2020 and the conclusions will be reported back
to the Cabinet before September 2020. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted and it was noted that Bangor's population doubled during the year as
a result of students moving into the city.
Consequently, it was added that a number of houses were available to
let. It was expressed that local
residents felt that the signs were erected throughout the year and thus had a
serious negative impact on specific areas and a negative impact on the image of
the City and the University as a place to live, work and study. It was expressed
that local campaigns had been held to change this and following further work,
the department was now in a position to adopt a Code for Estate Agents. It was added that the regulations had not
been updated since 1992, and consequently they had not responded to the changes
that had occurred to the type of accommodation being let or the advertisement
methods. It was explained that consultation
work had been undertaken, discussing the code with the agencies, which noted
when it would be possible to advertise, the streets affected by the code and
where on houses it would be possible to advertise. It was added that there would be no additional
cost to the Council as a result of the Code but there would be a need to
monitor the situation and the department would submit a report detailing the
changes in September 2020. Observations
arising from the discussion -
The Local Member added that residents felt strongly about this item. It was noted that To Let signs could be seen
on every house on some streets in Bangor and it was reiterated that it
projected a wrong image of Bangor. It
was explained that the houses where the signs could be seen were more often
occupied than not, and that the signs were merely being used as
advertisements. It was expressed that
the houses with To Let signs displayed on them were twice as likely to have
someone breaking into the house. She
expressed that she hoped that the scheme would work as Bangor was an economic
hub and there was a need to ensure that it did not appear as if every house in
the city was To Let. - It was noted that it was a good idea and that the way the department was dealing with the problem was very beneficial. Discussions were held on how the scheme would be monitored, and how it would ensure that the advertisements were bilingual. It was added that the monitoring would be undertaken by the ... view the full minutes text for item 7. Awdur: Gareth Jones |
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NORTH WALES STRATEGY FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, DOMESTIC ABUSE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE PDF 82 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Nia Jeffreys Additional documents: Decision: To adopt a North Wales
Strategy for Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence
(VAWDASV) formally as one of the responsible authorities designated under
legislation. Minutes: The item was
submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys DECISION To adopt a
North Wales Strategy for Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual
Violence (VAWDASV) formally as one of the responsible authorities designated
under legislation. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted and it was noted that the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and
Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015, placed a duty on every Local Authority,
Health Board, Welsh Ambulance Trust and Fire and Rescue Services to enact this
legislation. It was noted that the
Government favoured a regional method in relation to the legislative
requirements, and therefore this was the strategy for north Wales. The strategy's
vision was noted, namely for the people of north Wales to be able to live safe,
equal, non-violent lives, in communities where there is no violence against
women, domestic abuse or sexual violence.
It was added that the nature of Welsh Government's act emphasised that
society needed to be aware of what was acceptable in society. Observations
arising from the discussion - A discussion was held on how awareness would be
raised on this issue; it was noted that an action plan had been created which
noted plans and training that would be held and the strategy would be included
on the website. Awdur: Catherine Roberts |
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ARRANGEMENTS FOR UNDERTAKING THE MANAGEMENT REVIEW PDF 78 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Nia Jeffreys Additional documents: Decision: To accept the idea that the
Cabinet sits in on the challenge sessions that the Chief Executive intends to
hold and consent to the idea of inviting the Chairs and Vice-chairs of the
Scrutiny Committees (including the Audit Committee) to these sessions. Minutes: The report was
submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys DECISION To accept the idea that the Cabinet
sits in on the challenge sessions that the Chief Executive intends to hold and
consent to the idea of inviting the Chairs and Vice-chairs of the Scrutiny
Committees (including the Audit Committee) to these sessions. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted and it was noted that the Cabinet, on 22 May this year, had discussed
the projections for the Council's financial position for the coming
period. A Managerial Review had been
commissioned to consider whether there was a need to further restrict the
managerial function within the Council. As part of the task
of drawing-up a report, the Chief Executive would be holding appropriate
challenging sessions with Heads of Department in order to challenge the relevant
arrangements. It was added that in order to be as inclusive as possible, the
Chief Executive was eager for the Cabinet Members, Chairs and Vice-chairs of
the Scrutiny Committees to be involved in the challenging sessions in order to
ascertain their views before drawing-up his recommendations. Awdur: Dilwyn Williams |
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NORTH WALES FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY CONSULTATION PDF 83 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn Additional documents:
Decision: The Cabinet identified the principles for responding to the public
consultation by the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority and it was resolved
that the Leader and the Chief Executive would draw up a full response to the
consultation within the timeframe. Minutes: The report was
submitted by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn DECISION The Cabinet
identified the principles for responding to the public consultation by the
North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority and it was resolved that the Leader and
the Chief Executive would draw up a full response to the consultation within
the timeframe. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted noting that the Fire Authority had attended the previous meeting of
the Full Council to discuss their public consultation. It was added that due to the Authority's
financial pressures, the context of the consultation was to increase the
precept by 6%. The Elected Member
representing the Council on the Fire Authority noted that the authority was
under financial pressure and that £1.9 million needed to be found if the
service was to continue at the same level.
It was added that unless the Authority would find the additional money,
the service available would have to be reduced.
It was reiterated that the consultation was triggering a discussion
regarding the value of the service, and whether or not the public wished to see
the same level of service or a reduced service in the future. It was noted that increasing the precept by
6% could mean an increase of 0.5% to Council Tax. It was explained
that the settlement that had been announced during the past weeks meant a
reduction to the Council and this could mean that the Council would need to
find a financial deficit of up to £13 million during 2019/20. It was emphasised that any cuts would make a
huge difference to the level of service available to the residents of Gwynedd. Observations
arising from the discussion -
It was noted that the work carried out by the
Fire Authority was excellent; however, it was felt that the Authority needed to
carry out further work to look for efficiency savings. Awdur: Dilwyn Williams |
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PERFORMANCE REPORT OF THE CABINET MEMBER FOR EDUCATION PDF 122 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Gareth Thomas Additional documents: Decision: To accept and note the information in the report. Minutes: The item was
submitted by Cllr Gareth Thomas DECISION To accept and note the information in the report. DISCUSSION The report was submitted
and it was noted that all matters had already been the subject of discussions
and had been scrutinised at the Departmental Performance Challenging
meetings. He added that the department
had started to implement the Council's Plan.
Attention was drawn
to the financial situation, noting that a slippage had occurred in the
implementation of the scheme to charge a fee for care before the free breakfast
session in 2017/18 and that it was anticipated that the care fee income target
would be achieved in full by 2018/19. It
was added that £3,738,010 had been realised from the 'Schools Efficiency
Savings' scheme that was to save £4.3m.It was reiterated that the Cabinet had
already agreed to defer the implementation of Secondary Schools savings of
£298,990 from the 2017/18 financial year to 2019/20. It was added that the schools were fully
aware of the amended timing of the cut. It was noted that
the Transport Field was complex, as the department continued to overspend in
the field. It was noted that there were
various reasons why children received transport to schools and it was added
that they were valid reasons. It was
expressed that the department had commissioned work to give detailed attention
to the overspend and initial recommendations and actions were in place. It was reiterated that additional work needed
to be done and to look at the transport provision on a trans-departmental
level. The summer results
were discussed and it was noted that a national drop had been seen in the
foundation phase results. It was added
that good performance could be seen in Key Stages 2 and 3 on the whole. However, it was noted that substantial
changes had been made to the pattern and results of English GCSEs, with a
reduction of 12.1% seen. This was due to
changes of 20 marks to the marking thresholds.
He added that discussions had been held with Qualifications Wales
regarding this issue. Matters arising
from the discussion: - A discussion was held on the English
GCSE results - noting that all Headteachers in Gwynedd, Welsh Authorities and
GwE had contacted Qualifications Wales regarding the issue. It was added that a response had been
received, noting that the 20 mark difference had not made a difference to the
young people. It was added that the
matter would be escalated to Welsh Government, noting that the situation was
unfair and unfortunately made it difficult for schools and the department to
compare one year to the next. - Attention was drawn to the fact that
the current offer for developing leadership was not fit for purpose and
reiterated that the department was working with GwE to develop a training
plan. It was added that many of the
leadership posts within schools were new ones within the past 10 years. - Attention was drawn to Ysgol Tywyn as they had won the Daily ... view the full minutes text for item 11. Awdur: Dilwyn Williams |
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PERFORMANCE REPORT OF THE CABINET MEMBER FOR HOUSING, LEISURE AND CULTURE PDF 178 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Craig ab Iago Additional documents:
Decision: To accept and note the information in the report. To approve re-profiling the leisure facilities' savings for the sum of
£157k as these savings will not be achieved in 2018-19 as the Byw'n Iach company is not in
operation until 1 April 2019. Minutes: The item was
submitted by Morwena Edwards and Iwan Trefor Jones DECISION To accept and note the information in the report. To approve re-profiling the leisure facilities' savings for
the sum of £157k as these savings will not be achieved in 2018-19 as the Byw'n
Iach company is not in operation until 1 April 2019. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted and it was noted that all matters had been discussed at the performance
meetings. It was added that the main
element when looking at the housing field was the proposal of bringing the
Housing Strategy to the Cabinet. It was
added that the scheme was behind schedule and it was hoped that it would be
discussed in the coming months. It was
expressed that obtaining a clear understanding was needed of areas' needs,
ensuring that the strategy outlined the main priority for the Housing
Field. It was acknowledged that there
was a need to specifically look in more detail at the Homelessness field. Attention was drawn
to the Libraries and Information Service, emphasising that a new-look Library
had opened in Bala. It was expressed
that a positive response had been received to the new Library. It was noted that Libraries had been
trialling self-service machines and that this released staff's time. It was expressed that the service had been
gathering information about the enquiries they received in libraries and it had
shown that half the people who come to the Libraries do not go there to borrow
a book. It was explained that libraries
were now basically used as a 'one-stop-shop'.
It was noted that
the percentage of 11 year old children who had attained the National Curriculum
Standard for swimming increased annually and that exceptional work had been
achieved in the catchment area of Bro Dysynni centre. It was added that the Cabinet was required to
approve the re-profiling of leisure facilities savings as they would not be
achieved in 2018-19 as the Byw'n Iach Company would not be operational until
April 2019. Observations
arising from the discussion - Attention was drawn to the average
number of calendar days taken to issue a disabled facilities grant indicator
that was noted as 170 days. It was added
that the number of days was too long and it was added that there was a need to
take a more detailed look at the number of days, adding that the department was
eager to find a simpler way of working. - A discussion was held on the number
of Library visits, noting that the figure needed to be reviewed. It was added that collaboration was needed
with local communities in order to see the continuation of the Library
provision. Awdur: Iwan Trefor Jones and Morwena Edwards |
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REVENUE BUDGET 2018/19 - END OF AUGUST REVIEW PDF 77 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Peredur Jenkins Additional documents:
Decision: - To accept the
report on the end of August 2018 review of the Revenue Budget and consider the
latest financial situation regarding the budgets of each department/service. - To ask the Cabinet
Members for Children, Education and Highways and Municipal services to ensure
that the departments have a clear implementation plan to reduce the financial
deficit and to discuss those plans with me so that I can be confident that they
are reasonable. - Reimburse the
Economy and Community Department £40k which is the income loss resulting from
the closure of the Arfon swimming pool over the
summer. - Harvest (£1,904) of
the net underspend on Corporate budgets with (£40k) to be used to reimburse the
Economy and Community Department for the income loss while the Arfon swimming pool was closed. With the remaining (£1,864)
to be transferred to the Supporting the Financial Strategy Reserve to support
the inevitable one-off pressure on the Council's budget. Minutes: Submitted by Cllr Peredur
Jenkins DECISION . To accept
the report on the end of August 2018 review of the Revenue Budget and consider
the latest financial situation regarding the budgets of each
department/service. - To ask the Cabinet Members for
Children, Education and Highways and Municipal services to ensure that the
departments have a clear implementation plan to reduce the financial deficit
and to discuss those plans with me so that I can be confident that they are
reasonable. - Reimburse the Economy and Community
Department £40k which is the income loss resulting from the closure of the
Arfon swimming pool over the summer. - Harvest (£1,904) of the net underspend
on Corporate budgets with (£40k) to be used to reimburse the Economy and
Community Department for the income loss while the Arfon swimming pool was
closed. With the remainder (£1,864) to be transferred to the Supporting the
Financial Strategy Reserve to support the inevitable one-off pressure on the
Council's budget. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted, noting that the report detailed the latest review of the Council's revenue
budget, along with the projections for the end of the financial year. It was added that since 2015, the Council had
faced a challenging period with savings of £27 million made during the period. It was reiterated
that the budgets at the end of August showed a mixed picture with acceptable
financial control in a number of departments.
It was added that the projections by the end of March indicated that
five departments would be overspending and five departments would be
underspending. As a result of
overspending, it was noted that some departments would have to take firm action
to ensure control of their budgets by 31 March 2019, namely the Education
Department, Children and Supporting Families Department and Highways and
Municipal Department. It was noted that
the Cabinet Member for Education had made his comments regarding the underspend
in the performance report. The Cabinet Member
for Children and Families noted that the department's budget was very
challenging. He added that the budget
was not practical, specifically when considering profound and complex
cases. He elaborated by noting that
overspending in Children Departments was a National and Regional problem. He expressed that the department was seeking
a resolution and that a detailed report would be prepared to face the
challenges in order to move forward. The Cabinet Member
for Highways and Municipal Department noted that there had been an increase in
operational costs and that overspending associated with sickness continued to
cause problems. It was added that the
department had taken steps to seek a resolution but that there was further work
to do. He added that income had been
lost on the commercial waste side as a result of external competition and
business closures. He noted that he
hoped that it would be possible to operate within the current budget by the end
of the financial year. Awdur: Dafydd L Edwards |
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CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2018/19 - END OF AUGUST REVIEW PDF 166 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Peredur Jenkins Additional documents: Decision: To accept
the report on the end of August review (as at 31 August 2018) of the capital
programme, and approve the revised financing as shown in part 4 of the report,
namely: -
£8,444,000
in various sources to fund actual slippages from 2017/18 -
£10,000
increase in the use of borrowing -
£10,988,000
increase in the use of grants and contributions -
£789,000
increase in the use of capital receipts -
£187,000
increase in the use of revenue contributions -
£4,859,000
increase in the use of renewal and other reserves. Minutes: Submitted by Cllr
Peredur Jenkins DECISION To accept the report on the end of August review (as at 31
August 2018) of the capital programme, and approve the revised financing as
shown in part 4 of the report, namely: -
£8,444,000 in various sources
to fund actual slippages from 2017/18 -
£10,000 increase in the use of
borrowing -
£10,988,000 increase in the use
of grants and contributions -
£789,000 increase in the use of
capital receipts -
£187,000 increase in the use of
revenue contributions -
£4,859,000 increase in the use
of renewal and other reserves. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted, noting that the report included an analysis per Department of the
three-year capital programme for 2018/19 - 2020/21 which stood at
£47.022m. It was added that there had
been a net increase of approximately £25.277m since the opening budget and it
was reiterated that £8.444m of this was due to slippages from 2017/18. It was expressed that the main reason for the
slippages was the late receipt of grants during the year to the Adults, Health
and Well-being Department and Highways and Municipal Department. It was noted that
firm plans were in place to invest approximately £28.6m in 2018/19, with 34% of
it funded by attracting specific grants.
The departments' staff were thanked for their hard work. Awdur: Dafydd L Edwards |
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SAVINGS OVERVIEW: PROGRESS REPORT OF REALISING SAVINGS SCHEME PDF 115 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Peredur Jenkins Additional documents:
Decision: To accept
the report and note the encouraging progress towards realising the savings
schemes during 2018/19 and previous years. Minutes: Submitted by Cllr
Peredur Jenkins DECISION To accept the report and note the encouraging progress
towards realising the savings schemes during 2018/19 and previous years. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted, noting that 95%, namely £23m of the £24m for 2015/16 - 2017/18 had
now been realised. It was added that
some slippage had been seen with some of the schemes, with a number of them
from the Adults, Health and Well-being Department, where the challenge of
delivering some schemes continued. It
was also noted that there had been some slippages in the Highways and Municipal
Department, and on 11 September 2018, the Cabinet had approved some alternative
schemes and deferred action on the Recycling Centre schemes. It was expressed
that when looking at departmental schemes for 2018/19, it was noted that of the
26 schemes, 11 had already been realised in full or in part, and it was
encouraging that only two schemes were anticipated to slip. The schemes where
slippage would be seen, namely the End to End scheme and Leisure Scheme, were
elaborated upon. In relation to the
remainder of the schemes, it was noted that the projections of realising the
schemes were generally promising. Staff were thanked
for their hard work in identifying savings, adding that the departments had
taken ownership of the savings schemes.
A discussion was held on the financial situation of other Local
Authorities, noting that Gwynedd had room to take pride in its efforts to
identify savings. Awdur: Dafydd L Edwards |
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FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME PDF 62 KB Additional documents: Decision: To
approve the Forward Work Programme included with the meeting papers. Minutes: Submitted
by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn DECISION
DISCUSSION The forward work programme was submitted. |