Agenda, decisions and minutes

Cabinet Members and Officers were welcomed to the meeting.

Apologies had been received from Councillor Catrin Wager. 

There were no declarations of personal interest.

There were no urgent items.

There were no matters arising from overview and scrutiny.

The Chair signed the minutes of the meeting held on 5 November 2019, as a true record.

It was resolved to approve the 2020-24 Strategic Equality Plan as a draft for public engagement.

The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys.

DECISION

It was resolved to approve the 2020-24 Strategic Equality Plan as a draft for public engagement.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting that this is the Council's third Equality Plan, adding that the first was published in 2012.  It was emphasised that the purpose of the Plan was to reduce inequality across the Council in accordance with the duty under the Equality Act 2010.

It was added that the Council was attempting to ensure that equality was rooted deeply in all Council work. It was expressed that the plan was ambitious but practical. It was noted that this was a request to hold a consultation on the plan and that the department were looking forward to hearing the opinion of individuals.

The Equality Officer emphasised the importance of the consultation to ensure that the plan met individual needs and attempted to further improve the culture within the Council in terms of equality.

Observations arising from the discussion

¾     Attention was drawn to the fact that the Welsh language was not a specific protected characteristic by the Equality Act; however, pride was noted in the fact that the Council included it, and that the Council was leading the way in relation to the language.

¾     Support was expressed for the report, noting that the Council needed to consider encouraging more diversity within the Councillors and leadership within the Council.

¾     It was emphasised that the Equality Assessment was in-keeping with the Equality Plan, and that this was a lesson for other departments on the importance of creating an Assessment.

¾     It was asked about the action plan, and it was noted that the plan would mature and progress in light of gathering initial information

To accept and note the annual report of the North Wales Regional Partnership Board and the progress made in 2018-19 on the areas of work that are brought forward through the North Wales Regional Partnership Board.

The report was submitted by Cllr Dafydd Meurig

DECISION

To accept and note the annual report of the North Wales Regional Partnership Board and the progress made in 2018-19 on the areas of work that are brought forward through the North Wales Regional Partnership Board.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted, noting that the Board was established as a result of the introduction of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. It was noted that it was a requirement in part 9 of the Act for local authorities to make arrangements to promote collaboration for the purpose of Social Services, and that they reported on their work annually.

Observations arising from the discussion

¾     The report was welcomed, emphasising the importance of the field. It was asked how much change the Board had made, and it was emphasised that the greatest value was that the region could learn from each other. It was added that local forums were held as well, and that the forums were more operational than the Board.

¾     It was expressed that there had been some difficult times when the Board was initially set up, but that there was now maturity as working regionally was now unavoidable.

¾     Attention was drawn to the Board's membership numbers, noting that the discussions were important ones, but that the greatest progress had taken place in terms of collaborating on a local level. It was added that there was an occasional need to stress that members be part of active Local Forums rather than attempt to be part of the Board.

¾     Councillor W. Gareth Roberts was thanked for his work as the Chair of the Board during its initial days to set the direction and a firm foundation.

¾     It was expressed that discussions certainly needed to be held on a regional level, but the importance of the main work being done on a local level was expressed. Attention was drawn to the Citizens Panel, noting that the numbers were so low that it contradicted the culture in Gwynedd Council, namely that real engagement was not a tick-box process, rather ensuring that we know what mattered to every individual we served. It was added that this emphasised the importance of the work on a local level in order to address the needs of the people of Gwynedd.