Agenda, decisions and minutes
Venue: Virtual Meeting
Contact: Annes Siôn 01286 679490
Media
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APOLOGIES Additional documents: Minutes: The Cabinet Members and Officers were welcomed to the
meeting. Apologies were received from Dilwyn Williams, Chief Executive |
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DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Ioan Thomas and Councillor Cemlyn Williams
declared a personal interest in item 6 as they were members of Caernarfon Town
Council. |
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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 16 FEBRUARY 2021 PDF 199 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair accepted
the minutes of the meeting held on 16 February
2021 as a true record. |
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TRANSFER OF LEASE AND MANAGEMENT OF COED HELEN - CAERNARFON PDF 221 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Gareth Thomas Additional documents: Decision: Lease and
transfer of the management of Coed Helen Park, Caernarfon to Caernarfon Town
Council. Minutes: The report was
submitted by Cllr Gareth Thomas DECISION Lease and transfer of
the management of Coed Helen Park, Caernarfon to
Caernarfon Town Council. DISCUSSION The report was submitted, and the decision noted.
It was noted that, in December 2014, the Council had approved a savings
programme of over £1million for the Leisure department. It was added that the
department had managed to realise these savings, and as part of the savings,
the Byw'n Iach Ltd. company had been established to
take responsibility for the leisure service. It was noted that the company ran 12 of the
Council's Leisure Centres as well as five community resources. Parc Coed Helen was one of those
community resources, which was used by local clubs within the communities. It
was added that the resources had been transferred to the Company temporarily
and it had been highlighted at the time that this arrangement was not the most
effective for the sites. It was stated that the Economy and Community
Department had been holding discussions with several groups and entities in the
communities to see whether there would be any interest in having more effective
arrangements to manage the resources. It was added that positive arrangements
had been held with Caernarfon Town Council and it was noted that the Town
Council had decided to take the transfer of the Park on a 99 year lease. It was
stressed that the Town Council was happy to maintain the existing services,
while also seeking opportunities to improve the facilities for the future. Observations arising from the discussion ¾ It
was noted that as this land was public open land, notification of this
intention was a legal requirement. It was stressed that this had been
undertaken and no objections had been received. ¾ It was noted that one
of the Local Members had objected and it was asked what concerns had been
highlighted by him. It was noted that he had raised several matters such as
arrangements for the Caretaker, parking matters as well as the Capacity of the
Town Council. It was stated that the Council had explained the situation but
that the Local Member continued to object to the transfer. ¾ It was noted that the
park was close to the hearts of many people and that securing its future was
completely necessary. It was noted that the Town Council was possibly a better
body to manage the resource. Concerns about the caretaker were acknowledged. ¾ It was expressed that
there was a need to look at transferring all the community resources, as it
would be possible for them to receive more investment through bodies such as
Town Councils. Awdur: Sioned Williams |
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STRATEGIC SAFEGUARD PANEL PROGRESS REPORT 2018-2020 PDF 112 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Dilwyn Morgan Additional documents: Decision: The report
on the work of the Strategic Safeguarding Children and Adults Panel was
accepted. Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Dilwyn Morgan DECISION The report on the work of
the Strategic Safeguarding Children and Adults Panel was accepted. DISCUSSION The report was submitted noting that the purpose of the report was to
provide an update on the work of the Strategic Safeguarding Panel. It was
stressed that safeguarding was a priority for all within the county and that it
had been heightened during the Covid-19 period. It was noted that the report summarised the work of the panel, with references
to the reports of external auditors and the Annual Report of the Corporate
Director for the period of two years. It was explained that, although the
timing of the report had slipped, this was not a reflection of the work of the
panel during the period in question. The Corporate Director apologised that the report was late, but it was
stated that it was a comprehensive report. It was noted that there was a brief
delay before meeting at the beginning of the pandemic but it was stated that
the panel had met throughout the past year, and this highlighted that
safeguarding was a priority within the Council. Everyone's commitment to this
field was appreciated. Attention was drawn to the effect of the pandemic on safeguarding and it
was noted that the number of referrals had reduced for a while but the number
was increasing as aspects of the pandemic adapted. It was noted that it was
encouraging that these trends were consistent with the picture seen across
Wales, and that national and regional discussions were continuing to look at
these trends. It was noted that progress had been made with the work programme.
Attention was drawn to the good work of raising awareness that was being done
continuously, but it was stated that training data remained a concern as the
figure for the number of council staff attending training was not 100%. It was
added that the panel was looking at the best way of sharing the information
with staff. The work that was being done in partnership and regionally and
nationally was highlighted. It was further stated that the internal panel had
merged community safety within the Safeguarding Panel. Attention was drawn to the increase in the number of parents deciding to
educate their children from home and it was highlighted that safeguarding
guidelines were not in place for these children. It was noted that this matter
should be looked into further. Observations arising from the discussion ¾ A question was asked
about the number of children being educated from home and the reasons for the
increase. It was stated that the Head of Education Department should be asked
about the reasoning behind the decisions but it was noted that procedures were
in place in order to contact the individuals who choose to educate from home. ¾ It was noted that the domestic violence rate was low specifically after the lockdown. Concern about this field was raised and it was noted that ... view the full minutes text for item 7. Awdur: Morwena Edwards |
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RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATION ON THE WHITE PAPER: RE BALANCING CARE AND SUPPORT PDF 215 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Dafydd Meurig & Cyng / Cllr. Dilwyn Morgan Additional documents:
Decision: The draft
response to the Consultation was approved, noting the need for modifications to
respond to question 3 in order to strengthen the response. The
Council's decision to disagree with the proposals included in the White Paper
was supported. Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Dafydd Meurig DECISION The draft response to the
Consultation was approved, noting the need for modifications to respond to
question 3 in order to strengthen the response. The Council's decision to
disagree with the proposals included in the White Paper was supported. DISCUSSION The report was submitted noting that the Government had published the
White Paper looking at Re-balancing Care and Support. It was noted that the
White Paper highlighted the Government's vision which included moving away from
complexities, moving away from prices and closer to social value and to shift
from an organisational focus to focusing on effective collaboration. Support
for the vision, which aligned with the vision within the Council, was
expressed. It was stressed that, from looking at the documents, the main problem
was how the Government would deliver this. It was further noted that the White
Paper stressed the element of simplifying, but complicated the arrangements by
noting standard commissioning processes, creating a National Office and Boards,
and establishing the Regional Partnership Boards as legal corporate entities. A
feeling that the above intention was contrary to the vision was highlighted,
and that this had been stated in the Council's response. The Corporate Director added that, at first sight, it aligned with the
Council's vision and was a good response from the Government. Nevertheless, it
was noted that having taken a closer look, it was contrary to the vision noted.
It was noted that the field was made more complex by adding further layers and
specifically in large regions such as North Wales. It was added that this would
move the far-reaching decisions further away from the individual. It was
stressed that buying individual support was a large part of the document and
was contrary to the principles of Gwynedd of working on the basis of the
individual rather than a choice of support. It was noted that the document highlighted the need for better terms and
conditions for care staff but that it did not note what the solution was. It
was highlighted that there was mention of regional cumulative funds but it was
stressed that this would not provide a solution. It was noted that there was no
mention of the far-reaching document, A Healthier Wales, which clearly stated
that there was a need for a regional vision but local provision. In terms of
the response, it was noted that the responses were seen in the appendices but
the need to send a letter as well highlighting what the Council was doing to
align with the vision highlighted, was noted. Observations arising from the discussion ¾ It was noted that
sending a letter with the responses was acknowledged, but that it was possible
they would only look at the responses. The need to highlight clearly the
objection to creating a regional legal corporate entity was noted. ¾ Concerns were
outlined about regionalisation as it would be taken further away from the
citizens. ¾ It was noted that there were ... view the full minutes text for item 8. Awdur: Morwena Edwards |
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RESIDENTIAL AND NURSING FEES 2021-22 PDF 351 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Dafydd Meurig Additional documents: Decision: The
following residential and nursing fees for 2021/22 were approved for agreement
with independent providers.
Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Dafydd Meurig DECISION The following
residential and nursing fees for 2021/22 were approved for agreement with
independent providers.
DISCUSSION The report was
submitted noting that it was a bid to increase the fees. Attention was drawn to
the preferred option. The Business Manager
from the Adults Department added that, prior to the pandemic, attention needed
to be given to the fees because many providers refused the fees and charged
their own fees. The need to review the fees was acknowledged, and it was added
that a piece of work had been commissioned to look at the matter further. It was stated that,
as a result of the pandemic, this work had been put to one side and was
therefore not mature enough to be used to look at the fees for 2021/22. As a
result, it was noted that a regional standard tool had been used to set the
fees for 2021/22. The need to adapt this tool was noted, and that a regional
discussion was being held with providers. The options were
highlighted, stressing that the preferred option, Option A, responded to some
matters that were being highlighted together with some costs. However, it was
added that it gave an opportunity for the Council to continue with the
discussions to pay higher costs in the future as well as re-start the work
which had been commissioned. The Head of Finance
Department noted that he was disappointed not to have been a part of the bids
procedure and that it was a separate decision. He added that regional aspects
were holding them back rather than working simply and clearly. It was noted
that the preferred option was affordable within the budget. Awdur: Rhion Glyn |
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THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON BYW'N IACH'S 2021-22 BUDGET PDF 154 KB Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr. Ioan Thomas & Cyn / Cllr. Gareth Thomas Additional documents: Decision: The Head of
Finance Department was authorised in consultation with the Head of Legal
Services and the Head of Economy and Community Department, to provide a letter
of assurance to extend the period of assurance already given to the Byw'n Iach
company until the end of the 2021/22 financial year, in accordance with the
provision in the agreement with the company. Minutes: The report was submitted by Cllr Ioan Thomas DECISION The Head of Finance
Department was authorised in consultation with the Head of Legal Services and
the Head of Economy and Community Department, to provide a letter of assurance
to extend the period of assurance already given to the Byw'n Iach company until
the end of the 2021/22 financial year, in accordance with the provision in the
agreement with the company. DISCUSSION The report was presented, noting that in May 2020 a report was submitted
noting a possible gap in the Byw'n Iach company 2020/21 budget as a result of
Covid-19. It was added at the meeting that it was expected that Welsh
Government would fund additional expenditure and it was resolved that the
Cabinet would be willing to provide the necessary financial support to sustain
the services of Byw'n Iach company initially until the end of the 2020/21
financial year. It was stated that the Government had given fair contributions from the
Hardship Fund towards loss of income and that the Council had claimed funds
from the Furlough scheme whilst the leisure centres were shut. It was noted
that the Finance Department was expecting the Council to claim a total of £3m
in assistance on behalf of Byw'n Iach company. It was noted that the side-effects of the Covid-19 crisis would continue
in 2021/22 with the possibility of some sort of restrictions in place together
with the challenge of re-building the confidence of the company's customers. It
was stressed that the Council remained of the opinion that an arm's length
company model was the most suitable one to address the aspirations in the
leisure field and that a close relationship would continue to secure its
financial viability. The recommendation to extend the period of assurance to the next
financial year in order to support them financially until 31 March 2022 at
least, was noted. It was added that, in using 2021/22 as a basis, it was not
anticipated that the cost of keeping the company viable would be above this
year's sum. In addition, it was stated that there was a reasonable budgeting
presumption that the Government would continue to compensate the Council for
loss of income for the next financial year. Awdur: Dafydd Edwards |