Agenda, decisions and minutes

Croesawyd pawb i’r cyfarfod.

Nodwyd bod rhaid i’r Cyng. Dewi Jones a’r Cyng. Menna Trenholme adael y cyfarfod am 4:00yh er mwyn mynychu cyfarfod arall.

Datganwyd buddiant gan y Cyng. Nia Jeffreys mewn perthynas ag Eitem 6. Nid oedd yr aelod o’r farn ei fod yn fuddiant oedd yn rhagfarnu, a ni adawsant y cyfarfod.

Datganwyd buddiant gan y Cyng. Paul Rowlinson mewn perthynas ag Eitem 11, a bu i’r aelod adael y cyfarfod.

Datganwyd buddiant gan y Cyng. Dewi Jones mewn perthynas ag Eitemau 13 ac 14, a bu i’r aelod adael y cyfarfod.

Nid oedd unrhyw fater brys.

Nid oedd unrhyw fater yn codi o drosolwg a chraffu.

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2025 were accepted as a true record. 

The Monitoring Officer drew attention to the error in the translation of the Local Member's comments in the Item 8 report, the meeting held on 14 October 2025.

It was stated that the Welsh words of the Local Member were “Pe byddai cynnig arfaethedig yma’n cael ei wireddu ni fyddai teuluoedd Cymru Cymraeg am ddod i fyw i’r pentref i fagu ei plant a rwyf yn tybio bydd mewnfudwyr yn prynu y tai ac yn gwneud y pentref yn le diarth”. 

It was noted that the translation “and I assume immigrants will buy the houses and make the village a foreign place” was not an accurate translation of the above and did not reflect the intention of the Local Member.

It was confirmed that the correct translation, provided by the Council's Translation Department, was "and I assume that incomers would buy the houses and make the village an unfamiliar place", which was a fairer reflection of the Local Member's intention.  

The Local Member was offered an apology by the Chief Executive for this error, noting that the original translation did not represent his statement.

This change was accepted by the Cabinet.

To accept and note the information in the report which reports on the work of the Corporate Parent Panel for the year 2024/25.

The report was submitted by Cllr Menna Trenholme.

DECISION

To accept and note the information in the report which reports on
the work of the Corporate Parent Panel for the year 2024/25.

DISCUSSION

The report was presented explaining the statutory responsibility that the Council and its partners had to act as a corporate parent to all looked after children in Gwynedd. It was noted that the aim of the Council was for all looked after children to live a happy and safe life. It was confirmed that the Panel was overseeing this work on behalf of the Council.

It was highlighted that there had been 280 looked after children in Gwynedd in March 2025, which was 1 less than the previous year. It was added that there was a lot of movement within this group, with children leaving and others becoming looked after during the year.

It was stated that 186 children were in foster placements, 21 in residential placements, 54 placed with their parents, and 15 young people living independently with support. It was highlighted that there was an increase in the number of looked after children in Gwynedd, adding that the placement of children close to their communities was positive.

It was revealed that most of the children who became looked after during the reporting period had been under the age of 5, and that many of the cases were related to safeguarding problems, substance misuse, or domestic violence. 

Reference was made to the support offered to families such as through the Team Around the Family and the Trobwynt Services, noting that they continued to have a positive impact.

It was explained that there had been a positive increase in the number of registered foster homes, as well as a reduction in the number of children who experienced 3 or more moves in their placement.

During 2024/25, a package of benefits had been developed for the County's foster carers, which included a reduction in Council Tax, a free parking permit, and the use of leisure centres.

Reference was made to the Small Group Homes Project noting that three new properties had been purchased during the year. It was highlighted that the first home had been opened in Morfa Bychan, and that two more houses were in the pipeline.

Pride was expressed that looked after children's health performance had improved significantly, noting that a large proportion of these children had registered with a GP and dentist. It was emphasised that there was close collaboration with CAMHS and the health service to ensure appropriate support for all children.

It was noted that the Panel had been exploring how to make Gwynedd a 'Trauma Informed' Council and offering training to the workforce.

It was highlighted that the Panel was cross-departmental and was proud that it was setting high standards for the Council.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Foster parents were recognised and thanked for the great work they were doing across the County. A question was asked about the impact of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To approve Cyngor Gwynedd's Annual Performance Report and Self-Assessment 2024/25 and it was recommended that it be adopted by Full Council.

The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys.

DECISION

To approve Cyngor Gwynedd's Annual Performance Report and Self-Assessment 2024/25 and it was recommended that it be adopted by Full Council.

DISCUSSION

Pride was expressed in the submission of the report, noting that this was the second performance report on the Council's Plan 2023-2028.

It was mentioned that attention had been paid to the comments of the Governance and Audit Committee, which would be included in the report.

It was stated that the fact that the Council had been able to achieve so much this year with a completely inadequate budget, was miraculous.

It was noted that the documents collated a wide range of information, and these reports would be included as evidence for next year's Panel Performance Assessment.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       The improvements to the infrastructure of some of the County's leisure centres, which include a new Padel court, were mentioned.

·       Reference was made to the list of work that had been carried out under the heading 'A Prosperous Gwynedd', and it was reiterated that the current situation meant that the Council would not have the money to achieve half as much going forward.

·       The importance of external partners and Council staff to be able to carry out all the work under the heading 'A Caring Gwynedd' was highlighted.

·       The link between the provision of suitable housing and the ambitions set under the 'A Homely Gwynedd' priority area was noted. It was added that it was complex and long-term work, which was intended to address a number of wider problems. The need to work collaboratively with the Welsh Government and housing associations was highlighted to be able to achieve the goal. 

·       Reference was made to the additional Social Housing Grants that had been attracted by the Welsh Government, noting that the grant received in 2024/25 would enable the Council's partners to construct at least 50 additional units.

·       It was recognised that pressures in terms of homelessness were increasing, noting that projects had been completed or were underway to provide emergency accommodation for homeless people across the County. Reference was made to the need for more social housing to be able to tackle homelessness.

·       Referring to the challenge of attracting staff into the field of care, pride was expressed about the Care Academy that had been launched and the many fantastic staff members who had come through the Academy.

·       It was stated that extensive investment was being made in Gwynedd's school buildings and the Language Centres within the County. It was reiterated that this was part of the intention to offer schools and education that met the needs of all children and young people in Gwynedd.

It was warned that the further financial shortfall the Council was facing would make it even harder for the Council to be able to deliver to the same level as it had done in the past.

To accept the report which is the second quarterly report from the Chair of the Response Plan Programme Board.

The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys.

DECISION

To accept the report which is the second quarterly report from the Chair of the Response Plan Programme Board. 

DISCUSSION

It was highlighted that this was the second quarterly report by the Chair of the Response Plan Programme Board.

It was explained that the Child Practice Review had been published on 4 November. The courage of the victims and survivors was highlighted, noting that they were at the forefront of everyone's minds when discussing this difficult topic.

It was noted that the report was horrific to read and that it highlighted the Council's failures. A sincere apology was offered to the victims and all those affected by the heinous offences, assuring that the Council would act on the recommendations of the Child Practice Review.

It was stated that the report submitted to the Cabinet provided an update on the work of the Response Plan Programme Board. The report had been prepared by the Independent Chair of the Board, Professor Sally Holland. It was explained that this Report had been written prior to the publication of the Child Practice Review, and that the Board had not yet had an opportunity to meet following this publication.

The Chair of the Response Plan Programme Board was welcomed to the meeting. It was acknowledged that the Child Practice Review had been published and the findings were appalling. It was noted that the wider culture of bullying and unacceptable behaviour by this Headteacher, and the missed opportunities to challenge and prevent further harm, made for sober reading. 

It was stressed that change was needed, particularly in wider cultural matters of challenging bad or unacceptable practices and a system for handling concerns and complaints.

At the Board's next meeting in December, a plan would have been drawn up and a set of effectiveness measures updated. The Plan would reflect the recommendations from the Child Practice Review and would continue to review the terms of reference to strengthen ways of working.

Reference was made to the Board's report when mentioning the progress that had been made since the previous report, as well as the areas that had been more challenging. It was reiterated that there was a need for a culture of challenge across the Local Authority and the need for that to be present in the Board. It was noted that this included written updates from Officers, impact measures, inspection reports, and it was added that the Chair was meeting with the agents to discuss their experiences of the Plan.

It was confirmed by the Chair that she and other Board members wanted Gwynedd to succeed in their response. It was stated that she wanted the people of Gwynedd to be confident that the safeguarding system will do the work needed to ensure that every child is supported and thrives.

The importance of offering transparency in the work in progress was highlighted, stressing that this work would be difficult and resource-consuming.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       It  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To approve the response in Appendix 4 as Cyngor Gwynedd’s response to the
statutory consultation, with the addition of opposition to the draft designation order and propsed boundary for the proposed Glyndŵr National Park. 

To delegate the right to the Head of Environment Department to make any insignificant changes that may be required to the response before it is
submitted to Natural Resources Wales.

The report was submitted by Cllr Craig ab Iago. 

DECISION

To approve the response in Appendix 4 as Cyngor Gwynedd’s response to the
statutory consultation, with the addition of opposition to the draft designation order and proposed boundary for the proposed Glyndŵr National Park.  

To delegate the right to the Head of Environment Department to make any insignificant changes that may be required to the response before it is
submitted to Natural Resources Wales.

DISCUSSION

It was explained that the purpose of the item was to discuss the Council's response to the Statutory Consultation on the proposed Glyndŵr National Park. The relevant Cabinet Member stated that he was trying to persuade the Cabinet to change the Council's response to the Consultation.

The financial, environmental and housing crises, and all the cuts currently facing the Council and society were highlighted. It was noted, therefore, that the development of a new National Park was not a priority for residents. 

The Local Member for the Llandderfel Ward was welcomed to the meeting and he reiterated the words of the Cabinet Member. It was pointed out that the current National Parks had been underfunded annually.

Concerns were also raised about the impact of a new National Park on over-tourism in the Llandderfel area and on the Welsh language in the local community. It was noted that there was currently a high percentage of second and holiday homes in Llandderfel, and it was highlighted that house prices were even higher within the National Parks. Concerns were raised about the wider impact of this on society.

The lack of information about this designation and its potential impact was highlighted, and the concerns about the impact on the Welsh language noted by the Cabinet Member and the Local Member were reiterated.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       It was questioned why this topic was being prioritised by the Government while we were facing so many crises in various areas. The Welsh Government was called upon to prioritise the County's underprivileged communities rather than projects like this.

·       If the value of this land was so high, the rationale behind trying to establish this National Park later than the other three Parks was questioned.

·       The decision sought was amended to set out the Council's objection to the Statutory Consultation.

1. To note that the Business Improvement District (BID) Proposal and supplementary documents from the HWB Caernarfon Company have been received by the Council and that they comply with the Regulations;

2. That the Cabinet instructs the Returning Officer to hold the Caernarfon
BID ballot;

3. To approve the financial arrangements and implications noted in Part 3 of the report;

4. To delegate the right to the Cabinet Member for the Economy to vote on behalf of the Authority in the BID ballot.

5. If the ballot is successful in Caernarfon, and in accordance with the Business Improvement District (Wales) Regulations 2005, to delegate the right to the Head of Economy and Community, in consultation with the heads of the following departments to approve the final version of the  Operational Agreement and the Baseline Agreement and complete the Agreements in accordance with the Council’s arrangements:

· Environment

· Highways, Engineering and YGC

· Legal

· Finance.

The report was submitted by Cllr R Medwyn Hughes.

DECISION

1. To note that the Business Improvement District (BID) Proposal and supplementary documents from HWB

Caernarfon have been received by the Council and that they comply with the Regulations; 

2. That the Cabinet instructs the Returning Officer to hold the Caernarfon
BID ballot; 

3. To approve the financial arrangements and implications noted in Part 3 of the report; 

4. To delegate the right to the Cabinet Member for the Economy to vote on behalf of the Authority in

the BID ballot. 

5. If the ballot is successful in Caernarfon, and in accordance with the Business Improvement District (Wales) Regulations 2005, to delegate the right to the Head of Economy and Community, in consultation with the heads of the following departments to approve the final version of the Operational Agreement and the Baseline Agreement and complete the Agreements in accordance with the Council’s arrangements: 

• Environment 

• Highways, Engineering and YGC  

• Legal 

• Finance.

DISCUSSION

The item was submitted explaining that the report was seeking ballot consent.

The members were guided through the decision sought and it was noted that the matter in question was technical.

To adopt a revised Charging Policy for care in accordance with the recommendations in this report. 

The report was submitted by Cllr Dilwyn Morgan.

DECISION

To adopt a revised Charging Policy for care in accordance with the recommendations in this report. 

DISCUSSION

It was explained that the department had assessed the fees already being charged for care in Gwynedd, and it was highlighted that there was a lack of consistency across the County.

It was acknowledged that the current Policy had been in place since 2017 and that it complied with the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, adding that the revised Policy was also in line with the regulations of this act.

It was noted that this Policy had been before the Care Scrutiny Committee and that a public consultation had been undertaken.

It was confirmed that the new Policy did not mean that there would be an increase in fees for individuals who are already paying, but it would reconcile fees across the County. The importance of this for the sustainability of the services was reiterated.

It was added that those people who fell under this policy would be eligible for a thorough financial assessment, to ensure that they did not pay more than they could afford. It was explained that the Welsh Government's maximum of £100 per week of contribution from individuals was still in place.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Pride was expressed that the maximum of £100 per week was still in place, and it was enquired if financial support was available to assist with these fees. Reference was made to the financial assessment to which all those who came under this Policy would be eligible, to see how much they would be expected to contribute. It was noted that there was support from the team to see if those who had to pay were eligible for any benefits that would help them in contributing to the fee.

·       It was highlighted that the Council would not charge a fee for direct care for unpaid carers, or charge a fee for supporting individuals to enter employment.

To adopt the draft response to the questions in the Welsh Government
Consultation on extending the duty on Local Authorities to broadcast
meetings (as noted in Appendix A), in order to respond to the consultation
on behalf of the Council.  

The report was submitted by Cllr Llio Elenid Owen.

DECISION

To adopt the draft response to the questions in the Welsh Government Consultation on extending the duty on Local Authorities to broadcast meetings (as noted in Appendix A), in order to respond to the consultation on behalf of the Council.  

DISCUSSION

It was discussed that the Welsh Government had launched a consultation to extend the duty to broadcast Council meetings. Although full Council meetings were required to be broadcast, it was highlighted that Cyngor Gwynedd was already broadcasting the meetings of the Cabinet, Planning, and the three Scrutiny committees as well.

It was stated that the Council welcomed extending the access of the people of Gwynedd to the work of the Council but was concerned about the additional pressure this would put on the Council financially and in terms of staffing resources. The concern about the technical resources required to be able to achieve this was reiterated, as there were no standard systems for webcasting meetings in Wales.

Attention was drawn to the potential positive impact that webcasting more meetings could have on the Welsh language.

It was explained that a discussion had taken place at the Democracy Services Committee on this matter, and that those members had agreed in principle but were concerned about the resources that would be needed to implement these plans. 

Recommend to the full Council on 4 December 2025 that the following is the
favoured option of the Cabinet with regards to the level of Premium on the
Council Tax of Second Homes and Long-Term Empty Dwellings for the 2026/27
financial year:

• That Cyngor Gwynedd allows NO discount on class A second homes, under Section 12 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (i.e. no change).

• That Cyngor Gwynedd allows NO discount and RAISES A PREMIUM OF 150% on class B second homes, under Section 12B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (i.e. no change).

• That Cyngor Gwynedd allows NO discount on homes that have been empty for 6 months or more and RAISES A PREMIUM OF 150% on homes that have been empty for 12 months or more, under Section 12A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992) (i.e. increase the premium from 100% to 150%).

The report was submitted by Cllr Huw Wyn Jones

DECISION

It was recommended to the full Council on 4 December 2025 that the following is the
favoured option of the Cabinet with regards to the level of Premium on the Council Tax of Second Homes and Long-Term Empty Dwellings for the 2026/27 financial year:  

• That Cyngor Gwynedd allows NO discount on class A second homes, under Section 12 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (i.e. no change). 

• That Cyngor Gwynedd allows NO discount and RAISES A PREMIUM OF 150% on class B second homes, under Section 12B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (i.e. no change).  

• That Cyngor Gwynedd allows NO discount on homes that have been empty for 6 months or more and RAISES A PREMIUM OF 150% on homes that have been empty for 12 months or more, under Section 12A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (i.e. increase the premium from 100% to 150%).  

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted stating that the Council must make an annual decision if it wished to levy a Council Tax Premium on long-term vacant properties and second homes, in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

It was highlighted that Cyngor Gwynedd had raised a 150% Premium on relevant second home Council tax, and a 100% Premium on long-term empty dwellings since 1 April 2023. 

It was explained that the decision sought was to retain the same level of Council tax Premium on second homes as would be raised for the 2026/27 financial year, and then increase the Premium to 150% on long-term empty properties.

Ongoing research had been carried out over the past year to identify trends and conclude as to how many of these changes were a direct result of the Premium.

It had been identified that there had been an increase in the number of second homes since 2024/25, following several years of decline in numbers.

It was then noted that the number of long-term vacant properties had remained constant and that residents of Gwynedd found such properties damaging.

It was reported that there was justification for not holding another public consultation, but if the Council wished to increase the Premium further, there would have to be a consultation. 

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Attention was drawn to the fact that the Premium was intended to address the housing crisis facing the County, and that the hope in increasing the Premium was to reduce the number of empty houses in Gwynedd.

To adopt a Council Tax Reduction Policy under Section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to provide officers with clear guidance and boundaries on the use of reductions and exemptions from the standard Council Tax and the Premium. 

The report was submitted by Cllr Huw Wyn Jones

DECISION

To adopt a Council Tax Reduction Policy under Section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to provide officers with clear guidance and boundaries on the use of reductions and exemptions from the standard Council Tax and the Premium. 

DISCUSSION

It was stated that Section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 gave the Council additional discretionary powers to reduce the amount of Council tax payable by individuals or classes of taxpayers.

It was highlighted that the Council used Section 13A of the 1992 Act to introduce local, optional exceptions in very limited cases.

Consideration had been given to cases that had been submitted to the Finance Department over several years in the formulation of the proposed Policy. It was added that these could be applications for a reduction in basic Council Tax, the Premium, or both.

It was noted that an exemption from the basic Tax using Section 13A was a direct cost on the Council's coffers, so that setting a precedent that could harm the Council financially in the long-term must be avoided.

It was mentioned that the Welsh Government was currently in consultation, which may lead to the modification of some of the statutory exemptions. It was noted that the Policy would be kept under ongoing review, and modified as any legislative changes were introduced.

It was highlighted that this proposed Policy would enable each application to be considered on its own merits. The importance of tax service officers having clear guidelines to follow was stressed, adding that having a panel to consider applications was a means of achieving consistency in decisions.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       A question was asked about the enforcement on local second home owners to pay a Premium backdated to years ago before the new Legislation came into effect. It was noted that several properties had been transferred back from a business tax band to a Council tax band since the introduction of the new legislation. It was highlighted that the effective date of when Council Property Tax was due was set by the Valuer's Office and that the Council must act accordingly. This was elaborated upon by noting that several of these second homes that were returning to the Council tax band also fell under the Premium, as no one lived in them. It was noted that this Policy enabled the Council to explore all the exemptions available to them, and provided the power to be able to explore specific cases.

1.1 To accept the information in the report and to note the progress towards realising the savings schemes for 2025/26 and previous years. 

1.2 To approve the deletion of one savings scheme worth £25k relevant to 2025/26 in the Customer Contact field of the Corporate Services Department, using the savings provision set aside in the corporate budget.

1.3 To approve bridging funds of £80k per year for a period of two years for 2025/26 and 2026/27 to the Neuadd Dwyfor savings scheme in the Economy and Community Department.

The report was submitted by Cllr Huw Wyn Jones

DECISION

1.1 To accept the information in the report and to note the progress towards realising

the savings schemes for 2025/26 and previous years. 

1.2 To approve the deletion of one savings scheme worth £25k relevant to 2025/26 in the Customer Contact field of the Corporate Services Department, using the savings provision set aside in the corporate budget. 

1.3 To approve bridging funds of £80k per year for a period of two years for

2025/26 and 2026/27 to the Neuadd Dwyfor savings scheme in the Economy and Community Department.  

DISCUSSION

It was explained that the report summarised the Council's savings position following an end of August review.

It was reported that £3.5 million worth of savings had been profiled for the 2025/26 budget. It was stated that there had been difficulties in realising savings in some fields over the past few years.

It was reported that historical savings plans for the period from the 2015/16 financial year to the 2025/26 financial year, had been included in Appendix 1.

It was highlighted that 98% of the historic savings had now been realised, leaving schemes worth £627,000 still unrealised.

With reference to Appendix 2, it was explained that the latest savings schemes were worth £15.6 million. It was added that 77% of the savings had already been realised, with a further 4% on track to be delivered in a timely manner.

It was mentioned that the value of the savings that had already been approved for 2026/27 onwards could be found in Appendix 3. 

The item was summarised by reporting that £46 million of savings had been realised, which was 92% of the £50 million required over the period. A further 1.3% was anticipated to be realised by the end of the financial year. 

1.1 To approve additional financial support above the contractual payment projected to be £219k to Cwmni Byw'n Iach to be funded from the transformation fund, delegating the right to the Cabinet Member for Economy in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, the Chief Executive and the Head of Finance to agree on the amount of the final financial support above the contractual payment to Byw'n Iach at the end of the financial year.

1.2 To ask the Head of Finance and Head of Environment to submit a further report on the possible options for funding the costs of making safe/demolishing the Corbett Arms building in Tywyn.

1.3 To approve the transfer of £3.757 million of underspend on corporate budgets to the Council's Financial Strategy Reserve, with its use to be considered before the end of the current financial year.

1.4 To approve the financial virements as outlined in Appendix 3 following a review of the funds, removing £576k worth of negative balances from the funds of the Adults, Health and Well-being Department (£300k) and the Children and Supporting Families Department (£276k), following the departments' overspending for three consecutive years.

The report was submitted by Cllr Huw Wyn Jones

DECISION

1.1 To approve additional financial support above the contractual payment projected to be £219k to Cwmni Byw'n Iach to be funded from the transformation fund, delegating the right to the Cabinet Member for Economy in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, the Chief Executive and the Head of Finance to agree on the amount of the final financial support above the contractual payment to Byw'n Iach at the end of the financial year. 

1.2 To ask the Head of Finance and Head of Environment to submit a further report on the possible options for funding the costs of making safe/demolishing the Corbett Arms building in Tywyn. 

1.3 To approve the transfer of £3.757 million of underspend on corporate budgets to the Council's Financial Strategy Reserve, with its use to be considered before the end of the current financial year.  

1.4 To approve the financial virements as outlined in Appendix 3 following a review of the funds, removing £576k worth of negative balances from the funds of the Adults, Health and Well-being Department (£300k) and the Children and Supporting Families Department (£276k), following the departments' overspending for three consecutive years.

DISCUSSION

It was stated that this report detailed the latest review of the Council's revenue budget for the 2025/26 period, and the outlook towards the end of the financial year.

It was then noted that the Council's departments had forecast an overspend of £6.3 million following the end of August review, of which 75% were in the field of care, adults and children. It was added that there was also significant overspending in the fields of waste, highway and municipal. It was confirmed that there was underspending on corporate budgets, which reduced the overspend forecast as a whole to £2.5 million.

The Cabinet was guided through Appendix 2, highlighting the budget deficit facing a number of Council departments.   

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       It was noted that this was a situation that is seen annually, which was an increase in demand but a decrease in the budget. It was added that underfunding was the problem, not overspending. 

·       Attention was drawn to the national picture and the fact that Councils across Wales were overspending in the same fields. It was noted that the overspending was likely to be higher next year because there was no funding coming in.

·       Disappointment was expressed that public money was being spent in fields that did not benefit society.

·       It was mentioned that the Housing and Property Department had purchased properties in Bangor and Caernarfon to provide accommodation for homeless people, which would reduce the costs of temporary accommodation such as bed and breakfast.

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

· To approve the revision to the Capital Budget approved on 6 March 2025 from the programme’s financing perspective (as shown in part 3.2.3 of the report), that is:

-an increase of £290,000 in the use of borrowing

-an increase of £13,390,000 in the use of grants and contributions

-an increase of £36,000 in the use of revenue contributions

-a decrease of £2,743,000 in the use of the capital reserve

-an increase of £29,000 in the use of renewal and other reserves.

The report was submitted by Cllr Huw Wyn Jones

DECISION

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

• To approve the revision to the Capital Budget approved on 6 March 2025 from the programme’s financing perspective (as shown in part 3.2.3 of the report), that is: 

-an increase of £290,000 in the use of borrowing 

-an increase of £13,390,000 in the use of grants and contributions  

-an increase of £36,000 in the use of revenue contributions 

-a decrease of £2,743,000 in the use of the capital reserve 

-an increase of £29,000 in the use of renewal and other reserves.

DISCUSSION

It was reported that the main purpose of the report was to present the revised capital programme (as of 31 August 2025), and to approve the adjustments to the relevant funding sources. It was noted that there was a Departmental breakdown of the £153 million capital programme for the three years 2025/26 - 2027/28.

Reference was made to Part 3.2.3 of the report, which detailed the sources to fund the net increase of £48 million since the original budget, of which £37 million had come from re-profiling at the end of the previous year.

It was reported that the main conclusions were that definite plans were in place to invest £101 million in 2025/26 on capital plans, of which £47 million (47%) was funded through specific grants.

An additional £12 million of proposed expenditure had been re-profiled from 2025/26 to 2026/27 and 2027/28. Reference was made to Appendix 2 when mentioning the major schemes which had slipped since the original budget.

The additional grants, worth £13 million, that the Council had been able to attract since the original budget were listed.