Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To approve and adopt the revamped Response Plan (Appendix 1).

The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys.

DECISION

To approve and adopt the revamped Response Plan (Appendix 1).

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted and the opportunity was taken to acknowledge the bravery of the victims, and it was emphasised that they were at the forefront of everyone's minds when discussing this difficult subject.

The background to the report was provided and it was noted that the Plan was live and had evolved over time, particularly since the publication of the Our Bravery Brought Justice report.

Reference was made to the Council's vow to implement all of the recommendations in the Our Bravery Brought Justice report, noting that the Response Plan had been revamped in order to address all of these recommendations. It was explained that the Plan followed seven Work Streams, to correspond with the main themes of the Our Bravery Brought Justice report.

It was confirmed that this Response Plan, in its new form, had been submitted before the Care Scrutiny Committee, the Governance and Audit Committee and the Education and Economy Scrutiny Committee. It was highlighted that the recommendations of these Committees were included in appendix 3 of the pack.

In addition, the Response Plan had been submitted before the Full Council last month to ensure that every councillor within the Council had been given the chance to provide their input, and to offer any further suggestions to strengthen the Plan. In thanking all members who had been a part of that, reassurances were given that all members' comments had been considered before this Plan had been submitted to this meeting of the Cabinet.

The Chief Executive highlighted that the response to what happened continued to be a main priority for the Council, and that every effort would be made to ensure the best possible Response Plan. Reference was made to the Quarterly Report by the Chair of the Response Plan Programme Board, and it was acknowledged that the Council was fortunate to receive this input from the Chair, and all agencies and organisations serving on this Board.

It was confirmed that the next steps would be to continue with the achievements that were progressing, and the encouraging progress that continued to be made was acknowledged.

It was noted that the narrative of the Plan explained what would be done by the Council to deliver under all fields identified.

Attention was drawn to the concise version of the Response Plan in the pack, noting that it was a response to the comments within committees for the need to summarise what had been done, and what continued to be done by the Council in response.

Reference was made to two further documents that were in development, in order to ensure that the information was being seen and understood by all within our society.

It was noted that resources had been allocated within the Council's budget to deliver the improvements identified, drawing attention to the Voice of the Child field in particular.

The Chair of the Care Scrutiny Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

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

DISCUSSION

It was explained that this was the third quarterly report of the Chair of the Response Plan Programme Board, and its purpose was to give the Cabinet an update on the progress of the work programme and implementation of the Response Board.

It was identified that the report raised awareness of the developments, what had been achieved, and what remained to be achieved by the Board.

The Chair of the Response Plan Programme Board was welcomed to the meeting. It was disclosed that the Board now met every two months in order to give officers more time to work on the Plan between meetings. After the publication of the Our Bravery Brought Justice report, it was highlighted that the Board had agreed to publish its papers in order to increase the transparency of the work. It was identified that the Board had moved to a more strategic period.

It was highlighted that the victims and survivors continued to be at the forefront of the Board's minds, and it was added that the Board also continued to offer support and scrutiny for Cyngor Gwynedd. 

Attention was drawn to the excellent engagement with the Board by its members and external observers, with full attendance at every meeting. Reference was made to the meetings being held by the Chair with key partners, external observers, and Cabinet members, to note the information deriving from the Board.

It was confirmed that the Chair of the Board continued to receive information and good support from the officers and Cabinet Members of Cyngor Gwynedd.

The key developments made in the last quarter were discussed, with attention drawn to the regular progress made in several key areas, for example, developing and monitoring safeguarding in schools, and including children and young people when developing policies.

Pride was expressed that the new headteacher of Ysgol Friars had been appointed permanently, and it was noted that she was also a member of the Board.

Pride was expressed from seeing more senior officers of the Council becoming a part of the leadership of the Response Plan, and more resources earmarked for the safeguarding field in the Council. 

It was reported that new impact measures for the amended Response Plan had now been agreed, and the Board was starting to receive reports on these.

When elaborating on the Board's next steps, it was stated that another two reviews were in progress on a national level, which would affect this work. It was declared that there would be further scrutiny of the Response Plan within Cyngor Gwynedd, and it was highlighted that much more work was still to be done to regain the trust of the people of Gwynedd.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Reference was made to the history of broader bullying at Ysgol Friars, and it was asked whether such bullying was being  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To accept the report as a record of the technical changes to date in the review of the Council's Plan requesting further editorial work before submitting the review in its final form to the Full Council.

The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys.

DECISION

To accept the report as a record of the technical changes to date in the review of the Council's Plan requesting further editorial work before submitting the review in its final form to the Full Council.

DISCUSSION

It was recognised that the Cyngor Gwynedd Plan 2023-28 was the Council's public statement of what was intended to achieve for the benefit of the people of the County. It was stated that there was a change to the decision sought from what was noted in the report.

It was highlighted that two workshop sessions had been held for the Cabinet members, and further sessions held for the Elected members and Corporate Management Team, to receive their input on modifications to the Plan.

It was explained that the proposed amendments to the Plan could be seen in Appendix 1. Some of those amendments were expanded upon, and it was noted that there was a new section within the Plan to acknowledge the work of the Response Plan, and that a new priority field was being proposed, namely An Equal Gwynedd.

The next steps in terms of adopting the Plan were then referred to, which was to develop milestones for the final two years of the Plan, and then attempt to establish the actual impact on the people of Gwynedd. It was mentioned that departments would be required to place more emphasis on outlining the impact that the projects had on the County's residents when reporting on performance. 

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Attention was drawn to the Women in Leadership project, stating that the number of women within the senior team had increased substantially since the beginning of the project. The hope was that this could be extended to include other groups of society that were under-represented in leadership roles. 

·       Seeing projects developing within the new priority field was eagerly awaited.

·       Gratitude was expressed to all who had been involved in the workshops, and attention was drawn to the fact that several of the adaptations named in the report were as a result of the achievements that had taken place in several fields across the year.

·       It was explained that the current Plan was a sign of strong strategic planning, and that the report was a record of the technical amendments made. It was noted that there would be an opportunity to expand upon the explanations before being submitted to the Full Council in due course. Pride was also expressed from seeing new matters being included within the Plan.

·       Pride was expressed that several people over 55 years of age had responded to the engagement questionnaire. On the other hand, there was concern that only a small number of young people had responded to the questionnaire, and it was suggested that consideration should be given to how to communicate with young people in order to obtain their input. ⁠In response, reference was made to the Youth Forum as a way of ensuring that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To approve the one-off bids of £2,870,280 for 2026/27, to be financed from the Transformation Fund.

The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys. 

DECISION

To approve the one-off bids of £2,870,280 for 2026/27, to be financed from the Transformation Fund.

DISCUSSION

It was reported that the bids listed in the report were to be financed from the transformation fund.

It was further noted that this was temporary funding to respond to temporary matters, which did not need to be financed permanently through the revenue budget. Some of the bids noted in the report were elaborated upon.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       The report was welcomed, noting that the better-than-expected settlement received this year had enabled matters that were not key matters to also be included in the bids, for the first time in a long time.

That the Cabinet approves a change in the right to delegate expenditure of the climate plan fund from the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader and members of the Climate and Nature Board, to the Cabinet Member leading the climate and nature portfolio, in consultation with the members of the Climate and Nature Board and the Social Services Director (Lead Director of the Climate and Nature Board).

The report was submitted by Cllr Craig ab Iago.

DECISION

That the Cabinet approves a change in the right to delegate expenditure of the climate plan fund from the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader and members of the Climate and Nature Board, to the Cabinet Member leading the climate and nature portfolio, in consultation with the members of the Climate and Nature Board and the Social Services Director (Lead Director of the Climate and Nature Board).

DISCUSSION

It was noted that this was only an operational matter. It was stated that a question had been raised about this matter by a member of the public, questioning how these decisions were delegated. It was disclosed that this had been a part of the consideration in relation to discussing the best way forward.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Members of the Climate and Nature Board were thanked ⁠ for their key work in implementing the Climate and Nature Emergency Plan, and ensuring that spending decisions were made in accordance with the Council's priorities. 

That Cyngor Gwynedd continues to act as the lead local authority for the Shared Prosperity Fund in north Wales until the end of the programme (30 September 2026) and completes its administration (01 January 2027).

That the Gwynedd Shared Prosperity Fund Panel continues until the revised end date of the Fund; with the Economy and Community Cabinet Member, the Finance Cabinet Member, and the Corporate Services and Legal Cabinet Member together with the Chief Executive, Head of Economy and Community, Head of Finance and the Head of Legal Services (or their representatives) as members.

That Cyngor Gwynedd agrees to act as the lead local authority for north Wales on behalf of the UK Local Growth Fund in Wales for the first year of the programme (2026/27).

That Cyngor Gwynedd agrees to continue the regional governance arrangements of the Shared Prosperity Fund for the purposes of the Local Growth Fund for the first year (2026/27), by submitting a plan outlining the intention to the Welsh Government.

The Head of Economy and Community – in consultation with the Head of Finance, Head of Legal Services and Chief Executive subject to 1.6 below was authorised to agree and complete the agreements with the government(s) for the purposes of carrying out the lead authority function.

The Head of Economy and Community Department was authorised - in consultation with the Head of Finance Department and the Head of Legal Services and the Chief Executive – to establish inter-authority legal agreements and funding conditions with the other north Wales authorities to protect Cyngor Gwynedd's interests.

That Cyngor Gwynedd agrees to continue the local governance arrangements for the purposes of the Local Growth Fund in Gwynedd as outlined in the report.

The report was submitted by Cllr R. Medwyn Hughes.

DECISION

That Cyngor Gwynedd continues to act as the lead local authority for the Shared
Prosperity Fund in north Wales until the end of the programme (30 September
2026) and completes its administration (01 January 2027).

That the Gwynedd Shared Prosperity Fund Panel continues until the revised end
date of the Fund; with the Economy and Community Cabinet Member, the Finance
Cabinet Member, and the Corporate Services and Legal Cabinet Member together
with the Chief Executive, Head of Economy and Community, Head of Finance and
the Head of Legal Services (or their representatives) as members.

That Cyngor Gwynedd agrees to act as the lead local authority for north Wales on
behalf of the UK Local Growth Fund in Wales for the first year of the programme
(2026/27).

That Cyngor Gwynedd agrees to continue the regional governance arrangements
of the Shared Prosperity Fund for the purposes of the Local Growth Fund for the
first year (2026/27), by submitting a plan outlining the intention to the Welsh
Government.

The Head of Economy and Community – in consultation with the Head of Finance, Head of Legal Service and Chief Executive subject to 1.6 below was authorised to agree and complete the agreements with the government(s) for the purposes of carrying out the lead authority function.

The Head of Economy and Community Department was authorised - in consultation with the Head of Finance Department and the Head of Legal Services and the Chief Executive – to establish inter-authority legal agreements and funding conditions with the other North Wales authorities to protect Cyngor Gwynedd's interests.

That Cyngor Gwynedd agrees to continue the local governance arrangements for
the purposes of the Local Growth Fund in Gwynedd as outlined in the report.

DISCUSSION

Attention was drawn to the two matters at hand, namely to ensure arrangements to bring the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) to an end, and to establish new arrangements for the first year of the Local Growth Fund that would replace it.

It was reported that the UK Government had extended the period of the Shared Prosperity Fund for 6 months and Cyngor Gwynedd was required to continue as the lead local authority for the programme for the duration of this extension. Its successor, the Local Growth Fund, would become operational from 1 April 2026.

It was mentioned that Gwynedd had received £8.19 million through the Shared Prosperity Fund this year. It was stated that the UK Government had announced that they would allow SPF-funded activity to continue up to 30 September 2026, but without any additional funding.

It was identified that less money would be received under the Local Growth Fund. Attention was then drawn to the fact that 70% of the funding from the Local Growth Fund would come in the form of capital, and 30% of it would come in the form of revenue. It was highlighted that this was very different to the current procedure and that it was likely to have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To approve the content of 'An Economy that Works for All: Gwynedd 2035' as set out in Appendix 1.

It was agreed to recommend the adoption of a 'Working Economy for All': Gwynedd 2035' to the full council of Cyngor Gwynedd.

The Head of Economy and Community was authorised to complete any minor adjustments necessary and agree the design of the Strategy in consultation with the Cabinet Member.

It was agreed to establish a 'Gwynedd Economy Forum' on the basis outlined in sections 4.19 to 4.24 of the report.

The report was submitted by Cllr R. Medwyn Hughes.

DECISION

To approve the content of 'An Economy that Works for All: Gwynedd 2035' as

set out in Appendix 1.

It was agreed to recommend the adoption of a 'Working Economy for All': Gwynedd 2035' to the full council of Cyngor Gwynedd.

The Head of Economy and Community was authorised to complete any minor adjustments necessary and agree the design of the Strategy in consultation with the Cabinet Member.

It was agreed to establish a 'Gwynedd Economy Forum' on the basis outlined in sections 4.19 to 4.24 of the report.

DISCUSSION

Reference was made to Section 4 of the Cyngor Gwynedd Constitution which notes that the economic development strategy was a part of the Policy Framework, and that it was required for the Full Council to approve it by means of a Cabinet recommendation. It was emphasised that the Strategy had also been pre-scrutinised.

It was mentioned that the Strategy's form followed a logical order to guide the reader from the case for action, to the priorities and then onwards to the implementation method and measure success.

A report was provided on the Strategy's vision, and reference was made to the themes within the Strategy, namely Enterprise, People and Place.

The Chair of the Education and Economy Scrutiny Committee was welcomed to the meeting to present the committee's recommendations to the Cabinet. He noted that the committee welcomed the work of seeking to set a long-term strategic direction for Gwynedd, at a challenging economic time. The Committee expressed concern regarding the increasing uncertainty in terms of grants, and the potential implications of that to the deprived rural areas of the County. It was noted that Committee members were eager to see a greater emphasis on economic development in the west and south of the County, in order to ensure that opportunities and investment were distributed fairly across the geographical area. The Committee emphasised the importance of ensuring clear progress monitoring arrangements against the Strategy, including being able to show over time what jobs were created or safeguarded, and the impact of the investment on the communities of Gwynedd.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       It was noted that several local businesses in Gwynedd employed fewer than 10 people, and enquiries were made about the support offered to those businesses. In response, it was confirmed that the vast majority of recent support package grants had gone to small businesses. Reference was made to the uncertainty in terms of the future of support packages, however, assurances were expressed that should there be an opportunity to bring a support package forward under this Strategy, it would be tailored to try to support businesses and small enterprises who employ across the County.

·       Pride was expressed in the Strategy, and they eagerly awaited seeing it developing.

·       It was noted that an evaluation and monitoring framework, which corresponded with the Strategy, had been developed. It was highlighted that this offered a series of results and outcomes that needed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys.

DECISION

To approve the Forward Work Programme included with the meeting papers. 

DISCUSSION

It was noted that the Forward Work Programme could be viewed in the pack for information.