Agenda and decisions

To receive any apologies for absence.

To receive any declarations of personal interest.

To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chair for consideration.

The Chair shall propose that the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee held on 19 June 2025 be signed as a true record.

To scrutinize the draft strategy for the development of Gwynedd's economy between 2025 and 2035.

DECISION

1.     Accept the strategy and note the observations.

2.     Express concern regarding the availability of grants for deprived areas such as Gwynedd, and express hope that there will be equality and fairness within the County in relation to the distribution of resources and support.

3.     Note the importance of collaboration between the Economy and Community Department and the Environment Department to ensure that the New Local Development Plan addresses the need to attract jobs and businesses to the County. In the same way, collaborate with Eryri National Park.

4.     Suggest that a clear structure is established to review the progress at the end of the year against the delivery plan.

To scrutinize the action plan in response to recommendations arising from the evaluation and the Estyn review.

DECISION

1.     Accept the report and note the observations.

2.     Ask the Cabinet Member for Education to:

·       lobby the Welsh Government further for additional financial resources.

·       further consider the option of returning to five days and/or consider the length of the period spent in the language centres, taking into account the well-being of the pupils.

·       hold further consultation with stakeholders and ensure that there is flexibility in the future provision.

3.     That the Scrutiny Committee extends its gratitude to all those involved in immersion, both in the language centres and within mainstream schools.

To give the Scrutiny Committee the opportunity to consider the Procurement Strategy’s content and provide comments.

DECISION

1.     Accept the report and note the observations.

2.     Ask the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Legal Services and the Welsh Language to ensure that everything possible, within the limitations, is done to keep the benefit local, to promote small companies, create social value and support the Welsh language.

To report to the Scrutiny Committee on the performance of the Corporate, Legal and Welsh Language Departments.

DECISION

1.     Accept the report and note the observations.

2.     Welcome the steps taken to address stress, to promote the role of women in leadership, and to ensure that employees have a voice in relation to health and safety arrangements within the Departmental Forums.

To present the Committee's draft work programme for 2025/26 for adoption.

DECISION

1.     To adopt the work programme for 2025/26.

2.     To consider prioritising the scrutiny of the implementation of the Language Charter when timely.