Agenda item

The report was submitted by Cllr. Craig ab Iago

DECISION

To accept and note the information in the report.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting that the department was doing good and exciting work. Attention was drawn to the Gwynedd Libraries service, noting that 2,422 children had participated in the Summer Reading Challenge, and that 46,851 children's books were read over the challenge period. It was added that over 1,000 children had attended Summer Fun for Children activities.

It was expressed that the new structure of the Youth Service was in place and that the situation was now much better and positive. It was noted that the results were encouraging that 1,107 young people had received support from the service, and a range of activities had been held. It was emphasised that the new structure worked and was successful, and this had happened as a result of collaboration with Community Councils. Attention was drawn to the Dyffryn Nantlle area, noting that a good provision had been created under the youth's leadership.

It was added that the Gwynedd Young Ambassadors Scheme remained successful with 255 Ambassadors giving up hours of their time to volunteer with the plan. It was noted that eight of the ambassadors had been to the National Conference in Cardiff, and the staff member, Hannah Hughes, won the Young Ambassador Officer of the Year award.

It was noted that work was being done on the Council's Housing Strategy, which would show the way for the service for the five years. It was added that the strategy was pioneering. It was reported that there was an increase in the demand for the homelessness service, but that work was being done to reduce it. It was added that a Rehabilitation Officer had been appointed, who would be a contact point providing a service for individuals who needed support.

It was expressed that in future the field would use the scrutiny process more effectively.

Observations arising from the discussion

-        It was noted that there had been many opportunities for youths following the restructuring of the Youth Service, and it was noted that evidence shows that there were opportunities for young people and that it was a flexible service.

-        As the customer satisfaction proportions were high, it was noted that the number of calendar days it took to provide a disabled facilities grant was still high. It was noted that this was because a wide range of solutions were required. It was expressed that in some cases, a planning application was required to modify houses, and others were only modifications inside the house. It was noted that there was certainly a need to work with the planning department and reduce the number of days. It was explained that the individuals who received modifications understood why there was a delay and a clear explanation was proposed along the way.