Agenda item

To outline the progress of the work of the Public Services Board during 2020/21.

To approve the work programme.

The report was submitted by the Council Leader and he noted that the Public Services Board's activities had been greatly affected by Covid, but had now recommenced. He turned to the Gwynedd and Anglesey Public Services Board's Programme Manager who guided the Committee through the report and noted the following;

- That the Board had four sub-groups which carried out their work on various roles, and an update was provided on these.

- In relation to the Climate Change sub-group, it was noted that workshops were being held, along with engagement within the community.

- It was noted that the Homes for local people sub-group had ended as other departments had taken the lead, and that the group's work was now complete.

- Reference was made to the work streams under the Mental Health, Adults and Children sub-group, and that the Board was collaborating with the leaders.

- In relation to the sub-group associated with the Welsh language, it was noted that this group now had a leader and so the work had recommenced.

During the discussion, the following observations were made by members:

- A question was asked about why the sub-group relating to housing for local people had ended.

- It was suggested that there was a need to engage with residents about climate change and how to cope with challenges such as flooding.

- The question about houses for local people was reiterated, and it was noted that there was a concern about the lack of houses in more southern areas of the County, e.g. in Tywyn, which faced a housing crisis and had a growing community.

- A question was asked as to whether there was an intention to plant more trees in Gwynedd as a part of the climate change agenda.

- That the Welsh Government requires a courtesy level of Welsh language skills within their jobs. The member added that a more natural use of the Welsh language is needed across Wales.

- That a quota of second homes is needed in Gwynedd because of the loss of housing stock and the reduction in rental properties available.

In response to the above observations, the following was noted:-

- That there was a need to avoid duplication at all costs and that was why a decision was made to end the work on houses for local people. The Council Leader reiterated that a huge amount of work had been done on housing.

- It was noted that we had a lot to learn from residents and that it was intended to go out and hold a dialogue within communities to see what mattered to them. In terms of climate change, it was noted that this was a future discussion topic with residents.

- That the work of the Welsh Language Sub-group regarding ensuring that the public receive Welsh medium services is relevant to all public service matters.

- That the housing stock has reduced, and over the past four years over 600 houses have been built but around 800 houses have left the housing stock. This has lead to an increase in the amount of homelessness and the issue needs more publicity.

RESOLVED

To approve the work programme.