Agenda item

To consider any questions the appropriate notice for which have been given under Section 4.19 of the Constitution.

 

 

(The Cabinet Members' written responses to the questions had been distributed to the members in advance).

 

(1)      Question from Councillor Gareth A. Roberts

 

"Many older and ill people find it difficult to look after themselves and we have a shortage of care homes and care workers.

 

If a family member wishes to move in to care for an elderly or ill relative, they are not required to pay Council Tax on their own homes, but the person they care for will only receive a discount of 50% Council Tax.

 

Will the Council permit both the person who provides the care and the person receiving the care to receive a full 100% Council Tax discount?"

 

Response from the Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Ioan Thomas

 

"A statutory exemption exists which means that Council Tax is not payable on property that has been left vacant by someone who has moved away to provide personal care to someone else.  There are 10 properties that receive this exemption in Gwynedd, with the taxpayers of five of them providing care to individuals who live in other properties in Gwynedd, and the other five are providing care for individuals who live outside the county.

 

The costs of any additional discretionary discounts would be funded entirely from the Council's coffers. If we were to talk of five properties, the cost of providing the additional discretionary exemption would be approximately £10,000.

 

However, there are now 400 properties receiving either a 25% or 50% discount because at least one of the residents is receiving care, but where no properties have been left vacant by the carer.  It is noted that the question relates to a further discount on Council Tax for care receivers.

 

We cannot see how the Council could make a fair decision, that can be defended legally, to give five properties an additional Council Tax discount without giving it to up to another 400 properties also.  This would cost around £500,000 a year for the Council, and would mean having to prioritise Council resources, and the inevitable outcome of this would be to introduce savings and cuts elsewhere.

 

If the person who is receiving care pays Council Tax (or a proportion of Council Tax if they receive a discount), the value of the amount paid is included in their financial assessment to increase the amount of income they can keep every week before having to begin paying for their care. Everyone can keep enough money to pay for their Council Tax before they begin to pay for their care.

 

Given all the factors relating to taxation matters and calculating care costs, I cannot see how the proposal in the question could be affordable or how it could increase fairness in the system across the county.  Nevertheless, the Finance Department will continue to consider which discretionary discounts would be appropriate, if at all, and will keep the cases in question under consideration as part of this."

 

(2)    Question from Councillor Nia Jeffreys

 

"Following another blow to our communities with the announcement that Barclays Bank is leaving Porthmadog and Caernarfon, what support schemes are available to promote businesses and protect essential services on the high-street in Gwynedd?"

 

Response from the Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, Councillor Gareth Thomas

 

"The past twenty months have been an unprecedented challenge for individual businesses and for our town's commercial centres. Therefore, Barclays Bank's announcement that it was turning its back on the communities of Porthmadog and Caernarfon was a bitter disappointment, as it will be a further blow to our residents in trying to access core services and in creating lively town centres.

 

All Members will be aware of the enormous effort the Council has undertaken to support our local businesses over the pandemic with more than 22,000 payments worth more than £112 million distributed by the Finance and Economy and Community Departments.

 

Simultaneously, the Council has responded to the challenge in our town centres highlighted by the pandemic. A cross-departmental Town Centres Group was established and a liaison officer designated for each of the eighteen main towns. They worked with local partners in every area to realise a programme of interventions and improvements as town centres reopened after the lockdown, including £82,000 of financial support to enable local retailers and hospitality businesses to adapt.

 

Our efforts continue and in the written response, you will see a number of other initiatives listed.  I would like to give you a taste of the type of things the Council has been doing to support businesses.

 

Firstly, information. The Council communicates regularly with businesses and over 4,300 receive the Council's information bulletin every week. There are loans for businesses, £3 million in loans have been handed out.  We have a buildings renovation scheme. We have town centre improvements; the Welsh Government Town Transformation programme is run by the Council and there are loans to renovate vacant buildings in town centres and all of this has been noted in greater detail in the written response."

 

A supplementary question from Councillor Nia Jeffreys.

 

"Is Banc Cambria, promoted by Welsh Government, an idea that would work for us in Gwynedd to keep services in the high street, and as Barclays Bank are turning their backs on the people of Gwynedd, is it time for us as a Council to turn our backs on them, and move our business to another bank?"

 

Response from the Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, Councillor Gareth Thomas

 

"In terms of Banc Cambria, I'm totally supportive. I think that, by now, we see that Wales is often let down by these international companies.  They are turning their backs on us, and the banks are just as bad, and I'm a strong believer in doing things for ourselves in our own country.  Therefore I'm very pleased to hear about the development of Banc Cambria in Wales, and hope very much that this bank will open soon, and will open in buildings in our towns here in Gwynedd.  In relation to Barclays Bank, I have been given to understand that the Council is a customer of this bank, and I will hold discussions with the Cabinet Member for Finance to see if we can put some pressure on them to overturn the decisions they have made.  But there is a need for the Council also to maybe consider, if Banc Cambria is established, would it be better to transfer the Council's entire business to this type of bank?  Therefore, we will hold the discussions on this."

 

(3)    Question from Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd

 

"As the Gwynedd Council Housing Strategy 2019-2024 is approximately half way through its lifetime, could the Housing Portfolio Holder enlighten us on the successes and weaknesses of the Strategy, and what has been learnt in seeking to meet the demand for over 800 houses every year to meet the need for safe, comfortable and affordable homes for Gwynedd residents?"

 

Response from the Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Craig ab Iago

 

"The Councillor has mentioned the Housing Strategy, and I will answer the question about the Housing Strategy, but of course, there is another document, the Housing Action Plan, which implements the Strategy, namely our vision.  In addition to the written response, I would like to say a couple of things.  There are three parts, in my opinion, to the question - one about the successes, one about the weaknesses, and the third about what I have learnt since the Strategy.  The greatest successes of the Strategy are - when we were writing the Strategy, the Housing Service was part of the Property Department.  It did not have its own department.  By now, we have our own department, and of course, we have the Housing Action Plan to implement the Strategy, which is more important than the Strategy itself - major successes in my opinion.  We have changed the game, we have changed the Council's mindset on housing, and our role in the Housing Department.  In terms of the Strategies' weaknesses, we wrote it in a different time, under a different chief executive.  This was three heads of department back.  It was a struggle to create the Strategy at times, and if we were to write it today, it would be much more ambitious.  It would be easier to understand, but that pertains to the document, but as I have said, the most important document is the Housing Action Plan.  What have I learnt?  I have learnt that we need much more than 800 houses every year, and this only to keep up with the demand.  I have learnt that we are in a real housing crisis, and although we in the Housing Department are doing everything within our ability and going the extra mile to make sure that we house our people in their communities, the solution to the problem lies in the planning system, and the people who are able to change that system is Welsh Government.  We are currently using a planning system that is based on the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.  It was created in a different country, in a different century, by a Government full of people who went to Eton, and it's time for us to have a planning act for a twenty first century Wales.  This is what's needed to solve the fact that we are unable to provide enough houses to meet the need."

 

A Supplementary Question from Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd

 

"How many homes have been provided over the last eight months?"

 

Response from the Chief Executive

 

"In terms of figures, 220 empty houses have been brought back into use through investment from Gwynedd Council since the Strategy was introduced in 2019. There are disability adaptations to be made to make houses accessible for people to continue to live in their homes - there are 521 of these.  Specific grant had been given to people that would not be eligible to receive a grant from a bank - there are 24 of these.  1,836 people have been housed in social housing. 237 new social houses have been constructed and 14 people have received a grant towards purchasing their first house.  In terms of the number of people who have received support from all of this, the figure I have is 2,852."

 

(3)         A question from Councillor Annwen Hughes

 

"What impact is the Government withdrawing the Llanbedr bypass (access road to the airfield) likely to have on the broader economy of Meirionnydd?"

 

Response from the Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn

 

"I wish to thank the Councillor very much for her continued efforts to support the people of Llanbedr, who are genuinely concerned about the situation.

 

Welsh Government's decision to withdraw its support for the Llanbedr road scheme is a difficult blow for us as an Authority, and for the people and businesses of Llanbedr in particular.

 

The decision, in our opinion, is unfounded for a number of reasons, including any impact on the environment.  According to our research, it would have a positive impact on the environment, and specifically on the quality of air for the residents of Llanbedr.  The arguments in terms of the errors in the Welsh Government's review have been set out in detail in a letter to the First Minister sent on 12 December, and I believe that this letter has been appended to the written response, or has been sent out separately to all members.

 

In terms of the economic impact, I believe that this is of significant concern.  Creating jobs in the countryside and in Meirionnydd is a priority for us, and this decision is therefore, astounding.  We need quality jobs across rural Gwynedd and there is a special effort to target quality work in the Meirionnydd area.  This location is unique and this is its strength.  It enables access to safe aerospace apart from over Ceredigion Bay, which enables the type of tests on novel air-planes that cannot be carried out at other centres.  It is not possible to locate it anywhere else.

 

We have a clear ambition in terms of the development of this centre, based on low-carbon and carbon-neutral technologies, such as electric airplanes, and planes that use hydrogen.  A report from 2020 suggests that 500 jobs could be created here if the centre is developed to its full potential.

 

Developing this site is central to a number of the Welsh Government's own policies and strategies including Wales: A Sustainable Space Nation - a document that sets out a clear role for the centre in aiming for Wales to gain a space market work £2bn by 2030.

 

I have a significant element of concern about the report that is the basis for this decision.  It suggests that the centre should not receive support as it is not located within an area that has been designated as a growth area in the National Development Framework.  There are far-reaching implications to this statement.  We have argued that this suggests that there would be no support for investments to create new jobs in rural areas across Wales and we have raised the matter at the Rural Forum and with the Welsh Local Government Association.

 

There is also a need to recognise the impact on the companies that have invested substantial money in preparing detailed tenders to design and construct the road.  We were ready to commence this work at the beginning of the year, and none of these will now be given that work, and they will not be in a position to secure work for their workforce in the coming months.

 

To close, I'm of the opinion that this decision will have implications far beyond the development of one work centre.  Given the full picture, there was an opportunity here to contribute to genuine campaigns to develop new low-carbon and carbon neutral technologies on a global level.  It brought hope of success to one of our most economically vulnerable areas with the lowest weekly wage in the United Kingdom.  The opportunity is still there as all the relevant consents are in place.  But we will consider the next steps after receiving the Welsh Government's response to our concerns."

 

Supplementary Question from Councillor Annwen Hughes

 

"Have you received a reply to the letter you sent in November to the First Minister of Wales?"

 

Response from the Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn

 

"Yes, I have received a reply in these last few days, but the answer is extremely disappointing as the First Minister makes it perfectly clear that the decision will not be reconsidered.  I will share a copy of the letter with all members this afternoon.  We did not receive an answer to our analysis of the defective report of the Independent Panel or to other points raised - only to say that we will have an opportunity to discuss them with Transport Wales.  I question how qualified they are to hold a meaningful discussion on the matters, and we did not receive an offer to meet a minister, despite our request, which is disappointing given the good relationship that has been developed over recent months in several areas.  Naturally, this type of approach from the Government undermines elements of the trust we have developed between us and them.  The residents of Llanbedr have been sacrificed to suffer, not only the traffic problem, but also the resulting pollution.  The economic success of the people of Meirionnydd and every other rural area in Wales is being sacrificed as a result of the Government's simplistic policy which disregards the complexity of the situation.  Here we are once again - an example of the countryside having to pay because of climate change policies.  We will see if our populated areas, that are responsible for the majority of carbon emissions, contribute as much as we have to. I believe that this is a major transgression.  In terms of the next steps, I will be responding to the First Minister's letter, of course, and will seek to arrange a meeting with the Minister for the Economy.  I will have several opportunities to do this, and to seek answers from him, because there are questions about his entire strategy in terms of the economy here in Gwynedd, and in north Wales, and in fact in all of rural Wales.  I have already raised the matter with the Rural Forum and I will ask for the support of the WLGA to try to open the door to give us access to Government officers and ministers.  In the meantime, we must consider all available legal options, and also look at any possibilities for other funding."

 

(4)           A question from Councillor Gwynfor Owen

 

"Following the Welsh Government's statement on introducing measures to control second homes and holiday homes, can the Leader provide an update on the details of the measures and the next steps for the Council in implementing them?"

 

Response from the Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn,

 

"Obviously, I welcome the Welsh Government's recent statement, which will begin a process of adaptations to the planning regulations, among other recommendations, to seek control of holiday homes on second homes.

 

This statement, of course, following years of lobbying from the Council, including submitting detailed evidence to Welsh Government in December 2020, following research on holiday homes and second homes, which highlighted the need for better control, along with proposing recommendations for achieving this.  I believe that the evidence base deriving from the Council's research has been significant in the Government's recent announcement, which, I believe, is a recognition of the need to gain much better control of holiday homes and second homes, in the interest of our communities now and in future generations.

 

Therefore we have seen the launch of the “Legislation and Planning Policy for Second Homes and Short-term Holiday Lets" consultation on 23 November 2021 and will be open until 22 February 2022, and there is a link for you to see the details of the written response, and I encourage every member to respond to it as it is important that we have strong support for these proposed measures. This consultation offers changes that will give those authorities that have been affected by high numbers of holiday homes the opportunity to seek better control of the situation. This involved collecting evidence as a basis for legal instructions that would then mean, from the date of the directive, that planning permission would be required to use a house as a holiday home and second home, within a specific area.

 

The officers have begun a process of coordinating the response to the consultation that, most likely, will consider a number of matters such as the practicality of implementing and enforcing the proposed amendments, along with what this would mean in terms of Council resources.

 

The consultation in the planning field is one of a number of consultations the Council is responding to in relation to holiday homes, and I draw attention in particular to the "Welsh Language Communities Housing Plan" that has also been launched and will run until 22 February 2022. There is a link in the written response, and again, I recommend that you should all contribute to that consultation.

 

A general briefing session for Members will be arranged for 14 December, 2021, and one of the items presented to Members will be an overview of these consultations.

 

The Council will continue to hold discussions with Welsh Government regarding the variety of plans referred to in their statement, including financial support for Gwynedd for empty houses and funding to assist people to buy homes in their communities."

 

 

A supplementary question from Councillor Gwynfor Owen

 

"Could you expand more on your specific role as Leader along with Gwynedd Plaid and Gwynedd Council in the process of reaching this significant point?"

 

Response from the Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn

 

"I believe that it is true to say that this Council has led on the issue of second homes for years.  With the perseverance of my predecessor, Dyfed Edwards, in convincing Government ministers, he succeeded to introduce the right to raise the Premium.  I remember the first meeting I had with the Local Government Minister very soon after the County Council elections and taking the role of Leader - Dilwyn Williams (the former Chief Executive) and myself met with the Minister, Julie James, and one of the main issues we had was holiday homes.  Speaking of Dilwyn Williams, we should thank Dilwyn for his thorough work in introducing a detailed case and clear steps that could be taken to regulate second homes.  Very clear papers were prepared, as Dilwyn was able to do, to be submitted to the Rural Forum, and they were accepted by the 9 counties of that body.  That paper was also submitted for the WLGA's approval, to seek the support of all Welsh counties to what we were calling for, namely the steps in the planning field, in the taxation field specifically and also in the licensing field.  There is no doubt that the research work done by out Planning Policy Team has been very valuable, and we need to pay a tribute to them for this work.

 

Very many people and campaigners have been working on this for decades. I remember participating in campaigns in the 70s. I believe that Dafydd Wigley presented a bill in Westminster in the 80s and Elfyn Llwyd after him in the 90s, submitted a bill to Parliament seeking regulation of this field. Of course, there are other people around us.  We have acted in the political arena, but over the years, campaigners, be it Cymdeithas yr Iaith, Cymuned or Hawl i Fyw Adra - all of them have contributed to be able to convince this Government that there is a case for change, and the case is now stronger than ever, as we have seen in the current housing crisis.  But there is more work to be done, of course.  This is only the start of it.  We have set the foundations here.  We have won the day on the principles, but we must now ensure that the action taken in the planning field is effective.  We must ensure that the taxation proposals will work and we are expecting an announcement very soon from the Government in relation to this.  Of course, we still need a discussion with the Government on what is proposed exactly for the pilot scheme in Dwyfor, and that discussion will continue.  There is no time to rest on our laurels - this is where the work begins."