Agenda item

To accept and note the information in the report.

The report was submitted by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn

DECISION

To accept and note the information in the report.

DISCUSSION

The report was presented, and the key schemes were noted. It was noted in terms of the North Wales Ambition Board that some projects were now in progress, however, it was explained that one scheme had now been withdrawn. It was stated that the Bodelwyddan scheme had been withdrawn as a result of amendments to the local development plan which meant that the whole essence of the project had also changed.    It was explained that there were arrangements in place to consider schemes to fill the gap.  

Attention was drawn to an application to deliver the Llanbedr Access Road and to bypass the village and it was noted that the department was awaiting an announcement from the UK Government to hear whether the application had been successful. Reference was made to the Arfor programme and it was noted that the Government and the Authorities had by now agreed on the schemes but they were still awaiting the formal letter to commence the work.  It was highlighted that the time-schedule would be tight to spend the funding within the next 6 months. 

The Head of Department drew specific attention to the department's performance, and reported that it would be necessary to submit a further report to Cabinet on the situation regarding Byw'n Iach.  It was explained that although it was heartening that the number of users returning to the service had risen, it continued to be low following the pandemic and this placed additional pressure on their budget. 

On the other hand, it was noted that Hafan, Pwllheli, that is part of the Maritime Service, was now full and this placed pressure on the infrastructure and there was a demand for further investment there.  In terms of the position with savings, it was noted that there was pressure on the department's budget as there had been a delay in the work of upgrading Neuadd Dwyfor due to the pandemic and therefore its income target had not been realised. However, it was explained that detailed planning work was being undertaken and the department hoped that the work would be completed by next summer.   

Observations arising from the discussion

¾     It was highlighted that some beaches had experienced major difficulties over the summer, specifically Morfa Bychan with Motorhomes staying overnight.  It was asked whether it could be ensured that the situation was resolved by next summer. It was explained that a letter had now been prepared to be presented to persons who refused to move their vehicles and / or comply to give them a fine of up to £1000, and this would hopefully be in operation from Easter onwards.   

¾     It was noted that a number of schemes were looking to create work in the area, and it was highlighted that by now there was a lack of people to fill the posts.  It was explained that the situation had changed since the schemes were created five years ago, and therefore the new challenges would be highlighted in the next Council Plan. 

¾     It was stated that the European funds would terminate over the next few years, with the majority of the expenditure having to be completed by 2023.  As a result, it was noted that a number of services and jobs would be decommissioned.  It was explained that two funds were available from the Welsh Government, and the department was awaiting the result of a bid to the Shared Prosperity Fund, and £24 million would come to Gwynedd through the Levelling Up Fund. It was explained that the money would need to be spent within two and a half years which was an extremely short period of time.  In terms of the Rural Development Programme, it was explained that the Welsh Government had highlighted that this funding would be earmarked for environmental agricultural schemes which meant that a number of other schemes and jobs would end.  It was stated that the department was trying to plan to build on these schemes rather than to start from the beginning. 

¾     Staff were thanked for their work.