Agenda item

To accept and note the information in the report.

The report was submitted by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn and Cllr Nia Jeffreys 

DECISION 

To accept and note the information in the report. 

DISCUSSION  

The report was presented by the Leader who referred to the regional matters included in the report. Reference was made to the North Wales Growth Deal, noting that some projects had been withdrawn for various reasons which had left a sum of £30 million remaining. It was reported that bids for projects had been invited for this sum. It was noted that the projects would be for a period of 15 years and would be funded by both Governments. 

It was added that project costs had increased which had had an impact on other projects as well as putting pressure on staffing resources. It was noted that this was one of the main risks identified and that work continued to respond to the risks.  

The Deputy Leader referred to the performance of the Department's services which included Byw'n Iach and the level of Centre users which continued to be lower than pre-covid. Reference was made to specific matters which had had an impact on figures such as the temporary closure of the Arfon swimming pool for 3 months in order to renovate it and restricting the opening hours of Bangor swimming pool due to staff shortages. It was reported that discussions were regularly held between Byw'n Iach and the Council in order to overcome some of these barriers that were affecting the Company's income. 

It was reported that the number of people engaging with Museums and Galleries had reduced over the last period as a result of the fact that Storiel gallery and the Lloyd George Museum had had to close without notice following accidents at the building and repair works that needed to be completed before being able to re-open. The opportunity was taken to thank the Museum and Volunteering Co-ordinator for her work during these incidents.  

To close, attention was drawn to the supporting communities work, noting that 121 groups and enterprises had been supported between October and December 2022 noting that these were projects on the ground close the hearts of the residents of Gwynedd, and pride was expressed about this. 

The Head of Economy and Community added that the Department had not had a lot of opportunity to make progress on the projects contained in the Council Plan because of the need to divert staff from working on strategic projects to help with the regional schemes that the Council was leading on.  

To close, reference was made to the shared prosperity fund, noting that the closing date for submitting bids for projects was 24 February. It was noted that a job had been advertised to manage the fund in Gwynedd, but no applications had been received.  

Observations arising from the discussion 

·                  Members gave thanks for the report. 

·                  Concern was expressed about the situation of vacancies and the difficulties filling them, generally across the Council. It was believed that there was room to try to attract candidates and promote the vacancies and opportunities available in the Council.