Agenda item

·        To agree that Cyngor Gwynedd leads on a grant application and programme to develop innovative plans in the circular economy field of work.

·        To authorise the Head of Economy and Community Department and the Head of Finance Department to accept a Circular Economy grant offer from Welsh Government and establish appropriate arrangements to deliver the programme in Gwynedd.

·        To agree that partnership agreements can be put in place with all partners to outline operational details for the individual projects.

The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys

DECISION

·       To agree that Cyngor Gwynedd leads on a grant application and programme to develop innovative plans in the circular economy field of work.

·       To authorise the Head of Economy and Community Department and the Head of Finance Department to accept a Circular Economy grant offer from the Welsh Government and to establish appropriate arrangements for delivering the programme in Gwynedd.

·       To agree that partnership agreements be put in place for all partners, outlining procedures for the individual projects.

DISCUSSION

The report was presented, stating that the Cabinet's approval was required to receive a Welsh Government grant from their Circular Economy fund, which was a commitment of almost £6 million. It was noted that this was the result of over three years of work by the Economy and Community Department to develop the Circular Economy in Gwynedd and prepare an application to be submitted to the Welsh Government to fund a package of schemes. The Officers of the Department were thanked for their work.

Details were provided of some of the schemes which included developing Llyfrgell y Pethau in partnership with the Council's Libraries Service and developing a Green Shed for Antur Waunfawr to increase recycling and recreating. It was noted that Antur Waunfawr now collected 11 tonnes of clothing every week across the County which meant less waste and more support for residents with costs of living. This would also give rise to employment opportunities and would expand the re-use and re-purposing of materials such as furniture. 

It was noted that this Plan was innovative and contributed to the priorities in the Council Plan such as supporting the Supporting People programme, the Climate and Nature Emergency Plan as well as collaboration with the Economy and Community Department and the Environment Department.

The ARFOR Regional Manager expressed that they had worked very closely with the Welsh Government over the past few years. It was added that the Plan built on smaller work and schemes that had been implemented in the past and was an opportunity to develop them on a larger scale. It was noted that the Welsh Government was looking to create 80 re-use and re-purposing hubs in Wales, and the Council could now contribute to 27 of those in Gwynedd. It was noted that it was an opportunity to put Gwynedd at the forefront of this field, and an opportunity to work with third-sector partners enabling them to develop further.

It was noted that there were many new projects covering the areas and communities of the County. It was believed that this was an opportunity to make a difference and to work closely with the Welsh Government on these priorities over the next two years.

Observations arising from the discussion

¾   An investment of this size was welcomed, and members expressed their full support to the Plan.

¾   The importance of the Circular Economy principles was emphasised, such as repairing, borrowing and re-using as a normal part of life.

¾   A member wished to see a further re-framing of second-hand or recycled goods, so that they were not perceived as inferior items, especially in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

¾   There were many exciting things in the report, and members acknowledged the importance of changing behaviours and trying to encourage more recycling.

¾   A comment was made that we must be cautious with regard to the sustainability of these projects, bearing in mind that the funding could end, therefore it was believed that we must try to ensure how these projects can be sustainable in future.

¾   In response, it was noted that the ARFOR Regional Manager was working on this with the partners. It was noted that much of the funding was capital funding for implementing the next stage, and that close collaboration was intended over the next phase to ensure sustainability.