Agenda item

a)    Agreed to recommend that the Council adopts the Asset Management Plan 2024-2034, including:

·         The financial sums recommended in Appendix 1 for the high-risk plan

·         The two sums in Appendix 2 for the moderate risk plans

·         Uncommit the financial sums in the current Asset Management Plan as specified in paragraph 26 of this report.

b)    To commission the Chief Executive to carry out a further review in one year's time to seek a solution for issues whereby funding cannot be committed at present, as stated in paragraphs 29 to 32 of this report, namely planned maintenance for buildings and the next phase of projects to modernise schools, and report back to Cabinet to confirm division of resources in relation to these two issues. 

The report was submitted by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn 

DECISION

a)    To agree to recommend that the Council should adopt the 2024-2034 Asset Management Plan, including:

·         The financial sums recommended in Appendix 1 for the high-risk plans

·         The two sums in Appendix 2 for the moderate risk plans

·         Uncommitting the financial sums in the current Asset Management Plan as specified in paragraph 26 of this report.

b)    To commission the Chief Executive to carry out a further review in one year's time to seek a solution for issues whereby funding cannot be committed at present, as stated in paragraphs 29 to 32 of this report, namely planned maintenance for buildings and the next phase of projects to modernise schools, and report back to Cabinet to confirm division of resources in relation to these two issues. 

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted, noting that Council assets were essential to be able to provide services to the people of Gwynedd. It was explained that the Asset Management Plan was the Council's long-term plan for planning ahead for the next 10 years. It was expressed that this money came from the Welsh Government every year and the Council received around £6.6m per annum and therefore there was a presumption that around £47m of capital funding would be available for the 10-year plan.

It was explained as part of the work to establish the Plan, Departments were invited to note their capital needs over the next 10 years. 70 bids were received with a total value of £129.3m. Every scheme was assessed and placed in risk categories. It was noted that £79m's worth of plans had been placed in the high-risk category which were seen as crucial plans for delivery.

A session was held with all Elected Members to seek their opinion on the plans and to obtain support on how to cut the spending requirements. It was recognised that the choices were difficult but the need to fund some schemes such as the Small Group Care Home for looked after children was highlighted and the suggestion to use additional funding from the council tax premium for some housing schemes. Nevertheless, it was explained that further schemes would have to be cut due to lack of funding and it was suggested that money be taken out of older schemes also.

It was explained that following all of this that the plan was balanced but there was a need to revise it next year, in case some of the schemes were removed due to grant funding which would enable re-allocating the money to other schemes. It was expressed that the Governance and Audit Committee had discussed the plan and was satisfied that the procedure being followed was thorough and accurate. The Cabinet was asked to recommend it to the Full Council next month. 

Observations arising from the discussion

·         Concern was expressed about the lack of funding available for high-risk schemes and that this was the result of decisions made in Westminster.

·         Some light was shone on the report with money being prioritised on schemes in schools, money for updating harbours and to create a small group home for children.