Agenda item

To update members on the Sustainable Development Fund for the current financial year (2025-26) and inform members of changes to the Fund’s administration as a result of amendments to the Framework document published by the Welsh Government, and to select new members for the Sustainable Development Fund Panel.

The report was presented by the Llŷn AONB Officer. Attention was drawn to the following main points:

 

It was explained that the report provided information on the Sustainable Development Fund's situation for the current financial year, 2025-26. It was confirmed that there was a total of £95,000 in the Fund at the start of the financial year, and it was noted that a large proportion of the funding had been allocated to local projects in the area, namely:

 

·       1st Mate Llŷn Maritime Museum (£4,506)

·       Llŷn Flexi Bus (£25,000)

·       Nefyn multi-use paths (£11,450)

·       Enlli Solar Power (£9,572)

·       Llanbedrog Playing Field (£22,145)

·       Porthdinllaen Rowing Club (£750)

·       Decarbonisation of Rhiw village hall (£2,250)

·       Menter Rabar (£4,995.37)

·       Aelhaearn Nature Garden (£1,000)

·       Website for Tafarn y Fic, Llithfaen (£2,439)

 

The total amount allocated to these projects was reported to be £84,107.37. The joint committee members were reminded that the AONB Unit was entitled to claim a grant of £9,500 for the administration of the fund. It was confirmed that the true total amount of money that had been allocated from the fund was £93,607.37, if all projects claimed in full by the end of the financial year.

 

It was a matter of pride that £95,000 had been allocated by the Welsh Government to the Fund for the 2026-27 financial year, and it was confirmed that a meeting should be held soon to consider new applications that had been received.

 

It was noted that the Welsh Government had published a revised Framework Document which contained several significant changes to the governance of the fund, such as:

 

·       60% of the Fund's budget was required to be earmarked for projects that address or respond to the nature and climate crisis and biodiversity losses.

·       Emphasis is placed on collaborating with other landscapes, the voluntary sector and communities along with other partnerships

·       Information about the Fund must be included on a regularly updated website, with access to the application process and further information. It was confirmed that the Llŷn AONB was already acting in accordance with this.

·       Changes to Membership - it was explained that there must be between 3 and 5 members on the Fund Panel, with a requirement for each Member to serve for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 4 consecutive years. The need to review the membership every 2 years was noted. It was emphasised that all members were required to attend any training organised by the Welsh Government in order to be aware of their priorities.

·       It was confirmed that the Panel was accountable for its decisions and must be able to provide justification for its decisions. It was noted that decisions would be published on the website.

 

It was confirmed that these changes would be effective from the 2026-27 financial year onwards, citing the urgent need to amend the membership of the Panel. Members were reminded of the Panel's membership of the Panel, and it was noted that Councillors Angela Russell and John Brynmor Hughes could continue as members for now as they had not served for four years. However, it was clarified that Councillors Gruffydd Williams and Gareth Williams, Morgan Jones Parry, Sian Parri and Noel Davey could no longer serve as members as they had served for 4 consecutive years or more.

 

During the discussion, the following observations were noted:

 

The membership of the Panel was discussed, and the Members were confirmed as a ⁠follows:

·       Councillor Angela Russell (Cyngor Gwynedd Countryside Champion)

·       Jina Gwyrfai (Trefor and Llanaelhaearn Community Council)

·       Eirian Allport (Clynnog Fawr Community Council)

·       Seimon Jones (Cyfeillion Llŷn)

 

Officials would confirm whether Councillor John Brynmor Hughes intended to continue as a Panel Member following the meeting. It was further explained that the new guidance for the Panel permitted between 3 and 5 panel members, and it was confirmed that Panel meetings could be held with the new membership.

 

Observations were made that the new Welsh Government guidelines placed great emphasis on their priorities rather than allowing local communities to approve those projects that would bring the most community benefit to its residents and visitors.

 

The officers were thanked for the summary of the projects supported over the current financial year, and the request was reiterated to receive information spanning several years when this report was submitted in future. It was explained that this would allow Joint Committee members to compare which projects had been approved, the types of projects that were applying and the areas that were taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the Fund. In response to the comments, the Llŷn AONB Officer confirmed that the information could be gathered and included in future reports.

 

          DECISION

 

·       To accept the report, noting the observations made during the discussion.

·       Request that information on the projects supported by the Fund over a minimum of 3 years be submitted as a future appendix to this Report.

·       To elect the following individuals to be members of the Sustainable Development Fund Panel:

·       Councillor Angela Russell (Cyngor Gwynedd Countryside Champion)

·       Jina Gwyrfai (Trefor and Llanaelhaearn Community Council)

·       Eirian Allport (Clynnog Fawr Community Council)

·       Seimon Jones (Cyfeillion Llŷn)

·       Councillor John Brynmor Hughes (if desired)