Agenda item

An opportunity for Members to discuss and scrutinise the Department’s improvement priorities and measures.

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

 

The report was presented by the Cabinet Member for Highways, Engineering and YGC, along with the Head and Assistant Head of the Highways, Engineering and YGC Department.

 

The Members were reminded that the Department was highly visible within the County as it delivered frontline services. They were proud that Gwynedd Consultancy (YGC) operated very effectively and brought income to the Council whilst also assisting other departments in developing plans.

 

It was reported that the Department led on several projects in the Council Plan 2023-28, namely;

 

·        Gwynedd Yfory

o   Extending opportunities for play and socialising for the county's children and young people

·        A Green Gwynedd

o   Acting on flood risks

o   Clean and Tidy Communities

 

They drew attention to the Department's financial savings targets, noting that several of the targets had been met but there was more work to be done. They were confident that those targets would be met within the current financial year.

 

During the discussion, the following observations were made by the Members:-

 

Highway Maintenance – Condition of Roads

Sadness was expressed regarding a recent fatal incident in the Barmouth area. In response to the comments, it was acknowledged that lessons needed to be learned from that incident, where emergency services were unable to reach the area in time, with traffic and highway maintenance issues adding to the challenge. It was confirmed that a review of the incident and arrangements had already taken place and that another meeting would be held shortly, where local elected Members would be able to contribute to the discussion.

 

In response to an enquiry, it was acknowledged that the numbers of class A, B and C roads reporting red (generally poor and likely to require proposed maintenance works soon) were on the rise. However, the Head of Department stressed that it was not a concerning situation at present and confirmed that road condition rates in Gwynedd were among the highest in Wales. It was highlighted that keeping the percentage of roads reporting red below 8% was considered acceptable, and he reported that 4.2% of class A roads, 5.2% of class B roads and 13.2% of class C roads were currently reporting in poor condition. It was recognised that some work was needed to reduce these rates for class C roads, and he explained that they were usually rural roads, highlighting that a high percentage of roads in Gwynedd fell into this category.

 

It was explained that dedicated scanners were used to inspect the roads every year, or every two years if the roads were of a good standard. It was reported that the Department had received an investment of £2.8 million from the LGBI (Local Government Borrowing Initiative) to develop this arrangement and it was a great tool for the Department in effectively identifying work programmes, as the roads requiring the most work could be prioritised.

 

The officers were thanked for their work, and there were several comments of satisfactory road condition in Gwynedd.

 

The Fleet Service

Members referred to the Welsh Government's unrealistic target of making 100% of fleet vehicles green by 2030. In response to the comments, the Head of Department confirmed that good progress had been made within the fleet service, with a high percentage of cars and small vans now being green vehicles. However, it was reported that it was not possible to replace heavy and mechanical vehicles for green ones at present because the technology was not sufficiently developed. It was explained that it would be ineffective to replace them at present due to challenges around charging and efficiency. It was reported that several fleet vehicles were now electric or hybrid and consideration was being given to hydrogen vehicles for heavy and mechanical vehicles. Nevertheless, it was acknowledged that it was unlikely that the target set by the Welsh Government would be met on time.

 

Concerns were raised that the national grid would not be able to cope with the electricity demand due to the increase in the use of electric vehicles nationally. In response to a further enquiry, it was confirmed that work was underway to ensure that an adequate supply of charging points was delivered across the County, and the Department was in frequent contact with electricity supply companies to ensure they are added to the grid.

 

Ardal Ni Tidying-up Team

Several positive comments were received about the team and the effective work they carried out within the Department.

 

Grass Cutting and Road Verges

In response to an enquiry, the Head of Department explained that the work of cutting grass and road verges was undertaken internally in any area contained within 30mph limits. It was elaborated that an external contractor was appointed by tender for any other area within the County. It was noted that there were arrangements in place to ensure that the grass was collected shortly after it had been cut, acknowledging that the Department did receive comments that this did not always take place effectively. It was emphasised that the Department held meetings with the contractor on a weekly basis and any concerns that were raised could be addressed at those meetings.

 

Comments were received that litter could be seen on road verges when the grass had been mowed, and they wondered whether there was a solution for collecting this litter promptly. In response to the query, the Head of Department stated that they needed to change people's behaviour to ensure that they did not throw waste out of their vehicles. He explained that the litter could not be collected before cutting the grass, but there were arrangements in place to ensure that the Street Scene Service collected it shortly afterwards.

 

Playgrounds

Information was requested on the process of refurbishing playgrounds and how the Department assessed the demand as well as what equipment was needed within the settings. In response, the Head of Department confirmed that a grant had been received for the refurbishment of 29 playgrounds across the County, and he hoped that more grant funds would be allocated in the future. It was explained that there were no definite arrangements for determining where those funds would be used, but an officer carried out monthly inspections of the 120 playgrounds in Gwynedd. It was added that these reviews led to a programme of work that specified what needed to be adapted or upgraded in future. The Cabinet Member reiterated that Community Councils could purchase equipment for the playgrounds in co-operation with the Department if they wished.

 

Savings Schemes

In response to an enquiry, the Head of Department explained that work was being done to ensure that any overspend was alleviated effectively while services continued. It was confirmed that this was a priority for the Council and noted that reviews were carried out regularly to consider their effectiveness. It was explained that this would allow services to be reintroduced in a more effective manner into the future such as Street Inspection and Cleaning and Grounds Maintenance, rather than introducing cuts.

 

Sickness Rates

Additional data was requested on the reasons why sickness rates were increasing and on any specific reasons why members of staff were off work. In response to the enquiry, the Head of Department confirmed that they were comparable to what was seen in other Council departments. He confirmed that support arrangements were in place for all members of staff who were ill, especially those staff members who were off work long-term. It was emphasised that the Department's sickness rates were not currently causing a visible change to services.

 

RESOLVED

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