Agenda item

To submit the report of the Deputy Leader (attached)

The Deputy Leader made a short presentation to set the context.

Submitted - annual reports of the three scrutiny committees for 2015/16.

The Corporate Scrutiny Committee

The Chairman of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Jason Humphreys, provided details on the terms of reference and work of the committee during 2015/16, and he thanked the former chair, Councillor Dyfrig Jones, members of the committee and officers for their support.

During the discussion the following matters were raised:-

·         It was noted that adopting a policy of charging a higher rate of council tax on holiday homes could have a negative effect on the economy as there would be a number of houses in the county that local people would not wish to purchase.  In response, it was noted that this issue would be on the agenda of the next scrutiny committee meeting on 20 October, and the members would doubtlessly look at the issues in detail.

·         Concern was expressed at local companies' lack of success in tendering for contracts, such as to provide school meals, etc., and the importance of keeping the benefits local was emphasised.  In response, it was agreed that there was a need to keep on top of the situation and confirmation given that the members' observation would be given consideration.  Furthermore, the scrutiny committee received regular reports on category management and on keeping the benefits local.

·         It was suggested that devolving business rates of county councils in Wales, as had happened in England, would be a grave mistake as a number of places were losing out because of it and Gwynedd received a fair settlement in terms of business rates.

Communities Scrutiny Committee

The former Chair of the Communities Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Angela Russell, discussed the committee's remit in 2015/16 in detail, thanking the current Chairman, Councillor Caerwyn Roberts, committee members and officers for their support.

During the discussion the following matters were raised:-

·         It was noted that the new system of three weekly refuse collection worked well in general, but that there was need to bear in mind the need for flexibility, e.g. in areas where there was a high density of homes.

·         The fact that the Cabinet Member had accepted all the recommendations of the Homelessness Scrutiny Investigation.

·         The question was posed as to the way the scrutiny committee felt about the changes with the brown bins.  In response, it was noted that the results were not yet known, but that the arrangements would have to be put to the test and to wait and see how things developed.  The Council would have to maximise the materials that were being recycled to avoid polluting the earth whilst bearing in mind that the Council was facing massive cuts.

·         It was noted that the workforce needed to be reminded to close the side flaps on recycling lorries to prevent recyclable materials from falling onto the roadsides.  In response, it was noted that new seals had now been put on the lorries.

Services Scrutiny Committee

The Chair of the Services Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Beth Lawton, provided details on the terms of reference and work of the committee during 2015/16, thanking the former chair, Councillor Peter Read, members of the committee, and officers for their support.

During the discussion the following matters were raised:-

·         Concern about the implications of Deprivation of Liberty and financial risk to the Council.  In response, it was noted that members of the Services Scrutiny Committee had undergone training in the field and had recommended that every councillor be offered the same training.  The Council had identified the risk and was currently working on this and the scrutiny committee would also keep an eye on what's going on.

·         Concern about the Cabinet's decision to contribute a sum of £750,000 toward area committees in the field of education.  In response, it was noted that members would have the opportunity to ask questions about this at the next Preparatory Meeting and it was believed that there would be representation from the scrutiny committee on the working group in this field.

The Leader thanked the chair persons, vice-chairs, and members of the three scrutiny committees for all their work.