Transcript

Thank you can sit now. Thank you. Welcome to the general meeting of the County Council. The ordinary meeting. I do have some apologies if I can find them. Councillor Douglas Fauley, Councillor Dabbity's Thomas, Councillor John Yvonne Jones and Councillor David Wien Jones. Are there any other apologies at all? Councillor Laudemann Jones, Councillor Jeff Evans as well. Apologizes. Thank you. Okay, I'll go through what I have to with this. Welcome to the County Council meeting. This is a hybrid meeting with some members and staff in the room and other joining virtually. Before we begin, I'd just like to remind you of the meeting arrangements. First of all, this is a public meeting which is being recorded and broadcast live and all members are expected to adhere to the hybrid meetings protocol. If you are joining us virtually, make sure that your camera is switched on throughout the meeting so that we know who is in attendance and available to vote. Let me know if you have to leave the meeting early or temporarily and let me know when you have also returned. Raise your hand if you wish to speak during the meeting or raise your virtual hand if joining us on screen. When you are invited to speak, make sure that your microphone is switched on before you begin so that the public, your fellow members and the translators can hear you. Switch off your microphone once you have finished speaking. Make sure that your mobile phone and any other device are on silent during the meeting. And finally, if there are any technical issues that arise during the meeting, we will consider taking a short break to solve the issue. And if problems persist, we will consider joining the meeting to a later date. Thank you. And I'll just go through the roll call for everyone who is here. Councillor Gerreinsbab. Good morning. Councillor Nondaveth. Good morning. Councillor Paul Ellis. Good morning everyone. Councillor Apologies. We've had Councillor Nevel Evans next. Good morning. Councillor Glenn Haynes. Councillor Chevelide-Hoos. Good morning everyone. Councillor Kiena-Smithy. Good morning. Councillor Allen-Maddis-Jones. Good morning. Councillor Katowin-Jones. Good morning everyone. Councillor Guilliamo and Jones. Good morning. Councillor Robert Clwell and Jones. Good morning. Councillor Adrian Morris. Good morning everyone. And Councillor Jackie Lewis. Good morning. Councillor Pipponeel. Good morning everyone. Councillor Derek Owen. Good morning. Councillor Chia Owen. Good morning. Councillor Gary Pritchard. Good morning. Councillor Gallandries. Good morning. Councillor Allen-Rabbits. Good morning. Councillor Keith Roberts. Councillor Nicola Roberts. Good morning. Councillor Kanteler. Good morning. Councillor Alan Watson. Good morning. Councillor Yearn Williams. Good morning. Councillor Robin Williams. Good morning. And Councillor Sonewilliams. Good morning everyone. Councillor Liz Wood. Good morning. And Councillor Arwin. Good morning. Thank you very much. Apologies just say I'm here as well. David Roberts. Apologies, David. I accept your apology. That's fine. I don't know how that's happened. Sorry. The first item on the agenda is the minutes of the meeting of the county council. I take it that the leader is going to propose them. I think Councillor David Roberts wants to propose one small change. It's just note of correctness on point eight on the budget. It'd be nice if it was true, but in the process of setting a budget there was gap of 14. Million, not 14 pound. There's an am missing. If we could just add that. No problem. So with that mind of change, can I propose the minutes as a true record? And the deputy seconds. Thank you very much. If we could all show it in agreement. Thank you. The second item is declarations of interest. Are there any members or officers that express any interest in any item today at all? No. Okay. We'll go on to the announcements. There are a few of them, which is good. It's a good thing. It's nice to be able to announce that a number of Anglesley residents have excelled in different areas over the last few weeks. I will begin with sport. Congratulations to the athletes, Ellie Jones and Joseph Morgan for being chosen to represent Wales as an international athletics event in Liffborough held on Sunday. Ellie was part of the Wales 100 meters relay, while Joseph competed in the 800 meters. Congratulations to Tydir Jones and Beggo Francis Roberts from Frank Emney Ripley-Clib, who represented Wales recently. Tydir played for the Wales Under-18s and Beggo played also for the Wales Under-18s at the Six Nations Festival. Congratulations also to Gareth Parry, a loyal servant at St. Gebney Ripley-Clib for being recognized by the Ripley Union for his hard work in developing the girls' rugby in Anglesley and North Wales. Without Gareth's innovative work, it's unlikely that the female monster's team would exist. Congratulations to Ashan Roberts, originally from Anglesley on his success as the Como 1907 FC Manager in Italy. Ashan led Como to promotion from Serie B and Como will play their football in the main Italian league, Serie A, next season. Congratulations also to Guelph My FC for winning the Cup on Saturday, well done them. Turning next to the Arts, I would like to congratulate everyone who competed instead of Marn over the weekend. It was a very successful event again this year. And congratulations to Councillor Guillen-Jones and the former Councillor Bob Parry for being accepted to the Estet de Vaud Monde, Orsev, of the Bads, and best wishes also to everyone from Anglesley who will be competing at the Air de Estet de Vaud in May Vaud next week. I was very glad to hear that Mr. Noel Thomas from GEDWEN had been included in the list of people recognized by the Orsev in the Nationalized Estet de Vaud this year. Noel has served his community constitutionally for many years as a postmaster and as a Councillor. As one who has suffered serious in justice, he has worked hard to draw attention of the public to the feelings of the post office. Congratulations to the Anglesley Youth Choir, led by Marie Lloyd-Pritchard for reaching the final of Coor Comrie after winning the Show Choir category in the S4C program. The competition was one of an international standard and an excellent experience for over 100 of Anglesley's children. We also sent a congratulations to Bumaris Youth Band who came third throughout Europe representing Wales in the European Youth Band Championships in Palanga in Lithuania earlier this month. Congratulations also to members of the Anglesley Young Farmers who represented the county in the Young Farmers Public Speaking Festival in Bill Thwelds in March with the Anglesley Reading Team coming second in the drama competition in Brahenia Theatre. Congratulations to Rosobald for coming second. Congratulations also to Ethew Meyer from Badad Denkler for coming second as a member of the year and the 18s in Wales. Congratulations to Mr Gerethwell and Jones of Monterman for winning the Spirit of the Sea prize at the Tidal Energy Wales Conference recently. The prize is recognition of his contribution and passion as an individual for the Tidal Energy Secretary in Wales and of the success of the Modelized Tidal Energy Project here in Anglesley. Best wishes to Mark Wade following his appointment to the R&LI Lifeboat crew in Hollyhead and best wishes to him on his appointment to this important role. Finally I'd like to congratulate Lauren Amy Jones from the Council's Training and Development Team after she was named Student of the Year on her course as she recently received an MA from Liverpool John Moore's University in Liverpool. On the 6th of June we note 80 years since the D-Day campaign of the Second World War, a number of Anglesley residents were part of that campaign and following battles and a number of Anglesley residents suffered bereavements. As we finish therefore it is an opportunity for us to remember those brave individuals who took part. Also as usual we as a Council send our condolences to any elected member or member of staff who have recently suffered a bereavement. I therefore ask those who are present in the chamber and who are able to do so to stand for the minute silence as a mark of respect. Thank you. Thank you. 4th item I think petitions, I don't think there are any petitions today, no. Item 5, the leader of the Council's annual report. Thank you. Thank you. It's difficult to believe that I'm presenting my 7th annual report as leader and the time has flown by. And as usual during the last year we have faced a number of challenges and I think that's been in every annual report I have presented. Obviously we were at the beginning of a period as well and there is reference here to adopting the Council plan because adopting that plan is very important. To set our direction as an authority what's important and what's important, there's a core values and I'm not sure how many times I've turned to that. And it's important for all of us that we remember those which is respect, that collaboration, honesty and being ready to promote the Council and the island at all times. And I think those are important factors, not only for those elected members and staff, but across the island as well. One of our biggest challenges is setting the budget and it's never ever easy because we only face cuts, but can I thank the elected members that did take part fully in that process. Those opportunities are available to everybody to come to scrutiny in the finance panel and challenge what's being presented so that we set the budget that safeguards the services of the authority, but also keeps this authority safe for the future. Because we see what happens over the border with a number of authorities becoming bankrupt, which means that local voice disappears from those decisions with very important and thank you to everyone for the contributions. Onto education, new developments as you'll see there, an exciting period for children and people of corn here. But the biggest challenge faced by the education department probably that they'd never thought they'd faced was concrete and the lack of substance in that concrete and rack as we've come to know it and every year as we say there are challenges in these annual reports. In this authority, we do live to the ethos land of the can do. And we want to thank all the departments that came together to put that day to day work to one side to respond to that challenge and try to move as quickly as possible to get those schools to learn as smoothly as possible under the circumstances and safeguard those that needed the help. But we can't devalue the challenge that has been in dealing with a drag situation. And thank you to the schools as well, because it was a great pressure. And when I met with the teachers, especially in how we had, they said there was a bigger challenge than COVID was because it was only them going through it by themselves. So it's a big challenge at that time. Obviously, there's a reference to Estinda, and we're glad of the situation with Estinda visiting our schools here in Anglessey on the feedback is very positive. And that's thanks to the staff of the schools. You can see here, I could go on all day, the libraries and the increase in use is something to be proud of as well. This is even though it's not a big service, there are statutory elements to it, and seeing the progress is very encouraging here on the island. I think under social care, we have to touch upon the trauma informed island, and this is seen as very good practice where the government is looking as a good example. And they said, if you haven't done the trauma informed training, I would encourage you to do so, because being trauma informed enables you then to make sure that you deal with situations in the correct manner. For the situation that you do face, and that touches upon every aspect of our work as councillors and as an authority. Also, we were recognised as an age-friendly island. I want to thank Guilim as the age-friendly champion, the older people's commissioner came here to Anglessey and it shows as an authority that element of respect that exists here, that we respect the age, the variety of ages here on the island and the different challenges they face. The event in MSPARC was an exciting opportunity and officers recognised again nationally and being invited as guest speakers across Wales to discuss what they're doing. Also, dementia active mourn with departments working together, supporting families and so on, and giving something different. Also, the cafeteria cleared houses, I want to mind you all, but we are corporate parents for our children in care, and the cafeteria cleared program is one where we show children in care, we want to care for them and put them in the correct and best circumstances possible here in the island. On Friday, I had the privilege of presenting certificates to foster carers of the island as some of those given to over 27 years of service to this authority and it's very easy to forget about the people who do so much for us without us realising that they are doing so. As you go out to the economy, you can see that the SPF, the LUF and the town centres programmes that are planned here, North of Anglessey, that are our programme and so on. All of these are plans outside the day to day work here as an authority, but the officers are working with the communities and ensuring that we can bring this money in and that we do benefit as best possible. As best possible from this money, obviously the money is less that what's used to come from Europe, so it is more difficult for our communities to overcome the challenges economically at the moment because we're seeing less money coming in, but when it is available, this authority is making applications for it and we are very lucky to have it. One of the biggest projects on the desk of officers here in Anglessey at the moment is the free part and I know that everybody isn't aware fully of this but this work is being led by officers in this authority and no one else. I am very proud of the contributions of the officers of this council on a national level here in Wales and on a UK level. Officers are making sure that the voice of Anglessey and the true voice of Anglessey is being heard and having an influence on what's going to be happening within the free parts programme and it's not easy task to move this forward to make sure that we see growth in the economy. But that's not to the detriment of our communities and that it blends into the community naturally. Then obviously there are a number of things and as usual we've heard, we've called for the third men I crossing. There's a destination management plan and the new visitor centre has been opened in Holyhead, then in housing. This is one of the most challenging years that housing has faced. We have never seen so many people coming, presenting themselves homeless to us. And the team have had to adapt, change their ways of working and have had to support individuals. The while doing so have also carried on with a day job, bringing empty homes back into use, spent over 8 million improving the housing stock. So making sure our tenants and opening flats in Bumaris going to areas where it's more challenging for individuals to find the home on at a fair price. As we'd say, it's nice to see programmes happening to encourage that. Then the Welsh language, again, is a key part of our council plan. And I'd want to praise Freire as Welsh language officer, a presentation was given in the Nationalised effort in Pendleton which showed that this authority is serious about getting to grips with the Welsh language plan and looking creatively at how we can do so. And working in partnership and we've seen during the year with the Welsh language forum etc that work is progressing and bringing a lot of interest here in Anglessey and a lot of people want to use this patent and use it, but there is national recognition for that work. There's a number of things that haven't included and for the officers who are working for this council, I thank them from the bottom of my heart as a leader, I stood here in 2017 and said that it's the staff that deliver for the people of the island and I truly mean that. We play a part on a local level, we definitely play a part on a regional level and national level. And I would say in the last few years, my voice as a leader of the council has become stronger nationally, as I became a group leader in WLJ and be part of the leadership team in the WLJ. So what I promised you is that the voice of Anglessey will be heard through myself and that at the end of this report today that we send our thanks to all council staff for ensuring that we can live in a community, which is looking after their benefits. Thank you. Thank you. Before we go on to item six. Sorry, I have two apologies. I haven't welcomed the officers, the most important people. So welcome to the chief executive, Mr. Dylan Williams. Please Howard Hughes, Mr. Mark Jones, Mr. Von Roberts, Mark Berra Hughes, Mr. Hugh Percy, Mr. Ned Michael, this is kind of said to us, Mr. Christian Branch. Mr. Orwell Owen, Mr. Robin Jones, Mrs. Marred Yaxley, and Mr. Devon Sean, apologies for forgetting that. You should have been at the beginning, but I forgot apologies for that. If we can move to item six, we have the overview and scruity and your report. And I think Councilor Devon is. Do you want to second the apologies? I was so mixed up. I forgot the officers I've lost where I am. Are there any questions or comments on the annual report to begin with? Sorry. All the lead there. Council Piponil. Very much. I'd just like to thank. Cleaners for the report. And also. To say that this could possibly be your last one. And I'd like to thank you very much for all that you've done for the council. And for me personally, the help advice and support that you've shown me, I really appreciate everything you've done. Thank you so much. A few things in that report, I would like to comment on if you don't mind the budget. I think we've done fantastic with what we have. It has been challenging times, but I do believe a scrapping of the ban it formulas is needed. There is widespread support for a more means based method, which has got cross-paid support in wealthy government. Maybe we can show some support for that ourselves as a council. Also, the rack, there's something that really needs to be addressed. I think Adam and the staff at Holly County School have done a fantastic job in supporting only the pupils, but the staff as well. And this is something that really could have been avoided. It all comes down to policy change from Westminster. The rack was being monitored quite well beforehand. And I do believe that the destruction to the children's education really comes down from policy from Westminster that could have been avoided. Housing. Another issue. I do believe the section 21 that the policy we have within the council needs to be tweaked. It's no good wait until these people are made homeless before we actually start looking for housing for them. This is an issue that comes up time and time again. And I'd also like to echo your comments on the staff that do deliver what we, you know, what the constituents of Anglessey need. And yeah, really would like to express how our gratitude as a council for everything the staff do. Thank you very much. [inaudible] Any other questions or comments at all? Any other questions or comments? [inaudible] Item six. Okay, we're to take a vote on this. Apologies have only been chair for a year. I'm still learning. Can you show if you're in favor of the annual report, please? Apologies have to have a second, first of all. Councillor Ian, William seconds. Can you show if you're in favor, then, please? Against. And abstaining. Okay, thank you. Five against everyone else in favor them. Thank you. Okay, welcome to item six in the end. So overview and scrutiny on your report of 2023 24. To receive a report by the chairs of the corporal scrutiny committee and partnership and regeneration scrutiny committee. Councillor Dill and Reese to propose. Thank you very much. It's a pleasure to present this report on your report. I'm not going to go through the report. You have it before you, but just kind of draw your attention to the final. I thank the scrutiny officers for the leadership support and assistance as usual. I think it's important notes for us to recognize that. Can also thank co-members of the committees for their support and input over the last year, and especially the vice chair, Councillor Gilliam Jones. Thank you very much. Thank you. And Councillor Gilliam Jones to second. A pleasure to second. Chair. Thank you. Any questions or comments at all? No. If you could show you'd all in favor, then please. Thank you very much. That's unanimous. Going on then to the item seven, the assets management strategic plan. We receive a report by the head of highways, property and waste, as presented to the executive on the 19th of March. The leader to propose. Yes. The assets management plan has gone through scrutiny and to the executive. What it is is a high level strategy and the management of the assets and hopefully you've all had the chance to contribute to the journey of this report. And can I thank officers for giving us a clear picture of how we're going to progress with this now and obviously the work plans under it will include more detail as needed. So can I propose we accept the strategy? Thank you. And can I second that? Thank you very much. Any questions or comments at all? If you could all show if you're in favor, then please. Thank you very much. That's unanimous. And then to item eight, local choice functions, performance to receive a report by the director of function. Business monitoring officer. So when Jones to propose, thank you chair. So item eight is before you at the end of this council, which is the local choice functions on performance. The council will be aware of the need to promote a self assessment as well as one panel performance assessment during the five year term of the council. This duty is noted in the local governments and elections act 2021. And on the 25th of January, the council noted decisions there. And as a result, the self assessment corporate and the performance were noted as. The process is adopted by the council. Thanks to the legal team for the report and the legal stance on this. That is before us here today. So with that, I will go to the recommendations. First of all, to designate the corporate self assessment and panel performance assessment as executive functions. Secondly, to agree that the council's first PPA shall take place during 2025. Thirdly, to authorize the appointment of the Welsh local government association to support the council first PPA at an estimated cost of 35,000 pounds, less the cost of co designing the specification. And fourthly to delegate authority to the chief chief executive to make all operational decisions and arrangements for conducting the PPA, but specifically excluding the appointment of the independent panel. Well, it's terms of reference, which will be executive decisions. Thank you. And seconded by the leader. Is there any comments or questions at all? No, if you could show in your in agreements, please. That's unanimous. Thank you very much. And the meeting is now over. Thank you very much.