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Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Siambr Hywel Dda, Council Offices, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1SH

Contact: Annes Siôn  01286 679490

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Items
No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cabinet Members and Officers were welcomed to the meeting.

Apologies were received from Councillor Peredur Jenkins.

 

2.

DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Local Member, Cllr Richard Medwyn Hughes, declared an interest for Item 6 as he was a Council-appointed member of the School Governing Bodies of Ysgol Coed Mawr and Ysgol Glanadda. It was not a prejudicial interest.

 

Councillor Dafydd Meurig declared an interest due to links with the nursery provision on the Ysgol y Faenol site. It was not a prejudicial interest.

3.

URGENT ITEMS

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no urgent items.

 

4.

MATTERS ARISING FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no matters arising from overview and scrutiny.

5.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12 JUNE pdf icon PDF 96 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair signed the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 12 June 2018, as a true record.

 

6.

REORGANISATION OF PRIMARY EDUCATION PROVISION IN THE BANGOR CATCHMENT AREA pdf icon PDF 196 KB

Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Gareth Thomas

Additional documents:

Decision:

-        To approve the proposal to close Ysgol Glanadda and Ysgol Babanod Coedmawr on 31 August 2020, and offer places to the pupils at Ysgol y Garnedd (subject to parental choice); and increase the capacity of Ysgol y Garnedd to 420.

-        To approve the publication of statutory notices on the above-mentioned proposal in accordance with the requirements of Section 48 of the Schools Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013.

 

Minutes:

The item was submitted by Cllr Gareth Roberts 

 

RESOLVED

-        To approve the proposal to close Ysgol Glanadda and Ysgol Babanod Coed Mawr on 31 August 2020, and offer places to the pupils at Ysgol y Garnedd (subject to parental choice); and increase the capacity of Ysgol y Garnedd to 420.

-        To approve the issue of statutory notices on the above-mentioned proposal in accordance with the requirements of Section 48 of the Schools Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The report was submitted noting that the department had secured a £12.7 million investment to modernise educational provision in Bangor. It was noted that it was an opportunity to improve the available provision. It was added that during the Cabinet meeting held in March that it had been decided that it would be possible to carry out a statutory consultation on the proposal to close Ysgol Glanadda and Ysgol Coed Mawr and offer places to the pupils at Ysgol y Garnedd.

 

It was noted that the responses had raised concerns about traffic issues. It was noted that there would be a specific plan to look at this and there would be further discussions on the matter. Concerns were expressed about Language matters and about the continuation of the Welsh language ethos at Ysgol y Garnedd, but it was added that the response from Estyn noted that Ysgol y Garnedd had been successful in promoting and using the Welsh language at school.

 

It was mentioned that the Acting Head teacher at Ysgol Glanadda and Coed Mawr from September onwards would allocate 50% of her time to teaching and consequently there was a need to rationalise the provision that was currently available.

 

The Local Member noted that he disagreed with the idea of pursuing option 3 rather than option 10. He noted that both schools would be on a single site in September, and they were in a building of very good quality. He added that Glanadda had made significant progress in the use of the Welsh language and that both schools had recently moved to higher coloured bands.

 

The comments were answered noting that the department was seeking to reduce empty spaces at schools and ensure that 80% of the head teachers’ time was freed up. It was added that a high number of children in the Coed Mawr area attended other schools in the catchment, rather than Ysgol Coed Mawr and Glanadda.

 

A Local Member noted that the residents of Penrhos Avenue were not happy with the possibility of their road being used to build the new school.  It was noted that the road was busy with pedestrians and it was not possible to get a Recycling Van there, let alone lorries transporting building materials. It was noted that this was a planning matter and that no decision had been made on which road would be used to reach the new school site. These comments would be considered when looking at the planning matters.

 

Observations arising from the discussion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Awdur: Diane Jones

7.

GWYNEDD COUNCIL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2017/18 pdf icon PDF 73 KB

Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn

Additional documents:

Decision:

To approve the Gwynedd Council Performance Report for 2017/18 and to recommend its adoption by the Full Council.

 

Minutes:

The item was submitted by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn

 

RESOLVED

 

To approve the Gwynedd Council Performance Report for 2017/18 and to recommend its adoption by the Full Council.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The report was submitted, noting that the Council was required  to publish its annual performance measuring report. It was added that this year looked back on the achievements of the Council's Strategic Plan since 2013, a period that had seen a financial reduction of £26 million. It was explained that the Council took pride in the fact that services had been maintained under such financial strain.

 

It was expressed that the report not only reported on the Council's successes but also highlighted fields where the Council's performance was not as good.

 

Observations arising from the discussion

-        It was noted when looking at the Adults, Health and Well-being department that the emphasis was on integrated working.  Although a lot of work had been done, it was expressed that there was much more to do in future.

-        It was expressed that the Education Department was generally happy with its performance during the year although disappointed with the results of the Foundation Phase; nevertheless, the department was looking at how to proceed.  It was added that £56 million had been spent on new buildings for Gwynedd schools and this reflected the Council's commitment.

-        Staff were thanked for their hard work and it was noted that the report addressed the Objectives of the Well-being Act.

 

Awdur: Dewi Wyn Jones

8.

NORTH WALES GROWTH DEAL BID: PROGRESS UPDATE AND GOVERNANCE PROCEDURE pdf icon PDF 125 KB

Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved to:

a)    Note and welcome progress on the development of a Growth Deal Bid for the region.

b)    That the first stage Governance Agreement and establishing a Joint-committee for the Growth Deal is approved subject to the Full Council's confirmation of the Scrutiny arrangements (at its meeting on 12 July, 2018).

c)    That the Council be presented with the final draft Growth Deal Bid for consent in October 2018 prior to the stage of reaching Heads of Terms with UK Government and Welsh Government.

d)    That delegated authority be given to the Corporate Director and Head of Legal Services, in consultation with the Leader to undertake minor amendments as required to the draft first stage Governance Agreement to finalise the agreement.

 

Minutes:

The item was submitted by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn

 

RESOLVED

 

Resolved to:

a)    Note and welcome progress on the development of a Growth Deal Bid for the region.

b)    That the first stage Governance Agreement and establishing a Joint-committee for the Growth Deal is approved subject to the Full Council's confirmation of the Scrutiny arrangements (at its meeting on 12 July, 2018).

c)    That the Council be presented with the final draft Growth Deal Bid for consent in October 2018 prior to the stage of agreeing Heads of Terms with UK Government and Welsh Government.

d)    That delegated authority be given to the Corporate Director and Head of Legal Services, in consultation with the Leader, to undertake minor amendments as required to the draft first stage Governance Agreement to finalise the agreement.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The report was submitted noting that workshops to consider the new Growth Bid had been held in Gwynedd.  It was added that the elected members had been challenging the plan. It was noted that this report was a progress report and that a discussion was ongoing to create a legal agreement between the six counties.

 

It was noted that the discussion on the Bid's Scrutiny System would be held at the Full Council at the end of the month. It was added that it was intended to have a Scrutiny Forum made up of the six counties, but this would happen in the future. It was expressed that this paper would be submitted to all six Cabinets across north Wales, and a further report on the Growth Bid would come back to the Cabinet in September.

 

Observations arising from the discussion

-        There was praise that the six had collaborated to create the bigger picture. It was added that the agreement asked that Gwynedd operated in a leading role until April 2019, but that hosting the Plan when operational was to be discussed.  We did not anticipate any significant risks of doing so until April 2019.

 

Awdur: Iwan Trefor Jones

9.

GWYNEDD COUNCIL'S RESPONSE TO NEW DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION pdf icon PDF 85 KB

Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Nia Jeffreys

Additional documents:

Decision:

To adopt the amended policy and procedure as part of the work to address new requirements in the field of data protection.

 

Minutes:

The item was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys

 

RESOLVED

 

To adopt the amended policy and procedure as part of the work to address new requirements in the field of data protection.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The report was submitted noting that there had been major changes to the framework following the emergence of the General Data Protection Regulations and on the same date the Data Protection Act 2018 was introduced. It was noted that the purpose of the new regulations was to require organisations to prove their compliance, and would also give individuals more rights.

 

It was expressed that the new legislation brought in a number of changes and noted that the Council now had a Data Protection Officer, who would monitor compliance with the act and operate as a contact point for the Information Commissioner's Office and the public.

 

Observations arising from the discussion

-        It was noted that there was a need to ensure that the Council delivered the requirements of the act. It was explained that good work had been done but there would be continuous monitoring work through the performance monitoring system and the governance assessments carried out every year by the Governance Group to submit it to the Audit Committee.

 

 

Awdur: Helen Mary Parry

10.

CODE OF PRACTICE: ETHICAL EMPLOYMENT IN SUPPLY CHAINS pdf icon PDF 105 KB

Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Nia Jeffreys

Additional documents:

Decision:

To agree to commit to the Code of Practice on Ethical Employment in Supply Chains.

 

Minutes:

The item was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys

 

RESOLVED

 

To agree to commit to the Code of Practice on Ethical Employment in Supply Chains.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The report was submitted noting that Welsh Government had published a Code of Practice for ethical employment in supply chains. It was added that the code aimed to ensure that good employment practices existed for all workers at every step of the supply chain. It was noted that the code dealt with employment matters such as modern slavery and living wage.

 

It was expressed that by realising all objectives in the Code of Conduct, best practice would then ensue and would play a part in eradicating any unlawful and unethical employment practices.

 

It was noted that a lot of work had been done and this was only the beginning of the journey.  The commitment to this field was supported.

 

Awdur: Geraint Owen

11.

GWYNEDD BIODIVERSITY DUTY PLAN pdf icon PDF 137 KB

Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng Cllr Dafydd Meurig

Additional documents:

Decision:

To adopt the Gwynedd Biodiversity Duty Plan.

 

Minutes:

The item was submitted by Cllr Dafydd Meurig

 

RESOLVED

 

In order to comply with duty A6 of the Environment (Wales) Act, public authorities are required to prepare and publish a plan that sets out what they intend to do to maintain and enhance biodiversity and promote resilience.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The report was submitted and it was noted that Section 6, Part 1, of the Environment Act (Wales) 2016 sets out a broader duty on biodiversity and ecosystem resilience for public authorities when exercising functions relevant to Wales. It was added that a plan was in place in Gwynedd to comply with the Act and details were provided of the aim of the Gwynedd Council Biodiversity Duty Plan.

 

It was added that a consultation had been carried out on the document with all Council departments and with Councillor Angela Russell in her role as the Countryside and Environment Champion.

 

 

Awdur: Gareth Jones

12.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME: IMPACT AND ANALYSIS pdf icon PDF 117 KB

Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr W Gareth Roberts

Additional documents:

Decision:

To approve further steps in response to the follow-up survey carried out by the Older People's Commissioner since the original A Place to Call Home report. 

 

Minutes:

The item was submitted by Cllr W. Gareth Roberts

 

RESOLVED

 

To approve further steps in response to the follow-up survey carried out by the Older People's Commissioner since the original A Place to Call Home report.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The report was submitted noting that the item was in response to the follow-up survey that had been carried out by the Older People's Commissioner from the original A Place to Call Home report.  The Older People's Commissioner had presented the findings of her review of Care Homes in 2014. It clearly highlighted the need for change and to ensure that older people's quality of life was central to the care system.

 

It was added that the Commissioner had asked for information to evidence that what had been agreed upon had been implemented in January 2017. It was added that the report had acknowledged that purposeful and positive steps had been taken and that the arrangements were in place in terms of an Annual Quality Report. It was expressed that the analysis was thorough and fair.  It was noted that the department felt that it was moving in the right direction but there was need to improve on information gathering and evidencing in future.   

 

Awdur: Mari Wynne Jones a Rhion Glyn

13.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELL-BEING ANNUAL REPORT pdf icon PDF 179 KB

Cyflwynwyd gan: Cyng / Cllr Nia Jeffreys

Additional documents:

Decision:

To approve the Health, Safety and Well-being Annual Report.

 

Minutes:

The item was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys

 

RESOLVED

 

To approve the Health, Safety and Well-being Annual Report

 

DISCUSSION

 

Submitted - the report noting that this was the first time this type of report had been brought to Cabinet.  It was noted that this was an opportunity to give the Cabinet an indication of the current situation in terms of health and safety management within the Council.  It was noted that significant work had been done to empower managers to lead on risk management within the Service.  Consequently, the role of the Health, Safety and Well-being Service was clearly advisory.

 

It was added that the Council held the Gold award for the corporate health standard, following a second full assessment by officers from the Assembly. It was added that statistics for stress and referrals to the counselling service had increased, but it was believed that this emphasised the importance of the work of promoting mental health in the workplace.

 

Observations arising from the discussion

-        It was noted that the number of accidents had risen consistently over the years but it was explained that this was because of the awareness of the need to report them.  It was added that the number of near misses had also increased and this was because staff were more willing to notify the team.

-        It was noted that the department had been surprised by the number of MEDRA referrals in the last quarter, but a lot of work had been done to raise awareness. Additionally, it was noted that it reflected a changing culture and that staff were more willing to note stress on the sickness form rather than ticking 'other illness'.

 

Awdur: Geraint Owen

14.

FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME pdf icon PDF 64 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Forward Work Programme included with the meeting papers was approved. 

Minutes:

The item was submitted by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn

 

RESOLVED

 

The Forward Work Programme included with the meeting papers was approved. 

 

     DISCUSSION

 

     The forward work programme was submitted.