Agenda item

Cabinet Members - Poverty, Deprivation, the Economy, Housing and the Environment,

 

Councillor Mandy Williams-Davies                 Economy and Community

Councillor Ioan Thomas                                  Deprivation and Housing

Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn                               Language                   

Councillor John Wynn Jones                          Environment

Councillor Dafydd Meurig                               Regulatory

 

Consider the report of the Council Leader

In accordance with the Council’s performance management system, an overview of the Council's performance was submitted focusing on Poverty, Deprivation, Economy, Housing, The Welsh Language and the Environment.  It was highlighted that the report addressed the transformational plans included in the Strategic Plan and drew attention to the performance measures that were important to the people of Gwynedd and central to the Council's day to day work.

 

i.       The Economy Field

 

a.    High value, quality jobs - it was highlighted that a project by the Welsh Government to sell the potential of Gwynedd to developers had played a prominent role in creating 35 high-value jobs in the County (definition of high value job was a salary of £26,500+).

b.    Attention was drawn to 15 jobs at NMI Gaming Parc Menai: there were a number of opportunities here with the potential to create approximately 200 jobs in the County: need to consider appropriate skills, mindsets and being creative to seek the best benefit from these opportunities 

c.    High value profile allocation - it was reported that money would not be paid until after the event.  Opportunity to evaluate how many opportunities local companies have had to provide e.g. food and accommodation and the opportunities to share images of the County.

 

Matters arising from the discussion:

-        There was no money for investment and therefore it was necessary to be creative when considering implementation methods in areas such as Dwyfor and Meirionnydd. It was suggested that the Council should act as an enabler - this was a significant challenge.  Grants and resources were getting scarce and it was difficult to regenerate the economy without funding - it was necessary to be pioneering and use the available tools and resources better.

-        Tourism was the area's main economy - there was no sufficient support available from the Council to attract people in

-        The investments at Zip World and Parc Menai were addressed, however, it was disappointing that there was no reference to the investment at Plas Heli, Pwllheli 

-        Need to extend the walking/cycling paths in Penllyn

-        In the context of the percentage of customers who were satisfied with the Museums and Arts service - it was suggested that the baseline should be set prior to discussing the cuts

-        Lloyd George Museum - they had to try and work in a different way to save the service

-        A suggestion to adapt the wording of the report to reflect cuts

 

ii.      Housing Field

 

a)    Working Together against Poverty project comprised two priorities - spatial poverty and population poverty.  It was noted that research by the Council had identified that 6,500 homes in Gwynedd were being affected by the Welfare Reform Act.  It was highlighted that priority would be given to one parent households.

b)    Tackling Poverty Agenda - this did not percolate through the Council's departments and therefore it was suggested to invite Heads of Services, Officers and Cabinet Members to meet to ensure that the agenda was being addressed.

 

Matters arising from the discussion:

-        Child poverty - the problem needed to permeate down to Council services

-        Post 16 transport was an example of the lack of commitment to ensure that children from the poorest households in Gwynedd receive higher education

-        It was heartening to see a reduction in the waiting time in the homelessness field

-        Affordable housing - the number of new homes built was challenged and it was suggested that there were more than 31. 

 

iii.     Welsh Language Field

 

a)    Promote the Welsh Language by supporting and empowering four communities - it was reported that the project had been very successful in Dolgellau

b)    The Welsh Language and Public Services - It was noted that this issue was on the agenda of the Local Services Board for 23.9.16 where a discussion would be stimulated regarding the best way to promote the Welsh Language.

c)    Language Charter - response to local data collated was being implemented. The scheme would be extended nationally

ch) The Welsh Language within the Council - an audit had been completed.  The response had been heartening - the next steps would be raising awareness and people's confidence to use Welsh.   Discussions would take place with the Customer Care Unit

 

Matters arising from the discussion:

-        Following a statement from the Welsh Language Commissioner of the proposal not to hold examinations for Welsh as a second language, the Cabinet Member highlighted that he supported the statement.  In Gwynedd it was expected that every child would be fluent in Welsh and would sit an examination in Welsh as a first language.

-        The levels of Welsh speakers in Garndolbenmaen had decreased - a request by the Local Member to be included in the discussions

-        Language needed to bridge services and not be restricted to departments such as Housing and Planning.  Any language issues should be referred to the Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Welsh Language.

 

iv.    Highways

 

a)    The latest percentage predictions in terms of collected municipal waste was now 62.7% - the aim was to attain 70% by 2025.

b)    Collections every three weeks had been a good exercise - Conwy were now considering trialling four weekly collections.   It was highlighted that Gwynedd had to be aware of the options

 

Matters arising from the discussion:

-        A new service sorting mixed waste at the Rhwngddwyryd Recycling Centre to be addressed - this was very effective

-        Consultancy Department - deficit in the net target of £160k - need more detailed explanation regarding the reasons

 

In response to a question regarding a request made for the Cabinet Member (19.5.16) to hold discussions with the Welsh Government for the purpose of including home composting tonnages in the recycling calculation, so that it did not affect the Council's performance against its targets, it was highlighted that the Cabinet Member had contacted them but without success.   It was added that he and the Head of Highways and Municipal Services would meet the Cabinet Secretary (Welsh Government) for the Environment and Rural Affairs in November.  

 

v.     Regulatory field

 

a)    The Cabinet Member highlighted that the measures were being monitored and challenged frequently

b)    In accordance with the Members' request a report (transportation measure THS/007) was submitted by the Cabinet Member. The report gave information regarding the position of disabled people under 60 years old with concessionary bus passes, together with the position in Gwynedd and how this compared to other counties.  It was reported that Gwynedd compared favourably with similar (rural) Councils

 

Matters arising from the discussion:

-        Thanks was given for the Transportation Measure THS/007 report

-        It was suggested that the term 'roughly comply' was not used in the context of food hygiene establishments (measure PAM9 Public Protection). It should be interpreted as either 'yes' or 'no'.

 

RESOLVED to accept the report.