Agenda and minutes

To submit for confirmation, the draft minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on 12^th December, 2017.

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Isle of Anglesey County Council held on 12^th December, 2018 were confirmed.

To receive any declaration of interest from a Member or Officer in respect of any item of business.

The Strategic Leadership Team together with the Heads of Function for Resources and Council Business declared a prejudicial interest in item 11 – Pay Policy Statement 2018 and were not present at the meeting during any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Ieuan Williams declared a personal interest in Item 8 – Medium Term Financial Strategy and Budget 2018/19 and took part during discussion of the item and voting thereon following legal advice.

 The Chair made the following announcements :-

·      Best wishes was extended to Mr Scott Rowley, the Head of Transformation who will be leaving the authority and the Chair thanked him for his services to the Council;

·      Best wishes was also extended to Mrs Delyth Molyneux, the Head of Learning who will be leaving the authority and the Chair thanked here for her services to the Council. 

·      Congratulations was extended to Mr Arwyn Williams who has been appointed as the new Head of Learning;

·      Congratulations was also extended to Mr Ned Michael who has been appointed as the new Head of Housing Services.

·      Congratulations was extended to three fishermen from Holyhead, James Frazer, Alan Hughes and Garry Wood who will represent Wales in the World Beach Fishing competition to be held in North Wales between 20-27 October, 2018.  This will be the first time Wales has hosted this competition and fishermen from all over the World will attend;

·      Congratulations was extended to the over 50 Amlwch Walking Football Team who has been successful in a recent competition held in Chester.  The Team will compete in the next round of the competition in Manchester in due course. 

·      The Chair extended his best wishes for a speedy recovery to Councillor J Arwel Roberts who has sustained an injury recently.

The Chair wished to remind everyone to call upon their elderly and disabled neighbours during the extreme weather conditions over the next few days. 

The Chair informed the Council that the Chairman Charitable Evening is to be held on the 20^th April, 2018 at Amlwch and noted that details of the evening will be forwarded to Members and Guests in due course.

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Condolences were extended to Councillor Aled Morris Jones who has lost his mother in law recently.

Condolences were extended to Councillor Richard A Dew who has lost his father recently.

Condolences were extended to any Member of the Council or staff who had suffered bereavement.

Members and Officers stood in silent tribute as a mark of their respect and sympathy.

To submit the following question on notice by Councillor Peter Rogers to Councillor Robert G Parry OBE FRAgS, the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Waste & Property:-

“When the Authority is serving Notices under Section 25 of the Land Drainage

Act, 1991 on landowners with drainage running into water courses, is fencing of

the ditches compulsory?”

Submitted – the following question on notice by Councillor Peter Rogers to Councillor R.G. Parry OBE FRAgS, the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Waste and Property :-

‘When the Authority is serving Notices under Section 25 of the Land Drainage Act, 1991 on landowners with drainage running into watercourses, is fencing of the ditches compulsory?”

The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Waste and Property responded that in accordance with the Land Drainage Act 1991, it is not compulsory for landowners who have drainage running into watercourses to fence ditches.

Councillor Peter Rogers considered that the fencing of ditches need to be made compulsory due to flooding issues that has occurred during the extreme flooding issues at the end of last year.

To submit the following Notices of Motion by:-

•  Councillor Robert Llewelyn Jones

“Holyhead Port is such an important economic business for us in Ynys Môn that we as a Council must now take a lead in trying to bring a so called SOFT BREXIT to the border between Wales and the Republic of Ireland.  We as a group are calling for the following action to be taken:-

1. For a letter to be sent to the Leader of the Dublin City Council from this Council stressing our desire and support for a continued free border between our two countries with an invitation for them to send a delegation over for us to talk, and to demonstrate our desire to continue

to work together.

2. For an invitation to go out to our political representatives in Westminster and Cardiff inviting them to visit us in order for us to know what they are doing to press the case for as open a border as possible between our two countries.

It is only by engaging the will of the people that we can achieve a decent solution to this looming crisis that could have a devastating effect on the port of Holyhead and the port of Dublin”.

•  Councillor Dafydd Rhys Thomas

That Anglesey County Council:-

1.  promotes plastic free ventures and promotes and supports such events.

2.  works towards reducing the use of disposable plastic used at its sites and schools.

3.  encourages businesses to use less disposable plastic.

4.  elects a representative on the coastal no-plastic Group.

•  Councillor Nicola Roberts

This Council calls:-

1.  For the UK Government to delay the introduction of Universal Credit.

2.  For Welsh Government to insist on devolution powers to vary how Universal Credit is paid in Wales.

Submitted – the following Notices of Motions by:-

·           Councillor Robert Llewelyn Jones

“Holyhead Port is such an important economic business for us in Ynys Môn that we as a Council must now take a lead in trying to bring a so call SOFT BREXIT to the border between Wales and the Republic of Ireland.  We as a group are calling for the following action to be taken:-

1.     For a letter to be sent to the Leader of the Dublin City Council from this Council stressing our desire and support for a continued free border between our two countries with an invitation for them to send a delegation over for us to talk, and to demonstrate our desire to continue to work together.

2.    For an invitation to go out to our political representatives in Westminster and Cardiff inviting them to visit us in order for us to know what they are doing to press the case for as open a border as possible between our two countries.

It is only be engaging the will of the people that we can achieve a decent solution to this looming crisis that could have a devastating effect on the Port of Holyhead and the Port of Dublin.”

Councillor Bryan Owen seconded the motion.

Councillor Robert Ll Jones said that he and many others are concerned as the how the Brexit deal will have an effect on the economy of the Island.  He said that this Authority needs to be in contact with Dublin City Council to make sure that the traffic travelling to and from the Welsh Ports are able to travel freely without the need for customs checks.  He said that having the right approach after leaving the EU both Councils need to work together to stop traffic blocking the roads towards the Port of Holyhead due to customs procedures. He said that it is imperative that trading with Ireland continues as it is vital for the local economy and to secure employment for local people at the Port of the Holyhead.  Councillor Jones asked the Council to support that a letter be sent to the Chief Executive of Dublin City Council requesting a meeting between both authorities to show the willingness to work together for a free border between both countries.  He said that local politicians need to keep this authority informed as to what procedures are to be put in place to safeguard the free flow of traffic between Holyhead and Ireland.

Councillor Carwyn Jones, Portfolio Holder for Major Projects and Economic Development said that he agreed as to the importance of the Port of Holyhead to the economy of the Island and was concerned with the uncertainty and challenges that Brexit will be for the Port.  He said that as Portfolio Holder he has met with Captain Wyn Parry, Stena’s Head of Irish Sea Operations to voice concerns as to the future of the Port.   He further said that he has written in November 2017 to Mr David  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To receive any petition in accordance with Paragraph 4.1.11 of the Constitution.

Councillor Alun Roberts presented a petition of around 370 signatures to the Chair of the County Council from the residents of Beaumaris, together with the parents, governors, staff and friends of Beaumaris Primary School who are opposed to the closing of Beaumaris Primary School.

The Chair accepted the petition and said that he would forward it to the Executive as part of the modernisation of schools within the Seiriol area.

To submit a report by the Head of Function (Resources)/Section151 Officer as presented to the Executive on 19^th February, 2018.

Submitted - the report of the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer as presented to the Executive on 19 February, 2018.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance said that the full Council already provides a Council Tax Reduction Scheme in accordance with Section 13A (1)(b) of the LGFA 1992 and the proposed Council Tax Discretionary Relief Policy is separate and independent of the Council’s Tax Reduction Scheme.  The report considered the approach that can be taken to provide care leavers with financial support towards their council tax liability that they may have, together with extending the period where the Council Tax premium does not apply under certain circumstances i.e. where it is a long-term empty property and structural work is actually on-going to render the dwelling habitable.  The report also refers to the policy for delegated power the to the Head of Function(Resources)/Section 151 Officer to deal with applications case by case basis.

The Leader of the Council said that as Portfolio Holder for Social Services she considered that it was important to support young people who leave care as the Council has a corporate parenting statutory duty towards these young people.  The Leader seconded the proposal.

It was RESOLVED to endorse the recommendation of the Executive :-

·      That the Isle of Anglesey County Council approves a Council Tax Discretionary Relief Policy under Section 13(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (LGFA 1992) – as detailed within Appendix A of the report;

·      To delegate to the Executive the power to revoke, re-enact and/or amend its Council Tax Discretionary Relief Policy;

·      That it delegates powers to the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer to determine applications made under Section 13(1)(c) of the LGFA 1992 and any amendment or re-enactment thereof, taking account of any policy guideline adopted by the National Assembly/Welsh Government, the full Council or the Executive.

 a)   Revenue Budget 2018/19

To submit a report by the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer, as presented to the Executive on 19^th February, 2018.

 b)   Capital Budget 2018/19

To submit a report by the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer, as amended by the Executive on 19^th February, 2018.

 c)   Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2018/19

To submit a report by the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer, as presented to the Executive on 19^th February, 2018.

 ch)   Council Tax Setting

To submit a report by the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer.

d)    Amendments to the Budget

To submit the following amendments to the Budget proposed by the Anglesey Independents Group, of which notice has been received under Paragraph 4.3.2.2.11 of the Constitution as follows:-

“The Anglesey Independents Group would wish to propose an increase of 3.8% in the Council Tax for the financial year 2018-19.

0.8% of this increase to be ring fenced for the school budget;

0.2% to be ring fenced for additional funds for children’s services.

This amendment will be balanced by taking an additional £400,000 from reserves”.

(Note: All the above papers need to be considered as a single package).

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the Executive’s proposals for the

Revenue and Capital budgets 2018/19, Treasury Management Strategy Statement

and setting the Council Tax as 8(a) to (ch) within the Agenda. He wished to thank

the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer and his staff for their work in

preparing the budget and the Corporate Scrutiny Committee and the Finance Scrutiny Panel and to all the Elected Members who had attended numerous seminars and local consultation meetings which have taken place with regard to the budget.

He said that whilst facing new responsibilities and increase costs across the services of the Council the proposed increase of 4.8% in the Council Tax will assure that the Authority can sustain a robust budget to safeguard services from facing more severe cuts in the future. In common with most authorities in Wales the Council is facing increase pressures within Children’s Services and 0.8% increase in the Council Tax will be earmarked within the budget to meet increasing demand within this particular service.  The Portfolio Holder for Finance expressed that this Authority’s Council Tax is one of the lowest in Wales. 

The Leader of the Council said that she appreciated the commitment of the Members in achieving this proposed budget before the Council.   She said that as Leader she has been consulting extensively on the budget proposal.  She believed that the budget will enable the Council to protect services for the people of Anglesey.  The Leader wished to thank each Chief Officer and Heads of Service for their commitment in achieving this budget which has been challenging.

Councillor G O Jones said that during the initial budget proposal set out in November 2017 he attended the consultation on the budget at Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern.  He said that there was an expression of appreciation regarding the information conveyed to the young people who attended the session.  He appreciated that the ruling group has listened to the comments received by the public as regard to the budget with over 700 comments received.  He was pleased that the Executive has decided against cutting the education budget and the social services budget and that these services need to be supported.  Councillor Jones expressed his appreciation to the Executive that there will be no increase in the fee for children to travel to schools/college nor cuts to the maintenance budget of school buildings.  He further expressed his appreciation that the Executive has not decided to close the kitchens of Council owned residential homes.  Councillor Jones questioned as to the grants received as part of the local government financial settlement as regard to recycling and education.  The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Waste and Property responded by noting that a large part of the recycling grant had transferred into the settlement with a significant cut being made in the remainder which the Council will now have to finance from the core budget. The Portfolio Holder for Education confirmed that no education grants had transferred into the settlement.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To submit a report by the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer as presented to the Executive on 18^th December, 2017.

The report of the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer incorporating a review of the mid-year position in respect of the treasury management activity was presented for the Council’s acceptance. 

It was RESOLVED to accept the Treasury Management Mid-Year Review Report 2017/18.

To submit a report by the Head of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer as presented to the Executive on 29^th January, 2018.

The report of the Head of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer with an amendment to the Council’s Constitution was presented to the Council by the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services reported that the Executive at its meeting held on 29^th January, 2018 approved the proposed amendments to the Constitution at Enclosure B to the report and to commend the changes to the full Council.

It was RESOLVED to authorise the Head of Function (Council Business)/ Monitoring Officer to make and publish the amendments to the Council’s Constitution as noted within Enclosure B to the report.

To submit a report by the Head of Profession – Human Resources.

The report of the Head of Profession – Human Resources was presented to the Council by the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services in relation to the above.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services said that the Localism Act 2011 requires authorities to produce and publish a pay policy on all aspects of Chief Officer Remuneration. 

It was RESOLVED to endorse the Pay Policy Statement for 2018/19.

To submit a report by the Head of Democratic Services as presented to the Democratic Services Committee on 13^th December, 2017.

Submitted – the report of the Head of Democratic Services as regard to the Timing of Council meetings as presented to the Democratic Services Committee on 13^th December, 2017.

It was noted that in accordance with the statutory guidance issued by the Welsh Government under Section 6(1) of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011, the Council is required to review and survey Members at least once every term on the timing of meetings.

            The Chair of the Democratic Services Committee said that following consultation with Group Leaders on 26^th October, 2017, a survey was sent to all Members to obtain their views.  Options included starting meetings at 10.00 am; 2.00 pm; 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm.  13 responses had been received (43%).  Members of the Committee discussed the options available, and agreed to adhere to the present arrangement with both Scrutiny Committees commencing at 2.00 pm and that no changes to the timing of Council meetings.

            It was RESOLVED to adhere to the current arrangements as to the timing of Council meetings.