Agenda and minutes

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

None received.

To submit a report by the Head of Regulation and Economic Development as presented to the Executive on 22^nd October, 2018.

Submitted – a report by the Head of Regulation and Economic Development as presented to the Executive on 22 October, 2018.

The Leader of the Council said that the Growth Bid Vision for the Economy of North Wales sets out a collective and strategic ambition for North Wales for infrastructure development, skills and employment, and business growth.  She noted that to capitalise on such opportunities the North Wales region has developed a single vision for economic and employment growth, with a commitment between all the partners to work together collaboratively for a common purpose.  There is ambition for the region to position itself as one of the leading UK locations for energy generation and advanced manufacturing as well as becoming a hub of innovation and technology expertise, and a centre of excellence for high value tourism.  This ambition builds on strengths and opportunities, and its delivery will create a more sustainable and balanced approach to economic development.  The Leader highlighted that the Growth Vision is founded on three key aims :-

·      Smart North Wales – with a focus on innovation in high value economic sectors to advance economic performance;

·      Resilient North Wales – with a focus on retaining young people, increasing employment levels and skills to achieve inclusive growth;

·      Connected North Wales – with focus on improving transport and digital infrastructure to enhance strategic connectivity to and within the region.

The Strategic Programmes and projects are key drivers to deliver the vision and to address the identified challenges and create the conditions for growth.   The Programmes have been co-designed and developed by key stakeholders, particularly the private sector.  The projects concentrate on developing the conditions to attract private sector investment.  There will be robust engagement with local businesses to enable them to access supply chain opportunities resulting from Growth Deal funded projects, in order to maximise the potential regional benefits and impact of investment.

The Leader of the Council further referred to the Proposition Document attached to the report and highlighted as follows :-

·      Section 1 – Introduction and Context

·      Section 2 – Case for Investment

·      Section 3 -  Strategic Context and fit with Government Policy

·      Section 4 – Option Appraisal and the Preferred Way Forward

·      Section 5 – Growth Vison

·      Section 6 – Project Schedule List

·      Section 7 – Economic Case

·      Section 8 – Finance and Funding

·      Section 9 – Empowering the Region

·      Section 10 – Governance and Delivery Structure

Clarification was sought by Councillor Shaun Redmond as regards to the potential increase in traffic entering the Port of Holyhead if the projects contained within the Growth Bid are to materialise.  He noted that there is a potential for the traffic to increase from 400,000 to 750,000 a year through the Port. He sought clarity whether the matter has been contained within the Growth Bid as he can only view the infrastructure/transport of Holyhead within the documentation.  Councillor Redmond said that the highways infrastructure towards the Port is already of a concern and needs to be addressed as soon  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

To submit a report by the Head of Profession, HR and Transformation as presented to the Executive on 15^th October, 2018.

Submitted – a report by the Head of Profession (Human Resources) and Transformation as presented to the Executive on 15 October, 2018.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Business reported on the Annual Performance Report 2017/18 together with the Council’s progress against the Authority’s Wellbeing Objectives.  The Portfolio Holder outlined the Council’s achievements during 2017/18 as noted within the report.  He further referred to the Performance Indicators for 2017/18 together with the National Indicators, known as Performance Accountability Measures (PAM) which compare each local authority against the same indicators.  In 2017/18, 50% of the indicators for this Authority had improved, 36% declined and 14% of the indicators were new.  The Portfolio Holder referred to the opening of the £20m Menai Science Park in Gaerwen which is a new development by Bangor University and to the construction works by Grwp Llandrillo Menai on a new £14m Engineering Training Centre in Llangefni.  He further stated that continued engagement is taking place with major energy developments with a view of creating jobs and increasing prosperity by capitalising on a number of transformational projects which include Minesto and Morlais to develop Anglesey’s marine energy potential and the Horizon Nuclear Power.    He further noted that 3 new 21^st Century Schools have been built on the Island which have modern facilities for the children of the Island.  He noted that Anglesey has the highest recycling rate out of all the 22 local authorities with 72.2% of its waste either reused, recycled or composted.  The Council has also committed to be the first Council in Wales as regards to a Plastic Free status.  The Portfolio Holder further said that Hafan Cefni, the Extra Care Housing Scheme in Llangefni has now opened.  The Market Hall in Holyhead has seen remodelling and restoration and it will provide new office accommodation and relocation of the Library within the building. 

Reference was made to the following as areas where further improvements could be made in future :- 

·      New schools needs to be completed within a specific timetable and penalty clause should be secured in the future as regards to any development of new schools;

·      The Newborough area needs to be recognised and especially the Llanddwyn Beach.  Funding is needed to enhance the road networks in the area;

·      Pressure needs to be put on Welsh Government that residents are unable to sustained continued yearly increase in Council Tax (a suggestion was made by an elected member that Welsh Government should consider charging for prescriptions rather than the provision of ‘free prescriptions’ as at present).

It was RESOLVED :-

·      That the final version of the 2017/18 Performance Report should be published by the statutory date at the end of October;

·      That Section 3.2 of the Constitution be amended to include approving decisions for the Council’s Wellbeing Statement and Objectives in accordance with the 2016 Future Generations Act as a function that the Full Council must fulfil;

·      That the Council authorises the Head of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer to make the necessary changes to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.