To submit for confirmation, the draft minutes of the meetings of the County Council held on 27 February 2019.

The minutes of the meeting of the Isle of Anglesey County Council held on 27 February, 2019 was confirmed as correct.

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

None received.

The Chair made the following announcements:-

·      Congratulations extended to Ms Ann Postle, from the Human Resources Department on receiving the John and Ceridwen Hughes Uwchaled Award;

·      Congratulations to Mrs Mari Pritchard and Côr Ieuenctid Môn who won the ‘Corau Sioe 2019 and Corau Plant 2019’ at the final of Côr Cymru recently;

·      The Isle of Anglesey has received the ‘plastic free’ status and the Chair thanked Councillor Dafydd R Thomas for his diligent campaign;

·      Congratulations to Llangefni Football Team who have had a very successful season and have been promoted to Wales Football Association Championship;

·      Best wishes extended to the men and women football teams who will be representing Anglesey at the Island Games football competition to be held on Anglesey in June;

·      Best wishes extended to all those who will be taking part at Eisteddfod Môn, Eisteddfod yr Urdd, Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, Anglesey Agricultural Show and the Young Farmers Rally;

The Chair said that the County Council is hosting the Armed Forces Day and Freedom of the Counties to the Royal Submarine Service in Holyhead on the 25^th May, 2019.

*          *          *          *          *

Condolences was extended to Councillor Aled Morris Jones and his family on the loss of his mother recently.

Condolences was extended to Councillor Robert Ll Jones and his family on the loss of his brother in law recently.

Condolences was extended to Councillor Richard Griffiths and his family on the loss of his mother in law recently.

Condolences was extended to the former member of the Council Mr Hefin Thomas and his family on the loss of his mother.

Condolences was extended to the family of the former Leader of the Council, Mr Phil Fowlie.  Mr Fowlie was elected on the County Council in 1999, representing the Rhosneigr Ward and was elected Leader of the Council from 2008-2009. Mr Fowlie had to resign as a Member of the Council due to illness. 

The Leader of the Council paid tribute to the former Leader of the Council, Mr Phil Fowlie and said that whilst a Chair of the Young Farmers Association, Mr Fowlie was the President of the Young Farmers Association in Anglesey. She said that Mr Fowlie was a renowned pig breeder and was always ready to give advice and guidance during pig judging competitions within the Young Farmers activities.  The Leader sympathised with Mr Fowlie’s family and especially his sons and young granddaughter.

Councillor Bryan Owen paid tribute to Mr Fowlie as a close friend and former Leader of the Council.  Councillor Owen said that whilst Mr Fowlie only had 7 acres of land he became a renowned pig breeder and exhibitor and achieved his lifetime ambition in winning the Queen’s Gold Cup at the Royal Welsh Show.  He further said that Mr Fowlie received the accolade of President of the Royal Welsh Show two years ago. As a politician Mr Fowlie was a good ambassador for the Island and was able to speak to anyone who  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

·      To submit the following question on notice by Councillor Shaun Redmond to the Portfolio Holder for Education, Youth, Libraries & Culture :-

‘It has become apparent to several Members that the Schools Modernisation Programme is more an exercise driven by finance rather than Educational Improvements.

Given the Secondary School stock is mainly aged stock and not conducive to high spec subjects such as Sciences and is a disadvantage to those pupils in the most urgent need of high educational standards in teaching and teaching aids and surroundings.  What programme of Secondary School Modernisation is planned?’

·      To submit the following question on notice by Councillor Shaun Redmond to the Portfolio Holder for Finance :-

‘Given the Council is continuing to take measures to cut costs of Council, what measures are you taking to ensure all debtors be they organisations, business’ or individuals are challenged to make those debts good to Council?’

·      To submit the following question on notice by Councillor Peter Rogers to the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Property and Waste :-

‘The report at last weeks’ Executive on the Further Education Trust – Annual Report was very critical and damming of the running of the David Hughes Estate.  How long can you allow this mismanagement to continue?

·           Submitted – the following question on notice by Councillor Shaun Redmond to the Portfolio Holder for Education, Youth, Libraries and Culture:-

‘It has become apparent to several Members that the Schools Modernisation Programme is more an exercise driven by finance rather than Educational Improvements.

Given the Secondary School stock is mainly aged stock and not conducive to high spec subjects such as Sciences and is a disadvantage to those pupils in the most urgent need of high educational standards in teaching and teaching aids and surroundings.  What programme of Secondary School Modernisation is planned?’

The Portfolio Holder for Education, Youth, Libraries and Culture responded that the Schools Modernisation Programme is based on the Anglesey Education Strategy.  The Strategy has been discussed broadly and discussion undertaken at the Corporate Scrutiny Committee and thereafter at the Executive.  The drivers for change within the Strategy are noted clearly:-

·      to improve education and attainment standards; there is clear emphasis in attaining leadership and leading capacity which influences directly on pupils experience;

·      reduce the number of surplus places in order to make effective use and efficiency of resources;

·      reduce the cost range per pupil to ensure equality across schools;

·      leadership and management capacity;

·      planning for the future;

·      expanding the use of school buildings within the community;

·      child care and community facility for parents and older pupils;

·      Welsh medium and bilingual provision;

·      Nursery provision;

·      Post 16+ provision;

·      Ensuring that school buildings are fit for purpose.

The Portfolio Holder accepted that the County’s secondary schools stock is ageing as is the primary schools; each secondary school is within Band A, B or C of the Modernisation Programme which is the Welsh Government’ 21^st Century Modernisation Scheme.   He noted that the Strategy also specifies that consideration could be given to lifelong learning models as potential options for some catchment areas.  £18m has also been earmarked under this scheme within Band B of the Modernisation Programme which is partly towards 6^th forms.

Councillor Redmond said that the reason he put the question before the Council was that he raised questions last year as regards to the provision of Science facilities at Holyhead High School.

·           Submitted – the following question on notice by Councillor Shaun Redmond to the Portfolio Holder for Finance :-

‘Given the Council is continuing to take measures to cut costs of Council, what measures are you taking to ensure all debtors be they organisations, business’ or individuals are challenged to make those debts good to Council?’

The Portfolio Holder for Finance responded that the Council makes every necessary effort, within law, to ensure that any debt is recovered.  In selecting what course of action to be undertaken the Council will take into consideration the size and the age of the debt and the financial and personal circumstances of the debtor. 

Councillor Redmond questioned as to why there has been no challenge to an individual who is in debt of £17k to the Council for several years.  The Chair suggested that this matter should be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

·      To submit the following Notice of Motion by Councillors K P Hughes and Bryan Owen :-

‘That this Council supports in principle, subject to the outcome of relevant statutory processes, the residents of Llanfachraeth in their efforts to reduce the speed limit through the village from 30mph to 20mph.’

·      To submit the following Notices of Motion by Councillors Bryan Owen and  Shaun Redmond :-

1.     This Motion seeks the Members of Council to reject Officers recommendations not to fully finance schools to the full cost of all the budget pressures faced by schools 2019/20.

Members are asked to support the full funding to most of their budgetary pressures 2019/20.

2.    This Motion seeks the Members of Council to support the retention of all Teaching Staff in all Anglesey Schools for the duration of the administration to 2022.

In addition, Members support the employment in all Teaching posts commensurate with recommended levels to pupil numbers over the same period.

·           Submitted – the following Notice of Motion by Councillors K P Hughes and Bryan Owen :-

‘That this Council supports in principle, subject to the outcome of relevant statutory processes, the residents of Llanfachraeth in their efforts to reduce the speed limit through the village from 30mph to 20mph.’

Councillor K P Hughes said that he had received a petition from the residents of Llanfachraeth with 310 adult and 26 children’s signatures as regards to concerns that a serious accident is likely to occur due to excessive speeding through the village.  He said that during a speed test undertaken at the village, the highest speed recorded was 62mph for cars and 47mph for lorries. During the last few weeks 4 vehicles have been involved in traffic accidents with 2 incidents having the emergency services in attendance.   Councillor Hughes noted that the Highways Department is aware of local concerns and attended a meeting with representatives from the village, Local Members, Police, Member of Parliament and the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Property and Waste was also in attendance.  He further noted that the Assembly Member was unable to attend the meeting but had been in contact with the local community as regards to this matter.  He expressed the view that the road through Llanfachraeth is not adequate to cope with the traffic that travels through the village.   Following the meeting, all the attendees were in agreement that the issue of speeding through the village needs to be addressed.  North Wales Police expressed that they were willing to train individuals from the village to use a speed monitor (speed gun) as similar to other villages; however the offer has not been accepted.  Councillor Hughes also drew attention to three blind corners within the village and that lorries are unable to pass each other without having to mount the curb which is dangerous for pedestrians and children walking from the school bus.  Furthermore, Councillor Hughes said that the Welsh Government Minister with responsibility for Transport is supportive of 20mph zones within local communities.

Councillor Bryan Owen seconded the motion. 

The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Property and Waste responded that he is aware of the traffic in the village of Llanfachraeth but said that all villages on the Island experiences traffic issues within their villages.  He said that an application had been received by the Highways Department for a speed restriction of 20mph on the A5025 in Llanfachraeth.  He further noted that if the Wylfa Newydd project had proceeded it was anticipated that a by-pass at Llanfachraeth would have been built.  He confirmed that Highways Authority can impose a 20mph speed limit through villages or speed humps where it is considered appropriate under Section 84 of the Road Traffic Act.  A legal process would entail before imposing the restriction of 20mph through a village and if any objections received the matter would need to be considered by the Planning and Orders Committee of the Council.  However, National Guidelines notes that speed restrictions should not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

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

The Chair said that three petitions have been received as follows:-

·      Petition received by residents of Llanddaniel with 57 signatures as regards to parking issues – petition forwarded to the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Property and Waste and to the Head of Highways, Property and Waste;

·      Petition received by residents of Bryngwran with 107 signature as regards that Lôn Bryngwran Farm needs to be adopted by the County Council – petition forwarded to the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Property and Waste and to the Head of Highways, Property and Waste;

·      Petition received by the residents of Llanfachraeth with 336 signatures as regards to a request to reduce the speed limit through the village from 30mph to 20mph – petition forwarded to the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Property and Waste and to the Head of Highways, Property and Waste.

To consider the Council Leader’s Annual Report in accordance with paragraphs 4.1.11 of the Constitution.

The Annual Report of the Leader of the Council for 2018/29 was presented.

The Leader of the Council provided highlights of the progress that was achieved in the preceding year as follows:-

·      The suspension of the Wylfa Newydd development has highlighted the importance of the development and despite this news, work has continued for the benefit of Anglesey with regard to the planning process and presented evidence in order to safeguard the Island’s interests and the Section 106 agreement is testament to efforts to mitigate the impacts.  Continued pressure has been placed on the governments in Cardiff and London to do everything they can to ensure the realisation of the Wylfa Newydd development;

·      In collaboration with Medrwn Môn, considerable progress has been made with regard to Place Shaping.  The initial areas have started to identify their priorities in order to create strong and prosperous communities;

·      Continued progress is being made to drive service transformation by the increased use of internet dealings with the Council;

·      The new Santes Dwynwen Primary School has opened and discussions have begun regarding the future of post-16 education together with collaborating with GwE, Welsh Government and other authorities in order to ensure the best possible opportunities for Headteachers and Teachers. The authority has received a good report from Estyn on the Island schools with none of Anglesey’s schools are in the red category;

·      Continued work has been undertaken to effectively work with partner organisations i.e. Coleg Menai, Health Board, CSSIW; Anglesey and Gwynedd Partnership, Regional Partnership Board;

·      The facility at Hafan Cefni in Llangefni has been opened which provides an opportunity for older people to live independently;

·      Collaboration with the owners of empty homes in order to bring them back into use.  New social housing is being developed in Holyhead and Moelfre;

·      A number of young people had opportunities to work for the Council last summer as part of the ‘Attracting Talent’ scheme and a number of these young people are now working for the Council;

·      Continued to express the Council’s opposition against pylons;

·      Recycling - the Authority was the best in Wales with 72% of waste being recycled.

The Council was given the opportunity to ask questions of the Leader on the contents of the Annual Report.

Councillor R Ll Jones expressed that the Council needs to be promote climate change and to work with Welsh Government and Central Government at local level to deliver the UK Climate Change programme in Wales.  The Leader of the Council responded that the Council has an Energy Efficiency Policy and targets have been set within the policy.  All the new 21^st Century Schools on the Island conform to BREEAM standards which stipulates that the schools needs to comply with energy efficiency standards.  The Housing Department is also measuring energy efficiency within social housing stock and the lighting system in the Council Offices have been modified to reduce energy use.  Electric vehicles are among the fleet management of the Authority.

Councillor Peter Rogers stated that children  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

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

Submitted – the report of the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer in relation to the above.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance reported that the revised CIPFA Prudential Code, September 2017 has introduced the requirement that all authorities must produce a capital strategy.  This must set out the long-term context in which capital expenditure and investment decisions are made.  This requirement is aimed at ensuring that authorities take capital and investment decisions in line with service objectives and properly take into account stewardship, value for money, prudence, sustainability and affordability.  The Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer has, since 2016/17, produced a robust Corporate Strategy to guide the Capital Programme. 

It was RESOLVED to approve the Capital Strategy for 2019/2020 – 2021/2022.

To submit a report by Mr Michael Wilson, Independent Chair of the Standards Committee.

The Annual Report of the Standards Committee for 2018/19 was presented by Mr Michael Wilson, the Chair of the Standards Committee.  Mr Wilson summarised the achievements of the Standards Committee against the objectives in its 2018/19 Work Programme as set out in the Appendix attached to the report.

It was RESOLVED :-

·           To note the Programme delivered by the Standards Committee between April 2018 and May 2019 at ENCLOSURE A.

·           To endorse the Standards Committee’s Work Programme for 2019/2020 as outlined in ENCLOSURE B.

To submit a report by the Chairs of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee and the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee.

The Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2018/19 was presented by the Chairs of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee and the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor G O Jones, Chair of the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee reported that the Scrutiny Chairs have been involved in developing the forward work programmes of both Scrutiny Committees.  It was noted that a Scrutiny Champion needs to be appointed to promote the overview and scrutiny function both within the Council and also with external partners of the Authority.

It was RESOLVED :-

·      To approve the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2018/19;

·      Note the continued progress made in implementing our local Scrutiny improvement journey and the impact this is having on practice;

·      To appoint the Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee as the Scrutiny Champion for the period May, 2019 to May, 2020.

To submit a report by the Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee as presented to the Audit and Governance Committee on 23 April 2019.

The Audit Committee’s Annual Report for 2018/19 was presented by Councillor Peter Rogers, Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee.

It was RESOLVED to endorse the Annual Report of the Audit and Governance Committee for 2018/19.

To submit a report by the Chair of the Democratic Services Committee.

The Annual Report of the Democratic Services Committee for 2018/19 was presented by Councillor Robert Ll Jones, Chair of the Democratic Services Committee.

It was RESOLVED to accept the report and to note the matters considered by the Committee during 2018/19.

To consider adopting the following:-

“Under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the discussion on the following item as it may involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 12A of the said Act and in the attached Public Interest Test.”

RESOLVED to adopt the following:-

“Under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the discussion on the following item as it may involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 12A of the said Act and in the attached Public Interest Test.”

To submit a report by the Chief Executive in respect of the above.

Submitted – a report by the Chief Executive in respect of the above.

The Chair welcomed Mr Gareth Parry, Chair of the Island Games 2025 Bid Committee to the meeting.

Mr Parry gave a detailed presentation to the Council on the background to the Ynys Môn Island Games Bid to host the Games in 2025.  A question and answer session was undertaken following the presentation. 

Mr Parry left the meeting during the ensuing deliberations.

The Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer reported that a request has been receive for the Council to underwrite the cost of hosting the Island Games in 2025.  The Ynys Môn Bid Committee initially applied to the Isle of Anglesey Charitable Trust in February 2018 to consider contributing £300k towards the cost of hosting the Island Games in 2025.  The request noted that the Bid Committee were in the privileged position of having been provisionally allocated to host the 2025 International Island Games and that this would draw thousands of visitors to the Island.  The correspondence also noted that the Welsh Government would match-fund any funding from Ynys Môn and that the Committee was also confident of accessing other sources of financial support.  The Charitable Trust subsequently resolved to support the application, in principle, subject to certain conditions, including sight of a full Business Plan to ensure the propriety of the expenditure of charitable funds.  In August 2018, the Chair of the Ynys Môn Bid Committee asked if the Charitable Trust would agree to underwrite the cost of hosting the games.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance said that an Annual Report on the progress of the Ynys Môn Island Games Board needs to be presented to the Executive.  Councillor Nicola Roberts said that the Annual Report also needs to be considered by the Scrutiny Committee.  

The Chair highlighted at this juncture that as the Committee had now been in session for three hours, under the provisions of paragraph 4.1.10 of the Council’s Constitution, a resolution was required by the majority of those Members of the Committee present to agree to continue with the meeting. It was RESOLVED that the meeting should continue.

In accordance with paragraph 4.1.18.4 of the Constitution the required number of members requested that a recorded vote be taken on the recommendation as noted above.

The recorded vote was as follows:-

To support the recommendations within the report:-

Councillors Lewis Davies, R Dew, John Griffith, Richard Griffiths, Glyn Haynes, K P Hughes, T Ll Hughes MBE, Vaughan Hughes, Llinos Medi Huws, Carwyn Jones, Eric W Jones, Richard Owain Jones, G O Jones, R Meirion Jones, Alun W Mummery, Bob Parry OBE FRAgS, Dylan Rees, Alun Roberts, Dafydd Roberts, J A Roberts, Margaret M Roberts, Nicola Roberts, Dafydd Rhys Thomas, Ieuan Williams and Robin Williams.             TOTAL 25

Against the recommendations within the report:-

Councillors Robert Ll Jones, Bryan Owen, Shaun Redmond and Peter S Rogers.

                                                                                                                        TOTAL 4

Abstained :                                                                                                   None

It was RESOLVED that the Council agrees to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.