Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

No declaration of interest was received.

To submit a report by the Head of Learning.

The report of the Head of Learning incorporating an update to the Isle of Anglesey Education Schools’ Modernisation Strategy was presented for the Executive’s consideration and approval.

The Portfolio Member for Education, Libraries, Culture and Youth reported that since the publication of the original strategy in 2013, the Authority has collaborated with Head Teachers and Elected Members to modernise the school stock on the Island by combining 10 smaller primary schools and building 21st Century schools in three areas within Band A with the latest opening in March, 2019. By the end of the Band A programme in April, 2019 over 10% of Anglesey’s primary learners will receive their education in 21st Century buildings and empty places in Anglesey’s primary schools will be down to 10% - a reduction of over 17% in six years. In the secondary sector, the decrease in pupil numbers and the increase in empty places together with financial cuts have resulted in significant budgetary challenges across the sector which will probably continue or even worsen over the next few years. Consequently, and in light of Central Government’s ongoing austerity programme which means that the Education Service must find savings of £5m over the next three years, the Modernisation Strategy needs to be reviewed which is also timely given that the Band B programme will commence in April, 2019.

The Portfolio Member said that the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme provides an opportunity to further modernise Anglesey’s schools and to seek local solutions to local problems. The report sets out the timetable for implementing and acting on the updated Strategy and also elaborates on the drivers of change for the Band B programme which have been adapted from those used for Band A. It is foreseen that the Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones catchment area will have to be prioritised within Band B and although there is a potential for population increase in the area as a result of the New Wylfa development estimated at around 200 additional pupils, it will not be enough to make up for the current 623 empty places. Consideration will have to be given to making changes in order to establish educational arrangements that are appropriate for the future. Furthermore, the post-16 education provision will have to receive priority attention for the reasons outlined in the report.

The Portfolio Member concluded by saying that the last five years have been an exciting period for school modernisation, and the Authority must grasp the opportunity before it to continue with its programme of improvement to establish a schools system that is suitable for the next 30 to 50 years so that the Island’s children have the best chances of flourishing and making the most of the world of work opportunities that are on the horizon – the next generation will not thank the Authority for not acting on this opportunity. The Council’s vision for education is consistent with its Corporate Plan in making a commitment to work with the people of Anglesey to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

To submit a report by the Head of Profession, HR and Transformation.

The report of the Head of Profession (Human Resources) and Corporate Transformation incorporating the Annual Performance Report for 2017/18 was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

The Portfolio Member for Corporate Transformation reported that the Annual Performance Report which the Council is required to publish by the statutory end of October deadline each year analyses performance over the previous financial year against the improvements and priorities outlined by the Council in its Well-being objectives and the Council Plan. The Portfolio Member said that the Council experienced a number of successes in the 2017/18 financial year as exemplified by the following –

•           Ysgol Cybi, Holyhead and Ysgol Rhyd y Llan, Llanfaethlu welcomed pupils at the start of the academic year. Both these modern 21st Century schools represent flagship projects for the Council.

•           The Council’s recycling rates now stand at 72% with only 0.5% of general waste going into landfill. Based on last year’s data this would put Anglesey as the best performing local Authority in Wales.

•           The Council has committed to gaining plastic free status for the Island and is now working towards this objective.

•           75 empty homes have been brought back into use through direct action by the Council.

•           The Hafan Cefni extra care facility in Llangefni has been developed and is due to open this autumn.

Whilst the performance against local key indicators as reflected by the Corporate Scorecard tells a mixed story overall, with analysis of the comparable PIs showing that 45% have improved, 13% have been maintained and 22% have declined on the previous year, it should be noted that 58% of the indicators performed above their targets for the year, 15% were within tolerances of the target and the remaining 17% were below target. In terms of performance against national indicators known as Performance Accountability Measures (PAM) which compare each local authority against the same indicators, 50% of the Council’s indicators improved and 36% declined when compared to the performance in 2016/17. However, it must be noted that these are the current published PAM indicators – 2 of the currently unpublished Waste Management PAM indicators will perform well, and there are a further 6 indicators to be included for Social Services. All PAM indicators will be published by November, 2018.

The Portfolio Member said that looking forward to 2018/19, the Council is aware of the financial challenges facing Children’s and Education Services and plans to look at ways of strengthening its preventative and well-being services for children, young people and vulnerable people in society. Developments will be made to further improve leisure facilities through incorporating a 3G pitch and investing in fitness equipment. There are several significant Economic Development and Energy Island related projects in the offing the development of which will continue in 2018/19. Whilst plans for the year ahead are ambitious, it is believed that with the support of staff, residents and partners the Council’s objectives can be achieved thereby creating an Anglesey that is modern, healthy, thriving,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.