Agenda, decisions and minutes

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Items
No. Item

1.

Declaration of interest

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

No declaration of interest was received.

2.

Urgent matters certified by the Chief Executive or his appointed officer

No urgent matters at the time of dispatch of this agenda.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

None to report.

3.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 302 KB

To submit for confirmation, the draft minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 17 June 2019.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Executive held on 17 June, 2019 were presented for the Executive’s approval.

 

It was resolved that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Executive held on 17 June, 2019 be confirmed as correct.

4.

Minutes - Corporate Parenting Panel pdf icon PDF 266 KB

To submit for adoption, the draft minutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel held on 10 June 2019.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The draft minutes of the meeting of the Corporate Parenting Panel held on 10 June, 2017 were presented for adoption.

 

It was resolved that the draft minutes of the meeting of the Corporate Parenting Panel held on 10 June, 2019 be adopted.

 

5.

The Executive's Forward Work Programme pdf icon PDF 785 KB

To submit a report by the Head of Democratic Services.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report of the Head of Democratic Services incorporating the Executive’s Forward Work Programme for the period from August, 2019 to March, 2020 was presented for consideration and the following changes were noted - 

 

New Item for the 16 September, 2019 meeting –

 

Item 2 – Annual Performance Report (Improvement Plan) 2018/19

 

Item re-scheduled –

 

           Item 9 – Learning Disabilities: Transformation of Daytime Opportunities (consent regarding the engagement process) from 16 September to the 28 October, 2019 meeting and also re-worded to read – Learning Disabilities: Transformation of Daytime Opportunities (consent regarding the consultation process).

 

Additional Items to be scheduled on the work programme at the request of services –

 

           Syrian Refugees

           Council Housing: Developments of 10 or more units – Llaingoch, Holyhead

           Llangefni Golf Course

           North Anglesey Regeneration Plan

           Formalising the Partnership between Ysgol Goronwy Owen and Ysgol Moelfre

 

It was resolved to confirm the updated Forward Work Programme for the period from August, 2019 to March, 2020 with the additional change outlined at the meeting.

6.

Draft Final Accounts 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 613 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report of the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer incorporating the draft main financial statements for the 2018/19 financial year (draft Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement,  Draft Balance Sheet as at 31 March, 2019 and a summary of the reserves held by the Council) was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

 

The Portfolio Member for Finance reported that the statutory deadline for completing and signing the draft accounts has been brought forward from 30 to 15 June for the 2018/19 and 2019/20 financial years and that the timeline reduces still further to 31 May for the 2020/21 financial year and beyond (with the dates for the final audited accounts similarly brought forward from 30 to 15 September for the 2018/19 and 2019/20 financial years and to 31 July, for 2020/21 and thereafter). The draft accounts for 2018/19 have been completed and the external audit of the accounts commenced on 1 July, 2019.The full draft Statement of Accounts for 2018/19 will be presented to the Audit and Governance Committee on 23 July, 2019.The final audited accounts will be presented to the Audit and Governance Committee and Full Council in September.

 

The Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer confirmed that the full draft financial statements for 2018/19 were available on the Council’s website.

 

The Chair in acknowledging the hard work that had gone into meeting the challenge of the tighter timescale for producing the draft financial statements, highlighted that the narrative behind the figures remains one of ongoing financial challenge and uncertainty with the Council’s services operating under continuing financial pressures.

 

It was resolved –

 

           To note the draft unaudited main financial statements for 2018/19.

           To note the position on earmarked reserves and approve the use of, or increases to individual reserves as noted in Appendix 4 to the report.

           To approve the new reserves amounting to £1.270m as shown in Table 3 of the report.

           To note the school balances position.

           To note the HRA balances as at 31 March, 2019.

7.

Welsh Church Act Fund pdf icon PDF 553 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report of the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer seeking the Executive’s approval for a draft scheme for the administration of the Anglesey Welsh Church Act Fund was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

 

The Portfolio Member for Finance summarised the background to the establishment of the   Welsh Church Act Fund which was formed when the Welsh Church Act 1914 disestablished the Church in Wales and transferred assets to the County Councils. The fund was set up in 1922 but the assets were not fully distributed until 1996.The fund continued to be administered by Anglesey County Council until local government reorganisation in 1974 when the funds relating to Anglesey, Caernarfonshire, most of Meirionnydd and parts of Denbighshire were brought together under the control of Gwynedd County Council. On local government reorganisation in 1996, the assets held by Gwynedd County Council were to be distributed to the three successor authorities. The report outlines the issues that have arisen with regard to the disaggregation of the existing Gwynedd County Council Fund and the valuation of three pieces of land which have taken a length of time to resolve; those issues have now been resolved and confirmation received that the Fund can be apportioned between the three related parties of Anglesey, Conwy and Gwynedd so that they may establish their own individual funds for the intended charitable purpose as defined.

 

The Portfolio Member said that on 25 May, 2019 the Council received a cash sum as its share of the Fund with the remainder of the assets transferred to the Council being made up of two pieces of land. It will be necessary for the Council to approve a scheme for the administration and application of the funds available. A proposed scheme is attached at Appendix B to the report. The combined Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy Welsh Church Fund was a registered charity and it will be necessary to set up a new charity for the Anglesey Welsh Church Act Fund.

 

The Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer highlighted that although the Fund continued to be administered by Gwynedd Council, grants were awarded based on decisions taken by the Isle of Anglesey County Council.

 

It was resolved –

 

           To approve the draft scheme as attached at Appendix B to the report and to delegate the power to the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer and Head of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Member for Finance to –

 

           Complete the necessary arrangements to have the scheme approved and to set up the charitable body.

           To make any changes required by the Charity Commission or legal advisors to the draft scheme in order to complete the process, provided that the changes do not conflict with the principles of the draft scheme. Where any required change changes the principles reflected in the draft scheme, further approval will be required by the Executive before the changes to the scheme are adopted.

 

           To request the Head of Function(Resources)/Section 151 Officer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Arfor Programme pdf icon PDF 425 KB

To submit a report by the Chief Executive.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report of the Chief Executive with regard to implementing the Arfor Programme on Anglesey was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

 

The Portfolio Member for Major Projects and Economic Development reported that Welsh Government has agreed to allocate £2m to fund the Arfor Innovation Fund in the 2 year period 2019/20 to 2020/21. The Arfor programme aims to pilot different approaches and projects that promote entrepreneurship and business growth with a focus on promoting the use of Welsh and is centred on the four counties where the Welsh language is strongest – Gwynedd, Anglesey, Ceredigion and Carmarthen. Welsh Government’s Economy Department is providing the funding and the grant offer sets out specific purposes, objectives and outputs which are summarised in the report. Gwynedd Council will lead on managing the programme and some elements of the programme will be implemented jointly between the 4 counties under the co-ordination of Gwynedd Council whilst others will be implemented locally through the individual County Councils. A synopsis of Anglesey’s Arfor plans is provided, the intention being to work in partnership with Menter Môn in order to add value and avoid duplication. Anglesey specific schemes will be governed by an Arfor grants panel which will manage the budget, determine applications and monitor arrangements.

 

The Portfolio Member said that as well as bringing economic decisions to a local level, the Arfor Programme places Welsh at the heart of developing the economy in the four counties, making the language a unique selling point for businesses. It is hoped that developing a Strategic Plan and evaluating the various pilot projects will lead to the creation of a new long-term programme to support the four Arfor counties and potentially other areas where Welsh remains a community language.

 

The Regeneration Manager highlighted that Welsh Government has emphasised that as part of the programme existing schemes should not be duplicated, and that new and innovative approaches must be created and supported. The Officer confirmed that any projects that may not as a consequence be supported will be re-directed to other programmes.

 

The Executive welcomed the initiative and commended the collaborative approach which also allows for the implementation of locally relevant schemes through the individual county councils. In response to questions, the Portfolio Member for Major Projects and Economic Development said that the fund is intended to be used to support and create private business rather than any Council based schemes and that the Council is not expected to provide match-funding as part of the programme.

 

It was resolved to support and implement the Arfor Programme on Anglesey, and to authorise the Head of Regulation and Economic Development to –

 

           Receive the Arfor funding from the Welsh Government through Gwynedd Council and use it on eligible activities.

           Work in partnership with Gwynedd Council or other councils in the Arfor area to implement the programme

           Work in partnership with Menter Môn in order to implement the Arfor programme.

           Implement a programme of grants from the Arfor Fund to eligible  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

Annual Report of the Statutory Director of Social Services pdf icon PDF 1 MB

To submit a report by the Interim Director of Social Services.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Annual Report of the Statutory Director of Social Services on the effectiveness of Social Services in 2018/19 was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

 

The Interim Director of Social Services/Head of Adults’ Services reported that the production of the annual report which seeks to promote awareness and accountability for the performance and progress made over the past year in delivering Social Services to the people of Anglesey is a statutory expectation. The report outlines some of the Service’s key achievements in the past year across both Adults’ and Children and Families’ Services as well as setting the direction and priorities for the coming year and the challenges that will need to be addressed in fulfilling them.

 

The Interim Director said that he was pleased with the progress made collectively across both Children’s and Adults’ Services during the year. Over the past 12 months there have been a number of developments in both areas which the Service is proud of; in Children’s Services, the Improving Practice Quality Framework now underpins the work carried out and is designed to govern and guide the workforce; Teulu Môn has in place a clear Engagement Strategy and the Stepping Forward Service aims to strengthen families who no longer require statutory support but continue to need guidance. The New Offer to Foster Carers will it is hoped, increase the Authority’s ability to recruit foster carers and to assist them to provide the best support to fostered children. Likewise, the opening of the Hafan Cefni facility and the commissioning of a new domiciliary care provision for residents has helped Adults’ Services make progress in their goal of supporting adults to remain independent in their own home. Mental Health Support Services have strengthened their focus on helping individuals improve their well-being through group health and fitness sessions.

 

The Officer concluded by saying that thanks are due to all Social Services staff as well as  those in commissioned providers for their hard work in 2018/19. Additionally, the Service also thanks Dr Caroline Turner, the former director who was in post for most of 2018/19 for her support during that and the previous year.

 

Councillor Aled Morris Jones, Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee reported from the Committee’s meeting of 8 July to which the Annual Report had been presented and he spoke to confirm that the Committee had acknowledged the progress made over the course of the year which it felt was accurately captured by the report, and had expressed its appreciation of the dedication and hard work of the staff in making it happen. The Committee’s discussion on Children’s Services had focused on Welsh Government’s moves to encourage local authorities to set a target for reducing the number of children in care with the Committee making clear its support for the Leader in resisting such a step.

 

The Executive in also acknowledging the great strides made during 2018/19 in both Adults’ and Children’s Services recognised that there remain areas that need to be worked upon and that Social  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Exclusion of the Press and Public pdf icon PDF 205 KB

To consider adoption of the following:-

 

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was considered and resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the discussion on the following item on the grounds that it involved the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A to the said Act and in the Public Interest Test as presented.

 

11.

Supported Living (Learning Disabilities) Commissioning Options

To submit a report by the Interim Director of Social Services.

Minutes:

The report of the Interim Head of Social Services/Head of Adults’ Services seeking the Executive’s approval to re-tender the provision of the Supported Living (Learning Disabilities) Service on Anglesey was presented for consideration.

 

The Executive was advised that the recommendation involves remodelling the current service provision so that instead of different providers covering the whole of the Island, the same provider would cover a patch area with the Island being split into three patch areas as illustrated by the maps attached to the report. The rationale and reasons for a competitive tender were outlined with the view being that the re-tendering exercise will provide an opportunity to procure services that offer best value whilst also offering choice and control to the supported individuals.

 

Councillor G.O. Jones, Chair of the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee reported from the Committee’s 11 July meeting which had considered the matter; the Committee having sought clarification and assurance on a number of matters including stakeholder engagement and support through the tendering process and afterwards, efficiency and value, had recommended that the current service provision for Supported Living (Learning Disabilities) be re-tendered.

 

The Executive discussed the proposal having regard to the points raised by Scrutiny and was assured by the Interim Director of Social Services/Head of Adults’ Services that Members would be informed on progress and/or developments throughout the process.

 

It was resolved to approve re-tendering the current service provision for Supported Living (Learning Disabilities).

12.

Exclusion of the Press and Public pdf icon PDF 382 KB

To consider adoption of the following:-

 

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was considered and resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the discussion on the following item on the grounds that it involved the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A to the said Act and in the Public Interest Test as presented.

13.

Council Housing - Development of 10 or more units

To submit a report by the Head of Housing Services.

Minutes:

The report of the Head of Housing Services seeking the Executive’s approval to move forward to develop a new housing scheme of 10 units on the Marquis site in Rhosybol was presented for consideration.

 

The Executive was advised that an opportunity had arisen for the Council to develop new council houses on the Marquis site, Rhosybol which has already been identified as a possible site for housing and has been included in the Social Housing development programme since 2017. A Housing Needs Survey was conducted through the Rural Housing Enabler service in collaboration with the Community Council in autumn 2018 and the need for 10 additional affordable homes was identified. As part of the survey, a questionnaire was circulated to local residents and an open day was held in November, 2018 to discuss housing in the village. There was clear support for developing the Marquis site. The development will comprise of a mix of housing units and will be funded partly through Welsh Government’s affordable housing grant allocation and partly through the Housing Revenue Account. A large amount of preparatory work has been undertaken with the aim being (subject to the Executive’s approval) to commence work on the development during the current financial year.

 

It was resolved to approve moving forward to develop a new council housing scheme of 10 units on the Marquis site, Rhosybol.