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 need to have the best possible start in life.  He noted that deprived families need support and guidance.  The Leader of the Council agreed that every child and young person should be given the opportunity to reach their potential.  She emphasised that it is important to note that these challenges are national challenges and that inequality is becoming more apparent.  The OPUS Scheme came to an end last July; this scheme was to support young people into work and this decision has a dire effect on vulnerable young people who have started a bond with their supporting officers.    

It was RESOLVED to receive the Leader of the Council’s report and to note its contents.