· 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?
Minutes:
· 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’ 21st 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 6th 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 addressed through a letter to the Portfolio Holder.
· Submitted – 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?’
The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Property and Waste responded that the report submitted to the Executive Committee was a factual statement on the financial accounts of Further Education Trust. The report did not refer to the level or standards of the administration of the Trust. The Portfolio Holder referred to the estate maintenance costs within the report which notes that the Further Education Trust did not make a profit in 2017/18; this was due to additional costs which took place as regards to necessary maintenance of smallholding dwellings. The maintenance of the 14 properties in the David Hughes Estate has led to an increase in rent from tenancies. The Portfolio Holder also noted that the level of debts recorded was at a specific period and that he did not consider it appropriate to report in detail on the debts as tenants are able to pay rents in instalments or at the end of the rent period. He also noted that the distribution of grants through the Further Education Trust is low due to the lack of publicity of the fund and the assistance available.
The Portfolio Holder noted that the Executive at its meeting held on 29 April, 2019 resolved to approve the Annual Report and Accounts for the Anglesey Further Education Trust for 2017/18 and that a report be submitted to the Executive within 6 months on the progress of discussions to restructure the Anglesey Further Education Trust.
Councillor Peter Rogers said that he was concerned as to the debts in respect of the David Hughes Estate.