To submit the following Notice of Motion by Councillor Bryan Owen and endorsed by Councillor Aled Morris Jones:-
We, the Anglesey Independent Group, request that Anglesey takes all measures to ensure the economic well-being of Ynys Môn in the post Brexit economic climate after the 1st of January 2021.
Minutes:
Submitted – the following Notice of Motion by Councillor Bryan Owen and endorsed by Councillor Aled Morris Jones :-
‘We, the Anglesey Independent Group, request that Anglesey takes all measures to ensure the economic well-being of Ynys Mȏn in the post Brexit economic climate after the 1st of January, 2021.’
Councillor Bryan Owen said that as many other local authorities Anglesey has benefited from EU funding over the years. He questioned as to the measures the Authority is undertaking to secure the prosperity funding that both Welsh Government and UK Government are predicting following Brexit. Councillor Owen said that Anglesey needs to secure financial support as has been previously been received before the post Brexit period.
Councillor Aled M Jones seconded the Motion and gave an overview of projects that has been supported on the Island. He further expressed that :-
· A review of the Joint Local Development Plan needs to be undertaken as a matter of urgency as the Plan is not sustainable to develop the local communities of Anglesey;
· The outcome of the Wylfa Newydd DCO is anticipated by the end of this year;
· Free Port status is paramount to the future of Holyhead;
· The links between this Authority and Pembrokeshire and Dun Laoghaire needs to be strengthen.
The Leader said that she would address the Motion that has been presented before the Council. She said that it must be recognised that the Authority has shown resilience in facing the Covid-19 pandemic which also coincides with Brexit. The Authority has collaborated with WLGA and their consultants Grant Thornton UK LLP to inform and influence a review of potentially economic impacts that would influence well-being on Anglesey. The paper published is Wales based and assesses two scenarios related to the UK’s withdrawal leaving a broad agreement with leaving without a Deal under WTO rules. The paper will assist to inform local authorities financial planning processes to hopefully minimise any negative future economic well-being impacts. The Transition Exposure Boards being prepared by the consultants Grant Thornton UK LLP define key areas of concerns for local authorities’ areas. The Authority’s Brexit risk register has informed key service provision risks and mitigation where necessary to protect the Island’s well-being and is updated and reviewed weekly. The County Council’s EU Co-Ordinator continues to work with all services to review new guidance and information and to ensure that necessary steps are undertaken. Particular focus has been placed on Social Services and Education to assess impacts on heating fuel, food; IT in respect of data; Regulation and Economic Development in respect of Public Protection and local businesses. The Leader further said that considerable focus is made around the multi-agency collaboration to manage the impact on traffic at the Port of Holyhead due to potential delays caused by HGV’s. The Council continues to monitor the effects on agriculture and contribute to Welsh Government consultations as regards to this matter. The Authority also contribute to the Regional Investment Framework which is developed by Welsh Government to seek clarification of the proposed shared prosperity fund and would support the economy and businesses on the Island. She further referred to the North Wales Growth Bid which will bring needed business and employment opportunities to the Island.
Councillor R Ll Jones expressed deep concerns as regards to the future of Port of Holyhead with a possibility of a No Deal Brexit withdrawal. He said that an Office be established in Holyhead to give guidance to local residents and to put pressure on ferry operators.
The Leader of the Council proposed an amendment to the Motion as follows:-
‘That the County Council seeks assurances from both Governments that the economy of the Island is safeguarded following Brexit and Covid-19 pandemic. ‘
Councillor Carwyn Jones seconded the amendment to the Motion.
The Chair took a vote to include the amendment to the Motion and following the vote the amendment was approved.
The amendment to the motion was carried.