Decision details

The report of the Deputy Chief Executive was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

Councillor Ieuan Williams, Portfolio Member for Education and the Welsh Language presented the report which sought the Executive’s approval to increase the Council’s investment towards extending Ysgol y Graig by building a new Foundation Phase block. This was as a result of increased costs within the construction industry due to a number of factors outside the control of the Council and the developer.

The report further sought the Executive’s agreement to fund a share of the cost of building a childcare unit on the site of the extended Ysgol y Graig; this was as a result of confirmation being received that the Council’s application for 100% grant funding from Welsh Government’s Welsh Medium Capital grant had not been prioritised at this time, the grant being significantly oversubscribed. As the childcare unit on the site of Ysgol y Graig is part of the new Foundation Phase building if it is to be included as part of the development it will need to be built at the same time as the rest of the Foundation Phase Unit – building it later would be inefficient and create disruption for pupils and staff at Ysgol y Graig as well as the local community.

The report set out how the Council has responded to these challenges to date including by going out to re-tender for the work. A new price was received from the preferred developer on 23 June, 2022 which includes the childcare unit; the price stands until 28 July, 2022. Also included in the report is an analysis of how the costs have changed as well as the benefits of having an onsite child care unit.

The Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer advised that Council Officers have submitted a “Request for Change” to seek an additional grant contribution from the Welsh Government through the Sustainable Learning  Communities programme towards the additional construction costs for the school and towards the costs of the childcare unit. If successful, the Welsh Government will fund up to 65% of these costs. The Council will need to commit to funding the remaining 35% costs (The Welsh Medium Capital Grant Programme which had a 100% intervention rate being now fully committed). This additional commitment on the part of the Council will entail a higher annual cost through the Minimum Revenue Provision; the increased costs of the project also means that the remainder of the Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Band B funding envelope is reduced. The Section 151 Officer further advised that notwithstanding the changed circumstances, the opportunity remains one that is too good to miss both from an educational and a financial perspective.

The Chair proposed that the Portfolio Members for Education, Finance and Children and Young People be consulted with regard to determining the best option for running the childcare unit whether that be directly by the Council or by commissioning an external partner.

It was resolved –

·         To increase the Council’s investment towards the extension of Ysgol y Graig in line with the recommendation of the report.

·         To fund 35% of the cost of building a care unit on the Ysgol y Graig site with capacity for 50 children as recommended within the report. This would be conditional on Welsh Government committing to funding the remaining 65%.

·         To delegate responsibility to the Director of Education, Skills and Young People and to the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer to decide in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Education, Finance and Children and Young People, whether the Council wants to run or commission the childcare unit, depending on which option provides the best value for money.

·         With the prior agreement of the Council Chair, to exclude the right of the Scrutiny Committee to call in this decision. Delaying the decision to allow a call-in period by the Scrutiny Committee would be detrimental to the Council/public interest as it is necessary to appoint a contractor by 27 July, 2022 to ensure that the tender price stands.