Agenda, decisions and minutes

To submit for confirmation, the draft minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on 12 September 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 September, 2023 were confirmed as correct.

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

None received.

The Chair made the following announcements:-

• Congratulations extended to everyone who competed in the Anglesey Young Farmers’ Eisteddfod last weekend at Mona Showground.

• Congratulations was extended to the Rapper Ren Gill who has overcome a long period of illness to top the UK charts with his second album. Ren is originally from Dwyran and is a former pupil of Ysgol David Hughes. 

• Best wishes extended to Ioan Rhun Jones from Llanfairpwll who will be climbing part of Everest in March next year in memory of his father and to raise money for the charity ‘Shout’.

• Congratulations extended to the Anglesey Fostering Team on winning an award in recognition of their excellent contribution to foster care. The support given by the team to the Island’s foster carers was praised along with the close relationship with the Anglesey Foster Care Association. 

·       Congratulations extended to the broadcaster Mr Hywel Gwynfryn on receiving a Special Contribution Award at BAFTA Cymru Wales awards recently for his contribution to broadcasting.

·       Congratulations extended to Mr George North for creating history by becoming the first Welshman to appear in the Rugby World Cup quarter finals on four separate occasions. 

• Congratulations extended to Amlwch Town Football Club on winning the Wales Over 50’s Walking Football championships.

• Best wishes to the Anglesey netball team who will be competing against other island teams in the Isle of Man next month.

• Best wishes to all individuals and teams nominated for an award in the Môn Active awards ceremony for 2023. The ceremony will take place at Beaumaris Leisure Centre. 

• The Chair wished to thank Mr Haydn Edwards for his work as Chair of the Anglesey Welsh Language Forum over a period of six years. Under his leadership the Forum has developed to be the voice of authority on Welsh Language matters on the Island and over 30 organisations are now involved in the work.

• The Chair also wished to thank the Reverand Dr Dafydd Wyn William for his tireless work as the Minister at Noddfa Chapel in Holyhead over a period of 30 years and for his work as a local historian which has seen him publish over 40 books and numerous articles.

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The Chair referred to the increasing conflict that has been witnessed in the Middle East over the past few days and our thoughts are with the children and ordinary people who are suffering as a result of the fighting. 

Condolences were extended to the family of Reverand Emlyn Richards who passed away in August. He had served as a minister in the Cemaes area since 1964 and published numerous books on the history of Anglesey.

Condolences were extended to Councillor Robert Llewelyn Jones and his family following the death of his sister-in-law.

Condolences were also extended to any Member of the County Council or Staff who had suffered a bereavement.

Members and Officers stood as silent tribute.

To submit the following Notice of Motion by Councillor Nicola Roberts: -

‘I am presenting this notice of motion in order to call on the UK Government to safeguard the water quality of Anglesey and the whole of Wales.

During the last few months we have seen many examples of sea water being effected by dirty water which affects the residents of the Island, the tourism sector and wildlife. I attended an event with some of my fellow Councillors over the Summer in order to show our support to their request for more intervention from the Government to safeguard the quality of our water. 

Awful figures from Welsh Water confirm that there are over 20256 hours where waste water is discharged freely into our waters. This high number of hours shows that this way of discharging waste water is used as a regular occurrence rather than used in emergencies only. The effects of climate change is likely to make the situation worse.

Local resolution is not possible as the release of sewage in one County would have a geographical effect on our neighbours in other Counties. A solution is therefore needed from the Government. I am pleading with you to support my request to send a letter through the Leader to the UK Government for quick intervention.’

Submitted – the following Notice of Motion by Councillor Nicola Roberts:-

‘I am presenting this notice of motion in order to call on the UK Government to safeguard the water quality of Anglesey and the whole of Wales.

During the last few months we have seen many examples of sea water being effected by dirty water which affects the residents of the Island, the tourism sector and wildlife.  I attended an event with some of my fellow Councillors over the Summer in order to show our support to their request for more intervention from the Government to safeguard the quality of our water.

Awful figures from Welsh Water confirm that there are over 20256 hours where waste water is discharged freely into our waters.  This high number of hours shows that this way of discharging waste water is used as a regular occurrence rather than used in emergencies only.  The effects of climate change is likely to make the situation worse.

Local resolution is not possible as the release of sewage in one County would have a geographical effect on our neighbours in other Counties.  A solution is therefore needed from the Government.  I am pleading with you to support my request to send a letter through the Leader to the UK Government for quick intervention.’

Councillor Neville Evans seconded the Motion.  Councillor Evans said that as the Portfolio Member for Leisure, Tourism and Maritime he is totally in support of the Motion as the water quality is paramount to residents of the Island and to tourism. 

Councillor Aled M Jones supported the Motion and that action needs to be taken to safeguard the quality of water. He referred to an example that a similar situation as regard to the quality of the water arose on a beach in the Twrcelyn and works were undertaken by the local authority and other agencies to rectify the situation.  He noted that such matters as to water quality, sewage and flood risk has been devolved by the UK Government to Welsh Government.   Councillor Jones proposed that a letter by sent to both the UK Government and Welsh Government as regards to the concerns as to the discharge of wastewater into the sea. 

Councillor Nicola Roberts said that she accepted the suggestion and would alter the Motion so that a letter be sent by the Leader to both the UK Government and Welsh Government.  She further said that devolved matters have been transferred by the UK Government to Welsh Government, however, general responsibility lies with the UK Government and an UK solution is required to improve water quality with the reduction of discharge to the sea. 

The meeting consented to the alteration and the Motion was unanimously carried.

To receive any petition in accordance with Paragraph 4.1.11 of the Constitution.

None received.

To submit a report by the Director of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer.

The report of the Director of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

Mr Gordon Warren, Town Councillor and Member of the Standards Committee – Selection Panel presented the report to the Council in the absence of the Chair of the Selection Panel, Councillor Dylan Rees.  Mr Warren said that a recruitment process was undertaken by the Standards Committee – Selection Panel following a vacancy of an Independent Member on the Standards Committee.  He noted that there is a requirement that the independent members of the Standards Committee be appointed by Council, but only after compliance with a statutory selection process.  To conduct this recruitment and selection process, the County Council has delegated its authority to the Standards Committee – Selection Panel which consists of one independent member of the public, one representative from the town and community councils and three county councillors (subject to political balance).  He further noted that the advertisement and selection process was undertaken and following a shortlisting process the shortlisted candidates were interviewed by the Standards Committee – Selection Panel on 26 September and 3 October, 2023.  The Panel agreed to nominate Mr Trefor Owen to be appointed to the role of independent member of the Standards Committee, subject to satisfactory references, which have since been received and assessed by the Chair of the Standards Committee – Selection Panel.  The Panel also recommended that in the event that a casual vacancy for an independent member of the Standards Committee arise during the next twelve months, to automatically appoint Mr Brace Griffiths to this role without the need for a further recruitment process, provided he remains eligible for the role.  The Panel also recommended that in the event of a second casual vacancy for an independent member of the Standards Committee should arise or if Mr Brace Griffiths was unable to undertake the role, that Mr David Abbott be appointed, provided he remains eligible for the role.

It was unanimously RESOLVED to accept the recommendations of the Standards Committee – Selection Panel as follows:-

·       To appoint Mr Trefor Owen as co-opted independent member of the Standards Committee with immediate effect;

·       In the event that a casual vacancy for an independent member of the Standards Committee arises during the next twelve months, to automatically appoint Mr Brace Griffiths to this role without need for a further recruitment process, provided always that this candidate remains eligible for the role, and subject to satisfactory references being received prior to the appointment; and

·       In the event that a second casual vacancy for an independent member of the Standards Committee arises during the next twelve months, or should Mr Brace Griffiths be unable, to automatically appoint Mr David Abbott to this role without need for a further recruitment process, provided always that this candidate remains eligible for the role, and subject to satisfactory references being received prior to the appointment.

To submit a report by the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer, as presented to the Executive on 24 October 2023.

The report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Member for Finance said that the Council is required by regulations issued under the Local Government Act 2003 to produce an annual treasury management review of activities and the actual prudential and treasury indicators for 2022/2023.  He noted that in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation, this report was scrutinised by the Governance and Audit Committee on 21 September 2023 and forwarded to the Executive Committee without comments on 24 October, 2023.  The Executive Committee resolved to forward the report to the full Council without any further comments. 

It was unanimously RESOLVED:-

·       To note that the outturn figures in this report will remain provisional until the audit of the 2022/2023 Statement of Accounts is completed and signed off; any resulting significant adjustments to the figures included in this report will be reported as appropriate;

·       To note the provisional 2022/2023 prudential and treasury indicators in this report.

To submit a report by the Director of Social Services.

The report of the Director of Social Services was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

The Portfolio Member for Adults’ Services said that the purpose of the report is to promote awareness and accountability for the performance and progress made over the past year in delivering Social Services within Anglesey County Council, as well as including areas identified for improvement for the forthcoming year.  The report highlights the challenges over the past year but there have been several successes within the service as is noted within the report.  He noted that the Authority is one of three local authorities in Wales that has been recognised as an Age Friendly Community.  

The Director of Social Services reported that the Annual Director Social Service’s Report highlights the effectiveness of Social Services in 2022/2023 as is required under the Social Care and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014.   The report outlines the key achievements in the past year and the pressure on the service due to the increase demand.  He said that the service is also dependent on Welsh Government and Regional grants to be able to afford developments within the service and joint working is undertaken with relevant partner organisations and the third sector.  The Director of Social Services further said that a new strategy has been put in place as regards to the Day Care opportunities and to promote and support people with Learning Difficulties to be part and valued within the local community. He referred to the Cartrefi Clyd scheme which has addressed the needs of children and young people to be able to be looked after on the Island.  He further said that the prevention scheme supports people to enable them to source their own support needs.  A Trauma Informed training scheme is provided and it is hoped that it will attract further grant funding.  The Director of Social Services wished to thank the staff of the Social Services Department for their work and noted that working in partnership with relevant partner organisations is paramount to the success of the service. 

Members of the Council wished to thank the Director of Social Services and the staff for their work and the effectiveness of the support and services afforded to the residents of the Island. 

It was unanimously RESOLVED to accept the Annual Director of Social Services Report on the Effectiveness of Social Services 2022/2023.

To submit a report by the Head of Profession – HR and Transformation, as presented to the Executive on 26 September 2023.

The report of the Head of Profession (Human Resources) and Transformation was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

Councillor Carwyn Jones, Portfolio Member for Corporate Business and Customer Experience presented the report which analyses performance over the previous financial year against the improvements and priorities outlined by the Council. The report shows that 54% of the priorities set out in the Transitional Plan which was the detailed work plan for 2022/23 have been completed, 29% are ongoing into 2023/24, 13% are behind schedule but with mitigating measures are likely to be brought back on track and 4% have been cancelled. The report also outlines the actions supported by the Council during the year as part of its cost-of-living response. Overall, the Council has demonstrated good progress and commitment in various domains over the past year as reflected within the report and a number of notable achievements are highlighted. The Annual Delivery Document details the work that the Council will be undertaking during 2023/24 to achieve the aspirations of the Council Plan 2023-2028. The Council’s staff must be congratulated for their hard work throughout the year in delivering projects and work streams. 

Councillor Aled M Jones said that the report highlights the partner organisations that the Authority is working in partnership with, however, there is no mention in the report to the grant funding afforded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) especially in the north of the Island.  

The Chief Executive assured that the NDA is a crucial partner of the local authority.  He noted that a meeting was held recently with the Officers of the NDA and the local authority to discuss the socio-economic situation in the north of the Island.  The Chief Executive suggested that the logo of every partner organisation that works with the Council should be included in the Annual Performance/Wellbeing Report next year.

It was unanimously RESOLVED to approve the contents of the 2022/2023 Annual Performance/Wellbeing Report and adopt it as a fair and complete reflection of the Authority’s work over that period.

To submit a report by the Head of Profession – HR and Transformation, as presented to the Executive on 24 October 2023.

 The report of the Head of Profession (Human Resources) and Transformation was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

Councillor Carwyn Jones, Portfolio Member for Corporate and Customer Experience said that under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, local authorities in Wales must produce a Participation Strategy which notes how local people are encouraged to take part in the Council’s decision-making process.  The strategy aims to encourage people to take part in the Council’s business and build on the success that the Council has achieved in engaging with residents as recognised by Audit Wales.  The Strategy includes examples of participation within the report.   A consultation exercise was undertaken with Council Officers for a four-week period.  A high percentage of respondents agreed with the content of the Strategy which shows support for the Strategy and the intention to review it regularly.  It was recognised that improvement is required as regards increased participation by children and young people in the Council’s decisions, looking at new methods of gathering and presenting feedback digitally and considering ways of reporting successes/lack of successes in terms of participation.  

It was unanimously RESOLVED:-

·       To adopt the Public Participation Strategy, that it is a live document, and it will be reviewed and updated regularly and will continue to build on the success thus far;

·       To authorise the Head of Profession (Human Resources) and Transformation, in consultation with the Portfolio Member for Corporate and Customer Experience, to prepare the final document in line with the corporate format before uploading the document on the Council’s website.