Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

Councillor Richard A Dew declared a personal and prejudicial interest in respect of Item 13 – The Renting Homes (Fees etc) (Wales) Act 2019 : Implementation Arrangements and left the meeting during discussion and voting thereon.

Councillor Aled M Jones declared a personal and prejudicial interest in respect of Item 13 – The Renting Homes (Fees etc) (Wales) Act 2019 : Implementation Arrangements and left the meeting during discussion and voting thereon.

Councillor R Meirion Jones declared a personal interest in respect of Item 17 – Pay Policy Statement 2022 and left the meeting during discussion and voting thereon.

The Senior Leadership Team declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Item 17 – Pay Policy Statement 2022 and were not present at the meeting during any discussion or voting thereon.

To submit for confirmation, the draft minutes of the meetings of the County Council held on the following dates:-

•  7 December 2021

•  21 December 2021 (Extraordinary)

· 11 February, 2022 (Extraordinary)

The minutes of the following meeting of the County Council were confirmed as correct:-

·           7 December, 2021

·           21 December, 2021 (Extraordinary)

·           11 February, 2022 (Extraordinary)

The Chair made the following announcements:-

·                Congratulation was extended to the Trearddur RNLI lifeboat crew who have been recognised for their bravery –  The volunteer crew of the B Class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, consisting of Helm Lee Duncan, Dafydd Griffiths, Leigh McCann and Michael Doran, had rescued a female surfer who was in trouble during gale force winds recently.  Mr Duncan received a Silver Gallantry Medal in recognition of his leadership, seamanship and exemplary boat handling, while the rest of the crew received Bronze Medals in recognition of their courage during the rescue.   The entire Trearddur Bay team involved in the rescue also received a Chief Executive’s Commendation.

·                Congratulations was extended to Ysgol Esceifiog School who have reached the shortlist for a St Davids Award for the support given by staff to a family at the school following the terminal diagnosis given to Ania, one of the pupils of the school in October 2020. Despite the challenges of the Covid Pandemic, the school supported Ania and her 7 year old sister and did everything they possibly could to ensure that Ania was supported at school and also did everything possible to support the other children effected by the illness of their friend, helping to make memories that will stay with Ania’s sister and friends forever. Ania lost her battle in June of 2021 and even though it was almost the summer holidays, the staff at the school were a great support to the school and family by working with external agencies to offer support to Ania’s sister and friends and raising money for charities who continue to support the family and the school.  

*          *          *         *          *

The Chair wished to express his best wishes to the Chief Executive, Mrs Annwen Morgan on her retirement after 39 years service to the Authority.   He said that she started her career with the Council at Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern and progressed to headteacher in 2007.  Mrs Morgan became the Deputy Chief Executive of the Council in 2016 and then progressed to be Chief Executive in 2019.  The majority of her time as Chief Executive has been during the pandemic period and despite all uncertainties and numerous challenges Mrs Morgan has demonstrated visible leadership and commitment in safeguarding the residents of Anglesey.  The Chair wished Mrs Morgan good health and happiness in her retirement.

The Leader of the Council wished to thank Mrs Annwen Morgan for the service she has given to the County Council and for her commitment and hard work as Chief Executive and especially during the difficulty period during the pandemic.  She said that Mrs Morgan was the first women appointed as Chief Executive of this Council and that it has been a privilege to work with her as a female Leader of the Council. 

Members of the Council also wished to thank Mrs Morgan and wished her well on her retirement.

The Chair extended his best wishes to Mr Dylan Williams who has been appointed Chief Executive.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

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

No petitions received.

To submit the following Notice of Motion by the Leader of the Council:-

We as Anglesey County Council show our support to the people of Ukraine by having the flag fly at the Headquarters and having the helping hand of the people of Anglesey ready to provide refuge and support to those in need.

To submit the following Notice of Motion by Councillor R Meirion Jones:-

 1. That Anglesey Council ask the UK Government in Westminster to devolve to the Welsh Government in Wales to the right and the power to be able to create bank holidays for Wales.

2. There is a feeling amongst the people of Wales, whatever their background and tradition, that they wish to celebrate the patron saint of Wales, St David, and that they wish to do this annually on the 1^st of March.

3. Currently, the right to create bank holidays has been given to the Scottish Government and the Government of Northern Ireland, but not to the Welsh Government. Therefore, the UK Government in Westminster are asked in the same way to devolve – through the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 – the right to create bank holidays, to the Welsh Government.    

4. There is a call to establish St David’s Day as a bank holiday in Wales. This has been refused by the UK Government in Westminster on a financial basis but a bank holiday would be a significant boost for Anglesey with its countryside and tourism. Fundamentally, this is not a matter of cost but is a matter of worth and principle. 

5. With this, we ask all the people of Anglesey to send a similar message to ours above to the UK Government in Westminster and to copy their local MP into the message. 

·           Submitted – the following Notice of Motion received by the Leader of the Council :-

“We as Anglesey County Council show our support to the people of Ukraine by having the flag at the Headquarters and having the helping hand of the people of Anglesey ready to provide refuge and support to those in need.”

Councillor R Meirion Jones seconded the Motion.

It was unanimously agreed to approve the Motion.

·           Submitted – the following Notice of Motion received by Councillor R Meirion Jones :-

“ 1. That Anglesey Council ask the UK Government in Westminster to devolve to the Welsh Government in Wales to the right and the power to be able to create bank holidays for Wales.

 2. There is a feeling amongst the people of Wales, whatever their background and tradition, that they wish to celebrate the patron saint of Wales, St David’s and that they wish to do this annually on the 1^st March.

3.  Currently, the right to create bank holidays has been given to the Scottish Government and the Government of North Island, but not to the Welsh Government.  Therefore, the UK Government in Westminster are asked in the same way to devolve – through the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 – the right to create bank holidays, to the Welsh Government.

4. There is a call to establish St David’s Day as a bank holiday in Wales.  This has been refused by the UK Government in Westminster on a financial basis but a bank holiday would be a significant boost for Anglesey with its countryside and tourism.  Fundamentally, this is not a matter of cost but is a matter of worth and principle.

5.  With this, we ask all the people of Anglesey to send a similar message to ours above to the UK Government in Westminster and to copy their local MP into the message.

Councillor Peter Rogers said that such a proposal for a bank holiday on St David’s Day would be a financial burden on the employers and also would result in the rate payers having to pay for the bank holiday for the staff of the Council.  Councillor said that he would vote against the Motion.

Councillor Gary Pritchard said that the Motion before the Council is to ask the UK Government in Westminster to devolve to the Welsh Government in Wales the right and power to be able to create bank holidays for Wales as is given to the Scottish and Northern Ireland Governments.  Councillor Pritchard seconded the Motion.

Following the vote it was RESOLVED to approve the Motion.

To submit a report by the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer, as presented to the Executive on 3 March 2022.

The report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer as presented to the Executive on 3 March, 2022 was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

It was RESOLVED to accept the Annual Treasury Management Review 2020/21.

To submit a report by the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer, as presented to the Executive on 3 March 2022.

The report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer as presented to the Executive on 3 March, 2022 was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

It was RESOLVED to accept the Treasury Management Mid-Year Review 2021/2022.

To submit a report by the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer, as presented to the Executive on 3 March 2022.

The report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer as presented to the Executive on 3 March, 2022 was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

It was RESOLVED to accept the Treasury Management Mid-Year Review Report 2020/21.

To submit a report by the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer, as presented to the Executive on 3 March 2022.

The report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer as presented to the Executive on 3 March, 2022 was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

It was RESOLVED to accept the Capital Strategy.

(a)       Medium Term Financial Strategy and Budget 2022/23

           To submit a report by the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151

          Officer, as presented to the Executive on 3 March 2022.

(b)       Final Capital Budget 2022/23 

           To submit a report by the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151

          Officer, as presented to the Executive on 3 March 2022.

(c)       Council Tax Setting 2022/23

            To submit a report by the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151

            Officer.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the Executive’s proposals for the

Revenue Budget and resulting Council Tax for 2022/23 the Council’s updated

Medium Term Financial Strategy and the use of any one-off funds to support the budget –

items 10 (a) to (ch) within the Agenda. He said that the Welsh Government settlement was significantly better than anticipated and would provide the Council with £114.549m, which is an increase in cash terms of £9.724m (9.27%), but after allowing for grants transferring into the settlement and the effect of the change in the Council’s tax base, the adjusted increase was £9.677m (9.23%).   The Council is now in a position to be able to invest in the services of the Council that had seen significant budget cuts during the period of austerity. £2.86m has been allocated in the final budget proposal as can be seen within 2.4 of the report.  The budget proposal does not require any services to implement any budget savings for 2022/23.  The Council published its budget proposals for public consultation on 26 January, 2022 and the consultation period closed on 9 February, 2022. The Scrutiny’s input into the budget setting process was undertaken and no amendments to the budget was proposed.  The Portfolio Member for Finance referred to some minor changes in the figures following confirmation of the final settlement and the award of an additional grant of £2,254 to Anglesey which takes the net budget to £158.367m. The proposed 2% increase in Council Tax to set a balanced budget is the lowest in North Wales and restores the Council to the position it occupied at the beginning of this Administration when it was eighteenth out of the twenty two local authorities in Wales for council tax.  The second home premium will be increased from 35% to 50% with no change to the empty homes premium of 100%.  The Portfolio Holder – Finance wished to acknowledged the work involved in the preparing the budget proposals and thanked the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer and his staff for the work undertaken in respect of preparing the budget for 2022/23.

Councillor Dafydd Roberts Chair of the Finance Scrutiny Panel reported that at its meeting on 14 February, 2022 the Panel had examined the service investment proposals in detail and reported to the Corporate Scrutiny Committee meeting on 28 February confirming its recommendation of the final draft revenue budget proposals for 2022/23.

Councillor Bryan Owen said that whilst it was difficult to oppose the budget for the financial year 2022/23 which is below the inflation level. However, the increase in the Council Tax Band D will be a challenge for the elderly to have to pay the extra 2% in the Council Tax premium.  He considered that the budget for 2022/23 is a politically driven budget due to the forthcoming local government elections in May.  Councillor Owen said that he would be abstaining from voting.

Councillor Peter Rogers said that the Authority has assets with empty schools in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To submit a report by the Deputy Chief Executive, as presented to the Executive on 9 March 2022.

The report of the Deputy Chief Executive as presented to the Executive on 9 March, 2022 was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

It was RESOLVED that the Council adopts the Towards Net Zero Plan 2022/2025.

To submit a report by the Head of Housing Services, as presented to the Executive on 14 February 2022.

The report of the Head of Housing Services as presented to the Executive on 9 March, 2022 was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

It was RESOLVED that the Council approves the Housing Strategy 2022/2027.

To submit a report by the Head of Regulation and Economic Development, as  presented to the Executive on 14 February 2022.

The report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development as presented to the Executive on 14 February, 2022 was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

It was RESOLVED :-

To submit a report by the Head of Regulation and Economic Development.

Submitted – the report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development in relation to the above.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Public Protection said that the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 states that a Local Development Plan needs to be reviewed 4 years following its adoption. The Joint Local Development Plan (Joint LDP) was adopted on 31 July 2017 and therefore, in line with statutory requirement, the date for the start of the review process was 31 July, 2021.  The Draft Review Report was published for a period of public consultation between 5th November and 20th December 2021, and thereafter discussed at the Joint Planning Policy Committee.  The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Public Protection emphasised that the purpose of the Review Report is not to detail any changes that will be made to the Plan.

The Planning Policy Manager of the Joint Planning Policy Unit) reported that there is a statutory requirement to obtain full Council's agreement to publish the Review Report in order to submit it to the Welsh Government, before the process of preparing a Replacement LDP can begin. The next stage will be the preparation of a

Delivery Agreement and a Community Involvement Plan, which will set out the steps

and timetable for the preparation of a replacement plan, together with how the

Council will involve Communities in the preparation of the Replacement Plan. The

Delivery Agreement will be subject to public consultation and will be considered by

the Council before being submitted to the Welsh Government. Once the Delivery

Agreement has been agreed with the Welsh Government, work formally begins on

the process of preparing a Replacement Plan. Pre-preparation work is underway

within the Service and this work will continue until the Delivery Agreement is agreed.

It was RESOLVED agreed to publish the Review Report and to present the report to Welsh Government, so that the preparation of the Replacement Plan can commence.

To submit a report by the Director of Social Services, as presented to the Executive on 9 March 2022.

The report of the Director of Social Services, as presented to the Executive on 9 March, 2022 was presented to the Council for approval.

It was RESOLVED that the Council approves the North Wales Population Needs Assessment Report 2022.

To submit a report by the Head of Profession, HR and Transformation.

The report of the Head of Profession (Human Resources) and Transformation was presented to the Council by the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Business.

It was RESOLVED to endorse the Local Code of Governance.

To submit a report by the Head of Profession, HR and Transformation.

The report of the Head of Profession (Human Resources) and Transformation was presented to the Council by the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Business.

It was RESOLVED to endorse the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2022.