Agenda, decisions and minutes

To submit for confirmation, the draft minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on 6 March 2025.

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Isle of Anglesey County Council held on 6 March, 2025 were confirmed as correct.

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

None received.

To receive any announcements from the Chairperson, Leader of the Council, Chief Executive, and any closing remarks from the out-going Chair upon his term of office.

The Chair made the following announcements:-

·         Congratulations were extended to Mr Medwyn Williams a gardener from Llanfairpwll who has recently celebrated 50 years of selling vegetables across the UK and celebrated 75 years since he started gardening.  Mr Williams has received numerous honours over the years including an MBE and has won the Gold Medal 14 times at the Chelsea Flower Show.

·         Congratulations were extended to Mr Roger Tebbutt and Mrs Debbie Tebbutt from Anglesey who won the best in breed competition at Crufts in March with their Irish Wolfhound, Tozie.

·         Congratulations were extended to Alys Bailey-Wood from Anglesey who has been recognised recently for achieving the King’s Scout Award, the highest accolade in Scouting at an event in Windsor Castle. The award is given for outstanding personal achievement and is earned by Scouts aged between 16 and 25.

·         Best wishes were extended to the former PCSO Iona Beckman on her retirement from North Wales Police. Iona Beckman served the communities of Anglesey, in particular Amlwch and Benllech for 18 years as part of the local neighbourhood policing team. 

·         Congratulations were extended to Laura Wannop, a fostering support worker with the Foster Wales Anglesey team, who recently completed the Manchester Marathon in her special Foster Wales Anglesey purple T-shirt.

·         Congratulations were extended to Osian Perrin from Menai Track and Field, who broke the Welsh 5k road race record in March. The record had previously stood for 40 years.

·         Congratulations were also extended to Clwb Rygbi Llangefni under 14s who recently won the North Wales Rugby Cup and also to the girls under 14s and under 16s teams who won the plate competition. 

·         Congratulations were extended to the baritone Steffan Lloyd Owen from Anglesey who won the prestigious Josep Palet International Operatic Contest at the end of March.

·         Congratulations were extended to Côr Esceifiog who won the best overall performance by any choir at the Pan Celtic music festival in Carlow in Ireland. 

·         The Chair referred that Theatr Fach Llangefni celebrated 70 years earlier this month since it first opened its doors. It has entertained and provided opportunities for many local people over the years thanks to the hard work and dedications of volunteers.

·         Congratulate were extended to all those who took part in Eisteddfod Môn over the weekend and best wishes were extended to the children and young people competing in the National Urdd Eisteddfod at the end of the month. 

*          *          *          *

Councillor Jeff Evans wished to recognise and congratulate Holyhead Hotspurs Football Club on their success recently in gaining promotion to the two-tier league football.  He also wished to congratulate Mr Alex Jones, captain of the Holyhead Hotspurs Football Club for his service of over 25-years to the team.

Councillor Evans further referred to the success of Mr Jackson Hadden as the Welsh Champion Boxer in the Welsh Boxing Championships and Mr Rocko Jones who was a finalist in the competition.  He noted that the recently established Draig Goch ABC is successful in supporting youths becoming  ...  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 consider the Council Leader’s Annual Report in accordance with Paragraph 4.1.16 of the Constitution.

The Annual Report of the Leader of the Council for 2024/25 was presented.

The Leader of the Council said that the theme within the report reflects his priorities following his election as Leader in September 2024 which aligns with the 6 strategic objectives of the Council as outlined in the Council Plan for 2023-2028.  He noted that the respect towards the Council is apparent across the region. 

He referred to the education element and said that the Graig Fach Unit has been opened at Ysgol y Graig in June 2024 and the repair works on buildings that included RAAC at Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi and Ysgol David Hughes has been completed. He wished to thank the Council’s services who have worked effectively to ensure that the schools continued to be able to provide education and support to pupils.  He further referred to the Language Centres who are fully operational and he had the pleasure in visiting Ysgol Gynradd Llanfairpwll recently. 

The Leader referred to the social care element and noted that the Authority has invested in 4 Cartrefi Clyd, which ensures the best quality of care to the children and not having to leave their community.

The Leader referred to the economy and highlighted the SPF funding that has secured £16 million funding for projects which will make a difference in local communities.  Almost 400 businesses, enterprises and organisations have received grants from the scheme and 631 have received additional support.  He noted that planning permission has been granted for 10 new business units in Amlwch.  He further noted that the Freeport status is still progressing and will give opportunity to improve the economy in North Wales. 

The Leader referred to the housing element and noted that 63 empty homes have been brought back as homes.  He noted that work has been undertaken to protect the Grade ll listed building at Plas Allran Apartments, Holyhead which has been in a poor state for many years.  Developments were completed on Llys Llwydiarth, Ffordd Kyffin and Clifach Gwta as well as developments with Clwyd Alyn Housing Association completing 45 units in Valley.

The Leader further referred to the status given to the Welsh Language as a strategic aim within the Council Plan for 2023-2028 and is an important step in confirming the Welsh language’s status within the Council. The Welsh Language Forum celebrated a decade of existence since being established by the Council in 2014 and it was a pleasure to see so many people listening to the contributions of some members of the Forum in Sioe Môn last August, to celebrate this milestone.   He said that the continued support through the Welsh Language Forum is a testament of the desire and determination to ensure that the Welsh language continues to thrive and establishing the language as the main element of the Council’s Plan. 

Councillor Aled M Jones thanked the Leader for his report and requested an urgent meeting as regards to educational matters as regards to children being able to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To submit the report of the Chairs of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee and Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee.

 The report of the Chairs of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee and Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

Councillor Douglas M Fowlie, Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee said that this Annual Report encompasses the work undertaken by the two scrutiny committees between May 2024 and May 2025. He wished to thank the Elected Members of both Scrutiny Committees together with the Scrutiny Team for their leadership, support and willingness to assist.

It was RESOLVED to :-

·         Approve the Scrutiny Annual Report for 2024/2025;

·         Note the continued progress made in implementing the Scrutiny journey and the impact this is having on practice;

·         Appoint the Chair of the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee as the Scrutiny Champion for the period May 2025 to May 2026.

To elect a Chairperson of the Isle of Anglesey County Council for 2025/26.

(Members are referred to the ‘Order of Business’ regarding the ceremony for election of Chairperson of the County Council).

It was RESOLVED that Councillor Non Dafydd be unanimously elected as Chairperson of the Isle of Anglesey County Council for 2025/2026.

In accepting the honour of being appointed, Councillor Non Dafydd assured the Council that she would endeavour to fulfil her duties as Chairperson to the best of her abilities. She thanked her predecessor Councillor Glyn Haynes on the dignified and honourable way in which he carried out his duties as Chair of the County Council and presented him with a gift to acknowledge his service.

The outgoing Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Haynes thanked the Elected Members and Officers for their support.  He wished to thank the staff of Democratic Services for their support during his term as Chair of the Isle of Anglesey County Council.  Councillor Haynes referred to the numerous events that he attended and the honour of representing the County Council in these events.  He further said that it was an honour to attend as Chair of the Council to commemorate 80 years since VE Day with colleagues from RAF Vally during a ceremony outside the Council Offices.  He noted that he as Chair and other Members of the Council attended the VE Day remembrance at Parys Mountain in the evening. 

To elect a Vice-Chairperson for the Isle of Anglesey County Council for 2025/26.

It was RESOLVED that Councillor Dafydd Rhys Thomas be unanimously elected as Vice-Chairperson of the Isle of Anglesey County Council for 2025/2026.

In accordance with Paragraph 4.1.1.2.7 of the Constitution, to be informed by the Leader of the names of Councillors has chosen to be Members of the Executive, together with their Portfolio responsibilities.

In accordance with Paragraph 4.1.1.2.7 of the Constitution, the Leader named the following as the Members he had chosen to serve on the Executive along with their Portfolio responsibilities:-

Councillor Gary Pritchard (Leader) with Portfolio responsibility for Economic Development;

Councillor Robin Williams (Deputy Leader) with Portfolio responsibility for Finance and Housing Services;

Councillor Neville Evans with Portfolio responsibility for Leisure, Tourism and Maritime;

Councillor Carwyn Jones with Portfolio responsibility for Corporate Business and Customer Experience;

Councillor Dyfed Wyn Jones with Portfolio responsibility for Children, Young People and Families;

Councillor Alun Roberts with Portfolio responsibility for Adults’ Services (Social Services) and Community Safety;

Councillor Dafydd Roberts with Portfolio responsibility for Education and the Welsh Language;

Councillor Nicola Roberts with Portfolio responsibility for Planning, Public Protection and Climate Change;

Vacant Seat – Portfolio responsibility for Highways, Property and Waste.

In accordance with Paragraph 3.4.12.3 of the Constitution, to appoint the Chair of the Democratic Services Committee for the municipal year.

In accordance with Part 3.4.12.3 of the Constitution it was RESOLVED that Councillor Keith Roberts be elected Chairperson of the Democratic Services Committee.

The Chairperson will confirm such part of the Scheme of Delegation as the Constitution determines it is for the Council to agree (as set out in Paragraph 3.2 of the Constitution).

In accordance with Part 3.2 of the Constitution it was RESOLVED to confirm such part of the Scheme of Delegation as the Constitution determines it is for the Council to agree.

The Chairperson will confirm the re-appointment of the following Committee structure as referred to in Section 3.4 of the Council’s Constitution, together with the following: -

•   Standards Committee Appointments Panel

•   Standing Advisory Council (SAC)

•   Indemnities Sub-Committee

It was RESOLVED to re-appoint the Committee structure as referred to in Section 3.4 of the Council’s Constitution, together with the following :-

· Standards Committee Appointments Panel;

· Standing Advisory Council (SAC);

· Indemnities Sub-Committee

To approve the following programme of meetings of the County Council for the ensuing year: -

·   25 September 2025                             -           2:00pm

·   9 December 2025                    -         2:00pm

·   5 March 2026                           -         2:00pm

·   May 2026 (Annual Meeting)     -         date to be confirmed

It was RESOLVED to approve the following programme of ordinary meetings of the County Council for the ensuing year:-

· 25 September, 2025 - 2.00 pm

· 9 December, 2025 - 2.00 pm

· 5 March, 2026 – 2.00 pm

· May 2026 (Annual Meeting) – date to be confirmed

Councillor Aled Morris Jones suggested that consideration should be given in convening meetings at 1.00 pm and one meeting in the evening to attract new Members in the future.  He further said that the meeting scheduled to take place on 9 December, 2025 should not be changed to another date.

The Director of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer responded that consultation would need to be undertaken as to the timings of meetings and proposed that the programme of ordinary meetings of the County Council as noted above be accepted as consultation with Officers has been undertaken previously to ensure their availability on these dates.  She noted that consultation process with Elected Members would need to be undertaken on future timings of meetings. 

To submit the report of the Head of Democracy.

The report of the Head of Democracy regarding the Council’s political balance arrangements were presented for consideration.

It was RESOLVED :-

 ·    To confirm the political balance arrangements and the number of seats allocated to each of the Groups under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989;

 ·   That Group Leaders advise the Head of Democracy as soon as possible if there are any changes to Group Membership on Committees.

To submit the report of the Head of Democracy.

The report of the Head of Democracy regarding the appointment to Outside Bodies was presented for consideration.

It was RESOLVED to agree and confirm appointments as detailed in the schedule to the report.

To submit the report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer and the Head of Democracy, as presented to the Democratic Services Committee on 19 March 2025.

The report of the Head of Democracy regarding the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales – Annual Report for 2025/2026 was presented for consideration.

It was RESOLVED:-

·  To accept the determinations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales for 2025-2026 ;

·  To confirm that holders of the same posts as 2024-2025 will be entitled to receive senior salaries in 2025- 2026, ie:-

Chair of the Council;

Vice-Chair of the Council;

 Leader of the Council;

Deputy Leader of the Council;

Other Executive Members (7);

Leader of the Largest Opposition Group;

Chairs of Scrutiny Committees (2);

Chair of the Planning and Orders Committee

·   To authorise officers to amend Part 6 of the Council’s Constitution (Schedule of Member Remuneration) to reflect the determinations made in the Annual Report for 2025/2026.