Agenda, decisions and minutes

To submit for confirmation, the draft minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on 9 December 2025.

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Isle of Anglesey County Council held on 9 December, 2025 were confirmed as correct.

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

Councillor Dylan Rees declared a personal interest in Item 5 – Notice of Motion as he is a Member of the Red Squirrel Trust and following legal advice he was able to take part in the discussion and voting thereon.

The Chief Officers declared a significant personal interest in Item 14 – Pay Policy Statement 2026 and left the meeting during discussion and voting thereon.

To receive any announcements from the Chairperson, Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive.

The Chair made the following announcements :-

·         The Chair extended her appreciation to everyone who arranged parades and other celebrations to note St Davids Day.  She said that she had the privilege of leading the Llangefni procession and it was excellent to see such a great turnout.

·         The Chair referred that in January, the Menai Suspension Bridge celebrated its 200^th birthday. Thomas Telford’s design was ambitious as this was the largest suspension bridge in the world. A commemorative plaque was unveiled in Menai Bridge to note this milestone.   

·                   Congratulations extended to Dion Wyn Jones, originally from Anglesey, for winning the Welsh National Cook awards at a recent competition in Newport.

·                   Congratulations extended to Anglesey Gymnastics Club on the praise received at the British Gymnastics Awards in the safe sports category. The club were praised for their work of ensuring the safety of children.

·                   Congratulations extended to Isabel from Cemaes School for designing a badge that will go to space on one of the NASA voyages. There is a unique link between the school and NASA as one of their former pupils, Dr Melanie Coathup, works for the agency.  

·                   The Chair wished to recognise the community work done by Liz Mangan from the Holland Hotel, Llanfachraeth in the distributing of bags of fruit and vegetables to everyone in the village before Christmas.

·                   Congratulations extended to the organisers of the Anglesey Half Marathon and to all runners who took part this year. The race was moved to the Anglesey Showground in 2026 and was a very successful event. 

·                   Congratulations extended to Jenna Seddon from Rhosneigr for finishing 3^rd in the ‘Ultra’ 50-mile race in Chester in a time of 8 hours 38 minutes. 

·                   Congratulations extended to the businesses who received an award at the Anglesey CF prizegiving ceremony held on the 25 February, 2026. 

·                   The Chair extended her best wishes to Beaumaris Youth Band on their trip to Linz in Austria to represent Wales in the European Youth Brass Band Championships.

·                    The Chair said that the Council conducted a short ceremony to note the National Holocaust Memorial Day at the Council on the 27 January, 2026.

The Chair said that she has set herself a personal challenge as Chair of the Isle of Anglesey Council to walk 130 miles around the Island over a period of two to three weeks, starting in mid-March.  She further said that she will be collecting money towards Rasasc North Wales and importantly raising awareness of the vital service. As the Victims’ Champion on the Police Commissioner’s Panel, she has seen the work undertaken by Rasasc North Wales to support women, men and children who have experienced violence.  

*          *          *          *          *

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

Members and Officers stood as silent tribute.

To submit the following questions on notice by Councillor Robert Ll Jones in relation to large vehicles traversing through Holyhead on their way to Ireland via the ferries: -

I would like to ask the Leader of Ynys Mon Council as to whether he has asked our Senedd member or our M.P. to tell us what is happening regarding any plans to provide parking facilities for Lorries in transit to Ireland through the port of Holyhead.

We need to support these drivers as it is a danger to pedestrians when the cabs

are being parked on the shop car parks around the Penrhos precinct.  Recent problems 

this winter with adverse weather conditions have only added to the problem.

From what I understand our Highways Department have made the Welsh Government 

aware of the ongoing issues and are willing to work co-operatively in finding a solution

to this problem.  We need to act before an accident or worse happens.

Submitted – the following question on notice by Councillor Robert Ll Jones in relation to large vehicles traversing through Holyhead on their way to Ireland via the ferries to the Leader of the Council :-

‘I would like to ask the Leader of the Council of Ynys Môn Council as to whether he has asked our Senedd Member or our M.P., to tell us what is happening regarding any plans to provide parking facilities for lorries in transit to Ireland through the Port of Holyhead.

We need to support these drivers as it is a danger to pedestrians when the cabs are being parked on the shop’s car parks around the Penrhos precinct.  Recent problems this winter with adverse weather conditions have only added to the problem.

From what I understand our Highways Department have made the Welsh Government aware of the ongoing issues and are willing to work co-operatively in finding a solution to this problem.  We need to act before an accident or worse happens.’

The Leader of the Council responded that the Senedd Member is fully aware of the challenges faced due to lorries parking around the shops in the Penrhos precinct.  He further said that he has discussed the matter on a number of occasions with the Transport Minister, Mr Ken Skates AM and the Irish Taskforce that was established to address the problems that arose with the closure of Holyhead Port in 2024. The Transport Plan for Wales highlights the problems of parking of lorries in Holyhead.  The Implementation Plan notes the promise of providing a HGV’s Park in the town of Holyhead and along the A55.  The Authority is striving to ensure that the matter is addressed as a matter of urgency rather than a middle tier priority within the Implementation Plan. 

To receive the following Notice of Motion by Councillor Dylan Rees: -

The pioneering Red Squirrel Conservation Project on Ynys Mon has proved extremely successful. There are now in the region of 800 red squirrels on the island with the largest pockets being around Llangefni, Marianglas and along some of the coastal straits. Sightings of red squirrels bring joy and excitement to locals and visitors alike. However, the success of this project remains under constant threat because of squirrelpox.

Squirrelpoxvirus is carried and spread by grey squirrels, but it doesn't harm them. When red squirrels are infected, they develop open extensive skin lesions and die a painful death within 2 weeks. In North Wales, 70-80% of the Gwynedd red population was lost in a 2020/21 outbreak. Within the last 18 months approximately 40 grey squirrels have been captured on Ynys Mon and despite the best efforts it is impossible to stop every grey squirrel from coming onto the island. A long-term solution is needed before it is too late.

In 2023 a petition was commenced calling upon the Welsh Government to fund vaccine research to protect red squirrels from deadly squirrelpox. The petition had collected 11,313 signatures from across Wales and was debated in the Senedd on the 27 September 2023. It was given cross-party support and consequently received Ministerial commitment. 

To date, the only action that Welsh Government officials have undertaken was to send invitations to suppliers registered on the “Sell2Wales” website inviting tenders. This was in July 2025 and the advert only remained on the website for five weeks and unsurprisingly no tenders were received. No further action has since been taken.

Anglesey Council therefore calls upon the Welsh Government, as a matter of urgency, to take the necessary steps to commission an appropriate organisation to carry out the vaccine research.   

 Submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillor Dylan Rees: -

‘The pioneering Red Squirrel Conservation Project on Ynys Môn has proved

extremely successful. There are now in the region of 800 red squirrels on the

island with the largest pockets being around Llangefni, Marianglas and along some of the coastal straits. Sightings of red squirrels bring joy and excitement to locals and visitors alike. However, the success of this project remains under constant threat because of squirrelpox.

Squirrelpox virus is carried and spread by grey squirrels, but it doesn't harm

them. When red squirrels are infected they develop open extensive skin

lesions and die a painful death within 2 weeks. In North Wales, 70-80% of

the Gwynedd red population was lost in a 2020/21 outbreak. Within the last

18 months approximately 40 grey squirrels have been captured on Ynys Môn

and despite the best efforts it is impossible to stop every grey squirrel from

coming onto the island. A long-term solution is needed beforeit is too late.

In 2023 a petition was commenced calling upon the Welsh Government to fund vaccine research to protect red squirrels from deadly squirrelpox. The petition had collected 11,313 signatures from across Wales and was debated in the Senedd on the 27 September 2023. It was given cross-party support and consequently received Ministerial commitment.

To date, the only action that Welsh Government officials have undertaken was to send invitations to suppliers registered on the “Sell2Wales” website inviting tenders. This was in July 2025 and the advert only remained on the website for five weeks and unsurprisingly no tenders were received. No further action has since been taken.

Anglesey Council therefore calls upon the Welsh Government, as a matter of urgency, to take the necessary steps to commission an appropriate organisation to carry out the vaccine research.’

Councillor Nicola Roberts seconded the Motion.

Councillor Aled Morris Jones said that he supported the Motion and he referred that there is a large scurry of Red Squirrels in Llys Dulas area. He considered that there is a need for culling the Grey Squirrels to protect the future of Red Squirrels. 

Councillor Dylan Rees said that whilst culling of the Grey Squirrels is an option, it is impossible to stop the migration of grey squirrels from the mainland.  He said that the vaccine to protect the Red Squirrels is a priority. 

It was unanimously RESOLVED to approve the Motion that the Isle of Anglesey Council calls upon the Welsh Government, as a matter of urgency, to take the necessary steps to commission an appropriate organisation to carry out the vaccine research to protect red squirrels from deadly squirrel pox.

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

No petitions received.

To submit the report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer, as presented to the Executive on 16 December 2025.

The report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer as presented to the Executive on 16 December, 2025 was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

It was unanimously RESOLVED to accept the Treasury Management Mid-year Review Report for 2025/2026.

To submit the report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer, as presented to the Executive on 27 January 2026.

The report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer as presented to the Executive on 27 January, 2026 was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

It was unanimously RESOLVED to accept the Capital Strategy for 2026-2031.

To submit the report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer, as presented to the Executive on 24 February 2026.

The report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer as presented to the Executive on 24 February, 2026 was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

It was unanimously RESOLVED to approve the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2026/2027.

·             Revenue Budget 2026/27

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

          Officer, as presented to the Executive on 24 February 2026.

·             Capital Budget 2026/27

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

          Officer, as presented to the Executive on 24 February 2026.

·          Discretionary Council Tax Relief Policy

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

          Officer, as presented to the Executive on 24 February 2026.

·             Council Tax Resolution 2026/27

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

          Officer.

  Opposition Group Alternative Budget Proposal

To submit for the Council’s consideration, the Opposition Group’s amendment to the final budget proposals of the Executive in accordance with section 4.3.2.2.11 of the Constitution

The report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer as presented to the Executive on 24 February, 2026 was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

The Leader of Council in the absence of the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Corporate Business and Customer Experience said that the budget proposal have undergone an extensive process of discussions which included scrutiny by the Corporate Scrutiny Committee at two separate meetings together with a Members Briefing Session in October 2025 and January, 2026 and the Resources Scrutiny Panel.    He noted that Welsh Government announced its provisional settlement in November 2025, and Anglesey was to receive an increase of 2.3%.  A further £112.8m was added to local government funding in December 2025, by Welsh Government and a final settlement of 4.16% was received by this Council.  However, despite the increase in the percentage within the settlement from Welsh Government it is still a challenging financial position in providing for the increase demand for the services afforded by the Council.   The Leader further said that the unrest in the Middle East will certainly influence the economy and inflation together with added pressure on the settlement from the UK Government to Welsh Government next year.  He said that the proposals include a net revenue budget of £207.029m, a Council Tax increase of 5.1% which will take the Band D charge to £1,792.98, the use of £1.685m of reserves to help balance the budget and the continuation of the 100% Council Tax premium on second and empty homes. The proposed Council Tax increase is comparable to national increases and based on the latest information, Anglesey will still have the lowest Council Tax rates in North Wales.  Nevertheless, it is accepted that some people will be affected by the increase in the Council Tax and he that support is available through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and advice can also be accessed through the J E O’Toole Centre or Citizens Advice.

The Leader of the Council further said that this Council is the first Authority in Wales to afford the Council Tax Discretionary Relief for households with a terminally ill occupant. He noted that Councillor Jeff Evans raised the matter at the last meeting of the County Council in December 2025 which was an initiative by the Marie Curie Charity. 

The Leader of the Council proposed the recommendations to the full Council as seen in (a), (b) and (c) of the reports.

Members were given an opportunity to make observations and ask questions. The Leader of the Council responded to questions and matters raised by the Council  as follows:-

·         A Member raised that continued increase faced by the residents of Anglesey is not sustainable.  The Council Tax has increased since 2022, with 9.5% increase in 2024, 8.5% in 2025 and the proposal for 2026/27 is a further 5.1% increase; this equates to over 20% increase over the years.  The increases faced by residents is during the cost-of-living crises with families dealing with higher food prices and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To submit the report of the Director of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer, as presented to the Executive on 24 February 2026.

The report of the Director of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer as presented to the Executive o 24 February, 2026 was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

It was unanimously RESOLVED to approve the proposed amendment to the Constitution to provide for the final approval of the Council’s Annual Governance Statement by the Governance and Audit Committee, in place of the Council.

To submit the report of the Head of Democratic Services.

The report of the Head of Democratic Services was presented for the Council’s approval.

It was unanimously RESOLVED that :-

·       the Council confirms the political balance arrangements for allocating committee seats as outlined in Appendix A.

·       the unallocated seats are allocated between the two individual / unaffiliated members.

·       the Group Leaders advise the Head of Democracy as soon as possible of any changes to group membership on Committees.

To submit the report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development, as presented to the Executive on 24 February 2026.

The report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development as presented to the Executive on 24 February, 2026 was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

It was unanimously RESOLVED to adopt the Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026-2031.

To submit the report of the Head of Human Resources, Communications and Customer Experience.

The report of the Head of Human Resources, Communication and Customer Experience was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

The Leader of the Council reported that the Localism Act 2011, Section 38, requires local authorities in England and Wales to produce and publish a Pay Policy Statement for each financial year.  The purpose of the report is to outline the Council’s approach in setting out the pay of its employees. 

Councillor Douglas M Fowlie said that the salary structure for the senior management team is not justifiable and especially during the current financial constraints.

The Leader of the Council responded that the salary structure is set independently through the National Joint Committee.  He noted that the senior management roles carry considerable responsibilities and there is a need for such a salary structure to be able to attract employees to these roles. 

It was RESOLVED to endorse the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2026/2027.