Agenda and minutes

The Chair extended a warm welcome to Lis Perkins, Stephen Roe, Tony McNicholl of the Anglesey Fair Trade Association, Duncan Gates of the Fairtrade Foundation, London and Juliet Arku-Mensah of Volta River Estates Ltd, Ghana.

Mr Stephen Roe, Secretary of the Anglesey Fair Trade Partnership addressed the Council regarding the successful application to renew Anglesey’s Fair Trade status for two years until 2015 and to celebrate the fact that Wales was celebrating five years as the world’s first Fair Trade Nation this year.

The Chair also welcomed Mr Daniel Hurford, Head of Policy (Improvement and Governance) of the WLGA  who presented the Council with ‘The Wales Charter for Member Support and Development’.

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

·           5^th December, 2013

·           27^th January, 2014 (Extraordinary)

Submitted and confirmed as a true record, the minutes of the meetings of the County Council held on the following dates:-

·         5^th December, 2013

·         27^th January, 2014 (Extraordinary)

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

The Strategic Leadership Team together with the Heads of Function for Resources and for Council Business declared an interest in Item 14 of these minutes (Pay Policy Statement), and were not present at the meeting during any discussion or voting thereon. (Mentioned in the report)

Councillor Jim Evans declared an interest in Item 11(2) of these minutes (employee of the Post Office) and was not present at the meeting during any discussion or voting thereon.

The Chairman congratulated Valley Primary School pupils on their success with the song they recorded for their Christmas Show. That video had been seen by a large number of people around the world on YouTube and he was sure that all the children were delighted with having taken part in something so special and unforgettable. The Chair also thanked teacher Mr. Iolo Evans for his work helping them with the recording, congratulated them again on their success and looked forward to hearing the next song.

Before Christmas, pupils and staff of Ysgol y Graig, Llangefni had the pleasure of being part of a carol competition held annually by the S4C television programme Pnawn Da/Good Afternoon. The aim of the competition was to urge staff and primary school pupils in Wales to compose and record brand new carols. The school took advantage of the opportunity and began the work in November to create a record of the new carol Daeth y Dolig/Christmas is Here by Miss Catrin Angharad Roberts, a member of staff. The judges were Rob Nicholls and Sioned James, and they had the task of drawing a short list of 10 carols from the 35 that had entered the competition.

The carol recorded by Ysgol y Graig was judged to be one of the top ten. A television crew came to the school to film and record the carol, an unforgettable experience for the children of the junior choir and staff. The carol was broadcast with the other 9 carols over a two week period before Christmas 2013 and it was announced on the last Friday of the term that Ysgol y Graig’s carol had won the competition.

We cannot over-emphasise the joy and excitement of the children on the day that the announcement was made and it was all a perfect ending to a hugely successful year. The staff of the school would like to thank everyone for their congratulations and that it was a pleasure to represent Anglesey in such a national competition.

Congratulations were also extended for the sweeping success of Beaumaris Junior Band in the British Junior Bands Championship 2014 held at Blackpool recently. Each band was expected to have a varied programme of music lasting half an hour and Beaumaris performed a programme that was Celtic in nature. There were 11 junior bands (under 18 years of age) competing. When the results were announced, Beaumaris had won the following:-

Trophy and British Junior Band Champioship Prize 2014

Championship Best Euphonium Section Trophy

Best Soprano Cornet in the Competition

Trophy for the Best Choice of Music Programme in the Championship

Trophy for the Best Soloist in the Championship (Pippa Scourse)

Trophy Competition’s Best Conductor (Gwyn Evans)

This was certainly an occasion to celebrate and to remember a group of very talented and conscientious young people who were trained by a number of people who were very willing to give their time.

The Chairman mentioned that tonight he would be attending a performance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To submit for information, the minutes of the meeting of the Anglesey Improvement and Sustainability Board held on 26^th November, 2013.

Submitted for information, the minutes of the meeting of the Anglesey Improvement and Sustainability Board held on 26^th November, 2013.

RESOLVED to note the contents of the minutes.

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

None received.

To submit the Executive’s Proposals for a medium term revenue budget strategy, interim capital plan and revenue and capital budgets for 2014-15.

Councillor H Eifion Jones, Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the Executive’s proposals for a medium term revenue budget strategy, interim capital plan and revenue and capital budgets for 2014/15.

He thanked the Head of Function (Resources) and her staff for their work in preparing the budget under difficult financial circumstances. He thanked the Chief Officers and the Political Groups who responded positively to the challenge and also to the Shadow Portfolio Holder, Councillor John Griffith for his support. The challenge next year would be greater still and it was intended to commence the budget and consultation process far earlier than had been the case this year. 

Reported – That the Executive’s final budget proposals for 2014-15 were contained as follows:-

●  Table A – Medium Term Revenue Budget Strategy

●  Table B – Revenue Budget 2014-15 and change from 2013-14

●  Table C – Capital Budget 2014-15

●  Table CH – Prudential and Treasury Indicators

The following details were provided within the Executive’s report with regard to following the details of the Budget Procedure Rules:-

●  if the Council had adopted a budget strategy, whether the proposed annual

    budget conformed to that strategy,and details of any departures;

●  the proposed Council Tax for the year;

●  any proposed transfers to or from financial reserves;

●  a summary of proposed expenditure by service;

●  details of significant changes to service delivery implied by the budget;

●  the extent to which the proposals took account of reports of Committees;

●  the extent to which the proposals took account of any consultation that had been undertaken;

●  details of any other significant differences between the initial and final proposals

●  the Executive’s proposals for virement provisions during the year;

●  proposals for borrowing;

●  any other statutory matters to be decided by the full Council.

Councillor John Griffith, Shadow Finance Portfolio Holder thanked Councillor H.Eifion Jones and the Head of Function (Resources) and her team for their valued contribution in preparing the budget. This had been a very difficult budget bearing in mind all the implications for Departments, staff, services and the ratepayers. A 5% cut to the budget equated to some £7.5m less to spend on services in the coming year.

Although supportive of the budget, he did have some concerns as there were numerous references in previous reports to the number of risks that could impinge upon the proposed budget. There was for example no certainty that some of these savings proposals would commence on 1^st April which would entail immediate pressure to keep within budget. He felt it to be imperative that the Council should prepare for the 2015-16 budget in good time and that the consultation period should commence far earlier than had been the case.

He paid reference to the following matters of concern to him within the budget:-

●the condition of the highway network on the Island, especially in rural areas;

●the intention to raise parking fees and seasonal tickets which would affect the elderly and have an impact upon trading;

●bus service cuts which would affect those  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.1

To submit the report of the Head of Function (Resources) dealing with statutory matters relating to the budget.

Submitted - A report by the Head of Function (Resources) and S.151 Officer dealing with statutory matters relating to the budget.

Reported – That in order to adopt its budget for the year 2014-15 and to determine the level of Council Tax for the year, the County Council was required to adopt a formal resolution which dealt in some detail with all connected matters. The Executive had recommended a proposed Council Tax increase of 4.5% which equated to a Band D property of £981.41. (a rise of £0.81p per week)

As it considered the Executive’s proposed budget, the Council should also consider and take account of the report from the S.151 Officer since it dealt with statutory matters and other matters required to complete the advice on the budget. The draft budget resolution was intended to give effect to the Executive’s proposals and take account of this advice.

The report before Council today dealt with the Robustness of Estimates (Para 2), Adequacy of Reserves (Para 3), Achieving the Budget (Para 4),Prudential Code and Treasury Management (Para 5) and the formal levies (Para 6).

It also noted that having regard to the Budget Strategy, to economic projections and to the reported position on robustness of estimates and adequacy of reserves, the S.151 Officer’s recommendation was that the increase in Council Tax for 2014-15 should be no lower than 4.5% and that the target level of general balances should be no lower than £5m.

The Treasury Management Strategy for 2014-15 as submitted to the Audit Committee and Executive (as amended) was included this year in the Annex to this report and it was proposed and seconded that the Treasury Management Strategy and allied documents for 2014-15 be accepted.

To consider the formal resolution as enclosed in the report of the Head of Function (Resources).

Considered - The formal resolution as enclosed in the report of the Head of Function (Resources).

Following consideration of the papers as a single package and the observations made at today’s meeting, a vote was taken on the matter and the final budget proposed by the Executive for 2014-15 was carried.

DRAFT COUNCIL TAX RESOLUTION

1.       RESOLVED

(a)        Pursuant to the recommendations of the Executive, to adopt the Medium Term Financial Plan at Table A, as a Budget Strategy within the meaning given by the Constitution, and to affirm that it becomes part of the budget framework with the exception of figures described as current.

(b)        Pursuant to the recommendations of the Executive to adopt a revenue budget for 2014/15 as shown at Table B.

(c)      Pursuant to the recommendations of the Executive to adopt a capital budget as shown at Table C.

(ch)    To delegate to the Head of Function (Resources) the power to make adjustments between headings in Table B in order to give effect to the Council’s decisions.

(d)      To delegate to the Executive Committee for the financial year 2014/15 the powers to transfer budgets between headings as follows:

(i)         unlimited powers to spend each budget heading in Table B against the name of each service, on the service to which it relates;

(ii)     powers to approve the use of service and earmarked reserves to fund one- off spending proposals that contribute to the delivery of the Council’s objectives and improve services;

(iii)    powers to vire from new or increased sources of income.

(dd)    To delegate to the Executive Committee in respect of the financial year 2014/15 and on the advice of the Head of Function (Resources), the power to release up to £500k from general balances to deal with priorities arising during the year.

(e)     To delegate to the Executive Committee in respect of the period to 31 March 2017, the following powers:

(i)      powers to make new commitments from future years’ revenue budgets up to amount identified under New Priorities in the Medium Term Financial Plan;

(ii)     the power and the duty to make plans for achievement of revenue budget savings implied by the Medium Term Financial Plan;

(iii)    powers to transfer budgets between capital projects in Table C and to commit resources in following years and consistent with the budget framework.

(f)       To set the prudential indicators which are estimates for 2014/15 and onwards as shown at Table Ch and to confirm the limits on borrowing and investments identified as items 10,11 and 14 to 17.

(ff)     To approve the Treasury Management Strategy for the year. 

(g)     To adopt the revised CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice 2011.

(ng)   To confirm that items 1(b) to (g) become part of the budget framework.

2.       RESOLVED to adopt and affirm for the purposes of the financial year 2014/15 the decision of the County Council on 10 March 1998 to set the discount  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.3

To submit any amendments to the Budget of which notice has been received under Paragraph 4.3.2.2.11of the Constitution.

No amendments received

To report that the Executive upon consideration of the above at their meeting on 17^th February, 2014 had resolved as follows:-

“To recommend to the County Council that it amends the Whistleblowing Policy contained in the Constitution in the manner indicated in the appendix to the report and to authorise the Monitoring Officer to make any consequential amendments to the Constitution.”

To submit the report of the Head of Function (Council Business).

Reported - That the Executive upon consideration of the above at their meeting on 17^th February, 2014 had resolved as follows:-

“To recommend to the County Council that it amends the Whistleblowing Policy contained in the Constitution in the manner indicated in the appendix to the report and to authorise the Monitoring Officer to make any consequential amendments to the Constitution.”

RESOLVED to endorse the recommendation of the Executive in this report.

To report that the Executive upon consideration of the above at their meeting on 17^th February, 2014 had resolved to recommend to the County Council that it does not proceed in this respect. 

To submit the report of the Head of Function (Council Business).

Reported - That the Executive upon consideration of the above at their meeting on 17^th February, 2014 had resolved to recommend to the County Council that it does not proceed in this respect.

RESOLVED to endorse the recommendation of the Executive in this respect.

To report that the Executive upon consideration of the above at their meeting on 13^th January, 2014 had resolved:-

“to recommend to the County Council that it approves the Aberffraw Conservation Area Character Appraisal for adoption as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG)”.

To submit the report of the Head of Service (Planning and Public Protection).

Reported – That the Executive upon consideration of the above at their meeting on 13^th January, 2014 had resolved:-

“to recommend to the County Council that it approves the Aberffraw Conservation Area Character Appraisal for adoption as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG)”.

RESOLVED to endorse the recommendation of the Executive in this respect.

To submit the report of the Interim Head of Democratic Services.

Submitted - The report of the Interim Head of Democratic Services requesting Council to confirm future arrangements having considered the views of certain committees on the timing of meetings.

Councillor Ann Griffith stated that she could not accept the report as she considered the process was fundamentally flawed. Many of the new Councillors had been attracted to putting themselves forward for election on the basis that this was a Council committed to equal opportunities and diversity. For the first time younger working Councillors had been elected and if this Council genuinely wanted to attract representatives from all walks of life and with differing responsibilities at the next election then this matter needed to be looked at again to ensure true democracy. She suggested that the Commission for Equal Opportunities and other Councils far and wide be approached for advice and ideas and requested the Council to look at this matter again as soon as possible.

RESOLVED that there be no change to the present timing arrangements for meetings of both Scrutiny Committees and the Planning and Orders Committee.

To submit the report of the Chief Executive.

Reported by the Chief Executive - That on 13^th January, 2014, the Executive considered an urgent report by the Business Planning and Programme Manager on new arrangements for the Outcome Agreement for 2013-16 and seeking Executive endorsement of the new agreement for 2013-16 based on final Welsh Government guidance.  This matter was dealt with as an urgent matter in view of the need to finalise matters with the Welsh Government as soon as possible and was therefore not subject to call-in.

RESOLVED to note the contents of the report.

(1)To submit the following Notice of Motion by Councillor A.Morris Jones, countersigned by Councillors Bob Parry,OBE, Jeff Evans, K.P.Hughes and Nicola Roberts:-

“As a response to the Williams Review, we the undersigned call on the County Council to use every avenue possible to promote why a local government decision making body should be retained on Ynys Mon.”

To give consideration to the above.

(2)To submit the following Notice of Motion by Councillors Dylan.W.Rees, Bob Parry,OBE and Nicola Roberts:-

“We, the undersigned, call upon the Isle of Anglesey County Council, to consider inviting senior representatives of the Post Office to appear before a meeting of the full Council to explain their plans for franchising the Crown Post Offices at Holyhead and Llangefni.

As part of their Transformational Plans, the Post Office are seeking to franchise 73 Crown Post Offices across the country including Holyhead and Llangefni. Local inhabitants are very unhappy with these plans and large petitions have been signed in both areas opposing the proposals. We believe that because of the importance of this issue, all Councillors should be given the opportunity to scrutinise the Post Office’s plans.”

To give consideration to the above.

(1)   Submitted  - The following Notice of Motion by Councillor A.Morris Jones, countersigned by Councillors Bob Parry,OBE, Jeff Evans, K.P.Hughes and Nicola Roberts:-

“As a response to the Williams Review, we the undersigned call on the County Council to use every avenue possible to promote why a local government decision making body should be retained on Ynys Mon.”

At the meeting, Councillor A Morris Jones stated that he and his co-signatories had decided to withdraw the above Notice of Motion in light of the recent statement by the First Minister that any local authority boundary changes were unlikely before the next Assembly election. The First Minister had also ruled out meeting the Williams Commission deadline for agreeing a way forward by Easter and that he wanted a cross-party agreement on the future Council map by the summer. Further progress would only be through voluntary mergers and policies in party manifestos.

The Leader stated that as there was no concensus in Cardiff on the matter, this Authority would not be volunteering to merge with Gwynedd at present but would continue to monitor the situation.

(2)   Submitted - The following Notice of Motion by Councillors Dylan.W.Rees, Bob Parry,OBE and Nicola Roberts:-

“We, the undersigned, call upon the Isle of Anglesey County Council, to consider inviting senior representatives of the Post Office to appear before a meeting of the full Council to explain their plans for franchising the Crown Post Offices at Holyhead and Llangefni.

As part of their Transformational Plans, the Post Office are seeking to franchise 73 Crown Post Offices across the country including Holyhead and Llangefni. Local inhabitants are very unhappy with these plans and large petitions have been signed in both areas opposing the proposals. We believe that because of the importance of this issue, all Councillors should be given the opportunity to scrutinise the Post Office’s plans.”

The Chief Executive mentioned an officer from the Crown Post Office had visited him on 8^th July, 2013 to discuss their proposals for the Island. That information was then conveyed to a meeting of Political Group Leaders on 12 September, which concluded that these proposals were a matter more appropriate for the Town and Community Councils to consider rather than calling an extraordinary meeting of this Council.

RESOLVED to agree to such request and that the Chief Executive be requested to make the necessary arrangements as regards inviting senior representatives from the Post Office to address the Council.

The Chief Executive will present for information, a report setting out any changes to the scheme of delegation relating to the Executive functions made by the Executive or the Leader since the last Ordinary meeting (Rule 4.4.1.1.2 of the Executive Procedure Rules of the Constitution refers).

Submitted for information, a report by the Chief Executive setting out any changes to the scheme of delegation relating to the Executive functions made by the Executive or the Leader since the last Ordinary meeting (Rule 4.4.1.1.2 of the Executive Procedure Rules of the Constitution refers).

To consider adoption of the following:-

“Under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, to exclude the press and public from meeting during discussion on the following item on the grounds that it may involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A of the said Act and in the attached Public Interest Test”.

RESOLVED under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, to exclude the press and public from meeting during discussion on the following item on the grounds that it may involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A of the said Act and in the attached Public Interest Test.

To submit the report of the Head of Profession (Human Resources).

Reported by the Portfolio Holder – That a letter had been received on Tuesday from the Welsh Assembly, the contents of which might have an effect upon the report before Council today. As the Head of Profession –Human Resources had not yet had the opportunity to consider its contents, it was suggested that the report be deferred until an extraordinary meeting of the County Council to be held on 27^th March, 2014.

RESOLVED to defer consideration of the matter until the extraordinary meeting of the County Council to be held on 27^th March, 2014.