Agenda and minutes

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

·      9^th December, 2015 (Extraordinary)(10.00am)

·      9^th December, 2015 (2.00pm)

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Isle of Anglesey County Council held on the following dates were submitted and confirmed as correct :-

·           9 December, 2015 (Extraordinary) (10.00 a.m.);

·           9 December, 2015 (2.00 p.m.).

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

Declarations of personal and prejudicial interest received in respect of Item 7 – Council Tax Premiums for Second Homes and Long Term Empty Property as follows :-

Councillors R.A. Dew, Jeff M. Evans, Ann Griffith, K.P. Hughes, T.Ll. Hughes, T.V. Hughes, Aled M. Jones, Dylan Rees.

Head of Resources (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer

(The above Members and Officer left the meeting during discussions and voting thereon).

Declaration of personal interest received by the Head of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer in respect of Item 9 – Joint Local Development Plan – Timetable in Delivery Agreement.

The Strategic Leadership Team together with the Heads of Function for Resources and for Council Business declared an interest in Item 13 – Pay Policy Statement and were not present at the meeting during any discussion or voting thereon.

The Chair made the following announcements :-

·           Congratulations was extended to Grwp Cordia from David Hughes Secondary School on winning the Cân i Gymru competition held last Saturday, 5^th March.  This is the second year for the winners of the competition to be from Anglesey.

·           Two young sports ambassadors from David Hughes Secondary School have reached the short-list for national awards.  Glesni Tegid has reached the short-list for the Sky Sports Living for Sport – Student of the Year Award.  Also Cerys Davies has reached the short-list for the Rising Star, Womenspire Award.

·           Congratulations were extended to Bodedern Young Farmers’ Club on winning the Welsh Language Drama Award throughout Wales recently.

·           Congratulations were also extended to Brynsiencyn Youth Club for their efforts in collecting £280 toward the National Eisteddfod Ynys Môn 2017 local appeal Committee.

·           Congratulations were extended to Councillor Aled M. Jones on becoming a grandfather for the first time.

The Chair referred to the Chairman’s Charity Evening to be held at Carreg Bran Hotel, Llanfairpwll on 15 April, 2016. 

Condolences were extended to Mr. Huw Jones, Head of Democratic Services on the loss of his father recently. 

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

Members and Officers stood in silent tribute as a mark of their respect and    sympathy.

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

None received.

a)     Revenue Budget 2016/17

To submit the report of the Interim Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer.

b)      Capital Programme

To submit the report of the Interim Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer.

c)      Treasury Management Strategy Statement

To submit the report of the Interim Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer.

ch)   Council Tax Setting

To submit the report of the Interim Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer.

d)      Amendments to the Budget

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

(Note: All the above papers need to be considered as a single package).

The Portfolio Holder (Finance) presented the Executive’s proposals for the Revenue and

Capital budgets 2016/17, Treasury Management Strategy Statement and setting the Council Tax as 5 (a) to (ch)within the Agenda. He wished to thank the Senior Leadership

Team, Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151Officer and his staff for their work in preparing the budget.  He also thanked the Shadow Portfolio Holder, Councillor Llinos M.

Huws for her attendanceat numerous meetings in respect of setting the budget for 2016/17 together with the work undertaken by the Corporate Scrutiny Committee and all Elected Members at numerous seminars and meetings which have taken place.

He reported that due to the savings achieved ithas been possible toincrease the budget of import  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To submit the report of the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer.

The report of the Head of Function (Resources) and Section 151 Officer incorporating a review of the mid-year position in respect of treasury management activity was presented for the Council’s acceptance.

It was RESOLVED :-

·      To accept the Treasury Management mid-year review report.

·      To refer the report to the Audit Committee for their review and feedback.

To submit the report of the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer.

Submitted – the report of the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer with regard to whether to charge Council Tax premiums for long-term empty dwellings and for dwellings occupied periodically (usually known as second homes) from 1 April 2017 and if the decision is to do so, to determine the percentage level of the Council Tax premium for long-term empty dwellings and for dwellings occupied periodically (usually known as second homes) for 1 April, 2017. 

The Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer reported that legislative changes were made by the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 to give local authorities discretionary powers on whether to charge a premium on long-term empty dwellings or second homes (or both).  The 2014 Act amended the Local Government Finance Act 1992 by inserting new sections 12A and 12B to enable a billing authority (county council or county borough council) in Wales to disapply any discount granted to long-term empty dwellings and dwellings occupied periodically and apply a higher amount of council tax (a premium).  Local authorities will now have discretion to decide on the amount of the premium from 0% up to a maximum of 100% of the standard rate of council tax that applies to the dwelling.  A billing authority can make, vary or revoke a determination made under Sections 12A and 12B of the 1992 Act, but only before the beginning of the financial year to which the determination applies.  For second homes however, a billing authority must make its first determination under Section 12B at least one year before the beginning of the financial year to which the premium applies.  This means in order to charge a premium from 1 April, 2017, a billing authority must make its determination for second homes before 1 April, 2016.  It was reported that the Executive at its meeting held on 1 March, 2016 resolved to recommend to the full Council that the Council Tax Premium be set at 25% of the standard rate of council

tax for both long-term empty dwellings and for dwellings occupied periodically

(usually known as second homes).

Members stated that there is a dire need for houses for young local families on the Island and supported the increase in the Council Tax Premium.  It was expressed that empty houses need to be made available to rent or buy in local communities.  Some Members considered that the Council Tax Premium should be increased to 30%.                                                   

It was RESOLVED :-

1. The Isle of Anglesey County Council (“Full Council”), as a billing authority in Wales, uses its discretionary powers, under sections 12A and 12B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (“the 1992 Act”) as inserted by the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 (“the 2014 Act”) to disapply any discount(s) granted to long-term empty dwellings and dwellings occupied periodically (usually known as second homes) and apply a higher amount of council tax (called a Council Tax Premium) to

come into effect from 1 April 2017.

2. That the Council Tax Premium be set at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To submit the report of the Head of Planning and Public Protection.

Submitted – the report on the review of the Authority’s Licensing Policy.

It was RESOLVED to endorse the report and the amended Licensing Policy.

To submit the report of the Head of Planning and Public Protection on the process followed including reference to Welsh Language Impact Assessment and sustainability.

Submitted – the report of the Head of Planning and Public Protection on the process followed including reference to Welsh Language Impact Assessment and sustainability.

The Portfolio Holder (Planning) outlined the process of the Joint Planning Policy Units work with regard to the Joint Local Development Plan. In accordance with the agreement between both Gwynedd and Anglesey Councils, the Joint Planning Policy Committee considered the amended timetable for the Delivery Agreement at its meeting on 29 January, 2016. The Joint Planning Policy Committee resolved to recommend that both Councils individually approved the amended timetable seen in Appendix 1 of the report. Gwynedd Council considered the report at their meeting held on 3rd March, 2016 and resolved to approve the timetable. It was noted that after the Councils have approved the amended timetable the Delivery Agreement will be amended accordingly and sent to Welsh Government for its support.

Questions were raised as to why an independent Welsh Language Assessment had not been undertaken in respect of the Joint Local Development Plan. The Planning Manager (Policy) responded that the Joint Planning Policy Unit has undertaken a Welsh Language Assessment themselves on behalf of both Gwynedd and Anglesey Councils and have used a recognised methodology to carry out the work. She stated that the methodology approaches the matter in a holistic manner, recognising that life in the communities has changed over the years, all of which has a bearing on the Welsh language. It is considered that land use planners are in a good position to be able to consider and make an informed judgement on the matter. The Monitoring Officer wished it to be noted that under the Constitution this Council has no authority to suggest that a different language assessment be undertaken. This Council has worked jointly with Gwynedd Council on the Joint Local Development Plan and this restricts any changes as noted above.

The Opposition Group suggested that a review stage of the Joint Local Development Plan will provide an opportunity to re-visit the matter and it would like to make a firm point that an Independent Welsh Language Assessment be undertaken at that opportunity. Members of the Opposition Group abstained from voting.

It was RESOLVED that the Isle of Anglesey County Council approves the amended timetable (attached as Appendix 1 to the report), to prepare the Joint Local Development Plan in order to comply with legislative requirements.

To submit the report of the Head of Highways, Waste and Property.

Submitted – the report of the Head of Highways, Waste and Property in relation to the Corporate Asset Management Plan for Land & Buildings 2015/2020.

RESOLVED to adopt the Corporate Asset Management Plan for Land & Buildings for the period 2015/2020.

To report for information, the following urgent Executive decisions taken in accordance with 4.5.16.10 of the Constitution.

1.  3 February 2016 - Report - authorising regional procurement (school support) and secure best price (information in attached link).

http://www.anglesey.gov.uk/Journals/e/v/w/Binder---Capita-Sims_English_CYHOEDDUS.pdf

2.  4 February 2016 - Report - authorising release of funds to repair storm damage in leisure centres to avoid temporary closure (information in attached link).

http://www.anglesey.gov.uk/Journals/d/r/k/Leader_050216.pdf

3.  22 February 2016 - Report on Extra Care Housing Development, Llangefni to satisfy Welsh Government Grant timetable and ensure no loss of grant aid (information in attached link).

http://democracy.anglesey.gov.uk/documents/g2978/Decisions%2022nd-Feb-2016%2009.00%20The%20Executive.pdf?T=2&LLL=0

Submitted and noted, for information, the following urgent Executive decisions taken in accordance with 4.5.16.10 of the Constitution.

·           3 February, 2016 – Report authorising regional procurement (school support) and secure best prices (link afforded within the agenda);

·           4 February, 2016 – Report authorising release of funds to repair storm damage in leisure centres to avoid temporary closure (link afforded within the agenda);

·           22 February, 2016 – Report on Extra Care Housing Development, Llangefni to satisfy Welsh Government Grant timetable and ensure no loss of grant aid (link afforded within the agenda);

The Chief Executive to report on the need to respond to the above, including arranging a briefing session for Members and preparation of the Council’s response in consultation with group leaders.

The Chief Executive gave a verbal report on the need to respond to the Horizon Consultation January 2016 – Wylfa Newydd Project Update and Factsheets on Topics by 24^th March, 2016.  Following briefing sessions on the subject matter the Council’s response will be incorporated following consultation with Group Leaders to allow Elected Members the opportunity to respond to the consultation.

It was RESOLVED to delegate authority to the Chief Executive to respond on behalf of the Council to the Horizon Consultation January 2016 in consultation with Group Leaders.

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”.

The Head of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer advised the Council that the purpose of Item 14 – Pay Policy Statement on the Agenda is for the Council to accept that the Draft Pay Policy Statement. The Pay Policy Statement will thereafter be available on the County Council’s website. There are guidelines but no statutory requirements by Welsh Government that the item should be discussed in public. She stated that the matter has been place under the heading of ‘Exclusion of the Press and Public’ to allow the Council to discuss any issue which is considered confidential.

The Leader of the Council stated that since the report will be available thereafter on the Council’s website and due to the changes and saving made recently to the Senior Leadership Team, he considered that the matter should not be discussed privately.

It was RESOLVED that Item 14 – Pay Policy Statement should not exclude the press and public and be dealt with in open session.  

To submit the report of the Head of Profession.

Submitted – the report of the Head of Profession (Human Resources) in relation to the above.

The Portfolio Holder (Executive Business Manager, Performance Transformation, Corporate Plan and Human Resources) stated that the Localism Act 2011 requires authorities to develop and make public their pay policy on all aspects of Chief Officer Remuneration.  He wished to thank the Head of Profession (Human Resources) and her staff for their work in the completion of the job evaluation process.

It was RESOLVED to endorse the Pay Policy Statement 2016/17.