Agenda, decisions and minutes

The apology for absence was noted.

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

Councillors Dafydd Roberts and Mr Marc Jones, Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer declared a personal and prejudicial interest with regard to item 8 on the agenda and both left the meeting when the item was discussed.

No urgent matters at the time of dispatch of this agenda.                                                                                  

None to report.

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

·     16 December 2025

·     6 January 2026 (Extraordinary)

The minutes of the previous meetings of the Executive held on the dates noted below were presented for confirmation:-

·      16 December 2025

·      6 January 2026 (extraordinary)

It was resolved that the minutes of the previous meetings of the Executive held on the dates noted below be confirmed as correct:-

·      16 December 2025

·      6 January 2026 (extraordinary)

To submit the report of the Head of Democratic Services.

The report of the Head of Democracy incorporating the Executive’s Forward Work Programme for the period from February to September, 2026 was presented for confirmation.

The Head of Democracy updated the Executive on the following changes to the Forward Work Programme –

·      Amendment to the Constitution – Final approval of the Council’s Annual Governance Statement, and Beaumaris Car Park are new items for the 24 February 2026 meeting.  

·      Independent Sector Care Home fees for 2026/27 and Visitor Levy are items rescheduled to the 24 February 2026 meeting.

It was resolved to confirm the Executive’s updated Forward Work Programme for the period February to September 2026 with the changes outlined at the meeting.

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

The report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer which set out the Executive’s provisional revenue budget for 2026/27 was presented for consideration.

Councillor Robin Williams, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Member for Finance, Corporate Business and Customer Experience presented the report noting that the initial draft budget proposals had been fully discussed at last week’s meeting of the Corporate Scrutiny  Committee. The funding increase for Anglesey for 2026/27 is 4.2%. However, due to the   datasets on which the allocation formula is based, this represents one of the lowest settlements of councils in Wales. It falls below the average increase of 4.5% with the highest - Newport Council, receiving 6.1%.

The Council continues to face rising demand, particularly in Adult and Children’s social care as well as pay pressures linked to the National Living Wage and Real Living Wage both of which are increasing at a rate above CPI inflation. The draft budget proposes an initial total budget of £207.023m, a Council Tax increase of 4.8% plus 0.3% for the Fire Service Levy, resulting in a total increase of 5.1%, taking the Band D charge to £1,792.98. It also proposes maintaining the second and empty homes premium at 100% and releasing £1.685m from the Council’s general balances and earmarked reserves to achieve a balanced budget for 2026/27. No significant changes to these figures are expected before the final budget proposal is submitted to Full Council on 5 March 2026.

The Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer reported that the final settlement received last week is £5,962 higher than the figure quoted in the report and the final budget proposal will be adjusted accordingly. The stated Council tax increase does not include the North Wales Police or Town and Community Council precepts, which will be added separately. 

Councillor Jeff Evans, Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee reported on the committee’s 21 January 2026 meeting at which members considered the draft revenue budget report and proposals. The committee held a full and frank discussion on the Council’s finances and how to balance the budget with contributions also invited from non-committee members. Particular attention was given to the Council’s reserves, the premium on empty and second homes, and the proposed increase in Council Tax. After seeking assurance on a range of questions and considering the responses provided by the Portfolio Member and officers, the committee had resolved to support the initial draft budget proposals for 2026/27 as presented and to recommend them to the Executive.

The Executive expressed its thanks to the Corporate Scrunty Committee for the in-depth discussion at last week’s meeting. Executive members acknowledged the significant work involved in developing the budget, noting that it is a lengthy process involving numerous meetings and challenges, beginning almost immediately after the previous year’s budget is approved. Members recognised the pressures facing some service areas and welcomed the  additional funding allocated to meet those needs. They also noted that the budget seeks to make investments where possible without putting undue burden on Anglesey residents,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

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

The report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer incorporating the Capital Strategy 2026-2031 was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

Councillor Robin Williams, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Member for Finance, Corporate Business and Customer Experience presented the report, noting that the revised CIPFA Prudential Code requires all local authorities to produce a capital strategy. The strategy sets out the Council’s long term investment requirements arising from the Council Plan and other linked strategies together with the capital investment required to deliver those objectives.

The capital expenditure requirement over the next five years is presented through three scenarios –

·                Base case which utilises known funding

·                Ambitious case which utilises a level of unsupported borrowing that may become affordable if the Council’s revenue budget position improves

·                Ideal case which is the investment required to achieve all the Council’s objectives and bring all existing assets to an acceptable condition

Councillor Robin Williams acknowledged that many Council buildings are ageing and that some need significant investment. While such investment would be desirable, it is dependent on the level of future Welsh Government capital funding. The proceeds from the sale of assets will continue to be re-invested in the estate.

The Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer  reported that the key purpose of the strategy is to manage expenditure and borrowing levels. The borrowing and revenue implications of each scenario are set out in the strategy -  the base case maintains steady costs, whereas the ideal case results in significantly higher and unaffordable costs. The ambitious case represents the preferred position but is dependent on securing additional  Welsh Government grants. Unsupported borrowing remains an option, but the associated costs would fall on Anglesey taxpayers. The Council therefore needs to aim for a level of expenditure between the base and ambitious cases, as base case expenditure alone is  insufficient to maintain existing assets.

The Executive acknowledged that asset management can be complex and noted that while in some cases, asset life can be extended, buildings must be maintained to avoid higher long-term costs. With capital funding and grants reducing, borrowing is increasingly necessary. Executive Members welcomed the level of detail in the strategy, particularly the three case scenario models, which clearly illustrate the challenges facing the Council from a capital spending perspective.

The Chief Executive highlighted the interrelationship between the capital strategy, the Council Plan and other strategic plans. He explained that work is underway to identify the annual funding required to sustain the services linked to those plans. A gap remains between the resources available and what is required. While the Council has been successful in securing grants, consideration will need to be given to reviewing the Council’s estate to streamline the number of buildings and locations. These are long-term decisions, complicated by conditions attached to many buildings, and cannot be taken quickly.

It was resolved to recommend the Capital Strategy 2026-2031 to the Full Council.

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

A report by the Revenues and Benefits Service Manager setting out the outcome of the consultation on options with regard to the long-term empty homes premium was presented for the Executive’s consideration. The consultation opened on 29 September 2025 and closed on 7 November 2025 and was open to Anglesey residents as well as long-term empty property owners.

Councillor Robin Williams, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Member for Finance, Corporate Business and Customer Experience presented the report, noting that several options were considered as part of the consultation as detailed in the report. A total of 449 responses were received, of which 136 were partially completed and 313 completed in full. Having considered the responses, the Executive’s recommended option is Option 5 – to set the level of the premium based on the length of time the property has been empty:

·           less than 5 years – 100%.

·           between 5 and 6 years – 125%.

·           between 6 and 7 years – 150%.

·           between 7 and 8 years – 175%.

·           between 8 and 9 years – 200%.

·           between 9 and 10 years – 250%.

·           over 10 years – 300%

This would  be implemented from April 2027. The aim is to encourage long-term empty property owners to bring their properties back into use, helping to provide safe and affordable homes and increasing the supply of affordable housing locally. Councillor Robin Williams highlighted that there are exceptions to the premium on long term empty properties, which are listed in Appendix 2 of the report.

The Revenues and Benefits Service Manager confirmed that long term empty property owners would be given notice of any changes to the existing premium arrangements if approved. She further confirmed that the service has sufficient capacity to deal with any enquiries.

The Executive noted that the 805 currently empty properties on the Island could significantly help address housing need, given that around 950 people, including families, are on the housing register waiting list. The objective is to bring these properties back into use through sale or rent as part of a broader strategy to reduce the number of empty homes and support the Council Plan objective of ensuring that everyone has a place to call home.

Executive members acknowledged that some individuals may have inherited large homes requiring substantial upgrades, making them difficult to sell. However, they noted that the majority of long term empty properties fall within Council Tax Bands A to D, with fewer than a quarter in Band E or above (Table 1.3 refers). Members also noted the availability of schemes to help bring empty properties back into use, such as Leasing Scheme Wales and encouraged anyone unsure of their position to explain their circumstances and seek advice from the Council. They emphasised the importance of communicating clearly with empty property owners to explain the rationale for changing the premium.

In response to a query from an Executive member about whether communications regarding premium changes could also include information about support schemes such as Leasing Scheme Wales, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To submit the report of the Head of Adults’ Services.

The report of the Head of Adult Services seeking the Executive’s approval to set the fees and charges for community based non-residential social care services for 2026/27 was presented for consideration.

In the absence of the Portfolio Member for Adult Services, Councillor Dyfed Wyn Jones, Portfolio Member for Children, Young People and Families presented the report which outlined the proposed fees and charges for the 2026/27 financial year in accordance with the Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014. It was noted that charges for domiciliary care services are reviewed annually to coincide with Central Government’s revision of pension and benefit levels.

The Head of Adult Services highlighted that Welsh Government has confirmed through its settlement that the £100 weekly cap on non-residential care is being maintained. Councillor Alun Roberts as a former portfolio member for Adult Services expressed disappointment at this decision, noting that there has been ongoing pressure on Welsh Government to raise the cap so that charges more accurately reflect the actual cost of providing services.

It was resolved to approve the following –

·      To apply the maximum threshold for home care services endorsed by Welsh Government.

·      Charges for Telecare services as outlined in Table A of the report:

• Tier 1 – everyone will pay £81.25 per quarter
• Tier 2 – everyone will pay £159.25 per quarter

·      Annual Telecare charges as outlined in Table B of the report:

• Services and Maintenance £147.95
• Services only £95.00
• One off installation £59.20

·      Rate for Direct Payments at £17.85 per hour

·      To implement a charge of £20.00 per hour for Micro Carers

·      To maintain a charge of £10.00 for the administration of Blue Badge requests and replacements as outlined in the report.

·      To increase the fee for purchasing day care services in independent residential homes by 3.8% to £46.85 per day.

·      To increase Domiciliary Care fees by £1.38 per hour to comply with increase in Real Living Wage.

• Charges for Meals in Day Services as outlined in Table C of the report:

• Meals in Day Services for adults (excluding people with learning disabilities) - £8.10
• Mid-day snack in Day Services for people with learning disabilities - £3.45
• Other refreshments (tea/coffee/cake) in Day Services - £1.95

To submit the report of the Head of Adults’ Services.

The report of the Head of Adult Services seeking the Executive’s approval to set the  standard charge for the Council’s care homes for 2026/27 was presented.

In the absence of the Portfolio Member for Adult Services, Councillor Dyfed Wyn Jones, Portfolio Member for Children, Young People and Families presented the report, noting that the setting of the annual charge is a requirement under Section 22 of the National Assistance Act 1948.

In response to a request by an Executive member for an update on the demand for  dementia care and the service’s capacity to respond, the Head of Adult Services confirmed that the position remains challenging. There is a waiting list for individuals requiring  dementia care, with demand increasing particularly for dementia nursing care which the Council does not provide. These are areas where placements are difficult to secure. The requirement for potential providers are also more stringent in terms of staffing levels and the physical environment. While growth in provision in these areas would be desirable, achieving this remains challenging at present.

The Executive acknowledged the commitment and dedication of staff caring for individuals living with dementia. 

It was resolved –

·      That the standard charge for residential homes be set at £1,026.52 per week which is the full cost of the service.

·      That as the full cost of the service was agreed in 2025/26 to be implemented over a 3 year period, the full cost of the service for dementia residential care is discounted to £1,150.99 per week in 2026/27.

To submit the report of the Chief Executive.

The report of the Deputy Chief Executive incorporating the Towards Net Zero Strategic Plan 2026-2031 was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

Councillor Ieuan Williams, Portfolio Member for Highways, Waste and Climate Change presented the report noting that the proposed Plan will continue to advance the Council’s aim of becoming a net zero organisation. It builds on the progress and lessons from the previous Towards Net Zero Strategic Plan 2022-2025 as outlined in the End Point Report. The new plan acknowledges that the Council’s 2030 target for achieving net zero status is not feasible within current resources, the time available or the scale of the decarbonisation required. It therefore proposes aligning with the net zero carbon Wales by 2050 target set by the Environment (Wales) Act 2016.

The plan outlines how the Council will continue its transition by reducing carbon emissions, increasing carbon absorption and strengthening organisational resilience to a changing climate. It identifies six key priority areas covering assets and housing emissions, Council transport emissions, supply chain emissions, land use, nature recovery and biodiversity, organisational development, and strategic projects and climate resilience.

Councillor Ieuan Williams highlighted the financial implications of working towards net zero and he noted that Welsh Government funding is not included in the settlement, though grants are available and the Council can access interest free borrowing for some activities. He also explained the monitoring and governance arrangements and recommended that the Climate Change Manager oversee all service level net zero action plans and consolidate them into a single plan. He further proposed that an elected member either from the Executive or Scrutiny be appointed to the Net Zero Steering Group.

Councillor Jeff Evans, Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee reported on the committee’s 21 January 2026 meeting at which members considered the Towards Net Zero Strategic Plan 2026-31. The committee received an update on the achievements of the previous plan and the Council’s priorities under the new plan. Members were also assured regarding the monitoring and governance arrangements in place to ensure progress. The committee had sought further assurance on matters relating to the Council’s assets and transport, as well as the key risks and challenges in reducing carbon emissions. Having reviewed the plan, the committee resolved to recommend the Towards Net Zero Strategic Plan 2026-31 to the Executive for approval.

The Executive welcomed the plan and acknowledged the substantial progress achieved under the previous plan. Members recognised the challenges involved in achieving net zero but emphasised its importance for the wellbeing of future generations and the wider environment.

The Chief Executive also acknowledged the work undertaken to bring all parts of the Council together on the net zero agenda. He emphasised that this is a long-term  journey particularly given the Council’s many other duties and responsibilities. He noted that although  the Council has a good track record of securing grants and has a clear understanding of its net zero goals and how to achieve them, it does not currently have the capacity to deliver them at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.