Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone present to the meeting and extended a particular welcome to Councillor Dafydd Rhys Thomas, who had been recently appointed a member of the committee. The Chair expressed sadness at the death last week of Councillor Trefor Lloyd Hughes, MBE, a longstanding member of the Council. On behalf of the committee, he conveyed deepest condolences to Councillor Hughes’s family and friends. Members and officers then stood in silence as a mark of respect and sympathy.

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

No declaration of interest was received.

To present the minutes of the previous meeting of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee held on 15 October 2025.

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee held on 15 October 2025 were presented and were confirmed as correct.

To present the report of the Head of Profession (HR) and Transformation.

The report of the Head of Profession (HR) and Transformation incorporating the Corporate Scorecard for Quarter 2 of the 2025/26 financial year was presented for the Committee’s consideration. The scorecard report details the performance of key indicators in delivering the Council’s day to day operations which support the broader objectives of the Council Plan.

Councillor Carwyn Jones, Portfolio Member for Housing and Community Safety presented the scorecard report in his former capacity as portfolio holder for corporate business and customer experience. He reported that the majority of indicators (87%) with set targets performed well during the quarter, achieving Green or Yellow RAG status. Notable examples of good performance as detailed in section 2.3 of the report included the installation of 11 low carbon heating systems in council buildings as part of the Council’s climate action projects and its commitment to achieving net zero. He also noted sound financial management, including effective monitoring of the revenue and capital budgets as a cornerstone of the Council’s ability to deliver services and achieve its strategic aims. Councillor Carwyn Jones referred to the seven indicators currently rated Red or Amber against their targets as outlined in section 2.2 of the report, together with the associated mitigation measures. These indicators related to Housing Services (re-letting void properties and delivery of Disabled Facilities Grants), the Economy (the total number of customers with mooring contacts and the percentage of high risk businesses subject to planned inspections that were inspected for compliance with food hygiene legislation), Climate Change (specifically waste recycling), and Whole Council Health (timeliness of responses to FOI requests). He confirmed that all these areas are being monitored by the Leadership Team.

In reviewing the corporate scorecard for the second quarter, the committee raised the following matters:-

·      A committee member raised concerns regarding fly tipping in the Ynys Gybi and Holyhead areas. While expressing appreciation for the prompt response of Biffa to such incidents, the member requested an update on whether the situation had improved.

Councillor Ieuan Williams, Portfolio Member for Highways, Waste and Property confirmed that the indicator measuring the number of working days taken to clear fly tipping incidents is ragged Green and on target reflecting the efficiency of Biffa’s response. He noted however that 70% of fly tipping occurs in one particular area of Holyhead. The matter has been raised with the Chief Waste Management Officer who confirms that all avenues of resolution are being explored. Some improvement has been observed particularly in relation to fewer large items being fly tipped, although overnight incidents continue to present challenges for identification and enforcement. A further meeting is to be held to discuss the issue.

In a follow-up question, the committee asked about the prospects of the Council’s achieving the Welsh Government’s 70% recycling target and whether the Welsh Government had indicated that a financial penalty would be imposed for failure to do so.

The committee was advised that the Council runs the risk of financial penalties if it cannot demonstrate that positive steps are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To present the report of the Head of Profession (HR) and Transformation.

The report of the Head of Profession (HR) and Transformation incorporating the Self-Assessment and Performance (Wellbeing) Report 2024/25 was presented for the committee’s consideration. The development and publication of the report is a requirement under the Local Government (Wales) Act 2021 and Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

Councillor Carwyn Jones, Portfolio Member for Housing and Community Safety presented the report in his former capacity as portfolio holder for corporate business and customer experience, noting that it is the first time the Council has combined its self-assessment, performance and wellbeing report for the 2024/25 year. The document demonstrates the Council’s integrated approach to planning, managing performance and promoting the wellbeing of future generations. It provides evidence of how the Council has delivered on its strategic objectives and priorities, used resources efficiently and managed risks effectively.

The report offers a clear overview of progress against the 2024/25 commitments in the Annual Delivery Document, the longer term strategic objectives set out in the Council Plan to 2028, and obligations under the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act. It also reflects  the outcomes of the service review process in which each of the Council’s nine services undertook a self-evaluation against four criteria – service planning, financial planning, workforce planning and governance – highlighting any areas for improvement. In addition, the report records progress made on improvement matters identified in the previous self-assessment.

In scrutinising the report, the committee discussed the following matters –

·      Members noted that the National Resident Survey 2024 shows that 32% of respondents say they trust the Council. They asked whether this should be a cause for concern and what steps might be taken to strengthen public confidence.

Councillor Gary Pritchard, Leader acknowledged that the figure is disappointing, although not unusual compared with other authorities. He noted that building trust can be  challenging, particularly in the current climate where confidence in elected representatives at all levels is generally low. He emphasised that the Council is committed to demonstrating integrity, credibility and to serving the people of the island.

The Chief Executive added that declining trust in the public sector generally is a wider trend, with social media often shaping perceptions. He noted that the Council’s standing is broadly average and while improvement is always desirable, given external factors and influences, the position is not overly concerning.

Members discussed the importance of promoting the Council’s work more effectively. They highlighted a number of positive developments such as the Freeport, new nuclear initiative at Wylfa, and the acquisition of the former Anglesey Aluminium site for a prosperity park which show the island as forward looking and economically flourishing. While recognising that social media can be a source of misinformation and negativity, they also acknowledged its potential as a valuable tool for communication, engagement and openness. It was further noted that recent political consensus on major issues reflects a maturity of approach and a collective commitment to serving residents and their communities.

·      In a follow-up question, the committee enquired how the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To present the report of the Head of Democracy.

The report of the Scrutiny Manager incorporating the Committee’s Forward Work Programme to April, 2026 was presented for consideration.

It was resolved –

·      To agree the current version of the Forward Work Programme for 2025/26.

·      To note progress thus far in implementing the Forward Work Programme.