Agenda and minutes

As noted above.

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

Councillor Sonia Williams declared a personal interest, that was not prejudicial, as she is a Business Manager for ‘Bwyd Da Môn’, that works in partnership with Menter Môn (item 4).

Councillor Euryn Morris declared a personal interest, that was not prejudicial, as he is employed by Cyngor Gwynedd (item 5).

To submit, for confirmation, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 September, 2025.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 September, 2025 were confirmed as correct.

Action points arising from the meeting held on 12 February 2025:-

Action: To send a letter to Welsh Government noting the need to provide additional funding for the Additional Learning Needs and Inclusion service.

Update:

A response was received by the education cabinet’s secretary, highlighting Welsh Government’s continuous commitment to support the Additional Learning Needs system by providing sustainable funding, supporting the workforce and events aimed at inclusive education, including more funding for ALN Coordinators, school counselling and mental health initiatives. It also recognised the current challenges, such as legal pressure, strain on the workforce, and inconsistent use of the ALN framework, with steps taken to improve clarity, regional capacity, including support for the new educational psychology programme in Bangor University.

IT WAS RESOLVED TO attach the letter to today’s meetings’ minutes.

To receive a presentation by Menter Môn.

The Chair welcomed Mr Dafydd Gruffydd, Managing Director and Elen Hughes, Project Director – Menter Môn to the meeting to give an overview of the services provided by Menter Môn.

The Leader of the Council, as the relevant Portfolio Holder, presented the item and handed over to Menter Môn officers. Mr Dafydd Gruffydd, Managing Director, said that Menter Môn was established by the County Council in 1995, and this year the company is celebrating its 30^th anniversary. In 1996, a decision was made to establish the organisation as a ‘not for profit’ company to provide the EU’s LEADER programme that was aimed at developing solutions for the challenges that faced rural areas.

The enterprise has developed over the years, completing regional and national projects, but the variety and emphasis of the work on Anglesey has been consistent. Today, 80 members of staff are employed by the enterprise, with a medium age average of 35. The company’s values have stayed the same. They prioritise developing potential to strengthen the economy and culture. The company focuses on three main portfolios which are Community, Economy and Energy. They find, create and offer opportunities to support and develop people, strengthen the economy, improve the environment and vitalise their culture.

The Managing Director said that the relationship between Menter Môn and Anglesey County Council has improved. Regular meetings are held with the Council’s Chief Executive, and the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council are also Menter Môn board members.

Following the presentation, the following discussion points were raised by the Committee:

Questions were asked about the effects of uncertainty regarding public funding (grants) and the company’s ability to achieve its priorities/key aims.

• Councillor Margaret Roberts asked, what effect does uncertainty regarding public funding have on Menter Môn’s ability to achieve its main priorities and aims? The Managing Director said that many grant planning programmes were available around 10 years ago, but today, there’s more uncertainty around community planning. They aren’t transformational, but the keep the wheel turning. The enterprise is waiting to see what will happen with Balchder Bro. The Chief Executive said that he doesn’t underestimate the way in which the enterprise has to work with different funding processes, as they constantly change. Consistency makes a real difference to the possibility of realising capital projects. Over the last 4 years, Anglesey’s Local Prosperity Fund has granted 5 million (500 million to the whole of Wales). Unfortunately, it seems that less grant funding will be available in the future, which makes it even more important to concentrate on language, energy and wildlife.
• Councillor Gwilym Jones referred to the extraordinary work of the previous director at Menter Môn, Gerallt Llywelyn. He asked what percentage of the funding is being spent on Anglesey, and how much is provided to the mainland? Dafydd Gruffydd said that some plans are relevant to both counties, and some are relevant only to one county, but the amounts spent has to be reported to funders. At times, it is speculated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To submit a report by the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report of the Deputy Chief Executive was presented to the Committee for consideration.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Services and Community Safety said that it is statutory that the Safety Partnership exists under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Members of the partnership include Anglesey County Council, the Police, the Probation Service, the Health Bord and the Fire and Rescue Service. Specific responsibilities and fields include crime and disorder, substance misuse, reducing crime, serious assault and more importantly, commissioning domestic homicide reviews. They answer to, and work with the regional North Wales board that meets every quarter.

Daron Owens began by summarising the reports main points. She felt it was important to note that they do not receive continuous funding to commission projects or services directly. The only commission is for domestic homicide reviews as funding isn’t provided on a regular basis for community safety. There is an emphasis on what will be done within the partnership. The team works closely with the North Wales regional board as they also set the priorities for crime and antisocial behaviour prevention. Significant work has been done to continue the serious violence strategy for North Wales. It has been part of the steering group for the past 11 months. The team receives funding from the Home Office every year, that allows them to continue with this regional prevention work.

After considering the report, the Committee discussed the main following points:-

Questions were asked about measuring the Partnerships priorities (that are based on a local needs assessment process), and noting any new or additional local needs.

• Councillor Euryn Morris asked in what way do the priorities for 2025/2026 fully reflect local needs on Anglesey, based on recent data and evidence? The Senior Community Safety Operational Officer for Gwynedd and Môn said, as is noted in the report, their priorities are based on the Safer North Wales Regional Board’s Strategy. The board’s vision is for North Wales to be a safe and inclusive place to live, work and visit. The purpose of the regional Board is to achieve this vision by dealing with crimes and disorder across the county. The basis of the Strategy is the strategic assessment by the police, that reports on risks and threats within crime areas that affect North Wales, and the main aim of the document is to inform those who make strategic decisions and set priorities. The Police Crime Commissioner’s scheme also influences these areas, and it is based on a detailed consultation with the public. Therefore, the Regional Board’s strategy sets the framework for on Community Safety Partnerships within the region, and they report on their work every quarter to the Board. However, they have a responsibility to agree on their own specific actions in response to local need. As all priorities and actions are based on evidence, data and consultation with the public, Daron Owens said that they are confident that they fully reflect the local need on Anglesey but are open to recommendations on any  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To submit a report by the Scrutiny Manager.

A report by the Scrutiny Manager, that noted the forward work programme for the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee for 2025/2026, was presented to for consideration.

Meeting on 13 November will concentrate on Education matter.

Meeting on 26 November will concentrate on Health.

IT WAS RESOLVED to agree on the current version of the forward work programme for 2025/2026 and to note the progress made to date in terms of actioning the forward work programme.

The Chair have special thanks to the Scrutiny Manager, Anwen Davies, for her excellent work over the years and wished her well on her retirement.