Agenda, decisions and minutes

As noted above.

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

None received.

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

The report of the Head of Highways, Waste and Property was presented for the Committees consideration.

The Portfolio Member for Highways, Waste and Climate Change said that the Council has a statutory obligation to achieve a 70% recycling rate, which is not currently met.  In order to increase the recycling rates and reach the statutory obligation, the Council must consider making changes to the waste collection and recycling arrangements.  There is a requirement to consult with those likely to be affected when any proposal to introduce a significant change to a service is considered, especially where the proposal is to reduce the service.  Since any changes to the collection service will impact every householder on Anglesey, a full consultation process will therefore be required.  He referred to Appendix 1 attached to the report and noted that the Council has set out a clear commitment to protect the environment and reducing carbon footprint within the Council Plan 2023-2028 and recycling plays a vital role in this work.  By reducing the amount of waste that goes to disposal, emissions can be reduce, conserve valuable resources, and help create a cleaner, greener environment for future generations.  The Authority currently recycles 65% which is below the target of 70%, and based on the recycling rates, the Council could face a fine of around £350k per year.  He referred that WRAP Cymru which lists the possible actions needed to increase recycling rates (the link to the documentation was included in Appendix 1).  WRAP Cymru also refers that around 52% of the waste currently placed in black bins on Anglesey could be recycled and they have attended the Penhesgyn Waste Disposal Site to separate the waste in the black bins.  The Portfolio Member for Highways, Waste and Climate Change said that the purpose of the report is to ascertain whether the Scrutiny Committee considers that the questions within the consultation document is adequate and appropriate.  Dependent on the result of the consultation process it could result in a 4 weekly black bin collection in the future.  He noted that it is important to have responses to the consultation, which could be contentious, to gather views as to ways to increasing recycling on the Island. He further that any changes would require investment from around £3m to £16m in new vehicles and improvements at the waste and recycling sites and due to this the earliest potential change to the collection service could be 2029.  There is a potential that Welsh Government will afford grants if it considers that the Authority is committed to reduce waste and increase recycling rates.

The Head of Highways, Waste and Property reported that minor changes will be made to the questionnaire to ensure that it is compatible with virtual requirement on the Council’s website and an additional question was be included as to the impact on the Welsh language to conform with the Equalities Act. 

In considering the report the following main issues were raised:-

·         Reference was made that the target set  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To submit a report by the Director of Education, Skills and Young People.

The report of the Director of Education, Skills and Young People was presented for the Committee’s consideration.

The Portfolio Member for Education and the Welsh Language said that the Digital Education Strategic Plan contributes to the development of a modern education system.  The current plan expired in 2024 and therefore it is necessary to establish a new plan for the next period.  The requirement for IT equipment in schools has increased over the years and it is important that they reach the current requirements

In considering the report the following main issues were raised:-

·     Reference was made that the reports refers that the Council has earmarked a sum to fund the Strategic Plan, however, it is unlikely that the funds currently earmarked will be sufficient.  Questions were raised as to the implications on the Plan is there is insufficient funding and what is the shortfall the Council is facing. The Director of Education, Skills and Young People responded that funding has been earmarked for part of the Strategic Plan, however, there is currently a lack of funding to achieve the Plan.  Discussions will have to be undertaken to ensure that additional funding can be sourced and data will need to be used to ensure that any funding will be targeted towards the needs of the schools. Investments will need to be made in equipment and infrastructure.  He noted that the Executive has approved funding for the current financial year, and the gaps will need to be investigated in the future.  The Chief Digital Officer said that work has been undertaken to gauge the possible deficit and infrastructure requirements with cost implications due to continued upgrading of equipment.  Engagement with schools will be required to gauge their needs to ensure that the curriculum is met.

·     Questions were raised whether information will be gathered as to the IT skills of school’s staff before the Strategic Plan is implemented.  The Strategic Leader (Primary) responded that staff skills are monitored, and Digital Co-ordinators  gather the data with regards to the needs of development skills within the primary catchment areas which was part of the previous Plan. 

·     Questions were raised as to how the performance of the Strategic Plan will be monitored of the period of 2026-2031.  The Strategic Leader (Primary) responded that in the primary sector there will be a need to develop support in respect of STEM subjects with secondary networks that support the upskilling and share good practice with each secondary schools.  This is part of the development of a self-developing system.

·     Questions were raised whether sufficient provision has been put in place following Cwmni Cynnal coming to an end in 2022.   The Chief Digital Officer responded that transfer provision to the Authority following Cwmni Cynnal coming to an end in 2022 has been a considerable change for schools and Council staff who have been used to receiving the service from Cwmni Cynnal for many years.  He noted that consultation has been undertaken with schools to gauge their requirements and to make  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.