Agenda item

To submit a report by the Chief Executive.

Submitted – a report by the Chief Executive for consideration by the Committee.

The Chief Executive reported that the Council has emergency planning and response duties under the Civil Contingencies Acts 2004.  The Council is a principal responder and meets its obligations by collaborating with the North Wales Local Authorities through the North Wales Councils Regional Emergency Planning Service.  He said that following consultation and ratification through the political process in each Local Authority, Emergency Planning functions for all 6 local authorities in North Wales were amalgamated into one service under an inter-authority agreement since 2014.  He further referred that as an Island, with two bridges over the Menai Straits, it is important that this Council is fully committed within Regional Emergency Planning Service so that it addresses any emergency that may occur on the Island, and that the emergency services are able to attend.  The Chief Executive referred to the Annual Report and noted that it gives assurance that the Regional Emergency Planning Service is resilience service, and this Council engages fully within the service.

In considering the report, the Committee discussed the following main matters:-

·         Questions were raised as to the key risks facing the Island and to preparedness of the Council as regards to future emergencies.  The Executive Manager (Leadership Team) responded that risks are identified and managed effectively during discussions within a Resilience Forum which the Authority is represented.  She noted that there is a National Risk Register and the Regional Emergency Planning Service and the Council contribute to identify any potential risks.  She further referred that the main key risk are power cuts, storms, cyber security, and effects on the resilience of both the Menai Suspension bridge and the Britannia bridge.  The Chief Executive said that he considered that the Authority is ready for any eventually, as the governance and participation levels are in place, however, it is dependent on the support of other emergency organisations.  He expressed that the main concerns are the resilience of the two bridges and the potential of both bridges been closed at the same time could cause major problems if an emergency was to occur on the Island.  He said that it is important to continue to put pressure on Welsh Government to recognize the reliability and resilience of both bridges.   

·         Reference was made to the risk of wildfires at Newborough Forest due to dry weather conditions as there is only one highway through and out of the village of Newborough and only one car park in the vicinity.  Questions were raised as to what arrangements are in place to support the emergency planning arrangements to address potential wildfires in the area and to what extent has consultation been undertaken with external partners.  The Chief Executive responded that National Resources Wales are the responsible authority for Newborough Forest, and they have an emergency response plan in place.  He noted that the Council has not been part of any emergency exercise with NRW.   The Local Member for Newborough expressed that he had concerns that the Local Authority is not part of any emergency exercise process with NRW as regards to Newborough Forest.  The Chair expressed that the Fire & Rescue Service should also be aware of potential wildfires.  The Chief Executive said that the matter will be referred for discussion with NRW in due course.

·         Reference was made to the guidance for Elected Members attached to the report.  Questions were raised as to the plans are in place to make sure that Members are aware of their role.  The Executive Manager (Leadership Team) responded that an e-learning course is available through the learning pool for Elected Members to view.  She noted that Briefing Session with Elected Members can be made available if required.  The Vice-Chair said that there is reference within the Elected Members Handbook to the Council’s headquarters phone number when a member of the public wishes to call during an emergency.  He expressed that residents have been complaining that they are unable to receive an answer when phoning the Council’s headquarters phone number.  The Chief Executive responded that he accepted the frustration when people are unable to receive an answer whilst phoning the Council.  He stressed the importance that elected members refer any such complaints regarding the phone system immediately to relevant officers as per guidance previously provided.  He expressed that the Council is currently in the process of procuring a new telephone system which is hoped that will improve the management and monitoring of calls.  He acknowledged that there are peaks in the demand in certain services within the Council i.e. Housing Benefits and Housing Services.  He further said that when an emergency occurs the Emergency Services would most likely lead on any emergency and the Authority would be part of the response process through the Emergency Planning Service.  The ability of the Council to respond to any emergency would not be affected by the current phone system.

·         Reference was made to the recent discussions as to the relocation of the Wales Air Ambulance Service. Questions were raised as to whether the Wales Air Ambulance Service is part of the North Wales Regional Emergency Planning Service and especially when discussion have been undertaken at this meeting to the resilience of the bridges.  The  Regional Manager – North Wales Council’s Regional Emergency Planning Service responded that the Wales Air Ambulance Service is a health lead service and they discuss as to how they respond to any emergency where there is a need for an Air Ambulance.  The Portfolio Member for Adults’ Services said that during meetings with the Health Board the Wales Air Ambulance Service is discussed but due to adverse weather conditions it must be considered that the Air Ambulance is unable to afford their services.  Questions were raised as to whether the Penrhos Stanley and Cefni Hospitals are included within any emergency processes if both bridges are closed and the unavailability of the Air Ambulance Service if a major incident was to occur on the Island.  Reference was also made that the number Cruise Ships that visit the Island has increased and it is anticipated that 92 Cruise Ships will be visiting next Summer.  The Chief Executive noted that the Holyhead Port Authority would lead on any emergency within the Port as part of their emergency plans.  The Regional Manager – North Wales Council’s Regional Emergency Planning Services responded that processes are in place to train and exercise with multi-agency partners in respect of a scenario of any emergency on the Island.  The Chief Executive said that the Ambulance Service, Health Board and Wales Air Ambulance Service decide as to when an Air Ambulance is required due to any emergency. Questions were raised as to whether contact has been made with RAF Valley for their assistance if an emergency occurred on the Island.  The Regional Manager responded that discussion is undertaken within the Regional Emergency Planning Services as regards to RAF bases, but she was unaware that RAF Valley would have any provision to assist if an emergency situation arose.  The Chief Executive said that any element of use of the Armed Forces/RAF would need support and permission by Welsh Government/UK Government (with a dedicated process to be followed).

·         Reference was made that additional local information needs to be included within the Annual Report as the reports focuses on a regional perspective; there is a need include specific issues relating to Anglesey and that this Committee can view as to how the Authority is responding to any emergency that arises.  The Regional Manager – North Wales Council’s Regional Emergency Planning Service responded that information as regards to the Authority’s emergency response can be incorporated within future reports so that this Committee can compare with the rest of the Region. 

It was RESOLVED to note the progress of the North Wales Council’s Regional Emergency Planning Service work 2022/23.

ACTIONS : 

·         That a Briefing Session for Elected Members be arranged as to their Role within the Emergency Planning.