Agenda item

To submit a report by the Head of Regulation and Economic Development.

The report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development incorporating the North Anglesey Socio-economic Impact Report was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

The report was presented by Councillor Gary Pritchard, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Member for Children, Youth and Housing Services as providing an evidence base to set out the current position and challenges facing North Anglesey as well as the Council’s ambitions for investment to address the distinctive socio-economic challenges in the area. The North of the Island has been in decline for many years with the closure of major employers, the loss of good quality jobs and the exodus of Welsh speaking, work age people leaving an ageing population and a struggling economy. Although North Anglesey covers a third of the Island, the area has less than 10% of all jobs in Anglesey and its largest town, Amlwch is within the top 30% of the most deprived areas in Wales. The report provides robust evidence and justification for writing to Welsh Government to highlight the issues, challenges, and opportunities with regard to North Anglesey and to make the case for investment and support to address the economic decline of the area.

The Chief Economic Development Officer said that although the report has been produced from an economic development perspective, it has relevance for all the Council’s services   making it important therefore that any interventions/solutions are made on a whole Council basis and that the Council also continues to engage closely with the Welsh and Westminster Governments and with other strategic partners to take this matter forward.

The Chief Executive advised that the Council has taken the bold step of bringing the challenges that face North Anglesey to public attention in a report that makes difficult reading. While the Council is making every effort with the resources available to address the situation in North Anglesey, there are policy considerations at Welsh and UK government levels and through the NDA that extend beyond the Council’s reach. The proposed letter to Welsh Government is important and needs to be circulated more extensively as are urgent discussions about the situation to avert further decline. The situation in North Anglesey is also linked to changing demographics and the loss of residents aged between 25 and 50 over the past decade which if the trend continues will have implications for service provision. It requires a strategic plan to set out a long-term vision for the area taking into account the needs of the next generation. The Council through the publication of the report and assessment of the issues is taking that strategic approach with the aim of bringing the relevant organisations together to set objectives and to ensure that the decisions made will create a better future for the next generation in North Anglesey 

The Executive agreed that North Anglesey is an area in need of attention and reflects the decline that can happen when businesses close and job opportunities reduce and people move out of the area as a result. The evidence and data collected provide a basis for taking collaborative action to address the issues in North Anglesey and to promote the area’s regeneration.

It was resolved –

• To note the North Anglesey Socio-economic Impact Report and its contents in order to be fully informed as to the current situation, trends, opportunities, and challenges.
• To support the Leader writing to the new Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy and Welsh Language to raise awareness of the issues, challenges, and opportunities.
• To support the Council’s ongoing activities to identify and secure external funding to facilitate future regeneration.
• To ensure Officers and Elected Members utilise the data provided in the Impact Report to make informed whole Council decisions to deliver the Council Plan 2023-28.