Agenda item

To consider the Council Leader’s Annual Report in accordance with Paragraph 4.1.16 of the Constitution.

The Annual Report of the Leader of the Council for 2024/25 was presented.

The Leader of the Council said that the theme within the report reflects his priorities following his election as Leader in September 2024 which aligns with the 6 strategic objectives of the Council as outlined in the Council Plan for 2023-2028.  He noted that the respect towards the Council is apparent across the region. 

He referred to the education element and said that the Graig Fach Unit has been opened at Ysgol y Graig in June 2024 and the repair works on buildings that included RAAC at Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi and Ysgol David Hughes has been completed. He wished to thank the Council’s services who have worked effectively to ensure that the schools continued to be able to provide education and support to pupils.  He further referred to the Language Centres who are fully operational and he had the pleasure in visiting Ysgol Gynradd Llanfairpwll recently. 

The Leader referred to the social care element and noted that the Authority has invested in 4 Cartrefi Clyd, which ensures the best quality of care to the children and not having to leave their community.

The Leader referred to the economy and highlighted the SPF funding that has secured £16 million funding for projects which will make a difference in local communities.  Almost 400 businesses, enterprises and organisations have received grants from the scheme and 631 have received additional support.  He noted that planning permission has been granted for 10 new business units in Amlwch.  He further noted that the Freeport status is still progressing and will give opportunity to improve the economy in North Wales. 

The Leader referred to the housing element and noted that 63 empty homes have been brought back as homes.  He noted that work has been undertaken to protect the Grade ll listed building at Plas Allran Apartments, Holyhead which has been in a poor state for many years.  Developments were completed on Llys Llwydiarth, Ffordd Kyffin and Clifach Gwta as well as developments with Clwyd Alyn Housing Association completing 45 units in Valley.

The Leader further referred to the status given to the Welsh Language as a strategic aim within the Council Plan for 2023-2028 and is an important step in confirming the Welsh language’s status within the Council. The Welsh Language Forum celebrated a decade of existence since being established by the Council in 2014 and it was a pleasure to see so many people listening to the contributions of some members of the Forum in Sioe Môn last August, to celebrate this milestone.   He said that the continued support through the Welsh Language Forum is a testament of the desire and determination to ensure that the Welsh language continues to thrive and establishing the language as the main element of the Council’s Plan. 

Councillor Aled M Jones thanked the Leader for his report and requested an urgent meeting as regards to educational matters as regards to children being able to attend their preferred local primary school, but educational policies are requiring the children to be transported to another school.  The school that the children are wishing to attend have adequate spaces within the school and are willing to accommodate the pupils.  The Leader assured that he will make arrangements to discuss the matter.