NEWYDDIONGwynedd Council News Autumn 2016 Issue 49

For more information turn to page 6

In this edition…

If you would like Newyddion Gwynedd on mp3 or in another language or format, please phone 01766 771000.

Newyddion Gwynedd is produced on 100% recycled paper. When you’ve finished reading this newspaper please recycle it.

A glossary of key words used on the Welsh side of this paper can be found at www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/news If you are reading Newyddion online, you can get quick translations of key words (highlighted in yellow) by clicking on the word itself.

Steady progress is being made to deliver the £10.5 million of efficiency savings and £4.94 million of service cuts that Gwynedd Council needs to deliver during the two year period between April 2016 and March 2018.

Increased uncertainty over future government funding for local services - in particular following the “Brexit” referendum result - means however that there can be no let-up in this work if Gwynedd is to continue to protect vital services whilst meeting its

legal requirement to set a balanced budget.

This is the message from the Council’s Finance Cabinet Member and Chief Executive. They report to Newyddion readers one year on since local people voiced their views on possible service cuts in the “Gwynedd Challenge” public consultation exercise and eight months since councillors approved a two year financial strategy and cuts programme firmly based on what local people had said.

GwyneddChallenge

l Your garden waste collection is changing - Page 07

l Gwynedd’s care champions - Page 08-09

l Top tips to prepare for extreme weather - Centre pages

www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru 01766 771000 @cyngorgwynedd cyngorgwyneddcouncil

Delivering the Gwynedd Challenge

Ysgol Hafod Lon - a whole new world of learning and fun

l Youngsters with additional learning needs from across the Dwyfor and Meirionnydd areas of Gwynedd will be making the most of their brand new £13 million school this autumn

This autumn, the new Ysgol Hafod Lon in Penrhyndeudraeth, which replaces the much-loved school in Y Ffôr which has served generations of Gwynedd children since 1974, opens its doors.

Over the coming few months, pupils from the new Ysgol Hafod Lon will have a bright and colourful new world of indoor and outdoor play areas, bright classrooms,

a hydrotherapy pool, therapy rooms and sensory equipment to explore.

Even though it’s early days, the new facility is already receiving rave reviews from pupils: “It’s much bigger than the old school - it’s really great,” said 13 year old Elain.

“There are many different colours in the new school. The old school was all one colour.”

GeT SocIAL For more breAkInG newS From HAFod Lon newYddThousands of local people now receive all the latest news about local services and preview video clips of projects like Ysgol Hafod Lon newydd by following the Council on Twitter and Facebook. Join them by “liking” the CyngorGwyneddCouncil Facebook page, following the @CyngorGwynedd Twitter feed or YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/CyngorGwynedd

Turn to pages 4 and 5 to find out more about Gwynedd Council’s investment programme to deliver the very best educational facilities for our children and to learn how you can help shape education in the county for the coming decades.

Gwynedd Council

Autumn 2016 NEWYDDION

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September

25 - Craflwyn Night Time Ramble6pm - 9pmA chance to attend a nature walk at night, gaze at stars and cook on open fire.Booking essential. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowdonia

27 - Welsh Highland Railway Halloween Train, caernarfon6pm - 9pmDare you take a ride on Caernarfon’s Ghostly Train? If so, put your Halloween costume on and join the spooks and witches as they head for an evening of scary fun and tasty treats at the Snowdonia Park Brewpub, Waunfawr.www.festrail.co.uk

27-29 - Ffestiniog Railway Halloween TrainsPut on your ghoulish costumes and join witches and spooks for an evening of fiendish fun and tasty treats. Take a train ride to Tan y Bwlch for a hot supper and an evening of crazy capers, competitionsand scary surprises.www.festrail.co.uk

29 - Plas yn Rhiw Autumn Adventures11am - 3pmJoin in the autumn adventure at Plas yn Rhiw - play Halloween games, follow the spooky trail, create wild art or explore the woodland, there’s plenty to do!www.nationaltrust.org.uk/llyn-peninsula

29 - Marathon Eryri Llanberis Race starts at 10:30am.The race headquarters is at the Electric Mountain, Llanberis and the race start is just outside the village on the A4086.You can register at the Electric Mountain Visitor Centre from midday until midnight on Friday, 28 October 2016 and again from 6am until 9am on the morning of Saturday, 29 October.www.snowdoniamarathon.co.uk

NOVEMBER

26-27 - Hwyl yr Ŵyl Pwllheli Festive Fun10am - 6pmJoin in the festive celebrations with an array of fun activities including a skating rink, children’s rides, Santa’s grotto, music entertainment, Christmas market and lots more for all ages.Free entry. Payment for rides and skating.www.hwylyrwyl.org

DECEMBER

2-4 - Portmeirion Food & Crafts FestivalA popular annual event which is sure to put you in the festive spirit! Ticket price £4.www.portmeirion.cymru

3-4 - Plas yn Rhiw Christmas Weekend11am - 3pmMeet Father Christmas as he arrives on his horse, play Christmas games and see the house decorated for the festive period. A glass of mulled wine will greet you on arrival!

For more information about other events and activities in Gwynedd, and to tellus about an event go to www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/eventsYou can also find out more about what’s happening in the county by following@cyngorGwynedd on Twitter and ‘like’ the Council on Facebook -www.facebook.com/CyngorGwyneddCouncil

Gwynedd events this autumnMessage from the LeaderThe stark reality of the refugee crisis hit us all when we saw newspaper pictures of the dead three year-old boy from Syria on a beach in Turkey last year. Alan kurdi drowned in the mediterranean as he and his family tried to escape from war.

The hope of reaching a safe haven on the European continent turned into a nightmare. And the nightmare continues for millions, as wars rage on in several countries. Over 65 million people are now described as ‘refugees’ who are trying to escape from oppression and violence in their own native country. More than 20 times the population of Wales; and more than the population of the whole of the United Kingdom. Over a third of the refugees come from Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia - countries where war has become a way of life, or rather a way of death. Millions of people from these and other countries risk everything in order to try to save their lives.

In this global merry-go-round of misery, we have an opportunity to provide help and offer hope to those who despair because of their circumstances. I’m extremely pleased that a number of Gwynedd residents - through several organisations - are offering practical support to refugees. Gwynedd Council, like every other council in Wales, has also offered accommodation to families from Syria and will do likewise to some of the hundreds of those children who have reached the camps in Calais. These children are at risk of becoming homeless as the French authorities plan to demolish the camps. We should not pass by on the other side, but rather do everything we can to show that there is light in a sea of darkness.

A very timely celebration was recently held in Caernarfon on 21 September to mark 90 years since the north Wales Women’s Peace Pilgrimage, with a march and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to show gratitude to the women’s contribution to peace in 1926. Council members had an opportunity to learn more about the history as they watched a short film of the march before our last meeting of the Council.

As with Greenham Common and the nuclear arms race, women were at the forefront in taking a stance for peace. Refugees are a consequence of war; the result of bombing people is to drive them over land and sea to look for somewhere to escape. It is the same vicious thread that links the arms race, wars and refugees.

We shall endeavour here in Gwynedd to stand up for justice and to offer all possible support to families and children in need. Whoever they are and wherever they are from.

Councillor Dyfed EdwardsGwynedd Council Leader

ocTober

november

december

Are you a housing landlord, private rent property agent or someone who lives in a private rented property in wales? If so, the Rent Smart Wales law affects you.

Gwynedd Council is working with the Welsh Government to raise awareness of the law that has been in place for a year and which will be enforced from 23 November 2016 onwards.

“Rent Smart Wales requires every landlord to register and agents or landlords that self-manage to be licenced,” explained Richard Hughes from the Council’s Housing Department.

“The purpose of this new law is to make sure that rent accommodation is safe, well managed and acceptable and that tenants are protected.

“Our message to landlords is simple - if you haven’t yet registered your business, you need to do so now or risk facing a financial penalty. Registering online or over the phone is quick and easy, but if you have any questions, please contact us or pop in to one of our local drop in sessions for a chat.

“On the other hand, if you are a tenant and want to know if your home is registered, you can contact us to find out.”

For more information or to register a property on-line, please visitwww.rentsmart.gov.wales Alternatively, please phone 03000 133344 to request a paper form to complete and return.

Further landlord drop-in sessions will be held between 10am and 3pm at the following locations:

• 4 November Council Offices, Penarlâg, Dolgellau

• 18 November Council Offices, Ffordd y Cob, Pwllheli

• 25 November, Penrallt Council Offices, Caernarfon

Landlords urged to register with Rent Smart Wales

l Geraint Martin and Justin Craig Jones from Gwynedd Council’s Housing Department at a recent Rent Smart Wales drop in session

l Plas yn Rhiw Autumn Adventures

l Snowdonia Marathon

Gwynedd Council

Autumn 2016

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A positive approach to complaints

You can help us to do this by letting us know without delay if you have any concerns or complaints about any aspect of the Council’s work.

“Please tell us if something has gone wrong, we are here to help and dealing with complaints is part of our everyday service,” says Meinir Williams, the Council’s Service Improvement Officer.

“We have recently revised the complaints process and form to make it simpler for people to use. It also now allows people to give positive comments on the services that they receive.

“We try and keep matters as informal

as possible and see things from our customers point of view. Instead of seeing comments by members of the public as criticism, we see them as useful and valuable information to help us improve matters.

“For this reason, the service that deals with the individual’s complaint in the first instance is the one best-placed to put right what has gone wrong.

“Our aim is to respond effectively to any concern before there is any need for it to escalate to a formal complaint, and it is only if it has not been possible to resolve the problem by discussing with the relevant department that they come to me.

“Put simply, it’s all about improving services through good communication and close collaboration between residents and Council staff. If and when something goes wrong, if we are told about it we will listen and take action to improve things.”

Councillor Ioan Thomas, the Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Customer Care matters added: “Our aim is to transform the attitude of our services to complaints so that they see them as a positive opportunity to improve.

“As we have set about introducing this new way of working and thinking, we have already seen examples of this new process taking effect and helping to create better outcomes for the people we serve. Several of our residents have got back in touch with us to tell us that their experience of the process has been straightforward, positive and that they’re happy with the result.

“That’s what’s important to us as a Council: we’re here to deliver the best possible services for the people of Gwynedd, and if there are any examples where that doesn’t happen, then it is the responsibility of our services to get to the root of any problem and resolve it for your benefit.”

Have you received outstanding service from a member of Gwynedd Council staff or a Council team?

Maybe you’ve received really good service from one of our workers over many years, or a recent one-off occurrence has left you impressed with the way a Gwynedd Council team assisted you personally or carried out a project that has really benefitted your community? If so, Gwynedd Council needs your help.

For a number of years, the Council has been holding a short annual ceremony where members of staff who have made an outstanding contribution to local services are recognised.

Importantly, as well as honouring staff who go the extra mile to put Gwynedd people at the heart of everything the Council does, the “Council at Its Best” ceremony is also a springboard to encourage every Council service to learn from excellent service.

In the past, all winners have been nominated by their colleagues. But this year, for the first time, the nomination process is being extended to the Gwynedd public.

Councillor Eric M Jones, the Council’s Chairman, said: “The ‘Council at its Best’ ceremony is a real highlight in the Council calendar. It’s the one time of year where we can show our appreciation in a small way to those members of staff who go the extra mile to ensure that the people of Gwynedd receive the best possible service.

“In these times of stretched resources and shrinking budgets, it can seem like a minor miracle that our members of staff

are able to continue to provide services that the Gwynedd public depend upon on for a fraction of the budget that was once available.

“Of course, we can’t give prizes, but the annual ceremony is our way of saying thank you to those who go above and beyond the call of duty for the benefit of local people.”

Dilwyn Williams, the Council’s Chief Executive added: “As well as developing a positive approach to learning from mistakes and setbacks, we are determined to learn from great service.

“From fun-filled toddler swimming lessons, overnight shelter for people caught up in emergencies and inspiring vulnerable adults to re-gain their independence to award winning new school buildings and trailblazing schemes to promote our Welsh language - many of the 5,000 or so local people who deliver Gwynedd Council services do great work.

“Very often their efforts to put the needs of local people at the heart of everything the Council does goes unnoticed, and that’s a real shame.

“Newyddion Gwynedd readers can really help us by sparing a few minutes to tell us about any examples big or small of excellence that they have come across and filling in the short “Gwobr y Bobl” nomination form.

“Every individual or team which receives a ‘Gwobr y Bobl’ nomination will be considered and an overall winner honoured at the ‘Council at its Best’ ceremony next spring.”

How to submit a complaint or commentn By visiting the Council’s website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/

complaints

n Phoning us on 01766 771000

Gwynedd Council has a simple aim: to put the people of Gwynedd at the centre of everything we do by delivering the best services possible. An important part of this is acknowledging that sometimes things don’t go as they should and using the comments presented as opportunities to put things right and to improve.

Help Gwynedd learn from great service

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I would like to nominate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

for the “Gwobr Y Bobl” Award because . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Newyddion Gwynedd readers can nominate an individual member of Council staff or a team:• by visiting www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/

CouncilAtItsBest• by cutting out and returning the below

form via your local library or Siop Gwynedd

• by posting it to People’s Award, Communications Unit, Gwynedd Council, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 1SH.

The closing date for nominations is 31 January, 2017. All nominations will be considered by the Council Chairman and Vice-Chairman and the winner will be announced in the staff awards ceremony in the spring of 2017.

The winner will receive a certificate and a small trophy. Please keep an eye out for a list of winners in future editions onNewyddion Gwynedd.

A priceless hand up for homeless peopleHere’s one of the previous winners at the Council At Its Best Award ceremony, eleri wyn Hughes (left), receiving her prize from morwena edwards, one of the Council’s Corporate Directors.

Eleri is a Tenancy Support Officer in the Council’s Housing Department.

In the 2016 ceremony, she was recognised for the way she helps homeless people to turn their lives around when they find themselves in a difficult situation, for example by taking them to the Food Bank and helping them register with utility companies and for benefits.

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HH HH The Council at its Best 2017

Gwynedd Council

Autumn 2016 NEWYDDION

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As part of Gwynedd Council’s 21st century school’s programme, more than £38 million has been invested to construct and improve school buildings in communities across the county.

Despite the fact that the Council is continuing to face ever-tightening budgets, the authority is committed to ensuring that Gwynedd’s children and young people have access to the best possible educational resources and facilities.

“We want to see pupils in schools across the county benefitting from the very best educational facilities,” said Councillor Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet

Member for Education.

“I am therefore delighted that work is progressing well on major school construction projects in communities across the county.

“From multi-million pound investments to improve school buildings in the Dolgellau and Bala catchment areas on to the brand-new school building at Ysgol Glancegin in Bangor and the replacement Ysgol Hafod Lon in Penrhyndeudraeth, we remain committed to being ambitious and delivering the very best facilities and opportunities for the county’s young people wherever they live.”

Gwynedd’s 21st century schools

Work gets underway at Ysgol Glancegin in BangorConstruction work is coming along well to develop a new replacement Ysgol Glancegin in the Maesgeirchen area of Bangor. The £5.1 million project which will open its doors in the autumn of 2017 will ensure the best teaching environment, and will include a new outdoor play and educational area.

The new Ysgol Hafod Lon in PenrhyndeudraethGwynedd’s state-of-the-art additional learning needs school will open its doors to pupils from across the Dwyfor and Meirionnydd areas of the county after the half-term break.

The new £13 million school complex in Penrhyndeudraeth will boast the latest facilities and resources including modern and well equipped classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool, therapy rooms, sensory equipment, outdoor areas for play and learning as well as a garden and café.

Ysgol Bro Idris - major upgrading work underway

All of these Gwynedd Council school improvement schemes have been supported with funding from the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme.

£10 million investment in ambitious Y bala Learning campusWork is underway to build an innovative new educational model for Y Bala which will see the development of a 3-19 Learning campus on the site of Ysgol y berwyn in the town.

As well as providing a modern learning environment for the pupils of the area, the

model will safeguard the catchment-area’s rural schools network.

When it officially opens in September 2018, the new campus will also be home to a number of important local services including a newly renovated public library and a community cinema.

Work has started on £4.34 million worth of improvements to buildings across a number of school sites that will unite to form the new Ysgol bro Idris all-through catchment school for 3-16 year-old pupils.

Major upgrading work is underway on the Cynradd Dolgellau site, a new extension has been installed at the Ieuan Gwynedd

site in Rhydymain and improvement works have started at Llanelltyd.

Jano Owen has been appointed headteacher of Ysgol Bro Idris and work is ongoing to appoint further members of the senior management team for the area school which will officially open in September 2017.

Gwynedd Council

NEWYDDION Autumn 2016

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ENsuriNg thE bEst FOr gwyNEDD PuPils Planning of Public ServiceS and gwynedd and ynyS Môn

Whilst the quality of education in Gwynedd schools is currently very good, headteachers and independent educational specialists have identified the need to develop new and innovative ways of working to ensure that this success continues. They have clearly stated that there is a significant risk to educational standards in Gwynedd schools over the coming years unless some changes are made to the current model.

If the objective of providing excellent education to all Gwynedd children is to be achieved, headteachers have said that certain challenges must be addressed. These include:• a lack of adequate time for

headteachers to lead and to steer education in their schools, to develop and to promote good practice, and to effectively manage staff and budgets;

• increasing problems in recruiting headteachers;

• primary schoolteachers often having to teach a wide range of pupils of different ages and abilities in the same class - up to four school years in one class at some times;

• secondary schoolteachers often having to teach several subjects outside their area of expertise.

Arwyn Thomas, Gwynedd Council’s Head of Education, said:

“Over the past year, we have held discussions with Gwynedd headteachers and have listened carefully to them.

“These discussions have been extremely productive and have provided a basis for setting out new initial principles to protect educational standards and for moving

towards the goal of ensuring that all children in the county receive an excellent education that will enable them to live and to thrive locally.

“These initial discussions have confirmed and highlighted the fact that we are facing a challenge in school leadership and that it is increasing on an annual basis.

“Clearly, this is something that we cannot ignore if we are serious about safeguarding the quality of education in the county, including education in rural areas.”

Councillor Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, noted:

“Gwynedd’s school staff are fully committed to providing the best possible education for our children. However, we need to discuss and to agree on new principles in order to avoid a decline over the coming years.

“As an initial step, we have started on this essential work by inviting the county’s school headteachers to define the challenges facing them and we are extremely grateful to them for their willingness to contribute fully to the work. What they have identified is in line with the school inspectorate Estyn’s opinion that good leadership is vital in achieving education of the highest quality for our children.

“Over the next few weeks, we will be visiting communities in all parts of Gwynedd - and we are eager to be develop principles in collaboration with the profession, governors and parents so we can move forward together.”

An opportunity to learn more and have your sayA series of drop-in meetings will be held across Gwynedd during the next few weeks for school governors, parents and the wider community to be a part of the process of developing new educational principles for Gwynedd’s schools:

n 07/11/2016 3pm - 6pm Plas Ffrancon Leisure Centre, Bethesdan 09/11/2016 3pm - 6pm Capel Berea Newydd, Bangorn 14/11/2016 4pm - 7pm Ysgol Brynrefail, Llanrugn 16/11/2016 3pm - 6pm Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle, Penygroesn 18/11/2016 3pm - 6pm Arfon Leisure Centre, Caernarfonn 21/11/2016 3pm - 6pm Penllyn Leisure Centre, Y Balan 23/11/2016 3pm - 6pm Bro Ffestiniog Leisure Centre, Blaenau Ffestiniogn 28/11/2016 3pm - 6pm Glaslyn Leisure Centre, Porthmadogn 30/11/2016 3pm - 6pm Ysgol Ardudwy, Harlechn 05/12/2016 3pm - 6pm Glan Wnion Leisure Centre, Dolgellaun 06/12/2016 3pm - 6pm Ysgol Glan y Môr, Pwllhelin 07/12/2016 3pm - 6pm Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, Tywynn 14/12/2016 3pm - 6pm Canolfan Fenter Congl Meinciau, Botwnnog

The public consultation period will continue until the spring term of 2017 and will then help form the basis of the new vision for the education system in Gwynedd.

Gwynedd Council’s objective is that all the county’s schools equip children and young people to achieve the highest possible standards. The Council is also committed to finding creative ways of safeguarding education in rural communities.

Advertisement

On 1 April 2016 the Welsh Government’s Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act came into force. The purpose of the act is to improve the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales.

Under the act, new Public Service Boards have been set up for each of Wales’ 22 local authority areas. These boards are responsible for making sure that public bodies work together to create a better future for the people of Wales.

For the Gwynedd and Môn areas, both council area boards are working together, in a partnership which includes:• Natural Resources Wales• North Wales Fire and Rescue Service• Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board• Gwynedd Council• Ynys Môn County Council

= local drop in session = public meeting

Date tiMe LoCatioN

07/11/2016 7pm - 9pm tywyn - Ysgol Uwchradd tywyn08/11/2016 2pm - 4pm Dolgellau - Library08/11/2016 7pm - 9pm Dinas Mawddwy - Yr Hen Siop Cafe10/11/2016 2pm - 4pm Criccieth - Memorial Hall10/11/2016 7pm - 9pm Porthmadog - Y Ganolfan21/11/2016 7pm - 9pm Pwllheli - Ysgol Glan Y Môr23/11/2016 2pm - 4pm Penygroes - Canolfan Y Bont23/11/2016 7pm - 9pm Caernarfon - Yr institiwt24/11/2016 2pm - 4pm Bethesda - Neuadd ogwen06/12/2016 7pm - 9pm trawsfynydd - Public Hall08/12/2016 7pm - 9pm Bala - Neuadd Buddug

- - Aberdaron*- - Bangor*- - Blaenau Ffestiniog*- - Llanuwchllyn*

*Time, date and location to follow. Please look out for further details onwww.GwyneddandMonWell-being.org, in the local press or phone 01286 679682.

Help the Board get to know your local areathere’s an opportunity for you to have your say about your local area in a public consultation that’s currently taking place across Gwynedd and Môn. the aim is to find out what’s important to people within their communities and what they would like to see improved for the future.

The Gwynedd and Môn Public Services Board has divided the whole area into 14 smaller areas. A full list of these can be seen on the website www.GwyneddandMonWell-being.org or in your local library from 1 November onwards.

Research has been carried out on behalf of the Board for each of these 14 local areas to learn and understand more about their well-being. As importantly, the Board wants to know what you think about your community - what’s important to you, what’s good and what needs improving?

When the consultation period closes on 31 December 2016, it is hoped that all the feedback collected from the local areas will provide the Board with a clear picture of local communities, their priorities and how the Board partners can work together to plan effectively for the future.

You can have your say in a number of ways:• by visiting www.GwyneddandMonWell-being.org, reading the information booklet for your

local area and completing the online questionnaire;• by picking up a paper copy of the booklet for your area at your local library or Siop Gwynedd

and completing the questionnaire;• by attending one of the local drop-in sessions or public meetings.

Gwynedd Council

Autumn 2016 NEWYDDION

06

The Gwynedd Challenge fact file

Delivering the Gwynedd ChallengeContinued from Page 1

As reported in previous editions of Newyddion, despite efforts over many years to protect front line services, Gwynedd Council can no longer avoid these UK-wide pressures, and in March Councillors approved a two year strategy to tackle Gwynedd’s significant financial shortfall which meant that they had to start implementing some service cuts.

As well as delivering a raft of additional efficiency savings worth £10.5 million to bridge the gap, this strategy includes a plan to deliver £4.9 million of service cuts - £2.6 million in 2016/17 and £2.1 million in 2017/18 with another £0.2 million following in 2018/19.

A Good STArT buT conTInued FIrm FocuS needed

“Since Councillors approved the two year financial strategy in March, our departments have made good progress to implement these difficult and hugely sensitive changes whilst continuing to drive up efficiency,” said Gwynedd Council’s Finance Cabinet Member, Councillor Peredur Jenkins.

“At the half way point in 2016/17, over 70% of the agreed efficiency and cuts projects for the year had been delivered leaving just under a third to be completed by March 2017.

“As can be seen, progress is being made, but it should be remembered that the remainder of the cuts agreed by Councillors in March 2016 - worth £2.1million - are scheduled to be delivered during 2017/18.

“The public will have already started to see the effect of these service cuts and our fervent hope is that the current austerity programme being driven by central government will let up and that we will not have to go further.”

LEARNING FROM SETBACkS AND SuPPORTING REALISTIC ALTERNATIvES TO cuTS

Thanks to the support of local communities, town and community councils, partner organisations and the hard work of Council staff, the vast majority of service cut schemes are being delivered smoothly and every effort is being made to try and soften the impact.

However, with Gwynedd Council entering unchartered financial territory and having to implement hugely complex and sensitive cuts for the first time, it stands to reason that things won’t always be right first time.

“We are now in the unprecedented position of having to implement a large number of service cuts across the full range of services we provide within a short space of time,” explained Gwynedd Council Chief Executive, Dilwyn Williams.

“Given this, it is to be expected that things will not always go to plan. When this happens - as was the case with the scheduling of grass cutting on road verges and in Council-run parks last summer - every effort will be made to correct matters as soon as possible and to learn from the experience.

“By the same token, when realistic proposals are presented to us to avoid service cuts, we will always give them careful consideration. For example, rather than pressing ahead to close a number of public toilets, we are working with town and community councils to try and find new ways of funding these facilities.”

brexIT FALLouT AddS To uncerTAInTY

Since Gwynedd Council approved its two year financial strategy and accompanying service cuts programme in March, the wider economic and political environment has become considerably more complicated and uncertain following the Brexit vote and subsequent change of uk Prime Minister.

“Whilst it is too early to forecast what these fundamental changes will mean for local government funding, it is likely that the implications will be considerable and far-reaching,” said Gwynedd Council Chief Executive, Dilwyn Williams.

“For the period up to March 2018 we are reasonably confident that we will not need to implement additional service cuts over and above those agreed by the Full Councillast March. However, the financial context in which we are operating is largely at the mercy of the government’s fiscal policies and, following the EU referendum vote, there is currently a huge question mark over what happens next.

“Over the past decade, Gwynedd Council’s response to the financial turmoil around us has been to carefully prepare for tougher times. This approach has allowed us to avoid knee-jerk decisions, to discuss options with local people and to base difficult decisions on their priorities.

“With the coming years likely to be even more challenging, we are confident that this approach will continue to hold us in good stead.”

The government’s decision to massively reduce expenditure on local services as part of its austerity agenda means that councils have no option but to resort to unpalatable measures and service cuts simply to balance their books.

In the autumn of 2015 a total of 2,142 local people and over 100 organisations responded to the “Gwynedd Challenge” survey. You said:

n that you wanted the Council to continue to find more efficient ways of working. In response, £26 million of efficiency savings have been approved or delivered, and no stone will be left unturned to deliver even more;

n that you wanted the Council to cut as much spending as possible on the so-called “back office”. In response, spending on these central functions is being cut by an additional £1.07 million on top of the £3.3 million already achieved.

The magnitude of the reductions in government funding means that these steps are not enough to bridge the remaining shortfall. This outstanding sum is being met:n by increasing Council Tax by 3.97% in 2016/17

and 2017/18n by delivering £2.6 million of service cuts in

2016/17 and £2.1 million in 2017/18

During the Gwynedd Challenge public consultation, local people had their say on all 118 possible cut options that the Council could conceivably implement.

41 of the 49 (84%) cuts that councillors decided

to implement matched the priorities receivedfrom local people in the Gwynedd Challenge public consultation survey.

A small number of service cut options were withdrawn from the final list of cuts due to their importance to a specific key sector or to a certain area of the county.

£216million

£48million

£264

mill

ion

270

260

250

240

230

220

210

200

190

180

0

Financial shortfall facing Gwynedd Council

Estimated Shortfall

Gwynedd Council

NEWYDDION Autumn 2016

07

“uncertain and challenging future” for Welsh councils says IFSAccording to a report published by the Institute of Fiscal Studies in September, Gwynedd and the 21 other Welsh councils could face a potential 5.9% real-terms cut to their budgets on top of the significant cuts already experienced.

Detailing the sustained, real-terms cuts set to hit Wales’ already reduced public finances the ‘Welsh Budgetary trade-offs to 2019-20’ report outlines how:• the Welsh Government could face a further

3.2% cut to its budget over the next 3 years.• a complete loss of European Union grants,

if not made up by the UK Government, would result in a £500 million a year post-Brexit shortfall for Wales.

• any failure to replace Wales’ EU funding would more than double the amount of cuts between now and 2020.

• councils in Wales face a potential 5.9% real-terms cut to their budget on top of the cuts already experienced in recent years.

• protecting core public services like education and social care will force councils to cut 23% from unprotected services like culture, leisure and housing which have already experienced reductions of between 20% and 50%.

Commenting on the report Councillor Bob Wellington, Leader of the Welsh Local Government Association said:

“This report confirms that austerity is here to stay and that local councils face a highly uncertain and difficult future.

“We have already seen action being taken to stabilise the UK economy following the vote to leave the EU, we now need to see action to stabilise public funding.

“The EU referendum result was not factored in to the UK’s continued policy of austerity, and they must re-look at the cuts that are planned. Even a slight lessening of austerity would result in an additional £90 million for the Welsh Government, which would go a long way to alleviating some of the financial pressure being placed on local public services in Wales.”

Councillor Aaron Shotton, WLGA Deputy Leader and Finance Spokesperson added:

“Local councils are bearing the brunt of austerity. For the worst affected services, spend is at levels not experienced since the 1990s and this report concludes that there will be no let up.

“Austerity has some distance to go and there is a real need to re-look at how we deliver and fund local services in Wales as a whole.

“It is imperative that we now work with the Welsh Government to begin a process of financial reform, as recommended by the Independent Commission on Local Government Finance. We need to build a finance system that is fit for purpose and capable of supporting the local public services our communities need.”

For more information please visit www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/wastecollection

How to register for the new waste collection service - it’s as easy as !

CoNTACT uSn ON THE COuNCIL WEBSITE:

www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/wastecollection where you can register for the service. If you haven’t used Gwynedd Council online services before, you will need to create an account which will take a few seconds.

n OvER THE PHONE - if you don’t have internet access you can register by phoning 01766 771000 or by visiting one of the three Siop Gwynedd offices at Caernarfon, Dolgellau and Pwllheli.

MAke A SeCure ONliNE PaymENt

Pay with your debit or credit card using the secure online system. The Council uses an external secure service to handle all payments - much like if you’re shopping online. If you’re making the arrangement in person or over the phone, you can pay with a bank card, cash or cheque.

reCeive your PACk

Look out for a welcome pack which will be sent to you in the post once you have registered. This will include stickers to put on your brown bin to show the collection teams that you have paid for the service and instructions of how the new system works.

1 2 3

From January 2017 onwards, because of the much publicised financial pressures facing all public services,Gwynedd Council will be charging people an annual fee for collecting garden waste from the brown wheelie bin.

Over the next few weeks, all Gwynedd homes will receive a letter through the post explaining the changes. If you do not use the brown garden waste wheelie bin these changes will not affect you and you don’t need to do anything.

But if you do use the brown wheelie bin for garden waste, you will need to decide

if you want to continue receiving the fortnightly service for an annual fee of £33 for a standard wheelie bin (240 litres).

If you produce more than one bin full of garden waste every two weeks, you can have your extra bin emptied for an additional £28 per year (maximum of three bins per household).

In essence, this means that over the course of a year, for £33 you will receive 25 garden waste collected from your doorstep.

Councillor John Wynn Jones, the Council’s Cabinet member for the environment, said:

“Unfortunately, like so much of the public sector, the Council has had to look at all services and decide if there are any which we can charge a fee for, so that we can limit the impact of cuts on absolutely essential services such as care and schooling.

“One of the services we have decided to start charging a fee for is the garden waste collection. I understand fully that many people who have had this service for free for many years will feel put out by the change, but in fact Gwynedd is one of the few remaining Welsh councils to still be offering this service free of charge.

“I think that maybe other Gwynedd residents, who don’t have a garden, may be pleased that they are no longer paying for a service that they cannot use. Savings we will recoup from not providing it free of charge any longer will be ploughed back into the Council’s waste and recycling services.

“Any Gwynedd householder who is interested in paying for this service - which works out at around £1.32 per collection - should follow the simple steps to register for the new arrangements, which will come into force on 9 January 2017.”

1 2 3

Your garden waste collection is changing

Gwynedd Council

Autumn 2016 NEWYDDION

08

Gwynedd’s new way of caringPeople receiving social care at the moment - for instance those with disabilities or long term medical conditions and their families - may well have heard about the changes being brought about by the Welsh Government’s Social Care and Wellbeing Act.

But the chances are that these changes will touch the lives of most of us at one time or another in the future.

As we are all more likely to live to a good age, far more of us are also likely to develop the health problems or disabilities that often come with getting older. Because of this, and the fact that funding for public services is under increasing pressure, authorities like Gwynedd Council are now developing more sustainable ways of looking after people and new ways of supporting

people to care for themselves and each other.

The Council will be working more and more with third sector organisations - such as voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises - to provide essential services.

At the core of the new act are independence and choice:

n helping people to retain their independence and continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible despite medical conditions;

n more choice about the type of services people receive and who provides it, if or when more medical care is needed.

One condition that’s on the increase because of an ageing population is dementia.

Gwynedd Council is focusing on ways of supporting people who have the condition to live safely in their own community for as long as possible.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “At times, life can be difficult, confusing and frightening for someone who has dementia, but we can all do small,

practical things to make life easier and better for our friends and neighbours who are living with the condition.

“As a Council we are working with the Alzheimer’s Society to give as many people, businesses and groups as possible training in how they can help people who have dementia.

“By reaching certain milestones, people can receive a ‘Dementia Friend’ accreditation and a town or village can gain ‘Dementia Friendly’ status.”

Porthmadog takes the leadPorthmadog is the first area in Gwynedd to achieve “Dementia Friendly” status and other communities across Gwynedd are working hard to match the Eifionydd town.

In Port, weekly sessions are held at the leisure centre for both those who have the condition and their carers. For many, it’s an opportunity to meet others in similar situations, to leave their worries at the door and to relax for a few hours.

A steering group has also been set up which meets regularly to fundraise and to organise awareness raising events.

Emma Quaeck, who works for the Council’s Healthy Gwynedd initiative, has been a driving force behind the campaign in Porthmadog. She has visited many businesses, banks and service providers to teach staff how they can help people who have dementia.

Emma said: “I think that it’s important that we raise awareness of the effects of dementia and why the condition occurs. It can affect the way someone moves, communicates and their behaviour.

“By speaking to businesses and other organisations we can tackle the stigma associated with it and help them provide the right sort of service, so that people can retain their independence and dignity.”

Dozens of local people came together recently at the Glaslyn Leisure Centre to take part in a Boccia competition. Many have first-hand experience of the condition. The aim of the session was to raise awareness of the condition and also of the importance of taking part in social activities and of keeping healthy and active.

One of the people who has signed up to the Dementia Friendly scheme is local postman, Bleddyn Williams. The cause is very close to his heart as his own mother had the condition.

He said: “I think that it’s a good idea for us the postal workers to be signed up to the scheme, as we see people every day and we can keep an eye on those who may

need some extra support. I think too many people would look the other way or not see the problems that may face people who have dementia.

“I am now a Dementia Champion as part of the scheme, and have been training some of my colleagues to be Dementia Friends, so that they know what the condition means and how they can help.”

You’ve got a friendYou’ve got a friend

Gwynedd Council

NEWYDDION Autumn 2016

09

Gwynedd’s new way of caring Wanted: more homecare workers

One of the services valued most by Gwynedd residents is the home care provided to older and vulnerable people.

And if this service is to continue to develop in the future, more people will be needed as homecare workers.

Currently, almost 300 staff work as homecare workers for the county’s in-house home care service, between them providing more than 5,500 hours of service every week.

With a significantly higher proportion of people over 65 years old in Gwynedd than in Wales as a whole, and with the number continually on the rise, there is an ever increasing need for such carers in the county.

This is why the Council’s in-house Domiciliary Care Agency is making a direct appeal for Gwynedd residents to consider working as a carer.

“We are currently in the process of recruiting new members of staff to join our team of dedicated workers to do this valuable and important work,” said Huw Ceiriog, from the Council’s Adults, Health and Wellbeing Department.

“I would like to encourage Newyddion Gwynedd readers to seriously consider offering themselves for such work.

“We want to stress that what we are looking for are conscientious, reliable and kind individuals, and not necessarily any specific qualifications.

“Of course, we will be giving special consideration to people who have experience of working in care, or to students who are about to finish their studies in the subject.

“On the other hand, there are a great many people living amongst us who could make a real difference to the lives of elderly and vulnerable people in the county by offering a helping hand so they may continue to live independently in their own homes.”

There is a particularly acute need for carers in rural areas, especially in south Meirionnydd.

“I’m certain that there are people in these areas who could serve as excellent carers,” said Huw Ceiriog.

“Ideally, we are seeking people to work over 25 hours a week, but we can offer contracts for fewer hours and flexibility for people with other commitments.

“We offer fixed contracts and all kinds of benefits such as holiday pay, travel costs, paid travel time and an attractive pension scheme.

“If you do not have any qualifications, you will get training and have time working with an experienced carer to know the ropes.

“Without doubt, this kind of work offers a worthwhile career and the satisfaction of knowing that you bring joy and happiness to the lives of many of our fellow residents by enabling them to continue to live independently in their own homes.”

Dementia Factsn Dementia will affect one in every 14

people over 65 years of age

n There are nearly 2,000 people diagnosed with the condition currently living in Gwynedd - the second highest proportion of all the north Wales counties

For more information about the dementia Friend scheme or how to make your community better for those living with the condition, go to the Alzheimer’s Society website www.dementiafriends.org.uk

aPPly tODay!If you think that you fit the bill for a post as a homecare worker, please get in touch with the Council for more information and an application form - go towww.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/jobsor telephone 01341 424534.

The Council is especially keen to recruit people in the Meirionnydd area.

As a Gwynedd Council employee, you would benefit from:

• fixed hours contract; • training programme; • staff benefits, pension and

holiday pay;• traveling expenses, uniform and

dbS paid for.

Independence,community and supportWork is progressing well on the major extra care housing development at Hafod y Gest, with the building set to be completed next autumn.

Hafod y Gest - which is a partnership between Gwynedd Council and Grŵp Cynefin - will allow older people from the Porthmadog area to benefit from an independent lifestyle in a safe and homely community with flexible care services.

It will feature 40 modern, one and two bedroom apartments. It will also have a community hub, including activity and hobbies rooms, fitness, beauty and therapy rooms, a lounge and a restaurant. These facilities will also be made available to older people from the wider community.

“Like the successful extra care housing schemes we have developed with partners at Cysgod y Coleg in Y Bala and Cae Garnedd near Bangor, Hafod y Gest in Porthmadog will provide residents with independence whilst knowing that support is

on-hand if required,” said Councillor Gareth Roberts, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Care.

“Living in extra care housing means that you live in your own home, with your own front door, and couples can stay together. You decide who comes in, and you decide if you want to take part in the variety of leisure and communal activities available.”

Councillor Roberts added: “We understand that everyone has different support needs, therefore care and support packages will be individually tailored to ensure that residents receive the level of support required, if needed. An experienced care team will promote independent living whilst respecting the dignity, privacy and choices of the residents.”

If you’re aged 55 or older, and feel that you would benefit from the features and support that the Hafod y Gest extra care scheme can provide, contact Grŵp Cynefin on 0300 111 2122.

l An artist impression of how the Hafod y Gest extra care Housing development will look

Homecarer, Mair Jones during a visit with Eira Parry in Llandderfel near Y Bala

Gwynedd Council

Autumn 2016 NEWYDDION

10

Staying safe this winteras winter approaches, it’s worth reminding yourself about what the Council does to help communities when the weather turns cold and, just as importantly, how you can prepare and help yourself before any snow and ice or particularly wet weather arrives.

The Council closely monitors the weather forecasts, with a dedicated team of gritters on stand-by ready for action when needed. The Council salt barns are fully stocked with thousands

of tonnes of salt ready for any cold snap.

When road surfaces are forecast to fall below freezing within a 24 hour period, the Council’s gritting teams are deployed to spread salt on 670 miles of main routes before temperatures plummet. The main roads prioritised include bus routes and roads to hospitals to allow access for emergency vehicles and the safe movement of traffic.

When a prolonged period of freezing conditions is expected, or when snow has fallen, other roads will be treated as soon as possible after the gritting teams have ensured the primary routes are clear.

Details of the priority gritting routes are available to view on interactive maps on the Council website:www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/emergency and click on the ‘Snow and Ice’ tab.

Icy roadsFrost, ice or snow on the road will reduce the grip of tyres - this makes you more likely to skid. So, slow down, drive carefully, brake gently and leave plenty of time for your journey.

s Carry an emergency pack, including an ice scraper and de-icer, a torch, warm clothes and a blanket, food and drink, boots, a first-aid kit, battery, jump leads and a spade (to dig your car out of the snow). Also, keep your mobile phone

and car charger with you, as well as a radio, torch and extra batteries.

s Carry spare bulbs, fuses and a warning triangle.

s Check that all lights are clean and working. Use headlights if there is poor visibility.

s Leave bigger gaps between you and the vehicle in front.

s Keep a careful eye on other people using the road and watch out for children playing and other pedestrians.

Above all - WATCH YOuR SPEED.

winter driving There can be extreme dangers if you’re caught in a snowstorm. What can you do to protect yourself and your vehicle by planning ahead?

s Before winter arrives, make sure your vehicle is serviced and properly maintained. Check that your tyres are in good condition and inflated correctly.

s Remember to always check the weather forecast before starting your trip. Either tune into your local radio station for regular travel news updates or check the Council and partner website and social media feeds for the latest information before setting off.

s Ask yourself, ‘Is my journey necessary?’, if not, then don’t travel. If it is, then plan your journey using the primary road network.

s Find out if you can use public transport.

s Allow extra time for your journey. s Clear the windows before setting off. s Ensure your vehicle has suitable anti-

freeze added to its radiator and low-freezing screen-wash to the washer bottle.

s Make sure the windscreen wipers are working properly and that the windscreen-washer bottle is full and contains screen-wash.

s In cold conditions always drive with extra care and never assume that a road has been gritted.

s Use dipped headlights when driving in rain, fog or snow.

s Always keep plenty of fuel in your tank. Making your

home safe for winterWhilst the Council and its partners will always endeavour to help vulnerable people during extreme weather, if you live in an isolated area, try to ensure that you have sufficient heating fuel for your house. Arrange that you have alternative heating equipment plus sufficient fuel in case the electricity supply is cut off.

If you can, try to check that family and friends who are vulnerable, such as the elderly are safe and well. Make sure that they are warm enough and have enough food and medicines so that they don’t need to go out during very cold weather.

There’s a new, easy-to-remember number to call when the power goes out. 105 is a new number to call if you have a power cut. The free to call number will put you through to your local electricity network operator - the company that manages the wires and substations that bring electricity into your home.

You can call the number from most landlines and mobile phones. It doesn’t matter who you choose to buy your electricity from - anyone can call 105. The public can also call 105 if they spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put themselves, or someone else, in danger. If there is a serious immediate risk, people should call the emergency services too.

To find out more, visit www.powercut105.com

Snow and ice

Don’t be left in the dark

The latest newsRemember that you can keep up-to-date with the latest news about Council services and information about any roads or areas affected by extreme weather by following the Council’s social media accounts.

Join more than 12,000 people who follow Gwynedd Council’s Twitter feed for the latest news and alerts.

Follow us on @cyngorGwynedd

You can also follow the Council’s Facebook page for the latest information - search for ‘cyngor Gwynedd Council’.

For more information about staying safe this winter, visit:www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/emergency

FloodingOne in six properties in Wales is at risk of flooding - is yours is one of them?

To find out if your house or business is at risk, or to sign-up to receive alerts when flood warnings are issued in your area, visit the Natural Resources Wales website: www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk or call Floodline: 0345 988 1188.

Whilst the Council will try to supply sandbags to people who ask for them if there is a high risk of imminent flooding to their property, it should be remembered that the owner is responsible for protecting a property from flooding.

Remember, when there is severe weather, the Council’s workforce will likely be attending to a large number of incidents across the county. In such circumstances, the Council’s ability to supply sandbags will depend on the extent and severity of floods and the number of simultaneous incidents being addressed.

Preparation is the best line of defence - very little can be done once water levels have risen. So, if you live in a flood risk area, we advise you to have sandbags or flood-boards ready to block doorways and airbricks. Please don’t rely on agencies who will likely be attending to various incidents to provide sandbags at the last minute when flooding occurs.

In case of flooding:

s Prepare a list of useful telephone numbers e.g. the Council, emergency services, your insurance company, Natural Resources Wales Floodline and keep it to hand.

s If it’s safe to do so, check that vulnerable friends and family know about any flood warnings issued.

s Assume that flood water contains sewage or is contaminated. Ensure that you wear plastic / rubber gloves when handling affected items.

s Put together a ‘flood kit’ including a torch, blankets, waterproof and warm clothing, wellingtons, a portable radio and batteries, first aid kit, rubber gloves, food and any important personal documents.

s In the event of a flood switch off gas, water and electricity.

s Store valuable or sentimental personal belongings upstairs or in a high place downstairs. If it’s safe to do so, remove vehicles to areas unaffected by flooding.