In this edition…

NEWYDDIONwww.gwynedd.gov.uk 01766 771000 @cyngorgwynedd cyngorgwyneddcouncil

Gwynedd Council News Spring 2015 Issue 46

Once again this year Gwynedd Council will have to contend with receiving far less money than it needs to run local services in 2015/16, as a result of further huge cuts in the funding from the Government.

With around three quarters of the money Gwynedd has available to run local services coming directly from central government, and with local demand for services such as care for older residents growing significantly, the pressure on the Council budget is becoming increasingly acute.

For the 2015/16 financial year, the funding gap facing Gwynedd Council stands at £13.2 million with £7.1 million of this arising from a reduction in the grant Gwynedd receives from the Welsh Government.

As has been the case for a number of years, the Council is doing everything possible to reduce this sum by finding more efficient and cost effective ways of working to limit the need for service cuts.

So far, for 2015/16 alone, Gwynedd’s efficiency drive has successfully reduced

Savings strategy buys time tocarefully plan difficult decisions

the shortfall by £8.7 million leaving £4.5 million that will have to be addressed in other ways.

A Council Tax increase of 4.5% - which will see a Band D Gwynedd household paying an extra 96p a week - will reduce this remaining gap by £2.5 million, with the Council addressing a further £2 million without making service cuts in 2015/16.

Eventually, this £2 million may unfortunately have to be found from service cuts in the future. However, by using £2 million of the Council’s general balances to fund the gap for 2015/16 only, the authority has given itself time to consult in detail with residents on these future cuts.

“During our recent ‘Gwynedd Challenge’ public consultation, over 1,700 local people gave us their views on the two biggest issues the Council has ever faced - unprecedented cuts to our budget and the rapidly increasing demand for some key services,” said Gwynedd Council’s Resources Cabinet Member, Councillor Peredur Jenkins.

“Two things were clear from the response - local people say that they understand and appreciate the critical financial position facing the Council and that they want us to continue to do everything possible to avoid cutting services.

“We have listened carefully to what Gwynedd people have said, and in response we have put in place a series of one-off measures that will allow us to continue to avoid outright service cuts for

a further 12 months.

Effectively we are buying ourselves a year of breathing space in which to wring out any remaining efficiency savings, to discuss longer term options with local people and to plan ahead carefully.

“It should be stressed however that this does not in any way take away from the fact that the total funding gap that remains for the period between now and 2017/18 continues to be estimated at £34 million. Given this stark situation, it is inevitable that service cuts will unfortunately be needed from April 2016 onwards.”

Meeting the Gwynedd Challenge - turn to pages 6 - 7 to find out how the Council is responding to what you told us during the recent county-wide Gwynedd Challenge consultation.

Gwynedd’s 2015/16 budget in a nutshell - turn to pages 8-9 to find out what you and your family get for your money from Gwynedd Council.

Gwynedd’s recycling revolution is reachingMeirionnydd this spring following a highlysuccessful roll out of the new waste collectionarrangements to 15,000 households in Dwyforlast October.

The work of distributing the purpose built “Cartgylchu” recycling cart to households in Meirionnydd has now started and it is expected that all suitable homes in the area will have received their cart by the summer.

Made up of three blue boxes on wheels into which recyclable materials can be conveniently ‘posted’ through a slot on each box - paper and card in the top; plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays and cartons in the middle and glass bottles, jars, cans, tins, foil and aerosols in the bottom - the Cartgylchu can simply be wheeled out to the kerbside ready for the Council’s weekly recycling collection.

“The Cartgylchu system has proved to be extremely popular in helping thousands of Dwyfor residents to make full use of the Council’s weekly household recycling collections. I’m sure it will prove to be just as popular with the people of Meirionnydd,” said Gwynedd Council’s

Gwynedd’s green revolution: nextstop Meirionnydd

Turn to page 5 to find out more about these changes

Environment Cabinet Member, Councillor John Wynn Jones.

As part of the changes, later on this spring changes will be introduced to the left over waste collection (the green wheeled bin or three black bags) for the Meirionnydd area.

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.

l Could you become a foster carer? - Page 3

l Council Chairman’s year of fund raising - Page 3

l The Meirionnydd Cartgylchu roll out get’s underway in Tywyn

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

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April

5 - Triathlon Pwllheli, Pwllheli.Sprint Triathlon with distances achievable for most including a 400m swim, 20km cycle race and 5km run.www.plasheli.org

6 - Eisteddfod Uwchmynydd.Ysgol Crud-Y-Werin, Aberdaron from 4pm.

25 - Lend me your ears, Powis Hall, Bangor.A North Wales conference for individuals and families with hearing loss. i.r.cooke@bangor.ac.uk 01248 382255

May

4 - Nefyn Agricultural Show, Nefyn.www.sioenefynshow.com

8-10 - All Wales Boat Show, Pwllheli.A unique festival of water-based activities attracting over 100 exhibitors and on average 3,500 visitors including watersports enthusiasts and those that wish to get on the water or soak up the action.www.allwalesboatshow.com

16-17 - Slateman Triathlon, Llanberis.Trail triathlon consisting of a full and sprint option. The event showcases the beauty of Gwynedd and with its European festival feel; the Slateman gives all competitors and spectators alike the chance to have a great all round race experience.www.SnowdoniaSlateman.com

June

7 - Bala Middle Distance Tri, Y Bala.A great race set in the stunning and beautiful National Park and voted as one of the ten toughest races in the UK. It’s an ideal race for someone preparing for Ironman with a 2000m swim in Llyn Tegid, a 80km cycle race and a 10km run along the lake. www.wrecsamtri.org.uk/High5

13 - Dysynni Trail Fest.A flat, fast scenic course awaits runners at the inaugural Dysynni Trail Fest with a series of four races ranging from 1.45km Fun Run, to a 5, 10 & 15km. www.wats-on-events.com

13-21 - Criccieth Festival, Criccieth.Spectacular array of musical performances ranging from choirs to jazz.www.cricciethfestival.co.uk

For more information about other events and activities in Gwynedd, and to tell us about an event go to: www.gwynedd.gov.uk/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

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JUNE

n Slateman Triathlon, Llanberis

Hop into Gwyneddevents this spring

Don’t lose your vote in 2015

Message from the Leader

With the Westminster elections less than two months away, Gwynedd Council is encouraging any local residents not yet registered to vote, to make sure that they’re on the register come the 7 May poll.

Remember, if you’re not registered you won’t have a chance to have your say in electing MPs for the Arfon and Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituencies.

Dilwyn Williams, Electoral Registration Officer for Gwynedd Council, said:

“I would urge anyone not yet registered to vote to do so as soon as possible.

“Some people may think that they’re

automatically registered because they pay Council Tax, but this isn’t the case as everyone must officially register. It’s a simple process to register to vote and only takes a few minutes.”

To make sure that you have a vote in the Westminster elections, please register before the 20 April, 2015 deadline. Registering is quick and simple, just visit: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or contact Gwynedd Council’s electoral registration office on: 01286 679058 orelection@gwynedd.gov.uk

The future of the Welsh language in Gwynedd and in the rest of Wales is a subject of a wide-ranging discussion and attracts a host of ideas about what needs to be done. Whilst every constructive suggestion from organisations and individuals can contribute towards ensuring a positive future for the language, there is sometimes a danger that we complicate the situation and forget the fundamental objective, which is to create new Welsh speakers.

Historically, Gwynedd Council has seen the role of schools as crucial in the work of sustaining the Welsh language in the county. For over 40 years we have implemented a policy of putting the Welsh language at the heart of our network of schools – in the classroom and beyond.

It is no exaggeration to say that the history of the Welsh language in Gwynedd would be very different were it not for the magnificent work that takes place in our schools, the marvellous commitment of our teachers, and the support of governors and parents. Undoubtedly, the education system in Gwynedd – from our language centres to our secondary schools – has produced a new generation of Welsh speakers, and so ensuring a future for Welsh as a community language in our county.

The key importance of the education system’s ability to ensure a future for the Welsh language led to Gwynedd Council’s decision to establish a Welsh Language Charter for the county’s primary schools.

This plan is now embedded throughout Gwynedd and the work of teachers, governors and the children themselves is bearing fruit. The Welsh Government is now encouraging Wales’ other counties to adopt the Charter’s principles.

I was particularly pleased therefore to attend the Bangor Area Primary Schools Jamboree recently to join in the celebrations with around 350 children, teachers and parents. It was a great experience to be part of the fun and excitement and the children’s enthusiasm was a joy to see.

The Language Charter encourages children to use Welsh not only in the classroom but also socially, whatever their background or their community’s linguistic pattern may be. This of course is not an easy task, even in a county like Gwynedd where the Welsh language is seen and heard around us daily. I do believe however that the Charter’s success is that the children and young people themselves are champions for the Welsh language in the positive and natural way.

We all have an opportunity to play our part in creating an opportunity for a new generation of Welsh speakers, by providing encouragement, support and inspiration to others. But above all, we will be breathing new life to the Welsh language by speaking it. A heartfelt thanks to the schools of Gwynedd for the inspiration and for the experience of seeing a new confidence in the language among tomorrow’s generation in our own special county.

Councillor Dyfed EdwardsGwynedd Council Leader

There’s no need to wait for the next edition of Newyddion Gwynedd to keep up with the latest news from the Council.

Thousands of local people already receive the latest news about Gwynedd Council and local services daily by following the Council’s social media accounts.

To keep up with the latest developments - everything from new local services to community events and severe weather updates follow:

@CyngorGwynedd on TwitterCyngorGwyneddCouncil on Facebook@CyngorGwynedd on Instagram

Newyddion Gwynedd as it happens

l Councillor Dyfed Edwards speaks to some of the children who attended the recent jamboree in Bangor

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Could you help a child in need?Councillor Mair rowlands, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “There are currently 190 children in foster care in the county. Gwynedd Council’s Social Services is always looking for more people who are interested in taking up this all important role.

“Without carers, many young people would have to move away from their home, extended family, friends and school to be brought up”.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer, contact Gwynedd Council’s Fostering Team on: 01286 682660 or fostering@gwynedd.gov.uk

Thirty five years of golden memoriesAge was no restriction for rosemary Duggan from Bangor, who continued to be a foster carer well into her eighties. She has recently retired after 35 years, taking in more than 40 youngsters and even young mothers and their babies.

Mrs Duggan said: “I enjoyed it and will miss it terribly. I still get letters, cards and photographs from many of them and some come to visit me. It’s nice to keep in touch with them and to remember them. I know I will never lose touch with some of them.

“It has been hard work all of these years, especially as some of the children have had difficult and unstable times and I’ve had to help them learn how to live. But it has been very rewarding work.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a foster carer to go ahead with it and to persevere even if things don’t always go well. It’s not always going to be perfect and you have to accept each child as an individual.”

An inspiration at 21Stephanie Lomas from Bethel is the youngest registered foster carer in Gwynedd, at the tender age of 21.

Her parents, Brian and Kath Lomas are also registered foster carers and this is what inspired Stephanie to put herself forward to offer respite placement for children.

Having worked with children as a classroom assistant Stephanie had a natural interest in children and becoming a foster carer appeared to be a natural progression for her.

Stephanie said: “I had never thought that I would be considered suitable to foster children because of my age and also because I do not have experience of bringing up my own children. But it was explained to me that this was not an obstacle.

“I love being in the company of children and after seeing the difference my parents made for children I started to make enquiries and am now thrilled to be a registered foster carer myself.”

raising children is the most important job anyone could ever have - any parent will tell you. But if the parents or extended family are unable to care for a child or young person, what happens to them?

There are currently 96 foster carers registered in Gwynedd. They are the un-sung heroes of our society, willing to take a child into their homes at the drop of a hat, to look after them for a few hours or to raise them for weeks or months at a time.

Here, Newyddion Gwynedd speaks to three sets of foster carers about their very different experiences.

Silver service for Gwynedd’s childrenHaving a sense of humour and to take each child as he or she comes has been key for Victor and Glenys Chocalingum from Llanllyfni, who have decided to retire from being foster carers after a quarter of a century of service.

Glenys said: “There must have been 50 or 60 children who have stayed with us - some for just a couple of hours, others for months and years. The youngest was a six hour-old baby.”

Victor added: “The important thing was always make sure the child felt safe and comfortable. The only thing that was important to us was that the child was happy and not afraid. We always treated all the children as if they were our own.”

The couple said that they would encourage others to consider fostering, and their own daughter has been a foster carer for 15 years.

l Stephanie Lomas

l Rosemary Duggan

l Victor and Glenys Chocalingum (centre) with Gwynedd Council social workers Margaret Ewing and Paul Jones

Could you become a foster carer?

A busy year for the Council ChairmanAs his year as chairman of Gwynedd Council draws to a close, Councillor Dewi Owen from Aberdyfi looks back at a busy 12 months.

Councillor Owen said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the job and it has been a great honour to represent the Council.

“During my time as Chairman, I have been able to support the Hope House charity, which helps children from all over Gwynedd. I decided to support this cause after reading in the press about the good work it does.”

During his year in office, Councillor Owen was able to combine his support for this worthy cause and his passion for promoting local produce when he held a charity breakfast on his farm, in conjunction with the Farmers’ Union of Wales.

The highlight of the year took place earlier this month with a grand charity concert held at Porthmadog, again in aid of Hope House

featuring the Welsh Three Tenors and the Oakley Youth Band.

Marking the end of his term in office, Councillor Dewi Owen will host a service at St Peter’s Church, Aberdyfi on Sunday, 26 April at 2 o’clock.

Councillor Owen added: “The Chairman’s Service hasn’t been held in Gwynedd for a number of years and I’m pleased to resurrect it. Local people will be taking part and all are welcome.”

If you would like to make a donation to Councillor Owen’s designated charity Hope House, please contact Sian Ellis Williams on 01286 679666 or email: SianEllisWilliams@gwynedd.gov.uk l The stars of the Chairman’s gala concert

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Gwynedd Council’s Carbon Management Plan was adopted in 2010 to reduce the carbon footprint of the Council’s activities - and to save energy costs.

By now, our efforts to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions have led to financial savings of £600,000 a year from our electricity and fuel bills, and 7,653 tons of CO2 per year. That’s enough carbon dioxide to fill 7,653 hot

air balloons or 45,918 double decker buses. Indeed, this is a reduction of 25% compared with the Council’s carbon emissions back in 2005.

We hope to further increase these savings over the next few years by continuing to upgrade equipment, to make our buildings

more efficient, and to save energy by using our buildings and equipment more efficiently.

A drive to save energy at a Gwynedd leisure centre has proved to be a major success, leading to a growth in its popularity and the income it generates.

Since 2005, the Pavilion Leisure Centre in

Barmouth has managed to lower its use of gas and electricity by more than half - leading to a remarkable 57.7% reduction in its CO2 emissions.

The thousands of pounds saved on energy bills have been invested in improving the facilities for customers - a move which has led to a 30% increase in membership.

The Pavilion Leisure Centre is one of many buildings across Gwynedd to undergo key improvements over the past five years to improve energy efficiency. As part of this program a new streamlined boiler system, more efficient lighting and a new heat regulation system were installed at the Pavilion.

Another factor in the success of the Pavilion Leisure Centre in saving energy has been the commitment of staff, who can now manage their heating system online to

minimise any potential energy wastage.Duty manager Craig Papirnyk said: “When we got our budget three or four years ago, it became obvious we had to save money.

“We cannot expect to make a massive income. We reach our income target each year, but what we try to do is spend less on other things - and our use of electricity, gas and water is something that is under our control.

“We make sure the printers are on power save mode, that the computers are off when they’re not needed. If the sauna isn’t being used, it isn’t switched on.

“Every hour, we do an internal building check and, if we know there’s nobody in the building, then the lights shouldn’t be on. There are switches on the way into the rooms and the customers are more than happy to turn them on themselves.”

Making significant savings on their energy bills has allowed the leisure centre to invest money in other things, which in turn has resulted in a big increase in people becoming members.

Craig added: “When we discovered we were saving around £20,000 a year on our utility bills, we realised we could then invest in fitness equipment, which encourages more people to use the building.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve invested about £10,000 in the gym on various machines that our customers are demanding.

“Whilst we’re saving on one hand, we’re actually starting to make money on the other, because we’re getting more and more people through the door.”

Savings that make sense

Pavilion Leisure Centre delivers huge energy savings7,653 45,918

orl Councillor John Wynn Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member

for the Environment and Barmouth local member Councillor Gethin Glyn Williams speak to leisure centre staff about the savings

l Councillor John Wynn Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Ffion Williams, from the Council’s Energy Saving Team, take a look at the new streamline boiler at the leisure centre

The old Bishop’s Palace in Bangor – or the Town Hall – will soon be ready as the new home for the Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery.

Most of the renewal work is complete at the historic building, which dates back to the 16th century, and it is now being refurbished to house a wealth of fascinating collections.

On completion, the new centre which will open in the autumn will boast two gallery spaces, three museum spaces, a large learning space and a cafe and shop.

The £2.6 million scheme - led by Gwynedd Council with financial help from the Lottery Heritage Fund and other organisations - is aimed at creating a cultural centre for the whole of Gwynedd, which will provide an insight into our county’s history.

It will also enable collections of Bangor University artefacts to be exhibited to the public.

Photographer Alan Whitfield has been capturing the changes taking place at the

historic building, and Councillor Mandy Williams-Davies, the Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for the Economy and the Arts, visited the site recently.

“This is an exciting development that will provide a cultural centre for the whole of Gwynedd as well as restoring one of Bangor’s oldest buildings to its former glory,” she said.

“I’m certain that it will become a popular attraction that will contribute greatly to improving our understanding of our county’s rich history, as well as a boost to our local economy.

“I’m delighted to see the work progressing so well, and look forward eagerly to seeing the museum opening in the autumn.”

For more information please visitwww.amgueddfagwyneddmuseum.org

Councillor Mandy Williams-Davies, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy, with Esther Roberts, Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery Project Manager, on the site on the new development.

Museum for the future

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Meirionnydd’s going green

Well done Dwyfor!

The one other change to the way household waste is collected in Meirionnydd relates to leftover waste collections - the green wheelie bin or three black bags for those few items like polystyrene and polythene that can’t be put out for collection weekly with the recycling and food waste collections.

From June 2015 onwards, leftover waste that cannot be recycled will be collected every three weeks rather than every fortnight in Meirionnydd. This change will bring Meirionnydd into line with the arrangements that have been operational in Dwyfor since the autumn of 2014.

A few weeks before the change to the leftover waste collection is introduced, all Meirionnydd households will receive an information pack through the post containing:

n a new recycling, food waste, garden waste and leftover waste collection calendar;

n a leaflet explaining exactly what materials can be put out for the weekly recycling and food waste collection;

n a letter explaining how you can contact the Council if you have any queries or concerns about the change to the left over waste service;

“The new arrangements have worked very well in the Dwyfor area, and the co-operation of local people was crucial to the success,” said Councillor John Wynn Jones.

“We were able to deal with any teething problems quickly and efficiently - and we will ensure that the same happens in Meirionnydd.

“For example, as in Dwyfor, special weekly nappy collections will be on offer for Meirionnydd households with youngchildren as well as extra support for larger households.

Arfon - the final piece in the green Gwynedd jigsawIn the Arfon area it is expected that the Cartgylchu recycling carts will be distributed to suitable households and changes made to leftover waste collections (the green wheeled bin or three black

bags) during the second half of 2015. These changes will be publicised via Newyddion Gwynedd, the local media and

the Council’s Twitter account -@CyngorGwynedd and Facebook account ‘CyngorGwyneddCouncil’ nearer the time.

Thanks to the support of local people, the new waste collection arrangements rolled out to 15,000 homes in Dwyfor a few months ago have already resulted in significant reductions to the amount of waste Gwynedd Council sends to be buried in landfill sites.

By making the most of the Council’s weekly recycling and food waste collections and avoiding the temptation to throw material that can be composted or recycled in the left over waste bin, Dwyfor residents are helping the Council to reach the goal of making Gwynedd the most environmentally friendly county in Wales.

At the same time, all residents who recycle - wherever they live in the county - are saving the Gwynedd taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds - money that is helping to pay for other important front-line Gwynedd Council services in these difficult financial times.

Data released for November 2014 - the first month of the new arrangement in Dwyfor - shows that:

the average Dwyfor household placed 22% less waste in their left over waste bin (waste that is sent to landfill) in November 2014 than in November 2013 - 4.6kg per week in November 2014 as compared to 5.9kg per week in November 2013;

the amount of recyclable materials collected in Dwyfor as part of the weekly recycling collection (blue box) increased from 169 tonnes in November 2013 to 200 tonnes in November 2014;

the amount of food waste collected in Dwyfor as part of the weekly food waste collection (brown bin) increased from 56 tonnes in November 2013 to 71 tonnes in November 2014.

As a result, the amount of waste that is recycled or composted for the whole of Gwynedd has increased from 54% in March 2014 to 57.2% in November 2014.

With similar changes being rolled out in Meirionnydd in June and in Arfon during the second half of 2015, Gwynedd is well

placed to hit the Welsh Government’s expectation that all councils recycle 58% of all the waste they collect by March 2016 and then 64% by 2020.

Gwynedd Council’s Environment Cabinet Member, Councillor John Wynn Jones said:

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Dwyfor for the way they have responded to this change.

“The success of the transition in Dwyfor has clearly shown the importance of involving local people from the beginning and listening to their concerns. The detailed information packs and our biggest ever social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter helped explain the changes to as many people as possible. Of equal importance was the way we responded to people’s concerns, for example, by organising weekly collections of nappies

from households with young children.

“From our experience in Dwyfor, I’m confident that we can bring about an equally smooth transition in Meirionnydd and then to Arfon before the end of the year.

“The environmental case for recycling is obviously beyond doubt. The financial case is also becoming clearer by the day, as the changes that have been introduced are already resulting in some significant savings for the council, and of course, for taxpayers.

“According to our latest estimates, the changes introduced in Dwyfor - an area with 15,000 households - will save the Gwynedd taxpayer around £100,000 a year. On this basis it is reasonable to assume that the 19,000 households in Meirionnydd and the 26,000 households in Arfon will increase this annual saving to around £414,000 for the whole of Gwynedd.”

Continued from page 1 Remember - there will be no change to the weekly Recycling (Blue Boxes / Cartgylchu) and Food

Waste (Brown Bin) Service

l Ysgol Llanbedrog pupils are recycling - are you?

Dolgellau

Tywyn

Harlech

Blaenau Ffestiniog

Bala

“Information packs with full details aboutthe changes will be sent to allMeirionnydd households in advance.If you have any further questions or concerns after readingthese packs,I wouldurge you tocontactus.”

Fact - It is forecast that the changes introduced to the 15,000 households in

Dwyfor alone will result in a financial saving of around £100,000

for Gwynedd Council in landfill charges and

associated costs

Fact - Gwynedd Council is facing a massive financial shortfall of around £50 million between now and 2017/18 as a result of government spending cuts. Any savings brought about by the changes in waste collection can help save other vital local services.

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The Gwynedd Challenge - what you told us…

87%

5%8%

Meeting the Gwynedd Challenge

n how and on what Gwynedd Council spends its budget;

n how around 57% of Council funding is currently spent on Education and Adult Care alone and how spending on these two service areas is set to increase dramatically over the coming years;

n why a combination of cuts in the funding the Council receives from the government to pay for our local services coupled with increasing demand will leave the Council facing a total shortfall of around

£34 million between 2015/16 and 2017/18;

n why the amount of money Gwynedd Council spends on services for older people is set to increase massively over the coming years;

n why the Council must act now to identify and deliver new ways of working.

Since then, more than 1,700 local people have taken part in the Gwynedd Challenge debate and presented their views and opinions on the services that they value the most and the services which they believe could possibly be delivered differently in the future.

Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Peredur Jenkins said: “I would like to sincerely thank all the people who took part in the first part of the Gwynedd Challenge by filling in a questionnaire at their local library or online or by attending one of the public meetings and nine drop-in sessions held in

communities across the county.

“The valuable comments collected are already helping us to plan for the difficult decisions ahead, and we will be inviting local people to once again provide feedback over the coming months before the Council makes an informed final decision on the changes that we will have to implement from April 2016 onwards.”

Between September and December 2014:1,376 local people responded to the Gwynedd Challenge survey;

280 people attended nine drop-in sessions and eight public meetings in communities across Gwynedd;

48 individuals representing the Council’s public, voluntary and business sector partners took part in a special workshop session.

Do you understand the financial challenge facing the Council?

Which three Gwynedd Council services do you value the most?

Do you have any possible suggestions on how the Council can make substantial savings? A total of 1,116 responses were received

Given that the Council must make cuts to the budget, which services would you be willing to see reduced in your area?

WE ASkED: WE ASkED:

WE ASkED:

WE ASkED:

YOU SAID:

YOU SAID (top 5 answers noted):

YOU SAID (top 5 answers noted):

YOU SAID (top 5 answers noted):

600

300

500

250

400

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150

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100

100

50

587 490 361 190529

282 86 65 41154

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50 228 114 84 84141

l Gwynedd Challenge drop in session

regular readers will recall that the Council launched the first part of the Gwynedd Challenge public consultation in the autumn 2014 edition of Newyddion Gwynedd.In that edition, we explained in detail:

To view the key findings from part one of the Gwynedd Challenge Consultation, please visit www.gwynedd.gov.uk/gwyneddchallenge

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CArE

EDUCATION

HIGHWAYS & MUNICIPAL

LIBrArIES & ArCHIVES

rEFUSE & rECYCLING

COLLECTION

CUT STAFFING LEVELS

rEFUSE & rECYCLING

COLLECTION

CUT NUMBEr OF

COUNCILLOrS, SALArIES & EXPENSES

rEDUCE rEFUSE &

rECYCLING COLLECTION

MErGE COUNCILS / MOrE JOINT

WOrkINGrEDUCE STrEET

LIGHTING

LIBrArIES & ArCHIVES

LEISUrE

HIGHWAYS & MUNICIPAL

NO SErVICECUTS

87% said they understood, 5% said they did not understand and 8% did not note an answer.

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residents who responded to the Gwynedd Challenge survey or who attended the drop-in sessions and public meetings came up with over 1,100 suggestions of how the Council may be able to reduce the amount of money it spends on delivering local services.

Every suggestion received will be looked at, but here’s a flavour of what the Council is already doing to respond to the main points raised:

...We’re listening and we’re responding

Part two of the Gwynedd Challenge

Over the coming months the Council will be moving to part two of the Gwynedd Challenge process.

This time local people will have the opportunity to share their views on detailed proposals to deliver savings before finalised plans are presented to the Council for a final decision.

Anyone who is interested in taking part can register their details at:www.gwynedd.gov.uk/gwyneddchallengeThey will then be notified of the various opportunities to contribute to the process.

Details of how to get involved will also be widely publicised via the local press and the Council’s social media accounts.

New environmentally friendly LED street lights that dim or switch off as programmed at less busy times of the night are to be rolled-out across the county. This brand-new technology will deliver significant financial savings and reduce the Council’s carbon footprint.

One-off measures have been put in place so that no service cuts will have to be made during 2015/16. This will allow more time for the Council to maximise efficiency savings and work with local people to identify the least painful and most responsible way of making targeted service cuts.

Over 200 extra plans have been identified to save money by working more efficiently. This will deliver around£13 million of efficiency savings on top of the £29 million delivered over the past five years.

The Council simply cannot afford to continue to run the library service in the same way as it has done in the past and is looking to find new ways of sustaining the service.

No decisions will be made or changes introduced before an independent public consultation of your views on the best way forward is carried out. All comments and suggestions received about the libraries service as part of the Gwynedd Challenge will be passed on and fully considered as part of this exercise.

To receive the latest updates, register your details at:www.gwynedd.gov.uk/registerGwyneddChallenge

ECO STrEET LIGHTS SAVE MONEY

12 MONTH SErVICE CUTS FrEEzEBEING MOrE EFFICIENT TOAVOID SErVICE CUTS

EDUCATION

LIBrArIES

In line with the wishes of respondents, education - which makes up 38% of the Council’s entire budget - will continue to be given significant protection compared with other Council services.

Whilst all other services (Social Services, Highways, Leisure Centres, Libraries etc.) face cuts of between 15% and 20% in their budgets, schools have been set a savings target that equates to approximately 6% of their total budget.

The size of the education budget means that schools cannot be exempt from the savings process as this would have a massive impact on all other Council services over and above the significant additional savings they are already expected to find.

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Almost £1 in every £5 of the money Gwynedd Council spends on local services is spent on caring for vulnerable adults and older people and this sum is set to increase dramatically. Because of this, radical changes will have to be made to the way care is provided in Gwynedd with the focus firmly fixed on helping people to maintain their independence for as long as possible.

THINkING CrEATIVELY TOMINIMISE CUTS IN CArE

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254 less full time posts - there will be a minimum reduction of 254 full time Council posts between 2015 and 2018. This is in addition to the significant staff cuts already made.

To minimise the impact on individuals and keep redundancy costs to a minimum, staffing levels are being reduced by freezing recruitment, merging responsibilities and not filling vacant posts.

rEDUCING STAFF LEVELS 3

The number of managers employed by the Leisure Service has been reduced by 60% and further steps are being considered to reduce expenditure where appropriate.

The Council is also working to increase the income generated by leisure centres by improving the facilities on offer in order to attract and retain customers and to locate other local services in leisure centre buildings.

LEISUrE CENTrES 3

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Gwynedd Council has no control over councillor salaries and expenses nor the number of councillors required as these decisions are taken on a national level by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales.

COUNCILLOr SALArIES & EXPENSES / rEDUCINGCOUNCILLOr NUMBErS

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From 16 to 12 - the number of Senior Officers employed by the Council was reduced from 16 to 12 in 2014/15 leading to a saving of more than £700,000.

SENIOr OFFICEr POSTS CUT 3

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Gwynedd Council

Spring 2015 NEWYDDION

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During the past year (2014/15), Gwynedd Council spent an average of £1,906 on each and every one of the 121,911 of us who live here. Whilst all Gwynedd families are different, the following gives an idea of what we as residents get for our Council Tax...

What do we get for our Council Tax?

At the moment, most of Gwynedd Council’s budget is spent on two service areas - education and adult care. Spending on these two important service areas dwarfs spending on all other Gwynedd Council services such as roads, refuse collection, leisure centres, libraries and economic development.

Education

£89.0 million

Care forAdults and Older

People

£44.7million

Roads and

Transport

£20.6 million

Planning, Waste Collection and

the Environment

£18.5 million

Child and Family Care

£14.8million

Support to pay Council

Tax

£11.0million

Libraries and Leisure

Centres

£9.2million

Fire and Snowdonia National Park

Authority

£6.7million

Other Minor Services

£9.3million

Homelessness

£5.0million

Economic Development

£3.5million

Child and Family Care

£121 per person or £17,825 on average each year on every child who receives care and support

Care for Adults and Older People

£367 per person or £19,249 on average each year on every person who receives care or support

Maintaining and cleaning roads

£114 per person or £8,232 a year for every mile of road in Gwynedd

Collecting and recycling our rubbish

£82 per person or £164 a year for every Gwynedd household

Fire and Snowdonia National Park Authority

£55 per person

Homelessness

£41 per person

Economic Development

£29 per person

Getting Gwynedd active

£37 per person

2%2%3%4% 4%5%6%8%9%19%38%

Public transport and safe roads

£55 per person

Planning and the Environment

£69 per person

Libraries and the arts

£39 per person

Education

£730 per person or £5,418 per pupil in Gwynedd

Gwynedd Council

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As well as funding Gwynedd Council services, your Council Tax also goes towards the more local services provided by your local Community, Town or City Council plus services provided by North Wales Police. This year, the Gwynedd Council part of your Council Tax bill will increase by 4.5%, the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner part by 3.44% and the Community, Town or City Council part by an average of 4.6%.

For further information regarding your Council Tax bill including the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner and local community council precepts visit www.gwynedd.gov.uk/counciltax

The 2015/16 Council Tax community by community

Gwynedd’s 2015/16 budget in a nutshelln After making efficiency savings of

£8.7 million, Gwynedd Council’s 2015/16 budget will be £228 million. This is the sum the Council estimates it will need to pay for our local services between April 2015 and March 2016;

n £168 million of the Council budget will come from the Government in the form of a grant - this is £7.1 million less than the sum received in 2014/15 and

£13.2 million less than the Council needs to keep services at their current levels;

n Your Council Tax contributions will raise a further £58 million;

n This leaves a sum of £2 million that the Council will finance from balances without resorting to service cuts this year.

Notes explaining Council Tax exemptions, Council Tax discounts and financial information about the Council and the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner are available on the Council website:www.gwynedd.gov.uk/counciltax

If you’d like to receive paper copies of these leaflets, or if you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to receive any Council Tax reductions, please contact the Council Tax Department by phoning:01286 682701 or 01286 682708

Further explanation about Council Tax and financial details

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COUNCIL PrECEPT 2014/15

COMMUNITY COUNCIL PrECEPT 2015/16

COMMUNITY COUNCIL (BAND D EQUIVALENT)

TOTAL COUNCIL TAX 2015/16 (BAND D EQUIVALENT)

GWYNEDD COUNCIL (BAND D EQUIVALENT)

NOrTH WALES POLICE AND CrIME COMMISSIONEr (BAND D EQUIVALENT)

AberdaronAberdyfiAbergwyngregynArthogY BalaBangorBarmouthBeddgelertBetws GarmonBethesdaBontnewyddBotwnnogBrithdir a LlanfachrethBryncrugBuanCaernarfonClynnog FawrCorrisCricciethDolbenmaenDolgellauDyffryn ArdudwyY FelinheliFfestiniogY GanllwydHarlechLlanaelhaearnLlanbedrLlanbedrogLlanberisLlandwrogLlandygaiLlanddeiniolenLlandderfelLlanegrynLlanelltydLlanenganLlanfairLlanfihangel y PennantLlanfrothenLlangelynninLlangywerLlanllechidLlanllyfniLlannorLlanrugLlanuwchllynLlanwndaLlanycilLlanystumdwyMaentwrogMawddwyNefynPennalPenrhyndeudraethPentirPistyllPorthmadogPwllheliTalsarnauTrawsfynyddTudweiliogTywynWaunfawr

8,000.00 23,218.00 2,000.00 9,500.00

16,500.00 298,949.00 39,400.00 7,844.00 1,300.00

53,552.00 12,500.00 4,000.00 6,000.00 6,675.00 3,750.00

187,142.50 7,000.00 5,772.00

34,000.00 10,000.00 49,000.00 19,000.00 27,000.00 76,500.00 3,000.00

16,000.00 13,000.00 10,000.00 14,950.00 19,000.00 34,000.00 19,962.00 13,000.00 6,900.00 4,000.00 6,000.00

45,000.00 6,500.00 4,325.00 4,500.00 6,000.00 2,142.00 4,500.00

36,940.00 12,660.00 23,500.00 8,800.00

18,200.00 3,300.00

15,000.00 5,500.00 4,750.00

48,410.00 5,400.00

34,000.00 28,883.00 4,500.00

53,000.00 68,500.00 10,000.00 12,000.00 5,800.00

46,000.00 12,000.00

8,000.00 23,334.09 2,000.00 8,500.00

16,500.00 318,949.00 41,760.00 7,990.00 1,300.00

53,495.00 14,500.00 4,500.00 6,000.00 7,009.00 3,750.00

192,707.50 8,000.00 5,772.00

34,000.00 10,000.00 49,000.00 20,000.00 30,000.00 95,000.00 3,000.00

16,000.00 15,000.00 10,000.00 16,000.00 19,000.00 36,000.00 19,962.00 13,000.00 6,900.00 4,000.00 6,500.00

45,000.00 7,000.00 4,755.00 4,600.00 6,000.00 4,000.00 6,000.00

38,440.00 14,160.00 24,000.00 8,800.00

18,200.00 3,300.00

15,000.00 5,500.00 5,250.00

49,184.00 6,000.00

34,000.00 28,883.00 4,500.00

53,000.00 69,500.00 10,000.00 12,000.00 5,800.00

55,000.00 12,000.00

15.21 25.05 17.22 13.83 21.82 88.40 38.19 24.92 9.67

32.73 33.69 10.40 15.05 20.93 16.79 55.94 18.63 19.58 37.12 17.14 41.33 24.97 27.61 56.73 35.41 21.89 35.05 32.92 23.34 24.87 36.05 20.74 7.24

14.20 27.62 22.97 22.95 22.48 23.20 21.45 15.08 30.71 17.92 28.03 15.89 21.52 28.94 24.24 17.16 17.70 20.21 15.68 35.67 28.37 45.21 29.74 18.66 27.11 41.01 32.42 24.38 13.02 35.62 21.11

1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07 1,161.07

1,411.72 1,421.56 1,413.73 1,410.34 1,418.33 1,484.91 1,434.70 1,421.43 1,406.18 1,429.24 1,430.20 1,406.91 1,411.56 1,417.44 1,413.30 1,452.45 1,415.14 1,416.09 1,433.63 1,413.65 1,437.84 1,421.48 1,424.12 1,453.24 1,431.92 1,418.40 1,431.56 1,429.43 1,419.85 1,421.38 1,432.56 1,417.25 1,403.75 1,410.71 1,424.13 1,419.48 1,419.46 1,418.99 1,419.71 1,417.96 1,411.59 1,427.22 1,414.43 1,424.54 1,412.40 1,418.03 1,425.45 1,420.75 1,413.67 1,414.21 1,416.72 1,412.19 1,432.18 1,424.88 1,441.72 1,426.25 1,415.17 1,423.62 1,437.52 1,428.93 1,420.89 1,409.53 1,432.13 1,417.62

235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44 235.44

Gwynedd Council

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There are several ways of paying your bill, choose the one that suits you best. If you’re unsure or wish to discuss the best optionfor you, please contact us.

Direct DebitPhone Gwynedd Council’s Council Tax Service on: 01286 682 701 or 01286 682 708 to arrange for your bill to be paid directly from your bank account. You can choose one of four payment dates available within the monthly payment plan. These options can be discussed with a member of staff when you phone.Remember, the easiest and quickest way to pay your tax is by Direct Debit. The more people choose to pay this way, the less it costs the Council to process the paperwork.

By telephoneCall: 01766 771 000 to pay with your bank debit or credit card. Please note that you will incur a transaction surcharge with credit card payments.

OnlineVisit the secure pages on Gwynedd Council’s website:www.gwynedd.gov.uk/pay and pay using your bank debit or credit card.

By postSend a cheque to Gwynedd Council, Income Unit, Council Offices, Caernarfon, LL55 1SH. Please quote your reference number on the back of the cheque before posting it, and make it payable to Gwynedd Council. Please note that receipts will not be sent.

At the Post OfficeContact the Council on: 01286 682 701 or01286 682 708 for a plastic swipe card which allows you to pay at your local Post Office with cash, cheque or a bank card.

How to pay your Council Tax bill

Remember you can go online for free at your local Gwynedd library or use the free wi-fi facilities at any council building where you see the Digital Gwynedd logo

DIrECT DEBIT ONLINE

BY POST

AT THE POST OFFICEBY TELEPHONE

As is already the case for many energy, water, telephone and broadband suppliers, you can now choose to receive your Council Tax bill electronically rather than on paper through the post.

Receiving your bill electronically is faster and more convenient. It allows you to view your bill as soon as it’s available and keep a copy on file and is better for the environment and the public purse as it cuts out the need to pay for sending out paper bills.If you’re interested in receiving your Council Tax bill via e-mail, visit: www.gwynedd.gov.uk/ElectronicBillingYou will need your Council Tax reference - noted on any bill that has been sent to you.

Electronic Council Tax bill

Help is at hand for those who are struggling to make ends meetGWYNEDD COUNCIL’S COUNCIL TAX, NON DOMESTIC rATES AND rECOVErY TEAMS

ONLINE BENEFITS CALCULATOr

CITIzENS ADVICE BUrEAU

If you’re having difficulty keeping up with your Council Tax payments, please contact Gwynedd Council as soon as possible as you may qualify for a discount or an exemption.

Call: 01286 682 701 or 01286 682 708 to find out, or visit one of Gwynedd’s three Siop Gwynedd one-stop-shops at Castle Street, Caernarfon; Ffordd y Cob, Pwllheli or Cae Penarlâg, Dolgellau.

Even if legal action has been taken, you can still discuss the matter and try to come to an arrangement with the Council.

The Recovery Team can be contacted on: 01286 682 706 or 01286 682 707.

Age Cymru offer free, impartial advice to older people on the benefits they can claim and can help in dealing with paperwork. Contact them on:01286 677 711 - lines open weekdays 9am-5pm - or visit:www.agecymru.org.uk/gwyneddamon

Are you eligible for Housing Benefit or help to pay your Council Tax? Why not visit:www.gwynedd.gov.uk/benefitclaim and use our online calculator to find out? If you qualify, you can then fill in the claim form online.

Your local office can help with all sorts of questions you may have about money matters.To contact CAB, phone: 03454 503064 or visit: www.cabgwynedd.org

Since 1 April 2013 Council Tax Benefit has been replaced nationally by a means tested local scheme called the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. If you are on a low income, and think you may qualify, free and confidential advice is available from Gwynedd Council’s Benefits Team.

Telephone the team on: 01286 682 689, email: ctreduction@gwynedd.gov.ukor call by one of Gwynedd’s three Siop Gwynedd one stop shops at Castle Street, Caernarfon; Embankment Road, Pwllheli or Cae Penarlâg, Dolgellau. Surgeries are also held at Llys Gwynedd, Bangor.

COUNCIL TAX rEDUCTION SCHEME

AGE CYMrU GWYNEDD & MôN (FOrMErLY AGE CONCErN GWYNEDD & MôN)

Universal CreditThe Universal Credit is currently being rolled out in different parts of the Uk between now and 2020 and is likely to start affecting some of Gwynedd’s working age residents before the end of 2015.

It will replace housing benefit and many other benefits. It is different from current benefits in several ways:

n All recipients will have to have a bank account

n One payment will be made for each household instead of payments for each individual

n It will include a payment for rent instead of money being paid directly to the landlord

n It will usually be paid on a monthly basis, which will require greater control of day to day spending than is needed with weekly payments.

Free school mealsDid you know that your child could be eligible for free school meals if you receive some benefits including income support, job seekers allowance, child tax credit, pension credit or employment and support allowance?

Those who receive Housing Tax Benefit or Council Tax Reduction from Gwynedd Council won’t need to complete an application form for free school meals. However, even if you don’t receive those benefits your family might still be entitled to free school meals.

You can download the application form from: www.gwynedd.gov.uk/free-lunch or call Gwynedd Council’s Benefits office on: 01286 682689 or email:benefit@gwynedd.gov.uk if you have any queries.