Cyngor Gwynedd Council apologises to former pupils of Canolfan Brynffynnon who were abused...

The Ffordd Gwynedd way..?

Gwynedd Council has apologised to former pupils of the Brynffynnon Center in Felinheli, acknowledging that pupils had been abused there.

 

In an investigation into what happened following the closure of the Centre, which was an education unit for children with behavioural and emotional needs, the Y Byd ar Bedwar program reveals that Gwynedd Council's insurers have started paying compensation to former pupils.

 

Responding to the programme, Gwynedd Council said that it had come to light that pupils had been abused there, and that they 'sympathise with the victims and apologise to them.'

 

Five former pupils have received payment from the council since April 2026 after bringing legal proceedings based on their experiences at the centre.

 

Another 14 former pupils are currently in the process of claiming compensation.

These payments are made without any admission of liability.

The centre was suddenly closed in 2014. A year later, Sion Bedwyr Evans, acting head of the unit, and Garry Vaughan Roberts, a member of staff there, were accused of 49 crimes of cruelty towards children between September 2006 and March 2014.

 

Both denied the charges, with a trial scheduled for 2016.

But the case was dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service received new evidence from the police, saying there was no realistic chance of a conviction.

 

The charges came as a result of complaints from 24 pupils who spoke to North Wales Police following the closure of the Centre.

 

One of those was Dillon Roberts, a young autistic man who attended the centre between 2010-2014 when he was a child.

 

In April 2026, he received compensation of £12,000 from Gwynedd Council.

  

"There was one time when I was dragged into the headmaster's office. One of the teachers grabbed me, and the headmaster had a strimmer. He grabbed me by my head and my neck. The strimmer was also running. I thought I was going to die," he said.

 

According to Dillon, during his interview with North Wales Police, he mentioned another alleged abuse:

"When I was in the kitchen, the teachers put salt in your drink. They were bullies."

 

As part of Dillon's case against Gwynedd Council, he said:

"I was abused by Mr. Roberts because of my size. Because I was too big, I had 'breasts', and Mr. Roberts would scoop them up and squeeze them. This used to hurt me and it made me feel ashamed."

 

Dillon also claims that staff at the centre bribe and threaten children:

 

"I remember on a Friday, we were going to (one of the teachers') office to get irons and brass, and he had a bag already - a load of pound pieces.

"They were just saying, 'Don't go to your mother or father, or, if you go to them, we'll kill them.' I was afraid to go there every day."

 

In 2017, a year after the case was dropped, Dillon's parents received a letter from Gwynedd Council's Children and Family Support Department.

 

The letter acknowledged that some of the accusations made by some of the children had been confirmed, recommending that the Council, as the body that employed the staff of the Brynffynnon Centre, conduct its own investigation into the matter.

 

Katherine Yates is a lawyer who is well known for representing some of the victims of the paedophile Neil Foden in their cases against Gwynedd Council.

 

In August 2024, the grandfather of one of Brynffynnon's former pupils contacted her to ask for help. Now, over 20 parents and former pupils have come together to start bringing legal proceedings against Gwynedd Council.

 

Katherine Yates said: “I was amazed at how quickly people came forward.

 

"And what was amazing was the nature of the allegations, and how similar they were from different people - some of these children didn't know each other, they weren't even at school at the same time - and yet the allegations are all similar."

 

There are allegations from some former pupils of Brynffynnon Center and their parents regarding physical and emotional abuse.

 

"Most of the children complain of being placed in tires up to their necks and having balls kicked at their heads. There are many examples where children have been forced to fight each other just for the amusement of the staff. There are examples of children being forced to eat."

 

Y Byd ar Bedwar has spoken to several parents who have brought legal proceedings against Gwynedd Council as a result of their children's experience at Brynffynnon Centre, revealing that two former pupils received compensation in 2019.

 

The parents of one of the former pupils who have received compensation say they raised concerns with Gwynedd Council in 2010 - four years before Brynffynnon closed.

 

"The parents were complaining, a lot of them. But nothing was happening."

 

Google translated - 

https://newyddion.s4c.cymru/article/cyngor-gwynedd-ymddiheuro-gyn-ddisgyblion-canolfan-brynffynnon-gafodd-cam-drin

 

Something is very wrong within Gwynedd council...

 

 

 

 

Article 4 Test Run @ Cyngor Gwynedd...

A report entitled 'Article 4 Direction', authored by Gareth Jones - Assistant Head of Environment Department and Iwan Evans - Head of Legal Services, is to be presented to the Communities Scrutiny Committee on the 11th June, 2026. 

It is a very informative document, revealing a lack of candour not only on the part of cyngor Gwynedd but also it would appear on the part of Welsh government. 

The document can be found in the agenda pack for the meeting here - 
https://democracy.gwynedd.llyw.cymru//documents/g5712/Public%20reports%20pack%2011th-Jun-2026%2010.30%20Communities%20Scrutiny%20Committee.pdf?T=10

At the full council meeting, held on the 14th, May, Gruffydd Williams, asked this question - 
Following the fact that article 4 was quashed by a court as a result of what has been ruled as misleading details by this Council, I previously asked if this Council would apologise to campaigners who fought so hard to get Article 4 in force, and there was no apology.
The Council's right of appeal has now been refused. Therefore, is the Council finally going to apologise to the campaigners for article 4, patriots, linguists and taxpayers, following the fact that it is now clear that a shortcoming in the key paperwork caused Article 4 to be quashed and that a sum of money of over half a million has been wasted?"

Response from the Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Craig ab Iago - 
As I noted when answering a very similar question from the Member at the Council meeting in December, we remain determined to ensure that the people of Gwynedd have access to suitable housing in their communities.
That's why the Council introduced an Article 4 Direction – as part of a package of measures to manage the significant impact of second homes and short-term holiday accommodation on the housing market.
This decision was based on significant effort, including in-depth research, extensive consultation and expert advice.
Despite our disappointment with the legal outcome and our request to appeal the High Court's decision, I am confident that our decision to introduce Article 4 has been sound and appropriate. The Council acted responsibly and in good faith in addressing issues that are hugely important to the future of our communities.
This experience, including the 12-month period during which Article 4 was in place in the Gwynedd Planning Authority Area, will be key as we decide on the best way forward.  

ab Iago did not apologise.
Did he actually vote at cabinet for Article 4..?

Many people are of the belief that the near half a million pounds this has cost the public purse was money from cyngor Gwynedd's own coffers - it is not...

The Article 4 Direction report reveals that £311,683,05 has come from Welsh government...

  

4.48 '...which can be amended and re-used in the future'.

Why did Craig ab Iago not explain this?

Are Welsh government and cyngor Gwynedd acting together to control the housing market?

Empowered by the legal knowledge gained, it is apparent that the recent Article 4 action was not to actually implement Article 4 but an exercise in HOW to implement Article 4 in the future...

A test run and an opportunity for the council to be in a position to advise neighbouring authorities on the application of Article 4.
Regardless of the trauma and harm caused? 
Shocking... 

 

Will the new Plaid Cymru government now be supporting the Plaid controlled Gwynedd council in such matters? Will Gwynedd become a test bed for new Plaid policies?

It's not over... 

The meeting will be held on the 11th, June at 10.30am and can be viewed here - 
https://gwynedd.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/1098120

Something is so very wrong within Gwynedd council...

Cheshire West @ Cyngor Gwynedd...

Cyngor Gwynedd Care Scrutiny committee met on the 4th June, 2026. 

Tick box exercise...
The meeting was more to vote through department's performance reports rather than proper scrutiny and many councillors did not bother to turn up for the meeting.

The Strategic Safeguarding Panel Yearly Report 2025/26 was presented by Dewi Jones, cabinet member for Education and now chair of the panel. It is of concern that this panel could be used to avoid scrutiny by councillors and the public. 

Jones' report does not give a clear analysis of the data.
There are now 282 children receiving education at home - up 20 from the previous year.
How many of these children have ALN and were failed in schools?
How many children no longer attend school because of bullying?

A reminder that Neil Foden not only sexually abused female pupils, but physically assaulted boys also.

Our Bravery Brought Justice... 
But has it really?
How many of those children abused by Foden are receiving support?
Are all of the children eligible for compensation from cyngor Gwynedd?

The Extended Child Practice Review undertaken by Jan Pickles, showed that the abused children were receiving 'care' from cyngor Gwynedd. Were any in foster care? 
It is concerning that there appears to be no reporting from the fostering team regarding the Foden case ?
A report states that an inspection has recently been undertaken of the Fostering Service and the report should be published soon.

Will it be accurate..?
 
Foden also targeted and excluded pupils with ALN and those considered to have behavioural issues. 

There appears to be an ongoing issue that this behaviour by teachers is not uncommon in Gwynedd schools...

Jones' report also includes - 

In the meeting, the Performance Report of the Cabinet Member for Children and Supporting Families was presented, authored by Sharron Williams Carter, Head of Children and Supporting Families Department.

The Autism Plan was mentioned. 
Carter's analysis is revealing - on many levels - 

Carter's word salad shows that parents seeking support for their autistic children have been blamed for their children's issues. Families are STILL being assessed under a safeguarding lens, instead of being assessed as disabled children, as they have no learning disability.

Trauma informed - Trauma induced...
The implementation of Care and Support plans rather than Child Protection orders show that the children's department under Marian Parry Hughes got it wrong - many times, on so many levels.

Hughes was supported in her decision making by the SS department's senior complaints officer, who has in the past tried to shut down legitimate complaints from parents seeking support.

This very same officer was also the senior safeguarding officer, it is not hard to see why 'neurodivergent families' were subjected to unjustifiable actions regarding child protection matters.

Councillors have ignored families when they have attempted to raise concerns. 

Both officers have been 'absent from work' for well over a year now - on full pay?

Is Gwynedd's service for disabled children, Derwen, still operating under unlawful criteria ? 

There is still concern about the mental health of children and young people who do not meet the threshold for CAMHS support. 

The Autism Plan - as is - does not afford the kind of support that it was designed to provide specifically for those WITHOUT a learning disability. 

Both children and adults are going unsupported including in Education throughout Gwynedd.

Perhaps Hugh Morgan OBE, could be asked for his thoughts on the council's actions after his report which can be found here - 
https://gwyneddsfailingcouncil.blogspot.com/2021/04/finally-gwynedd-councils-autism-report.html

Carter also writes on the Residential provision for looked after children in small group homes.
Her report confirms that the home in Morfa Bychan is no longer run as an illegal enterprise.
But the home in Deiniolen is operating illegally.
It is claimed that the homes in Edern and Cricieth are to become operational by the end of the year.

The adults department's report was authored by Mari Wynne Jones, presented by, Dilwyn Morgan, cabinet member for adults. In order -'To provide assurance that the Cabinet Member has a grip on the department’s performance matters.'

An officer run council...
Morgan, who presided over the closure of the day centres for the elderly, is grateful for the unpaid carers in the county who have been forced to continue caring duties with even less support.

He also began to give his view on the recent 'Cheshire West' ruling that will affect Deprivation of Liberty orders (DOLs). 

Morgan was closed down by the the director of SS, Huw Dylan Owen, saying that he had covered the court's ruling earlier. But Owen had only given a brief mention of the decision saying little more than the council's legal department were reading though and interpreting the 81 page ruling.

As the ruling will affect vulnerable people ie those with dementia and learning disabilities, Morgan may have offered some insight in to how the council will now operate in this regard.
It is concerning that the cabinet member was shut down by the officer. 
One wonders why the chair did not intervene...

Homelessness...
Last up on the agenda was the Housing and Property performance report, authored by Carys Fôn Williams. It was presented after the lunch break and one councillor appeared to wake up and attempt to hold officers to account re the numbers on the housing register. The numbers are correct...

If only scrutiny members would challenge all departments like this. 
Why don't they....? 

Not all of the reports figures add up when compared to each other...

   

The reports and agenda pack can be found here - 
https://democracy.gwynedd.llyw.cymru//documents/g5799/Public%20reports%20pack%2004th-Jun-2026%2010.30%20Care%20Scrutiny%20Committee.pdf?T=10

The webcast of the meeting can be found here - 
https://gwynedd.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/1095666

Something is very wrong within Gwynedd council... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gwynedd Cabinet, Full Council And Governance and Audit Committee...

Cabinet members of cyngor Gwynedd council have made the decision to close two more local schools in the county. 

'With a heavy heart...'
Ysgol Nebo and Ysgol Baladeulyn (Nantlle) will close at the end of the year...

The cabinet meeting was held on the 19th May, 2026 and the webcast of the meeting can be found here -
 https://gwynedd.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/1091820

Cabinet members also voted to allocate more money for Commissioning Investigations re the Neil Foden case and the failings of the children's department - 

4.2 As the Cabinet will commission these investigations, there will be a need to report back to a range of various forums, e.g., the Governance and Audit Committee, to the Scrutiny Committee or to the Safeguarding Strategic Panel - those paths will depend on the nature of the work and the investigation in question.

Any investigation reporting back to the Safeguarding Strategic Panel only will avoid proper scrutiny by Gwynedd councillors and the public...

The agenda pack for the meeting can be found here -   
https://democracy.gwynedd.llyw.cymru//documents/g5764/Public%20reports%20pack%2019th-May-2026%2013.00%20The%20Cabinet.pdf?T=10

The Governance and Audit committee met on the 21st, May, 2026.
The statutory director of Gwynedd SS departments, was to update members on the recent Estyn and presumably Care Inspectorate Wales reports. The agenda suffers from a bad interpretation at times...

It does contain this snippet - Still disappointed that there was no acknowledgment by Estyn of the deficiencies in their review of the Council's safety arrangements, June 2023.

This follows on from decisions made at the extraordinary meeting of the council in February, 2026 - 

Committee members appeared to have forgotten the reasons for previous decisions made by them and the director of SS, Huw Dylan Owen, left the meeting without giving the update requested. 

The Governance and Audit committee is one of the most important meetings of a council and should be webcast for other councillors and the public to view later. A webcast would also give members an opportunity to remind themselves of past meetings and prepare better.

Accountability at last..?
Later in the meeting, committee members called for senior managers to appear before them to explain the decisions and actions taken by the departments they are responsible for.  .

The agenda pack can be found here - 
 https://democracy.gwynedd.llyw.cymru//documents/g5754/Public%20reports%20pack%2021st-May-2026%2010.00%20Governance%20and%20Audit%20Committee.pdf?T=10

In other news, cyngor Gwynedd's Employment Appeals Committee have sat again recently. The committee has now heard more cases in 5 months then is usual for an entire year.

With a Plaid majority in the Senedd, will the Plaid council now renew their call for a public inquiry into Neil Foden? 

Something is very wrong within Gwynedd council...

 

 

 

 

Cyngor Gwynedd Full Council Questions - 14th May, 2026.

Paul Rowlinson, Gwynedd's cabinet member for Housing, spoke in favour of social housing at a full council meeting held on the 14th May, 2026.

Rowlinson was answering a question from councillor, Rhys Tudur, who sits on the planning committee which has opposed social housing applications. The planning committee is also responsible for decisions that have been lost on appeal costing the public purse thousands of pounds.

Gwynedd has a housing crisis with 4,107 individuals currently on the housing register. 
                   
Article 4 
Councillor Gruffydd Williams, who also sits on the planning committee, asked the next question - 
...Therefore, is the Council finally going to apologise to the campaigners for article 4, patriots, linguists and taxpayers, following the fact that it is now clear that a shortcoming in the key paperwork caused Article 4 to be quashed and that a sum of money of over half a million has been wasted?

Craig ab Iago, the cabinet member for the Environment, did not apologise.

Value for money..?
Cyngor Gwynedd made the decision to implement Article 4 after seeking external advice.
Who were the external advisors?
Will the council sue them to recoup the £500,000 this has cost the public purse?

Councillors also discussed the -
CYNGOR GWYNEDD PLAN 2023-28 - 2026/27 REVIEW
ADOPTION OF NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR GWYNEDD 
VISITOR LEVY
ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE COUNCIL'S POLITICAL BALANCE
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE - INTERVIEW PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS

There were two Notice of Motion's.

The agenda pack for the meeting can be found here -
https://democracy.gwynedd.llyw.cymru//ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=130&MId=5543

The webcast of the entire meeting can be viewed here -
https://gwynedd.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/1091056 

This was yet another meeting that Dafydd Gibbard, the CEO of cyngor Gwynedd, could have updated councillors and the public re the calls for a public inquiry into Neil Foden - and the council processes that failed the children.
He did not...

Something is very wrong within Gwynedd council...