Cyngor Gwynedd held a meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday, 15th September, 2026 at 1.00 pm.
The agenda pack for the meeting can be found here -
https://democracy.gwynedd.llyw.cymru//documents/g5769/Public%20reports%20pack%2015th-Sep-2026%2013.00%20The%20Cabinet.pdf?T=10
Members confirmed the closure of Ysgol Nebo and Ysgol Baladeulyn despite objections from the public, local councillors and even cabinet members themselves. But when it came to the vote, the cabinet voted unanimously for closure...
'An Action Plan for the Prevention of Suicide and Self-harm 2026-2028' was passed. Perhaps now, those struggling with mental health including farmers and survivors of abuse etc will finally get proper support. Or is this just another programme that will benefit council staff only?
The 'Quarterly Report – Chair of the Response Plan Programme Board (July 2026)' was presented.
This is the ongoing work arising from the sexual abuse of children by the paedophile, Neil Foden. Many in Gwynedd have little faith in those undertaking the work and even the work itself.
Yet another arrest of a school staff member in the summer shows that the problem may be more systemic than councillors wish to believe.
An 'Adoption of an Education Transport Policy to be operational September 2027 onwards' was passed.
Due to the closure of so many schools in Gwynedd, more pupils need transport to the larger schools that have been built. The increase in costs to the transport budget has been raised as a concern by many councillors, who do not seem to understand the effect their decisions have on other policies.
Not all bullying happens in schools - it also happens on school transport.
Has this been considered by the education department?
Complaints regarding transport are being badly handled by the head of education so councillors may be unaware of the true problems facing pupils and their families...
Cabinet members also passed the 'Compact: Cyngor Gwynedd and Third Sector Collaboration Agreement' This was enlightening on many levels due to the contribution from Bethan Williams of Mantell Gwynedd.
It appears that cyngor Gwynedd has not been fully supportive of the third sector - including volunteering organisations - for some time.
A reminder that these groups are attempting to pick up the pieces due to the cuts imposed by Gwynedd cabinet members. For some time, issues with with the council being able and even willing sometimes to work with both the third sector and health has been a problem.
The full webcast of the meeting can be found here -
https://gwynedd.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/1087345/start_time/354000
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A Care Scrutiny Committee was held on Thursday, 17th September, 2026.
The agenda pack for that meeting can be found here -
https://democracy.gwynedd.llyw.cymru//documents/g6830/Public%20reports%20pack%2017th-Sep-2026%2010.00%20Care%20Scrutiny%20Committee.pdf?T=10
It was a very long meeting, due mainly to councillors questioning the representatives of the housing associations that had been invited to the meeting. Some councillors do not like social housing and conscious and unconscious bias was evident at the meeting...
The webcast of the meeting can be found here -
https://gwynedd.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/1126222
The afternoon session began with the 'NORTH WALES POPULATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT 2027 DRAFT REPORT' and presented by Hawis Jones.
3. Details of the North Wales Population Needs Assessment 2027
3.1 Regional Partnership Boards (RPBs) must complete a Population Needs Assessment (PNA) of care and support needs under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. The report must assess the care and support needs of priority population groups including children and young people, older people, people with physical and learning disabilities, mental health, neurodivergence and carers who need support.
8. How does the assessment contribute to Council’s priorities?
8.1 The population needs assessment contributes to regional and local level strategic planning
cycles, consequently this will support all local authorities’ corporate priorities relating to the
health and social care needs of the population
This is one of the most important documents that cyngor Gwynedd produce.and helps drive services for the next five years. But like the last 'assessment' this too is ... lacking.
Unlike before, some councillors noticed and asked questions that Hawis Jones had trouble answering at times, this was not helped by cabinet member, Dilwyn Morgan's interruptions and his diversions away from what the members of the committee were seeking answers on. For some reason the head of adults SS, Mari Wynne Jones informed that she would be answering for both departments and Menna Trenholme cabinet member for children didn't seem to have anything to say at all!
Car crash..?
Luckily, it is only a draft report and one can only hope that Jones uses the feedback to produce an informed and useful plan for the next 5 years...
The SS complaints handling report, authored by Sharron Williams Carter and Mari Wynne Jones was presented. Elliw Haf Hughes, the Assistant Head of Safeguarding and Quality was present but said very little during the meeting...
A reminder that the figures below may not be correct due to Gwynedd SS departments novel way of dealing with enquires and complaints...
In other news, councillors have signed off on properties to deal with the housing crisis -
To approve the purchase of Bron Menai, Caernarfon and Elm Bank, Bangor shown outlined in red on the attached plan, (including a commitment to agree a management fee for a period of 5 years to the current owners of the sites) in accordance with terms and conditions to be determined by the Head of Housing and Property.
More information can be found here -
https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-067c8e
Something is very wrong within Gwynedd council...
