NEWYDDION Council News Autumn 2018 Issue 53

www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru 01766 771000 @cyngorgwynedd cyngorgwyneddcouncil What’s cooking at Cegin Arfon? Following refurbishment work, the café at the Arfon Leisure Centre in has recently re-opened.

As well as providing healthy and tasty snacks, the popular Cegin Arfon café is now providing work experience and training opportunities for adults with learning disabilities from the area.

The improvements to the cafe and the community room have been funded through the Welsh Government’s Intermediate Care Fund.

Cegin Arfon is open between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday, with plans to extend the opening hours soon, including weekends.

So why not pop along and check out the new look café?

To find out more turn to page 3 Which services are important to you? In this edition… Gwynedd Council wants to know which of the wide range of local services it provides are most important to you and your community.

What you say will then help Councillors to make the best possible decisions when deciding how to share out the limited amount of money they will have available to pay for Gwynedd Council services from 2019 onwards.

The easiest and most convenient way to have your say is by filling in a short and simple questionnaire online at www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/Priorities n World Heritage Site status bid - Page 9 If you don’t have internet access at home, you can use the free public internet service at your local library.

Paper copies of the questionnaire are also available from the Siop Gwynedd one-stop-shops - Swyddfa Dwyfor in , Swyddfa Penarlag in and Castle Street in Caernarfon - and from your local library or leisure centre.

“The government’s continuing ‘austerity agenda’ means that councils across the country are having to make extremely difficult decisions about how to spend the money they are given to pay for local services. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, Gwynedd is no exception,” said and live full lives in their communities, and to do so in a county which Council Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn. is one of the best to live in. Achieving this aim will be a huge challenge n Recycling latest - Page 10 given the significant and increasing financial pressures we face. “All 75 Gwynedd Councillors will shortly need to agree which of our If you would like Newyddion Gwynedd services to prioritise between 2019 and 2022, we will once again have to “That’s why, before councillors begin to weigh up the options, we want on mp3 or in another language or manage with far less funding than we need to deliver local services. local people to tell us which services they feel are most important, and I format, please phone 01766 771000. urge as many Gwynedd residents as possible to have their say so that we “As a Council, our aim is to support all the people of Gwynedd to thrive have as clear a picture as possible.” Newyddion Gwynedd is Over the coming weeks, ten public meetings will also take place across Gwynedd at which the Council Leader or Deputy Leader and Chief produced on 100% recycled paper. When you’ve finished Executive will be present to answer your questions about the survey and the Council’s plans for dealing with the huge financial pressure reading this newspaper it will have to face over the next few years. please recycle it. To find out more about the survey and the public meeting nearest to you, turn to pages 4 - 5 Autumn 2018 NEWYDDION

A word from the What’s on in Gwynedd this autumn? 25 - 31 Halloween Trains 29 Hurley Burley Swim, Are you brave enough to venture on one of Deputy Leader This unique event brings together swimmers the following spooky rides? and runners from all over the country. Tickets n and Welsh Highland Railway - I’m confident available online. that communities Trains run from Porthamdog on 25, 26 and 27 www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/the- October and from Caernarfon on 31 October. understand their own hurly-burly needs and know what www.festrail.co.uk ought to be done 29-30 Open Doors at , n Talyllyn Railway - 29, 30, 31 October. locally to address and Caernarfon Castles Starts from before going on a spooky them. I strongly Criccieth - Come and discover the secrets journey through Dolgoch forest. believe therefore of the castle that was originally built by www.talyllyn.co.uk that decisions about Llywelyn the Great. n Lake Railway - 28-31 October. individual communities should be taken Tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. www.lake-railway.co.uk as close as possible to those affected. Harlech - Join the keeper of the castle l Llanberis Quarry Hospital Museum to discover more about the history and n Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid, Bala - 27 & 31 As the austerity policies of central architecture of this majestic building. October. www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk government have led to the cutting back SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER Tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. of some of the services councils have Caernarfon - Tours will be at 11am, 1pm and NOVEMBERNOVEMBER traditionally provided, I believe that 15-24 Barmouth Walking Festival 3pm during the weekend. Gwynedd Council has a very important role Various graded walks which range from Free entry. www.cadw.gov.wales/opendoors 4 Coed y Brenin Duathlon 2018 in helping communities to help themselves, two-hours to full day walks, all within the A mixture of demanding climbs, rewarding especially when resources are not always spectacular scenery of Snowdonia. Prior descents and a fantastic atmosphere, this OCTOBEROCTOBER available locally. booking recommended. event is sure to appeal to both athletes and www.barmouthwalkingfestival.co.uk 6 Bangor 10k and Half Marathon spectators. Online registration. In , Gwynedd Council Both races which get underway at 9am will www.alwaysaimhighevents.com has supported ‘Y Dref Werdd’ - a social 16 Open Doors at start and finish at the city centre. enterprise working for the good of the A tour of a Welsh Castle originally built by www.runwales.com/events/bangor-10k/ 30 November - 2 December environment and the local community. Local Llywelyn the Great which is located not far Food & Crafts Festival people have been trained to use specialist from Tywyn. Tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. 5-7 Victorian Weekend This popular annual Christmas Festival exhibits equipment such as chainsaws to carry out Free entry. Come and celebrate the history and heritage the best in local produce and entertainment. environmental work in the area. Work has www.cadw.gov.wales/opendoors of the Ffestiniog Railway by taking part, www.portmeirion.cymru now been done to safeguard habitats and dressing up and joining in the fun! rivers, the development of green spaces, 16 Fun Run www.festrail.co.uk All events listed correct at time of publishing and controlling rhododendron among other Numerous different races to cater for all ages activities. An additional benefit is that a and abilities across the Cob. Fun for all the number of young people have developed family. skills and gained qualifications that will www.ras-y-cob.co.uk enable them to apply for permanent work in the field. 21-22 Beer Festival, Tŷ Mawr Hotel A wide range of beers and ciders from north In Bangor, a unique partnership between and mid Wales, along with a great line-up of Gwynedd Council elected members, the entertainment. City Council, the University and other www.llanbedrbeerfestival.co.uk organisations has been established to identify and act on things that will improve 22-23 Llanberis Quarry Hospital Museum the city’s image. In quite a short time, Come and see original medical equipment the partnership has delivered tangible from the 1800’s. Interactive activities for improvements to the city, for example by children. Open from 10.30am to 4.30pm. l Portmeirion Food & Crafts Festival employing a person with a lightweight www.cadw.gov.wales/opendoors cart to pick up litter and keep the high street clean. Working with letting agents If you would like more information about events in Gwynedd or to let us know about any event in your local area, visit: has also resulted in an agreement to take www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/events You can also receive more information regularly about local events in Gwynedd by down hundreds of ‘To Let’ signs on student following us on Twitter: @CyngorGwynedd or liking our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CyngorGwyneddCouncil. properties. The partnership’s next tasks will be to tackle the excessive use of plastic, to look at options to improve the appearance of green spaces near the roadside, and to seek better organisation in terms of recycling and Whilst the sweltering summer might only be a few weeks ago, it will waste bins on some of the city’s streets. soon be getting colder, and it’s timely to start thinking about staying Getting ready safe this winter. Initial discussions are also being held in Dyffryn and Dyffryn Ogwen with The Council monitors the weather forecasts with dedicated gritting teams the aim of finding out what is important in on-hand to take action whenever they’re needed. those communities, and identifying what can be done by working together. But it’s important that we all take simple steps to prepare before any snow or ice arrives. There’s more information about staying safe during wintery It’s important to me that Gwynedd Council weather on the Council website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/emergency continues to provide communities with the support that they need to be as resilient You can also keep up-to-date with the latest news about Council services and self-sufficient as possible, whilst at the and information about any roads or areas affected by extreme weather by same time continuing to maintain those joining the ever increasing number of Gwynedd residents who follow our key services that can only be provided at a social media accounts. county level. Follow us on @CyngorGwynedd

Councillor Dafydd Meurig Follow our Facebook page - CyngorGwyneddCouncil Gwynedd Council Deputy Leader

02 Gwynedd Council NEWYDDION Autumn 2018 continued from page 1 What’s cooking at Cegin Arfon? There’s good news for hungry swimmers and sports lovers as a new café serving fresh, healthy food and snacks has opened at the Arfon Leisure Centre in Caernarfon.

But this is no ordinary café - Cegin Arfon provides work experience and training opportunities for local adults with learning difficulties, thanks to funding secured by Gwynedd Council from the Welsh Government’s Intermediate Care Fund. l Andrea Pugh “As a Council, we want people to develop their skills and self- making sure that the confidence so that they can get out into the world and lead full dishes are ready for lives,” said Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council Cabinet the next customers Member for Adults and Health matters. l Judith Hughes is responsible “We want to give service users a personalised, individual care for cleaning the tables and support package which include opportunities to learn and develop within their communities. Soul food The people working in the café are developing important A warm welcome and a “Cegin Arfon offers just that - a fantastic opportunity to gain practical life skills, explained Vicky Williams, who manages the healthy and affordable invaluable work experience and training. But it also offers a facility for Gwynedd Council. menu is at the heart of great way for individuals to boost their self-confidence and to what Cegin Arfon offers. push the boundaries of their expectations of themselves.” She said: “The adults that come to work here develop their skills such as preparing food - which will help in their lives at “I come from a large Andrea Pugh, from is one of the friendly faces that home as well as work. Our hope is that it will be like a training family myself, and I customers at Cegin Arfon will get to know over the coming centre so that people can learn skills and move on to secure know that eating out months. jobs at other places. can be expensive,” said manager, Vicky “I really enjoy working at the café,” said Andrea. “The people we have here will be able to use the skills they Williams. “A family came develop at the café to go on to get work in other areas such as here to eat last week, “At the moment, my duties include loading and emptying the in a shop or a cleaning company, not necessarily in a café. It’s and they all had food l dishwasher and cleaning tables. I’m also going to do a food also a great chance for them to integrate with the public and and drinks for a little Cegin Arfon manager, hygiene course so that I can help to prepare food, and I hope to it’s already proving very popular with the people who use the over ten pounds.” Vicky Williams pass with flying colours!” leisure centre.”

Bringing the sights and sounds of living with dementia alive

Virtual Reality (VR) is being used to help people get a about it. It is hoped that this project will help people to be better understanding of what having dementia means more open about the condition and how it is affecting them and how it can affect a person’s day-to-day life. The and their family. The VR experience will also be used as a innovative technology is available through the medium of training tool. Welsh and English. The VR experience has been developed for Gwynedd Council A scheme was launched by Gwynedd Council over the by Galactig creative agency thanks to funding from Arloesi summer where people could try VR headsets and controllers Gwynedd Wledig and the Welsh Government’s Cymraeg giving them a fully immersive experience. As they were faced 2050 grant, which is aimed at promoting technology which with everyday tasks, such as making a cup of tea, they would supports the use of the . hear a voice telling them the thoughts of a person with dementia. The project has also received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development “The VR experience conveys the kind of confusion and Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European feelings experienced by a person who has dementia,” said Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Welsh Government. It’s also part funded by the Nuclear member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing. “For instance, Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Gwynedd Council. the voice will tell the user to put the kettle on the hob, even though it’s an electric kettle.

“By immersing someone in the experience, putting them in Following the success of the launch event, there will be the shoes of the person who has the condition, we hope to more opportunities for people to have a go with the VR improve empathy, so that people will be understanding when technology during the autumn. they come across those living with dementia.” Please keep an eye out for events in your community via Councillor Roberts added: “It is well known that when a the Council’s website, social media channels and in the local person develops dementia they often lose the ability to press. communicate in a second language, and that people find it easier to discuss difficult and sensitive matters in their If you’re involved with a group or organisation that’s mother tongue. A crucial part of this scheme is that it is interested in dementia and it’s affect on people, and available in both Welsh and English so that we are able to would like a demonstration of this VR technology, please make the experience as realistic as possible for the user.” contact Meilys Smith, Senior Manager at Gwynedd Council’s l The Virtual Reality experience aims Adults, Health and Wellbeing Department on email: Dementia affects an increasing number of people each year to provide an insight into what it’s [email protected] and it can often be difficult and sensitive for families to talk like to have dementia or call 01286 679577.

Gwynedd Council 03 Autumn 2018 NEWYDDION continued from page 1 Why the Council wants to hear your views For every £10 Gwynedd Council spends The background… HOW THE MONEY IS SPENT on all these services together, £7.20 ------comes directly from the Government Gwynedd Council spends millions Education and Schools £101 million and the remaining £2.80 is raised of pounds on a wide range of local Care for Adults & Older People £55 million locally through the Council Tax. services. In 2018/19 alone, the total Refuse & Recycling £17 million amount will be £243 million. Highways & Transport £16 million Since 2010/11, Gwynedd Council has received a £14 million cut in the cash it Care for Children & Families £16 million receives from the Welsh Government. As is the case every year, the largest sums Rent & Council Tax Relief £11 million by far are spent on three service areas: Over that time, inflation has increased Fire Service, Snowdonia National Park & Other £7 million l educating our children and young Council costs by £31 million. people Libraries, Leisure & Arts £6 million l caring for vulnerable people Housing Service £5 million At the same time, demand for local l waste collection and keeping the Planning & Environmental Services £5 million services - care support for our growing county’s 1,800 mile road network up to Economic Development £2 million population of older people in particular an acceptable standard. Other Costs £2 million - is growing year on year as is the cost of paying for these services. This has On top of these large and expensive ------increased Council costs by £25 million. services, Gwynedd also spends money TOTAL £243 million to boost our local economy, to protect ------In response to this situation, since 2010/11 Gwynedd Council has already our natural environment and to provide www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru delivered £46 million of savings by a wide range of other services that are 01766 771000 important to certain groups of people or a working more efficiently as well as certain area or community. £5 million of cuts.

The next few years…

Unfortunately, the long-term pattern of insufficient funding from the government coupled with increasing demand seems set to continue from 2019/20 onwards.

During this period, the “funding gap” facing the Council could be somewhere between £11 million and £20 million.

Because of this, the 75 Councillors who represent the communities of Gwynedd will shortly need to consider how best to share out and prioritise the limited amount of money they will have in the Council coffers from 2019 onwards. How you can shape these key decisions… Before considering how best to allocate the money that will be available, the Council wants a clear picture of what’s important to you and your community.

The Council is appealing to Gwynedd people everywhere to complete a short and straightforward questionnaire, either online at www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/Priorities or by filling in and returning a paper survey form. Why is demand for services increasing? With a rapid increase in the number of older people living in l l Gwynedd, the pressure on Council care services is mounting the number of Gwynedd the number of Gwynedd year-on-year, with projections for the period ahead showing people aged between 75 and people aged over 85 will that these statistics figures are only likely to go up. 84 will increase by 33% grow by 35% By 2026, it is forecast that there will be 33% more people aged 75 to 84 living in Gwynedd, and 35% more people aged 85 and l demand for homecare l demand for residential and over. Older people are far more likely to require support and services will rise by 29% nursing care will grow by 31% services from the Council than adults in all other age groups.

With the number of people aged 75 and over in Gwynedd set l the total number of Gwynedd people who require care to increase significantly, there will be a clear impact on Council funding for the years ahead: support from the Council will increase from 1,729 to 2,222

04 Gwynedd Council NEWYDDION Autumn 2018

Is this questionnaire in any way about service cuts though? Why aren’t “back office” or “central” services mentioned YOUR QUESTIONS in this survey? Given our past experience, it is highly likely that Gwynedd ANSWERED Council is likely to have far less money than it needs to pay This survey is focused on the services each and every for local services between April 2019 and March 2022. person in Gwynedd either uses or will use or need at some Newyddion Gwynedd asked stage in their lives. Whilst they are not included here, we Given this, it may not be possible to keep Council services Council Chief Executive are continuing to reduce “central” or “back office” functions at their present levels and the 75 elected Gwynedd to the absolute bare minimum needed to support and run Dilwyn Williams about the Councillors will need to decide which services they wish to our front line services. priorities survey. Here’s protect, which services on which to spend less money and which services to cut. what he had to say. Why don’t you demand more money from the Government The results of this public survey and the feedback from or use your reserves? Is this the same as the Gwynedd Challenge consultation the ten public meetings will help Councillors to come to of 2015? decisions that take into account the priorities of local people and help them to consider any concerns people As a Council, we are not in a position to make demands. may raise about certain service areas. By law, we are obliged to take the grant we are given by No, this survey is different and much simpler than the the Welsh Government, and after deciding how much we Gwynedd Challenge survey we conducted in the autumn This survey is not in any way a referendum, but the can raise from Council Tax, to set our spending on local of 2015. key messages from its results will certainly shape and services accordingly. The upper hand lies with the Welsh influence the decisions that will have to be made. Government. This time, we’re asking people to simply place 63 Council services in one of five categories ranging from “Very Along with the Welsh Local Government Association which important” to “Not Important at all” and to note any represents all 22 county councils in Wales, we have of course made our views perfectly clear to the Government further comments they want to bring to the attention of Why not try to save money by cutting waste rather than that the amount of money they give us as councils is councillors. services? leading to a decline in the quality of local services we can provide.

What about the services that are extremely important to a This is exactly what we have been doing, and it’s what we’ll In Gwynedd, we have so far managed to avoid catastrophic small number of people or only to people in a certain area? continue to do wherever we can. consequences, but as we become more efficient the opportunity to find further savings reduces, and in future Since 2010/11 we’ve delivered £46 million of savings by we may have no choice but to resort to cuts which have As well as the county-wide results, Councillors will be working more efficiently. greater consequences. presented with any key messages or patterns that emerge as being important on a local level or important to certain As we have now been driving up our efficiency levels Using reserves only delays the inevitable and is not an key groups within Gwynedd - young people, disabled people for well over a decade, it is important to stress that it is answer. We do however use reserves to bridge any funding and older people for example - so that they can be taken becoming increasingly difficult for us to find and deliver gaps when there will be a delay in being able to realise an into consideration during the decision making process. new additional efficiency savings. idea which might give us savings.

CAERNARFON BANGOR Ysgol Syr Hugh Ysgol Friars Do you have any more Owen 9/10/18 16/10/18 7pm-9pm questions for Dilwyn 7pm-9pm BETHESDA Williams? Why not Ysgol Dyffryn PENYGROES Ogwen come along to one of Ysgol Dyffryn 19/9/18 our public meetings Nantlle 7pm-9pm 4/10/18 7pm-9pm to ask him in person? BLAENAU FFESTINIOG Please register your interest Ysgol y Moelwyn 11/10/18 in attending one of these 7pm-9pm public meetings by visiting www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/ Y BALA KeepMeASeat or by phoning PORTHMADOG Ysgol Y Berwyn 01286 679 912. Ysgol 8/10/18 7pm-9pm 25/9/18 7pm-9pm When doing so, please let us know if you have any PWLLHELI DOLGELLAU additional requirements. Ysgol Glan y Môr Ysgol Bro Idris 1/10/18 15/10/18 7pm-9pm 7pm-9pm Remember, you can also fill-in TYWYN the online questionnaire on Ysgol Uwchradd www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/ Tywyn Priorities 3/10/18 7pm-9pm

Gwynedd Council 05 Autumn 2018 NEWYDDION

Do it online - Council services wherever you are With more Gwynedd residents than ever making the most of what the internet has to offer, it is now possible to Paying for school dinners - access a growing range of Council services online at any Getting started time. it’s a piece of cake With the new school term just getting underway, make the The free ‘apGwynedd’ app has recently been introduced most of the online services available for paying your local which makes it even easier for you to access Council online primary school: services when you’re out and about. l Forget about the weekly stress of finding the right To download the new application for smartphones and change for school dinners! tablets, simply search for Gwynedd Council on the Apple App l No more envelopes of cash in your child’s school bag! Store or Android Play Store on your device. l Say goodbye to worrying if the money gets to school in one piece! The new app allows you to request a whole host of services when and where it’s convenient for you and at a much more You can do it all via the internet and parents can track what cost-effective price for all Gwynedd tax payers. they’ve paid the school. It’s safe, secure and easy to use at any time that suits you. For example, you can use the ‘apGwynedd’ app to: You can access Gwynedd Council’s online services in a Some schools also use the online system for other sorts l check the date of your waste and recycling collections number of ways: of payments, such as swimming lessons, school trips and l search for planning applications near where you live musical instrument lessons. Just check with your school l request services or report issues l Via your smartphone or tablet device. Simply visit the what services are available. Before getting started, parents l track what’s happening with your request. Apple App store or Android Play Store and download just need to check with the school that their details are up the new ‘apGwynedd’ app for free. to date. “More and more people do their shopping or banking on the l Via a laptop or home computer. Visit www.gwynedd. internet these days, so it’s important that Gwynedd residents llyw.cymru/MyAccount and follow the on-screen can access a wide-range of Council services online too,” said instructions. Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member. l Via the free-to-use computers at your local Gwynedd Council library. “These new online services are safe, quick and easy to use. They mean the Council can speed-up the process of If you don’t already use the delivering services for the people of Gwynedd and can be internet and would like help used wherever you have access to the internet. to set-up an account, Council staff are on-hand to help. Visit “You can use ‘apGwynedd’ to keep up to date with your your local Siop Gwynedd in l With the help of the online system, parents can forget queries or request a service at the touch of a button. Or, if Caernarfon, Dolgellau or Pwllheli about the stress of finding the exact change to pay for school you don’t use a smart phone or tablet, you can create an or call Galw Gwynedd on 01766 771000 where one of dinners. Go to www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/payyourschool for online account on your home computer to see which services the helpful customer care staff can get you started. more information are available.”

Raising the bog standard Delivering improvements for Gwynedd When it comes to public loos Gwynedd Furthermore, Despite the extremely challenging “This report allows us to look back and is bucking the national trend. Thanks to funding has financial climate facing public services, evaluate our performance so that we can move positive partnerships forged between been secured Gwynedd Council is continuing to deliver forward with confidence to continue delivering Gwynedd Council and local community, from the Rural Community Development improvements across its range of services. modern, high quality services. In the Council town and city councils, the county has Fund to upgrade the facilities and improve Plan for the period up to 2023 we set-out how more public toilets than all but one other energy efficiency at the toilets at Penllyn, As well as casting an eye back over the we will work with our partners to achieve our county and the standard of a number Caernarfon; Marian y De, Pwllheli; Queen’s, authority’s performance for 2017/18, aim of delivering the best possible services for of them is about to get better due to a Harlech; the Quay, Barmouth and . Gwynedd’s annual report looks in detail at Gwynedd residents over the coming years.” £300,000 investment. This work will be carried out during 2019. how the Council has been working with various partners to deliver local services. For the full picture on the Council’s According to research carried out by “This is good news for local people and for performance for the past year, visit: the BBC this summer, Gwynedd has the the tourism sector alike,” said Councillor The report - which also looks back on the www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/performance joint-second highest number of public Gareth Griffith, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Council’s work since 2013 - outlines where the conveniences of all the UK authorities. Member with responsibility for municipal authority has performed well over the past Paper copies of the Council performance Gwynedd Council also supports a number services.” year and where improvements will be required. report is also available from your local of public toilet facilities provided by library or Siop Gwynedd one-stop-shops in community groups and businesses the He added: “Back in 2015 it looked as if we “I am proud of the work Gwynedd Council Caernarfon, Dolgellau and Pwllheli. length and breadth of the county. would have no choice but to close a large has achieved over the past year,” said Council number of public toilets because of the Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn. More recently, Gwynedd Council has severe financial pressure on the Council. received the good news that it had But by taking a step back and looking 2017/18 Ysgol Glancegin, Investment made to The Council helps secured two grants for £150,000 each to creatively at the possibilities, we have Maesgeirchen, Bangor extend specialist dementia four Syrian refugee carry out improvement work on public managed to keep the vast majority of opens after renovation care at Llys Cadfan in Tywyn families settle down conveniences. toilets open by going into partnership with safely in our county various community, town and city councils Funding from the Tourism Amenity to fund their upkeep and maintenance.” Five local teams Investment Support Grant will pay for Multi-site Ysgol Bro Opus scheme launched created to provide social improvement work between now and To see where there are public toilets in Idris school established to help people aged 25+ to care information for November at three public toilets in Gwynedd, please visit in Dolgellau area return to work adults across Gwynedd Bethesda, Y Bala and . www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/toilets

06 Gwynedd Council NEWYDDION Autumn 2018

Nominations open for “Gwobr y Bobl” 2019 Have you received outstanding service from We’re looking for those Council staff who put show our appreciation to those staff members “That’s why we’re once again asking a Gwynedd Council worker or team of staff? Gwynedd residents at the heart of their work who go the extra mile to provide a first class Newyddion readers to help us by and do whatever they can to deliver the very service for the people of Gwynedd,” said nominating those members of You may have received particularly good best local services. Gwynedd Council Chair, Councillor Annwen staff who have made a lasting service over a number of years, or a recent Hughes. impression through their passion and incident where staff went the extra mile Thanks to the support of Newyddion readers, commitment. might have left you wanting to show your we have received a large number of entries “Despite the cuts to public services, Council appreciation. If so, we’d really like to hear over the past two years, with the outstanding staff continue to make a real contribution to “Every individual or team who receives a from you. work of staff members that had been our communities day in and day out. ‘Gwobr y Bobl’ nomination will be told of the nominated being recognised at the annual feedback received and the overall winners will For the third year now, we’re asking ‘Council At Its Best’ ceremony. “We hope that the ‘Gwobr y Bobl’, and the be honoured with a certificate and trophy in Gwynedd residents to help us appreciation of local people, can help to recognition of their hard work at the ‘Council find the deserving winners of the “The ‘Gwobr y Bobl’ award has celebrate the important work they do and at its Best’ ceremony next spring.” “Gwobr y Bobl” People’s Award. become an important way to inspire others to follow their example.

Last year’s winners The Caernarfon Recycling Centre Team were nominated by John Ellis. Mr Ellis, who is blind, was grateful for the help they provide him and his wife whenever they Sara Morris visit the busy centre on the towns Cibyn industrial estate. l Sara Morris Jones Jones is a Benefits Officer for the Council. Her efforts to ensure that local people - such as those with disabilities or families on low incomes - receive the financial benefits and help for which they are eligible were highlighted by Jason Pritchard and Jean Lewis who nominated her for the award. l Cyril Thomas, Neil Hallybone, Gwyn Hughes and Dewi Jones from the Caernarfon recycling team

Sam The Council’s Dementia Go and Exercise Referral Team were nominated Hollingworth by Janet Turner and Janet Price. and Liz Emma Quaecke and Haynes from Clare Harris from the Meirionnydd the Dementia Go Rights of Way team team and Rachel were recognised Roberts who for going the leads the Exercise extra mile. Gill Referral Team were Caves nominated awarded for the them for their way in which they approachability, help people who good humour and have long-term for the high- health conditions level of service to increase their they provide for physical activity in Gwynedd residents order to improve l Sam Hollingsworth and Liz Haynes who enjoy the their wellbeing. from the Rights of Way team l Emma Quaecke, Clare Harris and Rachel Roberts area’s footpaths. ! ! !

The Council at its Best 2019 Name: ...... Newyddion Gwynedd readers can nominate an individual member of Council staff or a team: E-Mail address or contact telephone number: ......

l by visiting www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/CouncilAtItsBest ...... l by cutting out and returning the form on the right via your local library or Siop Gwynedd I would like to nominate: ...... l by posting the form to People’s Award, Communications Unit, Gwynedd Council, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 1SH. for the “Gwobr y Bobl” Award because: ......

The closing date for nominations is 31 January 2019. All nominations will be considered ...... by the Council Chair and Vice-Chair and the winner will be announced at the staff awards ceremony in the spring of 2019...... The winner will receive a certificate and a small trophy. Keep an eye out for a list of winners in future editions on Newyddion Gwynedd. Please continue your nomination on an extra sheet if required

Gwynedd Council 07 Autumn 2018 NEWYDDION Universal Credit - Benefits are changing There has been much talk about the Westminster Government’s decision to change welfare benefits. From December the Universal Credit, which supports people who are on low income or out of work, will start to be rolled-out here in Gwynedd. Initially, the changes will only apply to those “As a Council, we realise that the Universal who are claiming benefits for the first time Credit system introduced by the Westminster and those who are already claiming benefits, Government will dramatically change the way but whose circumstances have changed. Other benefits are provided to a number of people claimants won’t need to do anything until in Gwynedd,” said Councillor Craig ab Iago, they hear directly from the Department for who leads on tackling poverty matters for Work and Pensions about moving to Universal Gwynedd Council. Credit. “Whatever our views on the new system, it Eventually, Universal Credit will be in place for is important that those Gwynedd people people of a working age who receives: who will be effected are aware of the help and support that is available from various l Jobseeker’s Allowance agencies. l Employment and Support Allowance l Income Support “The Universal Credit system will be a solely l Working Tax Credit online system, and unlike the previous system l Child Tax Credit will be paid on a monthly basis. l Working Age Benefits including Housing Benefit “As part of our efforts to prepare for this significant change, we have been working As part of the change, the government has with our partners to provide practical advice aimed for Universal Credit to be similar to on how to prepare for Universal Credit and a monthly wage. The one single monthly arranging Digital Gwynedd sessions to help payment will be transferred straight into people get online. We will be continuing with the claimants’ bank account and will include this support as the new system is rolled-out support for paying rent. across Gwynedd.” Preparing for Universal Credit - remember the 3B’s Free school B eing Online B ank Account B udgeting dinners

You’ll need to be online and have an email One of the main changes to those effected address to make your claim for Universal by Universal Credit will be the once a Credit - there will be no paper forms month payment made straight into a bank You will need to have a bank, building available. account. Did you know that your child could be society or credit union account to receive eligible for free school dinners if you Universal Credit. You’ll be able to open a If you don’t have internet access at home, Unlike to the current arrangements, people receive some benefits? you can use of the free computer facilities bank account in a branch, by post or even who receive Universal Credit will need to on-line and it shouldn’t take too long. available at all of the Council’s public libraries. pay their rent to their landlord themselves You could be entitled to the support if Staff may also be able to help you get started. - something that may have happened you receive Employment and Support Opening a bank account will also help you automatically in the past. You may want to Allowance, Income Support, Job Seekers with budgeting and you’ll be able to arrange At the Council’s Siop Gwynedd one-stop-shops discuss this with your landlord now so that Allowance, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, to pay bills straight from your bank account trained staff will be on-hand to help you with you can best plan how you’d want to pay your help under the Immigration and Asylum via direct debit. your claim. rent. Seekers Act or Universal Credit.

Those families who receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction from Helping hand Practical help and advice about Universal Gwynedd Council, won’t need to complete If you need help to get online, a series of Credit is also available from: an application form for free school meals practical Digital Gwynedd sessions are being as the Council will assess your rights held across the county. Details about your Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) automatically. local drop-in sessions are available from www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales Gwynedd libraries, on 0344 4772 020 You can download the application form www.gwyneddddigidol.cymru or from the Council website: alternatively contact Impartial Financial Advice Service www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/free-lunch or Daniel Richards from www.moneyadviceservice. contact Gwynedd Council’s Benefits Office Digital Gwynedd on org.uk/universalcredit by email: [email protected] 07854 690529. 0300 500 5000 or call 01286 682 689 if you have any questions.

08 Gwynedd Council NEWYDDION Autumn 2018

Celebrating the past to ensure Economic benefits The work to secure World Heritage Status is a very detailed process and involves a number of a strong future organisations coming together. The partners working on the bid led by Gwynedd Council include the National Slate Museum, the Welsh Government, , Snowdonia National Park Authority, the National Trust, the Royal Commission for Ancient and Historic Monuments Wales and Gwynedd Archaeological Trust.

These partners firmly believe that securing World Heritage status would provide significant employment opportunities for local people by building on the area’s reputation as a key visitor destination.

“As well as celebrating our history, this project can help to regenerate communities through heritage, and ensure that our is celebrated and appreciated the world-over,” said Chairman of the Wales Slate Steering l At its peak, Gwynedd’s slate industry employed almost 12,000 workers Group Chair, Dafydd Wigley.

The Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal and the Pyramids of Giza. These are just some of the iconic international landmarks “The industry here in Gwynedd helped to create vibrant Gwynedd’s slate industry would join if an ambitious bid for UNESCO World Heritage status is secured. communities which became the beating heart of our cultural and political life. This rich heritage is the basis Over recent years, a project led by “The area was the world’s greatest slate Gwynedd was exporting enough slate to of our application for UNESCO World Heritage Site Gwynedd Council has been developing a exporter during the mid-19th century, roof approximately 14 million terraced status. strong case to ensure that the majestic and we believe that Gwynedd’s key role houses. slate landscape of the area is recognised in what was such an important global “By working together with communities, the bid can help along with these international sites of industry is something to be celebrated With seven locations making up the reaffirm and reconnect local people with their cultural historic and cultural importance. and promoted. As well as offering proposed World Heritage site, it is hoped heritage and provide focus for further community economic opportunities for Gwynedd, that securing the nomination would regeneration. Securing the prestigious World Heritage the World Heritage Site bid can help us encourage visitors from near and far Site designation would provide a huge conserve important historical features. to hop from one location to the other “The Slate Festival held in Ffestiniog over the summer boost to the ongoing work to regenerate - spreading the economic benefits to underlines the passion and pride that exists within our Gwynedd’s slate communities. Evidence “The old quarries - and the labour of communities across Gwynedd. slate communities. We hope to harness this passion and from other UNESCO sites show that the those who worked there - still influences pride to support our bid as we move forward to the next status can significantly increase the how places look all around the world The sites are the Ogwen Valley; ; step to secure the deserved international recognition for economic opportunities of an area. today. It’s amazing to see terraced houses, the ; Cwmystradllyn & our slate industry.” royal palaces and everything in between Cwm Pennant; Ffestiniog, Afon Dwyryd “Gwynedd’s slate industry played a vital the world over covered with slate from & Ffestiniog Railway to Porthmadog; Whilst the bid aims to make the most of the potential role in the industrial revolution,” said Gwynedd.” Bryneglwys quarry, & growth in the already important tourism sector, Councillor Ioan Thomas, Gwynedd’s Talyllyn Railway and quarry. slate continues to be an important local employer Economic Development Cabinet Member. During its peak in the late 19th century, with working quarries across Gwynedd. The closely connected heritage industry also plays an important aspect in the local economy, with numerous attractions, tours, museums and archives telling the story of this What it could mean for Gwynedd? important industry. Independent research shows that securing UNESCO World Heritage Site status for Gwynedd’s slate landscape could lead to huge benefits for the county. The heritage sector, including Gwynedd’s active slate quarries contributes £180 million annually to the local Figures show projected impact on tourism and heritage sector here in Gwynedd economy. The UNESCO bid provides an opportunity to should the World Heritage Site status be secured and taken full advantage of. create further employment opportunities in related sectors like construction, roofing and maintaining and Potential benefits of a fully exploited Wales Slate World Heritage Site in Gwynedd to the Heritage Sector: conserving those all-important slate structures. HERITAGE SECTOR TURNOVER JOBS VALUE OF HERITAGE SECTOR 2014 2030 2014 2030 2014 2030

£515m £850m 8,250 14,000 £180m £307m

What happens next? Following years of detailed work on the bid, the Slate Landscape For the latest news and updates about the nomination, of North-west Wales World Heritage Site Nomination is being follow the project on social media: prepared to be presented to the UK Government before being submitted to UNESCO for consideration. @LlechiCymru

If the nomination is invited to be submitted in January 2019, @LlechiCymruWalesSlate further detailed consideration will be made by UNESCO with a final l The recent Slate Festival in Ffestiniog underlined decision then expected during the summer of 2020. @LlechiCymruWalesSlate the local passion and pride for the area’s heritage More information about the bid is available at www.llechi.cymru

Gwynedd Council 09 Autumn 2018 NEWYDDION

Keeping the scammers at bay SCAMS Have you been told you’ve won a competition you didn’t even enter? Have you received a letter congratulating Stopping the scammers you on a lottery win or an email, text or The golden rule to remember is: If it sounds through the post phone call pressuring you to make a get- too good to be true, it usually is! l Genuine computer firms do not make rich-quick investment? unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your Scammers may contact you trying to computer Have you experienced a rogue trader convince you that you’ve won a prize draw or l To stop unwanted emails set-up a junk mail turning up uninvited on your doorstep competition, and that you just need to pay a filter trying to convince you that your home small fee to release your winnings. l Be extremely wary of emails from people you desperately requires building or don’t know asking for your personal details maintenance work? You may receive a cold-call from someone l Always go to your bank’s official website claiming to be from a bank or internet provider when making an online payment - don’t More often than not, scammers are behind asking you to share personal information. be tempted to follow links in emails from these offers, out to deceive you of your unknown sources. money. That’s why Gwynedd Council’s Always think about what information you share Trading Standards team want you to be Tackling rogue traders - your bank or utility companies are highly If you’re concerned about nuisance phone calls, able to recognise a scam and know how to If you’re unsure or feel you might be unlikely to contact you in this way unless they you can register for free with the Telephone deal with a rogue trader if you’re unlucky targeted by pushy salespeople, follow have arranged to do so in advance. So if you’re Preference Service by phoning 0345 070 0707 enough to be confronted with them. the three step plan: not sure, it’s probably worth taking a moment or visiting their website www.tpsonline.org.uk. and considering if something fishy is going on. “Rogue traders or scammers often target 1) If in doubt - keep them out. Keep You can also cut down on unsolicited post by the most vulnerable people in our society, your door closed and don’t let them Whether it’s unwanted phone calls, post or registering free with the Mailing Preference with older people twice as likely to be pressure you into letting them in. online scams, take your time and don’t be Service. Contact them for more information by targeted by fraudsters,” said Councillor 2) Stay in control and politely ask them rushed into making any hasty decision: calling 020 7291 3310 or visit their website: Dafydd Meurig, who leads on Trading to go away. www.mpsonline.org.uk for more information. Standards for Gwynedd Council. 3) Never agree to have work done or part l Don’t be fooled into giving out details of any with your money on your doorstep. of your bank accounts “Being the target of fraud can have a They may offer you cut-down prices l It’s ok to say no. No matter how persuasive devastating impact on a person, but please to carry out what they say are urgent someone is, you’re under no obligation to don’t keep your concerns to yourself. repairs, but they may well demand hand over your money large amounts of cash as the job goes l Don’t be rushed - you never need to make a “I’d urge anyone who is concerned about a on. decision straight away possible scam or believes that they have l If you suspect a phone scam - hang up, wait been duped, to contact our dedicated If you do happen to get caught off guard five minutes to clear the line or use another Trading Standards team. With your help, and a cold caller does manage to get into phone to call they can investigate and take action your house, let Trading Standards know l Never respond to junk mail you receive against those who are acting illegally.” as soon as possible. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and the sooner Scam busting help and advice is available on the Gwynedd Council website: they know about it, the better chance www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/TradingStandards or, if you want to contact Gwynedd Council’s they have of identifying the caller and Trading Standards team directly, email them on [email protected] or call them tackling the situation. on 01766 771000.

Record recycling levels Dwyfor collections Garden waste collections Over the past few years, a real team Gwynedd effort has In the next few weeks, households in Thousands of Gwynedd households have decided to take meant that the amount of waste we now recycle has risen the Dwyfor area of the county will up the fortnightly garden waste collection for an annual to record levels. receive information regarding fee of £33. That works out at around £1.32 per collection. changes to the collection The most recent figures show that Gwynedd people now If you already use the service, you’ll shortly receive details recycle an impressive 64% of the waste we generate. This days or weeks for some areas. about renewing for 2019. If you’ve moved to a new home means that we are already meeting the challenging statutory or decided you want to use the garden waste service for target the Welsh Government has set councils for 2020. If your household is one of those that will the first time, arranging the collection for 2019 couldn’t be easier. “I’d like to thank Gwynedd’s residents for helping us to see a change, an information pack will be sent out highlighting the change along continue to improve on the amount of waste we recycle as a You can book and pay for the service using county,” said Cabinet Member, Councillor Gareth Griffith. with a new calendar which will include details your new collection day or if your collection week has changed. the safe, secure and short online form at The change which will be introduced from the start of www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/gardenwaste “More and more households are making full use of the and follow the simple online instructions. Council’s weekly recycling and food waste collection service, November will not effect all homes in the Dwyfor area. and by doing so, playing their part in helping to ensure that Alternatively use the ‘apGwynedd’ app on we dramatically cut down the waste we bury in landfill sites. Remember that you can order new bins, your smart phone or tablet device. extra recycling boxes, larger boxes for “I hope that even more families will join the county-wide the Cartgylchu or food waste bags, by Those who aren’t online and would like to arrange a garden effort as we aim to continue to all visiting www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/ waste collection can do so over the phone. Simply call Galw do our bit for the myaccount and placing your request. Gwynedd on 01766 771000 to purchase the service. You environment and More information about the waste and recycling collections can also visit the Council’s Siop Gwynedd one-stop-shops at ensure that Gwynedd and details about which materials you can recycle are also Caernarfon, Dolgellau or Pwllheli and pay by bank card or is a green and clean available on the Council website. cheque. place to live.”

10 Gwynedd Council