Councillor’s Annual Report

This is the report by the Councillor below regarding her key activities over the year ending 31 March 2014. It is provided for the information of all constituents and for no other purpose. The views expressed in this report are those of the Councillor and not necessarily reflect the views of the Isle of Anglesey County Council.

Councillor: Ann Griffith Ward: Bro Aberffraw

Group: Plaid Cymru

Role & Responsibilities

My roles and responsibilities are wide and varied. Coming from a Social Work and Social Care Management background it is appropriate that I take responsibility for matters to do with social care.

Since my election in May 2013 I have assumed the role of Shadow Portfolio Holder Social Service and Housing . I am expected to take part in regular briefing meetings with the Director for Community and Head of Housing, attend meetings with the Management Team. I work constructively with the Portfolio Holder.

A very new and challenging experience has been the role of Vice Chair of the Planning and Orders Committee. As well as providing support to the Chairperson, I also attend Planning Site visits and Pre- Planning Meetings as well as regular Briefing Meetings and training.

Between May 2013 and March 2014, I sat on the * Attendance Figures following main committees / sub-committees: (supplied by IOACC)

Council 13 (100%) Corporate Scrutiny 7 (100%) Corporate Parenting Panel (from November 2013) 2 (100%) Joint Planning Policy 2 (100%) Licensing (Vice-Chair) 1 (100%) Planning and Orders (Vice Chair) 8 (80%) * The statistics provided are relevant only to the committees listed in this table. The statistics do not include attendance at other meetings related to the work of the Council.

I am a member of the Isle of Anglesey Charitable Trust (attended 3 meetings) and Investments Sub Committee

I represent the Council as a member of the Welfare Reform Board.

I was a member of the Community Health Council. I am the Vice Chair of the Fostering Panel and am called upon to chair the meetings as required. I represent the Council in Fostering Business Meetings and the Foster Carers’ Forum.

Constituency Activity

Council representative on three Community Councils, Aberffraw, Bodorgan and Rhosyr.

Community Council Member on Rhosyr Community Council.

Governor Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni and member of the Personnel Sub-Group.

Governor Ysgol Gynradd Bodorgan

Case Work Issues - I have provided advice and responded to individual constituents on a range of issues from housing needs, oil theft and heating affordability, diverse planning applications, parking and traffic speed, child and adult safeguarding and animal welfare.

Initiatives & Special Activities

I was instrumental in the setting up the Community Translation Plan Working Group which is ongoing and in the process of securing grant monies to provide a professional and well equipped service to community councils and community groups.

Chairperson of the Newborough Prichard Jones Institute and Cottages.

Chairperson of the Newborough “Tir y Tlodion” Committee responsible for distributing monies to various community bodies.

Member of the Bodorgan Community Hall Committee and presently involved in securing a modern day lease arrangement with the Council.

Supporting Wales Government Cynefin in their bids for grant aid to develop community projects in Bro Aberffraw. Presently planning for “Cynefin a Chymuned” course in Niwbwrch. Arranged planning consultation meeting regarding the Joint Local Development Plan in Newborough.

President Llangaffo Gymanfa Ganu.

Held Advice Surgery for Aberffraw and Newborough residents.

Learning & Development

I have attended the following Learning and Development initiatives during the past year (information supplied by IOACC): Introduction to Member Support Service May 2013 Ethical Framework May 2013 Welsh Language/Data Protection/Press & Media May 2013 Register of Interest Training May 2013 Planning Committee Training June 2013 Overview of Scrutiny Functions June 2013

Scrutiny Questioning Skills June 2013 Corporate Planning Meeting June 2013 Licencing Committee Training July 2013 Conducting a Scrutiny Review July 2013 Session 3 for the Executive July 2013 Planning Seminar – Planning September 2013 Making Social Media Work for Councillors September 2013 Equalities Awareness Training September 2013 Shadow Executive Training September 2013

Personal Development Review October 2013 PINS Training November 2013 Session 3 – Shadow/Senior Lead January 2014

I attended a Welsh language “Gloywi Iaith” course in order to improve my written Welsh. I attended the New Governors Induction Course arranged by the Lifelong Learning Department.

Other Activities & Issues I have been actively involved in seeking to improve road safety and safety for pedestrians in my ward. One particular achievement has been the Compulsory Purchase Order issued by the Council to purchase land in Bethel, Bodorgan, in order to create a pavement and safe route for pedestrians.

I have made progress in the following: enforcement against fly tipping in Dwyran; flood prevention survey in the Dwyran area undertaken by Natural Resources Wales (NRA); steps to improve communications by NRA with the residents of Newborough and the users of the forest. In addition, I have worked with the local community in opposing the sale of the car park and public toilets in Newborough and have lobbied to improve local consultation arrangements by the Council with regard to schools modernisation across the ward.

I instigated an Equal Opportunities Impact Assessment with regard to the timing of Council meetings in order to ensure greater democratic renewal and attract a more diverse and representative group of candidates at the next election.

Councillor Ann Griffith April 2014