NEWYDDION Council News Spring 2018 Issue 52

www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru 01766 771000 @cyngorgwynedd cyngorgwyneddcouncil

A major investment at a Council care home will help to ensure that older people have access to the specialist care and health services they need within Boost for local their community. Plas Hafan in Nefyn on the Llŷn Peninsula is the latest Gwynedd Council care home to benefit from a programme of investment so that it can offer improved support for people living with dementia and other conditions associated with getting older. specialist care The investment will see the Council upgrade the Nefyn care home, with the refurbished unit enabling the Council’s care team to work with medical staff from the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to care for up to eight people with dementia at any one time.

“It is a simple matter of fact that more and more of us are living longer. Whilst this is clearly good news, it also means that the number of older people who develop conditions like dementia is also increasing,” said Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for Care.

“Local people tell us on a regular basis that they want the Council and our partners in the health service to develop expert care services for people with conditions like dementia at the heart of our communities and as close as possible to family and friends.

“We have listened and responded to the clear message from those who use our care services, and I am delighted that Nefyn and Pen Llŷn will soon become the latest area of Gwynedd to benefit from our community-based approach to dementia care.”

The Nefyn project follows on from a similar scheme at the Llys Cadfan care home in Tywyn. There are also plans in the pipeline for a further scheme to provide dementia care at the Council’s Plas Hedd care home in Bangor. l Wendy Owen, the manager of Gwynedd’s Plas Hafan home with Cabinet Member, Councillor Gareth Roberts For the full story turn to page 3

Second home premium A financial plan to protect services This year for the first time, second- home owners and the owners of Gwynedd councillors have agreed on properties that have been empty for their financial strategy for the next 12 12-months and more will be charged months. a 50% Council Tax Premium on their property. The strategy aims to continue to deliver vital public services for local people, despite This decision follows similar changes to growing demand and the fact that the money Council Tax by a number of other Welsh received from the government towards the authorities which have a high number of cost of Council services is falling well short empty and second homes in their areas. of inflation. “As a county, Gwynedd has the highest Rather than making knee-jerk decisions number of second homes in the whole on service cuts, Gwynedd councillors have of , a fact which has a significant agreed a Council Tax increase of 4.8% from effect on the prosperity and sustainability April onwards. This means that bills for an of a number of our communities,” said average (Band D) property will go up by Councillor Craig ab Iago, Cabinet £59.57 for the year, or £1.15 a week. Member for Housing.

“Gwynedd Council delivers a wide-range with the £7 million net increase in the cost of “However, the financial outlook for the “By introducing this charge, the Council of services from schools and care for providing local public services. future is extremely bleak and there will be intends to use a percentage of the vulnerable children and adults, to libraries, no option but to identify further savings, money raised to provide additional road maintenance and waste collection “Despite making savings of £2.8 million, possibly of up to £20 million over the coming housing within communities for services. For the year ahead, the total bill for we have had to increase the Council Tax in three years. Gwynedd’s young people.” all these local services for Gwynedd people order to protect services that are important will be £243 million,” said Councillor Peredur for local people. “As we have done in the past, later in 2018 Jenkins, the Council’s Cabinet Member for we will be inviting local people to have their If you would like Newyddion Gwynedd Finance. “The fact that we have carefully planned for say on options to deliver savings for 2019. on mp3 or in another language or format, please phone 01766 771000. the long-term means that we won’t have to This will allow us to plan effectively, avoid “Most of this sum, £175 million, comes make any extra service cuts beyond those knee-jerk decisions and base any service from the Welsh Government in the form of already been agreed between now and April cuts on the priorities of Gwynedd residents.” Newyddion Gwynedd is produced on a grant. The rest, £68 million, comes from 2019. 100% recycled local Council Tax. paper. When you’ve For more information about the Council’s financial strategy, information finished reading this “Yet again, the grant from the government, about paying Council Tax and what help is available to those having difficulty newspaper please recycle it. raised by only £1 million, has not kept up paying, please turn to pages 8 to 10. Spring 2018 NEWYDDION

MAYmay A word from the What’s on in Gwynedd this spring? 12 - Food Festival A chance to see live cooking exhibitions, sample freshly cooked food, live Deputy Leader entertainment, a popular animal enclosure as well many stalls offering food to taste This year we and buy. are marking the www.gwylfwydcaernarfon.cymru centenary of the 1918 Representation 18-20 - Rail Ale of the People Act in This popular festival is now in its 14th the United Kingdom, year. There is a wide range of real ales giving the right to and ciders to choose from, with live music vote for the first time and a chance to see the steam trains at to some women over festival’s main site at the Dinas station 30. It’s hard to believe that only in near Caernarfon. the last 100 years have women had any voice in the democratic process, l Caernarfon Food Festival www.festrail.co.uk but remember that only some women won the vote then, and that voting 31 - Music and Tales from Ancient 19-20 - Llanberis Slateman Triathlon NOVEMBERMARCH equality did not occur until 1928. It is Wales, Criccieth Castle Swim, cycle and run within the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. Delivered over a privilege and an honour to be able Storiel, Bangor 11am - 4pm two days and with a fantastic atmosphere, to represent Gwynedd communities Storiel will host a range of exhibitions over Come and enjoy Welsh bagpipe music and this triathlon is unmissable! See website as Deputy Leader of the Council, but the coming months. tales from ancient Wales. More details and below for registration details. it is still quite unusual to be a young The ‘Letters from the Far East’ exhibition entry prices available online. www.alwaysaimhighevents.com woman performing such a role. We features work by Sian Hughes. The work www.cadw.gov.wales still have a great deal to do to achieve will be on-display until 7 April. 20 - Caernarfon 5k Race for Life democratic and representative ‘It’s very quiet here’ exhibition by Noëlle 30 - 1 April Easter Egg Hunt Starts at 11am equality. Griffiths and‘Lifting the Veil’ by Iorwen Porth y Swnt, - Celebrate the Race for Life brings together thousands James will be on-show until 14 April. year of the sea by finding clues and pick up Women are significantly under- your chocolate prize at the end. of women to support research that saves lives. The 5k race is suitable for every represented at the Houses of Parliament 3 - 28 May Exhibition by Stuart Hill, Beddgelert - Pick up your age, and you can walk or run - the most in Westminster, in Cardiff and on our Electric Mountain, Llanberis. map at the Tŷ Isaf shop important thing is taking part. Remember to councils, including here at Gwynedd A familiar sight to walkers and climbers, it and go on a quest to find wear the colour pink to support the cause! Council. With the progress that has been is thought that Welsh Mountain Goats have some signs of spring More information and entry fees available made so far, more needs to be done to been in the Snowdonia mountain range around the picturesque on the website. ensure that more women stand and be since at least 4500BC. This exhibition by village. Chocolate prize at www.raceforlife.org elected, to achieve greater diversity in photographer Stuart Hill will concentrate on the end. democracy. This is one of my priorities this rare and ancient breed. Plas yn Rhiw - Explore 27 - Shipwrecked! here in Gwynedd Council during my www.electricmountain.co.uk every nook and cranny in tenure as holder of the equality portfolio. the garden before claiming A chance to practise your survival skills on beach. I am also passionate about getting more 25 - Duathlon and Triathlon a delicious chocolate treat at www.nationaltrust.org.uk women into prominent positions locally, Come along to see one of the best loved the end of the trail. following the example set by hundreds events on the UK triathlon calendar. Price: £2 per child. of women a century ago, to change our www.alwaysaimhighevents.com www.nationaltrust.org.uk JUNEjune political culture and ensure real equality 23 - Blas y Môr for future generations. APRILapril Get involved with all things coastal during International Women’s Day was held on 14-15 - Snowdonia Cycle Fest an afternoon at Porthdinllaen. Enjoy local seafood, art, music, paddle boarding and 8 March - a worldwide day to celebrate A weekend of different mountain biking the social, economic, cultural and political challenges in the Llanberis area. Full details children’s activities. www.nationaltrust.org.uk contribution of women. Gwynedd Council and ticket prices available online. marked the occasion by celebrating the www.bryniaumtb.co.uk All events listed correct at time of publishing contribution of women across Gwynedd, women past and present, well-known women and our day to day heroines.

The day was also an opportunity to YMGYNGHORIAETH highlight the need for action to ensure GWYNEDD gender equality. A key example of the CONSULTANCY inequality that continues to affect women in Gwynedd are the UK laws that require women born in the 1950s to wait up to six years longer to receive their state Over the last 21 years, YGC (Ymgynghoriaeth Gwynedd Consultancy) has designed and overseen pension. The WASPI (Women Against many infrastructure, transport and building projects. Our Services Include: State Pension Inequality) campaign is YGC is the largest local authority run consultancy in Wales, providing innovative and sustainable Water and Coastal seeking fair play for this group of women. Nearly 8,000 women across Gwynedd are solutions to meet the planning, design, and project delivery needs of the infrastructure & transport, Infrastructure and Transport Design water & coastal, property & building and environment sectors. Our services range from the design, affected. WASPI branches have been set- Building Design and Property Surveying construction and maintenance of roads, structures and buildings, to responding to the risk of flooding up in Dwyfor Meirionnydd and in Arfon, in coastal areas, whilst ensuring that the environment is protected at all times during construction. Building Control and I would encourage Gwynedd women who are affected to get in touch to learn For the latest information about our various projects, join us by following our social media pages and Environmental Consultancy visit our website. more about this matter and the support available to them.

It is astonishing that we still have to struggle and protest for equality in the political world, but it is vital that we continue to act so that we can make a difference.

Councillor Mair Rowlands 01286 679426 www.ygc.cymru [email protected] Connect with us: Gwynedd Council Deputy Leader

02 Gwynedd Council NEWYDDION Spring 2018

Bangor Contact point 3 The contact details for the five Super-localised services new teams are: Bethesda If you are an adult living in Gwynedd who requires information, advice or assistance about your Caernarfon social care needs, then your first port of call is now available on a more local level. 2 Llanberis As a result, help and advice is now available from dedicated teams at Bangor, Caernarfon, Llŷn, Eifionydd / north Meirionnydd and south Meirionnydd, instead of the old Arfon, Dwyfor and Meirionnydd Area Teams. Blaenau “This change means that the people who require these services, and their families, can contact the Nefyn 4 Ffesniog relevant officers directly,” said Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd’s Cabinet Member for Adults, 1 Health and Wellbeing Services. Porthmadog Criccieth “Working on the basis of smaller geographical areas will also mean that the staff can gain YBala a better understanding of what’s happening in the local communities, which in turn will Harlech improve the individual’s experience. Abersoch “This is the first step in creating Community Resource Teams 5 across Gwynedd made up of integrated multi-disciplinary 1 Llŷn Team - 01758 704099 teams from social care and health services. These will [email protected] Barmouth include social workers, social care practitioners, community Dolgellau nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. 2 Caernarfon Team - 01286 679099 “This change is in response to the statutory duties of the [email protected] Social Services and Well-being Act. The programme of 3 Bangor Team - 01248 363240 support available from the five local teams aims to create a Tywyn culture of new work processes, which will benefit the people [email protected] of Gwynedd.” 4 Eifionydd/north Meirionnydd Team - 01766 510300 If you are a regular service user you may have already OedolionEifionydd/[email protected] received information about the changes. Information has also been circulated within the local communities and 5 South Meirionnydd team - 01341 424499 partner agencies, such as local doctors’ surgeries. [email protected]

Continued from page 1 Care at the heart of the community

Regular readers may remember an article in the last edition of Newyddion about investment at the Council’s Llys Cadfan care home in Tywyn to provide additional facilities for residents with dementia.

With further investment planned for a similar development at the Council’s care home in Bangor, the improvements at Plas Hafan in Nefyn form part of a county-wide plan to provide the care services required at the heart of “We are therefore proud to be working with the health sector Gwynedd’s communities. to develop new and exciting plans so that we don’t have to rely on the more traditional methods of the past. Construction work is underway at the Nefyn care home, with the improvements including specialist support for “Whilst collaboration is very high on our agenda, it is people living with dementia. important that we remember that our most important partners in modernising our care services are those who The manager of Plas Hafan, Wendy Owen said: “This is a use our services. very exciting project, and we’re very much looking forward to the improvements. “I’m therefore extremely pleased that the services being introduced at Plas Hafan, along with those in other parts of “By developing this provision within Plas Hafan, people the county are a clear response to what local people have living with dementia will receive the necessary care and told us that they are eager to see put in place. l support they need as close as possible to home. Some of the changes at Plas Hafan “By investing in the Council’s own care homes, we aim to “This means that they can continue to live within their own avoid the heartache and stress that can come from moving deliver the services our communities require.” communities with family members able to visit and maintain people to specialist facilities in another area far away from that vital contact. This in itself is of great benefit to the their family and friends.” As well as renovating part of the care home to ensure that individual as well as family members.” it meets the needs of residents with dementia, landscaping Ffion Johnstone, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health work will also be carried out at Plas Hafan to create a As part of the Plas Hafan improvements, part of the home Board’s West Area Director: “The development at Plas dementia-friendly garden for the residents to enjoy the will be modified to provide specialist support for up to eight Hafan is good news all round - it benefits the people outdoors in safety. people with dementia. receiving the care and their families, and will ease pressure on local health services. Gwynedd Council is working with the Betsi Cadwaladr “The needs of older people who require care and how we University Health Board on this project, with funding understand and best meet these needs is something that is “This innovative approach to how we care for people with provided through the Welsh Government’s Integrated Care changing rapidly,” said Councillor Gareth Roberts. dementia underlines our commitment to working together to Fund.

Gwynedd Council 03 Spring 2018 NEWYDDION

Making it easier for you to recycle With weekly recycling and food waste collections available for all Gwynedd households, there really is no reason why all of us can’t Recycling make full use of the services the Council’s collection teams provide from our doorsteps. improvements “More and more Gwynedd households every week are joining Gwynedd’s Ever since recycling collections green mission to recycle as much of their waste as possible,” said were first introduced in Gwynedd Councillor Gareth Griffith, Cabinet Member for waste and recycling. back in 2002, the materials have been collected and sorted by “The figures show that as a county we are now putting far less household Council staff at the kerbside. waste than we used to in the green wheelie bin and that we are making far better use than we used to of the weekly food waste and recycling To make it as easy as possible for collections. To order new bins, extra recycling boxes, people to recycle their rubbish, larger boxes for the cart or food waste the stackable ‘Cartgylchu’ trolley “Whilst this is good news, for whatever reason some people are still not using these bags, visit boxes have also been distributed convenient weekly services. Put simply, we really need everyone to make this small www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/myaccount and to thousands of homes across positive change so that we can make Gwynedd a cleaner and greener place to live and make your request. Gwynedd. This cart system also meet the stiff new Welsh Government recycling targets that will come into force in 2020.” makes the work of separating the materials efficiently far easier for the Council’s recycling teams. Love food - hate waste Remember, if you make use of the food waste bin, the waste is collected by the Council staff every week. But if you dump food Now that a number of older The Council has been providing a food waste collection for a scraps in the green wheelie bin or in black sacks it will remain rotting collection vehicles are coming to number of years, however some of us remain unsure about in your back yard, shed or garage for up to three weeks before it is the end of their operational life, the using the convenient weekly service. dumped in landfill where it then releases harmful greenhouse gases. Council is further improving the service by introducing a new and Even the best of us create some unavoidable food waste. Teabags, So, if you don’t use the food waste service yet, why not give it a go? more efficient fleet of vehicles. egg shells, bones and vegetable peelings all count as food waste and It makes sense for you and our environment. No matter how little, it can all be put out in the brown food waste container to be collected. all helps - and it really couldn’t be easier: As part of this change, the Council is asking residents to place cans, tins and foil in the same box as plastic materials from now on - this means putting cans, tins and foil in the middle rather than the bottom box on your cart from now on please.

This small change will reduce the risk of injury for collection staff as they won’t need to separate out tins and glass by hand as they have 1 2 done in the past.

Firstly, find a convenient place to keep your food Next, use the food waste bags provided by the Put out your food waste Garden waste waste caddy. A lot of people find it easier to have it Council to line your caddy and keep it clean bin out for collection day - Thousands of Gwynedd on the worktop in the kitchen, next to the main bin or - you’re now good to go. Just pop in the food remember it’s collected every households have already in the cupboard under the sink scraps and when your kitchen caddy is full, simply week signed-up again this year take out and tie the bag and place it in your food to receive a fortnightly waste bin ready for the weekly collection 3 garden waste collection for an annual fee of £33.

With the warmer weather not far away and the lawn ready for the first cut, those who have not already registered for the service 5 4 may want to pay to join for the remainder of 2018.

Anyone who wishes to receive a fortnightly garden waste If your roll of food bags is collection can do so using the almost finished, leave the Council’s safe, secure and orange tab that’s provided convenient new online service with the roll on your food on the Council website. To Sit back and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing waste bin the next time you register for the service, simply As well as being used to generate energy, the that you’re doing your bit whilst your food waste is put it out. The Council’s visit www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/ process also creates fertiliser which is used on turned into electricity at the food waste processing collection team will then know gardenwaste and follow the agricultural land facility near Clynnog Fawr to leave you a new pack online instructions.

Those who aren’t online can Good to know: Good to know: purchase the garden waste Just one kitchen caddy Are you a tea drinker? If so, collection service over the phone full of food is enough to every time you recycle just by calling 01766 771 000 or by visiting one of the Council’s Siop run a TV for two-and-a- six tea-bags, your efforts will Gwynedd one-stop-shops in half hours generate enough energy to boil a kettle to make another cuppa. Caernarfon, Dolgellau or Pwllheli.

04 Gwynedd Council NEWYDDION Spring 2018 !

! Cartgylchu - • paper • shredded paper • news paper • junk mail • magazines • card What goes • office paper into which • food and drink cartons - fruit • plastic pots, tubs and trays - juice or soup cartons yoghurt or butter pots, plastic box • food and drink cans containers for fruit and • plastic bottles vegetables and meat trays

• foil * We do not accept plastic • aerosols bags or plastic wrapping. ! • glass bottles Good to know: Middle box full - no problem. ! • glass jars Households who regularly fill the middle box of the recycling cart with plastic, tins, cans and foil can now place any extra items in an additional recycling box. Alternatively you can request a larger middle box for your cart.

Making sure our buildings l Gwynedd Council’s Karl Jones with property owners Colin and Mary Brian. Karl worked on a project at their Rhyduchaf home near Y Bala which involved the construction of a sun room are safe extension, which included a steel frame, brickwork exterior walls and natural slate roof Did you know that small building work or alterations to your home or business need permission and safety inspections by a qualified Building Control service?

Gwynedd Council offers a professional service to ensure that any changes to a property are safe and meet all relevant national regulations.

“The Council’s dedicated building control team offer guidance to ensure that buildings are both safe and energy efficient, as well ensuring that buildings provide suitable access and facilities for disabled people when required,” said Cabinet Member, Councillor Gareth Griffith.

“Most people understand that they require planning permission before carrying out major construction work, but not everyone realises that permission may also be needed for smaller work such as installing new windows or doors to an extension or loft conversion. Our qualified surveyors can offer pre-application advice, detailed checks and site inspection of construction work. Professional advice from a friendly and helpful team “The team are on-hand here in Gwynedd and provide a fully bilingual service for residents and the county’s construction firms. Along with information and When building work is planned at your that building work meets the required building advice online, the service also aim to be as flexible as possible and will carry- property, contact the Council’s Building regulations,” said Karl. out same day inspections whenever possible. Control Team so that one of the local surveyors can discuss your ideas and “As part of the services we provide, we’re “Having the assurance that the work has been checked over by a professional proposals. usually contacted by the builder, or home owner provides peace of mind for those living or working in the building, as well as requesting a site inspection. We then visit the a guarantee that the quality of work is up to standard if the property owner As part of their work, they offer a pre-application site to check that the work is satisfactory and decides to sell or let the property in years to come.” advice service including a free site meeting. This complies with regulations. For example, when then helps to cut through any possible problems a builder has excavated before they start to and ensures compliance with all relevant building pour the concrete foundations, I would ensure Building work needing approval regulations. that the ground conditions, depth and width are adequate. In general, most building work requires Building Regulations approval. These Karl Jones, has worked in Gwynedd’s Building include: Control team for over 27 years and was originally “Then, when the work has been completed, the • constructing a new building, or changing the use of a building part of the Meirionnydd District Council team. final completion inspection is carried out to make • extending or altering a building, including loft conversions and garages sure that the work has been carried out to the • window and door replacement “I cover a large part of the Meirionnydd area of required regulations. Only then can a ‘completion • internal structural alterations, such as the removal of a load-bearing wall or the county. I’m part of a team in Dolgellau, where of work certificate’ be issued. This is a very partition we have a good relationship with local builders, important legal document for the homeowners, • installing some heating appliances architects and the public. This helps to ensure should they ever wish to sell the property.” • underpinning foundations that we’re able to work as a team to ensure • installing and altering most electrical circuits Gwynedd’s Building Control Service is part of the Council’s Ymgynghoriaeth Gwynedd Contact the Council’s Building Control team if you’re not sure Consultancy, or YGC service. YGC services range from the design, construction and whether you need approval. Call the team directly on email maintenance of roads, structures and buildings, to responding to the risk of flooding in [email protected], call 01286 685011 (Caernarfon coastal areas, whilst ensuring that the environment is protected at all times office), 01341 424392 (Dolgellau office) or for more details about the during construction. For more information about the range of professional team, visit www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/buildingcontrol services offered by YGC, visit www.ygc.cymru

Gwynedd Council 05 Spring 2018 NEWYDDION

Setting a direction for the future When starting a journey, it is always a good idea to be clear about the destination and the best way to get there.

The same simple approach applies when it comes to planning local services. That’s why Gwynedd councillors have agreed on a comprehensive plan which lays out what the Council currently provides for the people of Gwynedd, the priority improvements the Council wants to achieve between now and 2023, and how it intends to deliver them.

“In essence, the Council Plan is a straight-forward document which maps out how we intend to deliver the best possible services for the people of Gwynedd over the coming five years,” said Council Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn.

“Before agreeing on the way forward, we firstly asked all Gwynedd councillors to tell us which issues they thought needed attention. The matters they raised then formed the basis for a county-wide public consultation.

“We are grateful to every individual and organisation which took the opportunity to have their say. I’m confident that we have managed to include the priorities put forward both by Gwynedd people and councillors in this new plan.

“In particular, I’m pleased that we have been able to include a series of more local priorities alongside the county-wide plans in which span the whole range l Councillor Mair Rowlands, Deputy Leader and Councillor Dyfrig of services the Council provides. Siencyn, Gwynedd Council Leader with the new 2018-2023 Plan

“Of course, as can be seen elsewhere in Newyddion, there is no way of ignoring the harsh cuts to council budgets imposed on us by the government. Despite A copy of the Council’s Plan for the 2018-2023 period is available on the Gwynedd website: this, we remain as determined as ever to keep our focus on delivering modern, www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/councilplan and paper copies are available from the Council’s high-quality services for the people of Gwynedd as set out in this document.” libraries and Siop Gwynedd one-stop-shops at Caernarfon, Dolgellau and Pwllheli.

Council services 24/7 With more Gwynedd services than ever available at the click of a button, thousands of local people are switching over to the Council’s safe and easy-to-use online services.

From ordering new bins and recycling equipment to paying for primary school dinners, or even applying for a job with the Council, it’s simple when you visit www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/myaccount any time of day or night.

“Since the new online services were launched in November, a number of improvements have been introduced and additions made to the Council website,” said Gwynedd Deputy Leader, Councillor Mair Rowlands.

“For example, the electronic primary school dinner payment system has been upgraded and made easier to use. By now, parents can also use the online service to pay for morning care clubs, school trips and musical instrument lessons in most schools.

“In addition, we are looking forward to introducing the new ‘Ap Gwynedd’ app this spring which will include more features and make it even more convenient l With the tap of a screen or click of a mouse, parents can now pay for primary school dinners and to access Council services from your smart phone or tablet device when you’re other services online. Safe, secure and easy-to-use at any time that suits you. out and about.” Go to www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/payyourschool for more information Getting started The upcoming sessions will be held at: Monday, 26 March If you haven’t already established an l 10am-12pm: Blaenau Ffestiniog Library account, or if you’re not sure how to l 10am-12pm: Caernarfon Library go about it, help is on-hand. Visit your l 1.30pm-3.30pm: Pwllheli Library local Siop Gwynedd in Caernarfon, Dolgellau or Pwllheli where one l 2pm-4pm: Glaslyn Centre, Porthmadog of the helpful members of staff can help you get started or call Galw Gwynedd on 01766 771000. Tuesday, 27 March l 10am-12pm: Bethesda Library If you’d like a more practical advice about making the most of l 2.30pm-4.30: Hafan Elan, Llanrug the online services available on the Council website and other websites, why not attend one of the series of Digital Gwynedd Wednesday, 28 March drop-in events held in communities across the county. l 10am-12pm: Caffi Hafan, Bangor To set-up a Gwynedd Council Visit www.gwyneddddigidol.cymru for more information or to Thursday, 29 March account and make full use of the discuss your requirements before-hand, contact Daniel Richards l 10am-12pm: Barmouth Library range of online services, visit from the Digital Gwynedd team on 07854 690529. l 1.30pm-3.30pm: Canolfan Bro Tegid, Y Bala www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/myaccount

06 Gwynedd Council NEWYDDION Spring 2018 H H H The 2018 “Gwobr y Bobl” winners H H The response of Newyddion readers are out and about in our communities to the Gwobr y Bobl award has been delivering quality services for local people extremely positive again this year. Now day in and day out,” said Councillor in its second year, the award recognises Daniels. the hard work and dedication of those individual Council staff members or “Despite the challenges they face, these teams who you - the people of Gwynedd individuals make a huge difference to - say deliver a first class service. people’s lives and the Gwobr y Bobl award is a great way of celebrating their work. After carefully weighing up your Recognising great customer care in this nominations, Council Chair, Councillor way will also hopefully inspire other Council Annwen Daniels and Vice Chair, Councillor staff to strive to provide the best possible Anwen Davies have chosen four winning services for Gwynedd people. entries who will receive Gwobr y Bobl trophies in recognition of the stand-out “Once again this year, choosing the Gwobr customer care they provide. y Bobl winners has been a real challenge as there were so many inspirational “With all the talk of shrinking budgets and nominations submitted. Because of this we l cuts to public services across the UK, will be making sure that all the individuals Emma Quaecke and Clare Harris with Linda Scurrah-Price and Maggie O’Downd there’s a risk that we forget the contribution and teams you nominated are thanked for of the thousands of council workers who their efforts.” Dementia Go and Exercise Referral Team The teams, who work at the Council’s Leisure Centres, help people who have long term Sara Morris Jones, Benefits Officer health conditions to increase their physical activity and improve their health. Emma Quaeck and Clare Harris from the Council’s Dementia Go team and Rachel Roberts Leaving no stone unturned to make sure that local people such as those with who leads the Gwynedd Exercise Referral Team have been recognised for their stand- disabilities or families on low income receive all the financial benefits and help for which out service. they are eligible is at the heart of Sara Morris Jones’ work. “The team help people with dementia who are unable to help themselves. They “Sara is always ready to help with my also give support to carers and are lively and full of fun. problems efficiently and promptly. When dealing with Sara I always feel happy and “Most importantly they have the ability to empathise with the people under assured.” their care and do a very important job in helping them keep as fit and healthy Jason Pritchard for as long as possible.” Janet Turner

“From help to fill in forms to getting a “Rachel is an excellent example of encouragement and motivation. She takes bus pass, Sara is always there for me. time to deal with each client on an individual basis to ensure we get the best She goes out of her way to make sure that from ourselves! Quite simply, she makes me believe I can get fit and lose every problem is sorted out.” weight!” Janet Price Jean Lewis l Sara Morris Jones

l Cyril Thomas, Neil Hallybone, Gwyn Hughes and Dewi Jones from the Caernarfon recycling centre l Liz Haynes and Sam Hollingsworth from the Rights of Way team Caernarfon Recycling Centre Team Meirionnydd Rights of Way Officers Liz Haynes and Sam The team at the Caernarfon Recycling Centre pride themselves on making sure that Hollingworth everyone who drives through the gates can recycle as much waste as possible. They Liz Haynes and Sam Hollingworth from the Council’s Rights of Way team work with always manage to do this in a friendly and helpful manner. landowners, community councils, the Snowdonia National Park Authority and walkers across Meirionnydd. Their dedication ensures that footpaths in this area of the county “I am totally blind so getting rid of rubbish when I visit the Recycling Centre is are protected, maintained and managed to a high standard for us all to enjoy. a real challenge for me.

“Liz and Sam always go the extra mile, both literally ‘on foot’ and in their “We’ve got to know the boys really well. They make the task really simple for overall approach to maintaining the Rights of Way Network which is so vital to me and my wife. They always greet us at the gate and make sure our rubbish the Gwynedd economy and the well-being of its residents.” goes in the right skip.

“They are always approachable and good humoured and remain dedicated “Nothing is too much trouble for them, and I also believe they deserve a ‘well to delivering the highest possible standard of service even in these times of done’ for keeping the place neat and tidy. I am truly grateful for the help they reduced resources.” give me.” Gill Caves John Ellis from Rhostryfan

Gwynedd Council 07 Spring 2018 NEWYDDION

Continued from page 1 The cost of local services for 2018/19 At this time of year, when councils agree how much money needs to be spent on various things, the obvious questions most people want answered are:

On what is my Council Tax spent? Why is my Council Tax going up?

Gwynedd Council’s budget for 2018/19 is £243 million. 72% of the money the Council has available to deliver local This money - which comes from a Welsh Government services comes directly from the Welsh Government. grant and through Council Tax - pays to deliver a range of local services: If this government grant does not keep up with rising costs and demand for services, the Council must make up the difference. This can be done by working more efficiently, cutting services, or increasing Council Tax.

For 2018/19, Gwynedd Council will get an extra £1 million in government grant. However this sum is not even enough to cover the extra costs of rising prices (fuel and energy costs etc) not to mention increasing demand for Council services.

on what the money is spent Costs and ------Education and Schools £101 million demand going up Care for Adults & Older People £55 million Refuse and Recycling £17 million £4.7 million Extra cost of delivering 2+% Highways & Transport £16 million UK-wide salary increase for local government staff and meeting ‘Living Wage’ requirements this Care for Children & Families £16 million year Rent & Council Tax Relief £11 million Fire Service, Snowdonia National Park £7 million £3 million Increasing demand for services Tackling the shortfall & Other including more adults receiving care and more Libraries, Leisure & Arts £6 million pupils in schools Housing Service £5 million £42 million Planning & Environmental Services £5 million £1.8 million Rising cost of fuel and energy This is the amount of efficiency savings the Council Economic Development £2 million over the next 12 months - heating and electricity has delivered since 2010/11, to avoid service cuts and Council Tax increases whenever possible. Other Costs £2 million for schools, care homes, leisure centres, libraries; fuel for refuse collection lorries, vans, etc, ------supplier costs TOTAL £243 million £4 million ------This is the amount of service cuts Gwynedd has had no FUNDING IS DOWN option but to implement since 2010/11. www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru Since 2010/11, the Council has received a 01766 771000 real-terms grant cut of 21% which equates Up to £20 million to a £46.3 million reduction This is the sum the Council may need to deliver between in funding from the now and March 2021 as a result of government grant government funding falling behind the increasing demand and costs of delivering local services. Why is demand for services increasing? With a rapid increase in the number of older people living in Gwynedd, the pressure on Council care 149 more people in residential care services is mounting year-on-year, with projections for in Gwynedd the period ahead showing that these statistics figures are only likely to go up. 50 more people in nursing By 2026, it is forecast that there will be 33% more care in Gwynedd people aged 75 to 84 living in Gwynedd, and 35% more people aged 85 and over. 29% rise in the number of people requiring home care services by Older people are far more likely to require support and services from the Council than adults in all other age- 2026 groups. With the number of people aged 75 and over in Gwynedd set to increase significantly, there will be a 150,000 hours of extra home care clear impact on Council funding for the years every year ahead: In general, projections forecast that the number of 31% increase in demand for people requiring care support from Gwynedd Council will increase by 29% over the next eight years - from residential and nursing care by 2026 1,729 in 2018 to 2,222 in 2026.

08 Gwynedd Council NEWYDDION Spring 2018 Paying your Council Tax Of the 61,753 households in Gwynedd, more than 10,000 receive some element of assistance towards their Council Tax. That’s over 16% of homes in the county that are eligible to receive help towards paying their Council Tax. If you’re struggling with the bills, help is available from dedicated officers within the Council, as well as a host of other independent organisations that work to ensure people get the financial help they require. What should I do if I’m struggling to pay my Electronic Council Tax bill How do I pay my Council Tax bill? Council Tax? You can now choose to receive your Council Problems paying - discounts may be available There are a number of different ways to pay your Tax bill by e-mail If you’re having difficulty keeping up with your Council Tax Council Tax bill - make sure you choose the one that rather than through payments, please contact Gwynedd Council as soon as possible. suits you. If you’re not sure which option is best for the post. This is a You may qualify for a discount or an exemption. you, or if you’d like to discuss directly with one of the quick and efficient Council Tax team, contact them directly: way of receiving your To find out, call the team on01286 682 700, or visit one of bill, and it helps the Gwynedd’s three Siop Gwynedd one-stop-shops at: Castle Street, Direct Debit environment by Caernarfon; Ffordd y Cob, Pwllheli or Cae Penarlâg, Dolgellau. This is the simplest using less and safest way to pay paper. Even if legal action has been taken, you can still discuss the your Council Tax bill. matter and try to come to an arrangement with the Council. To It’s also cheaper for the Council to administer, which As is contact the Council Tax Recovery Team on email: benefits everyone. the case for [email protected], or call 01286 682 706. many energy, water, telephone and To set-up a Direct Debit, phone Gwynedd’s Council Tax internet suppliers, receiving your Council Tax bill Council Tax Reduction Service on 01286 682 700 to arrange for your bill to be electronically rather is faster and more convenient. paid directly from your bank account. You may be entitled to a reduction in your Council Tax bill. This is You can view your assessed based on your income, the size of your family and who bill as soon as it’s else lives with you. You can choose one of four payment dates available within the monthly payment plan or weekly payments - available and keep to a copy on file. As well You could get a reduction of up to 100% of the amount payable. every Monday. These options can be discussed with a member of staff when you phone. as being better for the To check if you qualify and for more information, visit the Council environment, it’s good website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru and choose ‘Benefits Paying online for the public purse and Grants’ on the homepage, and then click on ‘Council Tax as it cuts out the need Reduction’. You can use the to pay for sending out secure pages paper bills. In addition, free and confidential advice is available directly from on Gwynedd the Council’s Benefits Team. Telephone the team on01286 682 Council’s If you’re interested in 689, email: [email protected] or call at one of website 24 receiving your Council Gwynedd’s three Siop Gwynedd one stop shops at Castle Street, hours a day to Tax bill via e-mail, visit: Caernarfon; Ffordd y Cob, Pwllheli or Cae Penarlâg, Dolgellau. pay your bill. www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/ElectronicBilling - you Help is also available at Llys Gwynedd, Bangor every Tuesday. Visit: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/pay and pay using will need your Council Tax reference. This is noted your bank debit or credit card. on any bill that has been sent to you. Applying online You can use an online calculator to work out whether you may By telephone be entitled to a reduction in the amount of Council Tax you pay. Call 01766 771 Getting on-line Go to www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/benefitclaim to see if you’re 000 to pay with eligible. your bank debit Remember you or credit card. can go online If you are entitled to money off your bill, you can then go on to You can make for free at your make an on-line application from the same page. a payment local Gwynedd between library or use the Remember though, if you already receive a reduction, it is very 8.30am and free wi-fi facilities important that you let the Council know about any changes in 5.30pm on at any Council your circumstances. You can do this on-line here: Monday to Friday. building where you see the Digital Gwynedd logo. www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/changeofcircumstances By post Help is at-hand Send a cheque There are a number of independent organisations to Gwynedd that can offer you free advice. Council’s Income Unit, Your local Citizens Advice Bureau office can help Council Offices, with all sorts of questions you may have about money matters Caernarfon, including advice about dealing with debts. LL55 1SH. Please quote Contact them by phone on 03444 772020 or visit their website: your reference www.cabgwynedd.org number on the back of the Age Cymru Gwynedd & Môn offers free, impartial advice to older cheque before people on the benefits they can claim. They can also help to deal posting it, and with paperwork. make it payable to Gwynedd At the Post Office Contact them on 01286 677 711 - lines Council. Please Contact the Council on 01286 682 700 to receive a open weekdays 9am-5pm - or visit: note that receipts plastic swipe card that will allow you to pay at your local www.agecymru.org.uk/gwyneddamon will not be sent. Post Office with cash, cheque or a bank card.

Gwynedd Council 09 Spring 2018 NEWYDDION

The 2018/19 Council Tax - community by community As well as funding Gwynedd Council services, your Council Tax also goes towards the more local services provided by your Community, Town or City Council, as well as North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner services. This year, the Gwynedd Council part of your Council Tax bill will increase by 4.8%, the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner part by 3.58% and the Community, Town or City Council part by an average of 6.7%.

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY COUNCIL GWYNEDD COUNCIL NORTH WALES POLICE AND CRIME BAND D COUNCIL PRECEPT 2017/18 PRECEPT 2018/19 BAND D EQUIVALENT BAND D EQUIVALENT COMMISSIONER BAND D EQUIVALENT TAX 2018/19 £ £ £ £ £ £ Aberdaron 13,000 15,000 26.88 1,300.53 258.12 1,585.53 Aberdyfi 31,510 34,955 34.79 1,300.53 258.12 1,593.44 Abergwyngregyn 2,500 3,000 25.88 1,300.53 258.12 1,584.53 Abermaw (Barmouth) 52,000 54,600 47.51 1,300.53 258.12 1,606.16 Arthog 9,250 12,000 18.95 1,300.53 258.12 1,577.60 Y Bala 22,000 24,000 30.98 1,300.53 258.12 1,589.63 Bangor 356,683 380,700 98.73 1,300.53 258.12 1,657.38 Beddgelert 8,700 8,900 26.73 1,300.53 258.12 1,585.38 Betws Garmon 2,600 2,600 19.08 1,300.53 258.12 1,577.73 Bethesda 58,495 67,060 40.17 1,300.53 258.12 1,598.82 Bontnewydd 15,500 16,500 37.99 1,300.53 258.12 1,596.64 Botwnnog 5,000 5,500 12.07 1,300.53 258.12 1,570.72 Brithdir and Llanfachreth 6,000 6,000 14.21 1,300.53 258.12 1,572.86 Bryncrug 12,000 12,000 35.00 1,300.53 258.12 1,593.65 Buan 3,750 3,750 16.32 1,300.53 258.12 1,574.97 Caernarfon 198,489 198,488 56.35 1,300.53 258.12 1,615.00 Clynnog Fawr 12,000 12,000 26.78 1,300.53 258.12 1,585.43 Corris 7,272 7,434 24.26 1,300.53 258.12 1,582.91 Criccieth 34,000 36,000 38.39 1,300.53 258.12 1,597.04 Dolbenmaen 10,000 12,000 19.39 1,300.53 258.12 1,578.04 Dolgellau 54,000 54,000 43.64 1,300.53 258.12 1,602.29 Dyffryn Ardudwy 29,742 29,742 37.25 1,300.53 258.12 1,595.90 Y Felinheli 35,000 35,000 30.38 1,300.53 258.12 1,589.03 Ffestiniog 150,000 200,000 114.78 1,300.53 258.12 1,673.43 Y Ganllwyd 2,700 3,000 33.36 1,300.53 258.12 1,592.01 Harlech 18,500 70,000 88.85 1,300.53 258.12 1,647.50 Llanaelhaearn 25,000 25,000 55.44 1,300.53 258.12 1,614.09 Llanbedr 14,193 14,193 44.09 1,300.53 258.12 1,602.74 Llanbedrog 17,000 17,800 24.93 1,300.53 258.12 1,583.58 Llanberis 20,000 24,000 31.07 1,300.53 258.12 1,589.72 Llandwrog 41,000 48,000 47.19 1,300.53 258.12 1,605.84 Llandygai 20,605 21,408 22.11 1,300.53 258.12 1,580.76 Llanddeiniolen 20,000 26,500 14.35 1,300.53 258.12 1,573.00 Llandderfel 11,000 9,000 17.53 1,300.53 258.12 1,576.18 Llanegryn 5,000 5,000 31.55 1,300.53 258.12 1,590.20 Llanelltyd 7,500 7,500 25.94 1,300.53 258.12 1,584.59 Llanengan 50,000 50,000 23.15 1,300.53 258.12 1,581.80 Llanfair 9,000 13,000 40.49 1,300.53 258.12 1,599.14 Llanfihangel y Pennant 10,755 10,755 49.39 1,300.53 258.12 1,608.04 Llanfrothen 5,800 6,300 27.96 1,300.53 258.12 1,586.61 Llangelynnin 7,800 9,800 23.97 1,300.53 258.12 1,582.62 Llangywer 4,000 4,000 27.77 1,300.53 258.12 1,586.42 Llanllechid 7,500 7,500 21.77 1,300.53 258.12 1,580.42 Llanllyfni 40,360 40,360 28.46 1,300.53 258.12 1,587.11 Llannor 15,160 16,660 18.18 1,300.53 258.12 1,576.83 Llanrug 31,000 42,000 36.90 1,300.53 258.12 1,595.55 Llanuwchllyn 10,000 10,000 31.50 1,300.53 258.12 1,590.15 Llanwnda 23,200 25,000 31.94 1,300.53 258.12 1,590.59 Llanycil 4,000 4,000 20.37 1,300.53 258.12 1,579.02 Llanystumdwy 15,000 15,000 17.14 1,300.53 258.12 1,575.79 Maentwrog 5,933 6,051 21.25 1,300.53 258.12 1,579.90 Mawddwy 8,000 8,400 24.36 1,300.53 258.12 1,583.01 Nefyn 60,579 60,558 41.25 1,300.53 258.12 1,599.90 Pennal 6,000 6,000 26.46 1,300.53 258.12 1,585.11 Penrhyndeudraeth 34,000 36,000 46.15 1,300.53 258.12 1,604.80 Pentir 44,000 50,000 43.94 1,300.53 258.12 1,602.59 Pistyll 8,500 8,500 33.48 1,300.53 258.12 1,592.13 Porthmadog 55,650 57,320 27.89 1,300.53 258.12 1,586.54 Pwllheli 72,000 73,000 41.52 1,300.53 258.12 1,600.17 Talsarnau 15,000 20,000 61.51 1,300.53 258.12 1,620.16 Trawsfynydd 16,000 18,000 35.52 1,300.53 258.12 1,594.17 Tudweiliog 6,000 6,000 12.78 1,300.53 258.12 1,571.43 Tywyn 86,000 88,500 54.50 1,300.53 258.12 1,613.15 Waunfawr 12,000 12,000 20.91 1,300.53 258.12 1,579.56 Am fwy o wybodaeth am eich bil Treth Cyngor, gan gynnwys praesept Comisiynydd Heddlu a Throsedd Gogledd Cymru a’ch cyngor cymuned lleol, ewch i www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/trethcyngor

10 Gwynedd Council