Agenda, decisions and minutes

To submit for confirmation, the draft minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on 5 March 2026.

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Isle of Anglesey County Council held on 5 March, 2026 were confirmed as correct.

To receive any declaration of interest from any Member or Officer in respect of any item of business.

Councillor Celfyn Furlong declared a personal interest in Item 7 – Visitor Levy Consultation.

 

Councillor Derek Owen declared a personal interest in Item 7 – Visitor Levy Consultation.

 

Councillor Alun Roberts declared a personal interest in Item 7 – Visitor Levy Consultation.

 

Mr Arwel Owen, Head of Adults’ Services declared a personal interest in Item 7 – Visitor Levy Consultation.

To receive any announcements from the Chairperson, Leader of the Council, Chief Executive, and any closing remarks from the out-going Chair upon her term of office.

The Chair made the following announcements: -

 

•  The Chair wished to thank all the volunteers across the Island who have been

    Raising money and making arrangements for the Ynys Môn Urdd Eisteddfod

    2026 to be held between 25 May to 31 May.  She sent her best wishes to all

    the children and young people who will be competing during the week. 

 

•  Congratulations were extended to Mr Derek Evans from Llannerch-y-Medd for

    being honoured by the Urdd in winning the John and Ceridwen Hughes

    Trophy. It is awarded annually by the Urdd to extraordinary volunteers who

    have made a significant contribution to the lives of the young people of Wales.

    A special ceremony will be held at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Ynys Môn at the end

    of the month. 

 

•  The Chair extended her best wishes also to everyone from the Island who will

    be competing at the National Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire in August.  She

    congratulated Malachy Owain Edwards from Llanfairpwll who will be honoured

    with the green robe at the Eisteddfod this year.

 

•  The Chair extended her best wished to everyone from Ynys Môn who will be

    taking part in the Royal Welsh show this year.  Ynys Môn will be the Feature

    County in 2027; therefore, it will be a busy year for the agricultural

    communities.

 

•  The Chair congratulated RAF Valley who recently celebrated 85 years since

    Being established. The celebrations were noted by a visit from Prince William

    who trained and worked at the base for a period.

 

•  The Chair extended her best wishes to all the young people who will be sitting

    their GCSE and A Level examinations as well as any other qualifications. The

    Council is also a Corporate Parent and best wishes to all those young people

    receiving care in their examinations over the next few weeks.

 

•  Congratulations were extended to Ellie Corcoran from Ynys Môn who won the

    Miss Wales 2026 title recently. Ellie volunteers with Careers Wales and assists

    young people. She has also raised more than £40,000 for various charities. 

 

•  Congratulations to the Môn Actif service for their national success in receiving

    the ‘Building Belonging’ award at the Youth Sports Trust Awards 2026.

 

•  Congratulations extended to the Iorwerth Arms, Bryngwran in receiving the

    Arfor prize for the most Welsh Social Enterprise in the World.

 

•  Congratulations to 101 young people of Year 10 age across the Secondary

    Schools on the Island who have successfully completed their Bronze Duke of

    Edinburgh award over two days during the Easter holidays.  She thanked the

    Authority’s Youth Service for co- ordinating and leading the excursions as well

    as the support given by the Urdd’s outdoor team. Ynys Môn Youth Service

    continues to have the largest number of young people achieving the Duke of

    Edinburgh accreditation in Wales. 

•  The Chair wished to thank all the staff who have assisted in the arrangements

    to hold the Senedd Cymru elections in the Bangor, Conwy Môn constituency

    last week. The Chair  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To receive the following Notice of Motion by Councillor Neville Evans :-

 

‘I call on Anglesey County Council to recognise Anglesey as a County that has a higher density of Welsh speakers as is noted in the report of the Commission for Welsh Speaking Communities chaired by Dr Simon Brooks.

 

With a new Government starting its work in Cardiff Bay, I call on Anglesey County Council to work alongside the Welsh Government and to encourage the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission for Welsh Speaking Communities so to reinforce the Welsh language as a living language within our communities here on the Island.’  

 

 

 

 

Submitted – a Notice of Motion by Councillor Neville Evans: -

 

‘I call on Anglesey County Council to recognise Anglesey as a County that has a higher density of Welsh speakers as is noted in the report of the Commission for Welsh Speaking Communities Chaired by Dr Simon Brooks.

 

With a new Government staring its work in Cardiff Bay, I call on Anglesey County Council to work alongside the Welsh Government and to encourage the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission for Welsh Speaking Communities so to reinforce the Welsh language as a living language within our communities here on the Island.’

 

Councillor Neville Evans said that the Commission for Welsh Speaking Communities was established by the Welsh Government to make recommendations aimed at strengthening Welsh speaking communities with a report published with 57 recommendations in 2024.  He considered that he was privileged to have been raised in a Welsh community in Bryngwran.  He noted that over the last 30 years there has been a reduction in Welsh speakers in local communities and the use of the language within these communities.  Councillor Evans said that the Welsh language needs to be protected and people should be encouraged and supported in the use of the language.   He further said that Dr Simon Brookes reported is a detailed and comprehensive report which gives suggestions to enhance the language.  Councillor Evans further referred that Welsh place names on properties also need to be protected.

 

The Leader seconded the Motion and said that this is a timely Motion with the Urdd Eisteddfod to be held on the Island at the end of May.  He said that he attends learning sessions within his community and it is pleasing to see that people are enthusiastic to be able to learn the Welsh language.  He further said that Ynys Môn is one of two Counties with the highest proportion of Welsh speakers with 70% of children from 3 to 15 years of age who speak Welsh.  The Council is committed to promote and safeguard the Welsh language as an integral part within the Council Plan.  The work of the Commission for Welsh Speaking Communities gives clear direction and emphasises that the first key steps is to promote the language and to create a platform for purposeful policies.   The Leader further said that partnership working will need to be undertaken with Welsh Government to be able to address the recommendations within the Commissions report. 

 

Councillor Kenneth P Hughes said that he supported the Motion and any other avenue to enhance the Welsh language within the local communities. He said that it is important to secure employment opportunities for young people on the Island as many young people are having to leave the Island to find work. 

 

Councillor Aled Morris Jones agreed with his fellow Member, and he said that with employment opportunities and keeping young people on the Island will enhance the use of the Welsh language.  He noted that with the Wylfa site being identified  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To receive any petition in accordance with Paragraph 4.1.11 of the Constitution.

No petitions received.

To consider the Council Leader’s Annual Report in accordance with Paragraph 4.1.16 of the Constitution.

 

The Annual Report of the Leader of the Council for 2025/2026 was presented.

 

The Leader presented his Annual Report for 2025/2026 and noted that it is an important and exciting year for realising potential and new economic opportunities on the Island with the announcement in November when it was announced that the Wylfa site would be the first site to welcome small modular reactors within the British Isles.  He noted that this is a result of cross-party lobbying by the Members of Parliament and Senedd Members and Members of this Authority.  Work has now been undertaken to ensure that the benefits of the intended development will reach the people of Anglesey, and it is important that skills pathways are created for employment opportunities.  He said that it was a pleasure to sign a formal agreement of collaboration with Great British Energy Nuclear last month.  In March, an important milestone was reached in realising the Freeport developments by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Welsh and UK Governments to release initial funding of £25m, allowing the Freeport to move forward to be completely operational by the Spring 2026.  The Council and other partners can accelerate plans that strengthen the Island’s role in areas such as energy, manufacturing and trade and promote long-term prosperity on Anglesey and North Wales.  The Leader said that he wished to thank the Economic Development staff for their work in securing a £10.4m investment through the North Wales Economic Ambition Board to support long-term economic growth in the Amlwch area by renovating the former Marine Terminal Building at Porth Amlwch and building 10 business units in the Amlwch Industrial Estate.  Ensuring that the economy is thriving and providing high standards of employment opportunities is imperative to support local businesses to take advantage of opportunities and to enable young people to stay on the Island. 

 

The Leader further referred that he welcomed the findings of the recent inspection by Care Inspectorate Wales within the Social Services Department.  During their visit in January 2026, they reviewed the Children and Families Services and its conclusion was that children and families are supported well by a caring, skilled and committed team and that there were many examples of good practice.  The Anglesey Fostering Service was also inspected, with Inspectors highlighting that the children in care have stability and receive support to build positive relationships with Foster Carers, together with praising the Trauma Informed training, constant supervision and support networks that Foster Carers receive.  The Leader wished to thank the Foster Carers for their work in caring for the children and young people on Anglesey. 

 

The Leader referred to several Awards received by the Council as is noted within the report.  He referred to the commitment and hard work by the staff of the Council for the benefit of the residents of Anglesey.

 

Councillor Aled Morris Jones thanked the Leader for his report and referred that there are still employees employed at the Wylfa site and other decommissioning sites across the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To submit a report by the Head of Regulation and Economic Development, as presented to the Executive on 24 February 2026.

 

The Director of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer advised that if any Member has a personal interest in this item, they need to declare such interest as the matter before the Council is to decide whether the Authority decides to undertake a public consultation on the introduction of a visitor levy on Anglesey. If the Council decides to undertake a public consultation process and the feedback from such a consultation is reported back to the Council for final decision, the personal interest will evolve to a prejudicial interest. She further said that if any Member considers that they have a personal interest they should contact the Legal Department to make a request to the Standards Committee for dispensation which could result in enabling Members to be able to take part in discussions. 

 

The Director of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer advised that Members should not pre-empt their comments on the visitor levy at this Committee as the item before the Council is only to consider whether a public consultation process is to be undertaken by this Authority. 

 

The report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development was presented for the Council’s consideration.

 

The Portfolio Member for Leisure, Tourism, Maritime and Property, Councillor Alun Roberts said that he would not be presenting the item as Portfolio as he will be declaring a personal interest as a close member of his family is employed in the tourism sector and he would not take part in the discussion on the item and would be abstaining from voting.  He said that the Leader will be presenting the item to the Council.

 

Councillors Celfyn Furlong, Douglas Fowlie and Derek Owen declared a personal interest in this item. Mr Arwel Owen, Head of Adults’ Services declared a personal interest in this item.

 

The Leader said the report presented before the Council is decide whether to conduct a public consultation process as regards to the introduction of a visitor levy for people staying in visitor accommodation in Wales.   He noted that the aim of such consultation is to invite views on the potential levy from residents, local businesses, visitors and partner organisations.  It will aim to gain a greater understanding of local opinion, potential impacts and any concerns before any future decision is considered.  He said that he has several discussions within the tourism sector and other businesses on the effect of a visitor levy.  The Leader further said that neighbouring Gwynedd County Council and Conwy County Borough Council intends to undertake a consultation process and Anglesey considers it sensible to collaborate with both Councils on the approach and timetable, though each Council would run its own consultation independently.

 

Councillor Aled Morris Jones ascertained as to the responses from the tourism industry to Welsh Government, and whether the consultation process was necessary and the costs associated. He noted that if the levy is introduced it will be a burden on businesses to administer.  The Portfolio Member for Finance, Council Business and Customer Experience said that public consultation process  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To elect a Chairperson of the Isle of Anglesey County Council for 2026/27.

 

(Members are referred to the ‘Order of Business’ regarding the ceremony for election of Chairperson of the County Council).

It was RESOLVED that Councillor Dafydd Rhys Thomas be unanimously elected as Chairperson of the Isle of Anglesey County Council for 2026/2027.

 

In accepting the honour of being appointed, Councillor Dafydd Rhys Thomas assured the Council that she would endeavour to fulfil his duties as Chairperson to the best of his abilities. He thanked his predecessor Councillor Non Dafydd on the dignified and honourable way in which she carried out his duties as Chair of the County Council and presented her with a gift to acknowledge her service.

 

The outgoing Chairperson, Councillor Non Dafydd thanked the Elected Members and Officers for their support.  She referred to the numerous events that she attended and the honour of representing the County Council in these events. Councillor Non Dafydd referred to the personal challenge she set herself as Chair to walk 130 miles around the Island over a period to a few weeks and she thank the Members and those who supported her during her challenge and the generous contribution towards her chosen charity, Rasasc North Wales.  Rasasc is supporting men, women and children who have experience violence.  She further referred to the Chair’s Sunday Service at Llanbadrig Church on the 15^th March, 2025.  She wished to thank the staff of Democratic Services for their support during her term as Chair of the Isle of Anglesey County Council.

To elect a Vice-Chairperson for the Isle of Anglesey County Council for 2026/27.

It was RESOLVED that Councillor Jackie Lewis be unanimously elected as Vice-Chairperson of the Isle of Anglesey County Council for 2026/2027.

In accordance with Paragraph 4.1.1.2.7 of the Constitution, to be informed by the Leader of the names of Councillors he has chosen to be Members of the Executive, together with their Portfolio responsibilities.

In accordance with Paragraph 4.1.1.2.7 of the Constitution, the Leader named the following as the Members he had chosen to serve on the Executive along with their Portfolio responsibilities :-

 

Councillor Gary Pritchard (Leader) with Portfolio responsibility for Economic Development;

 

Councillor Robin Williams (Deputy Leader) with Portfolio responsibility for Finance, Council Business and Customer Experience;

 

Councillor Neville Evans with Portfolio responsibility for Adults’ Services;

 

Councillor Carwyn Jones with Portfolio responsibility for Housing and Community Safety;

 

Councillor Dyfed Wyn Jones with Portfolio responsibility for Children, Young People and Families;

 

Councillor Alun Roberts with Portfolio responsibility for Leisure, Tourism, Maritime and Property;

 

Councillor Dafydd Roberts with Portfolio responsibility for Education and the Welsh Language;

 

Councillor Nicola Roberts with Portfolio responsibility for Planning and Public Protection;

 

Councillor Ieuan Williams with Portfolio responsibility for Highways, Waste and Climate Change.

In accordance with Paragraph 3.4.12.3 of the Constitution, to appoint the Chair of the Democratic Services Committee for the municipal year.

In accordance with Part 3.4.12.3 of the Constitution it was RESOLVED that Councillor Keith Roberts be elected Chairperson of the Democratic Services Committee.

 

The Chairperson will confirm such part of the Scheme of Delegation as the Constitution determines it is for the Council to agree (as set out in Paragraph 3.2 of the Constitution).

In accordance with Part 3.2 of the Constitution it was RESOLVED to confirm such part of the Scheme of Delegation as the Constitution determines it is for the Council to agree.

 

The Chairperson will confirm the re-appointment of the following Committee structure as referred to in Section 3.4 of the Council’s Constitution, together with the following: -

 

•   Standards Committee Appointments Panel

•   Standing Advisory Council (SAC)

•   Indemnities Sub-Committee

It was RESOLVED to re-appoint the Committee structure as referred to in Section 3.4 of the Council’s Constitution, together with the following; -

 

·       Standards Committee Appointments Panel;

·       Standing Advisory Committee (SAC);

·       Indemnities Sub-Committee.

To approve the following programme of meetings of the County Council for the ensuing year: -

 

·   24 September 2026                            -         1:00pm

·   8 December 2026                    -         1:00pm

·   4 March 2027                           -         1:00pm

·   May 2027 (Annual Meeting)     -         date to be confirmed

It was RESOLVED to approve the following programme of ordinary meetings of the County Council for the ensuing year: -

 

•  24 September, 2026                 -         1.00 pm

•  8 December, 2026                    -         1.00 pm

•  4 March, 2027                           -         1.00 pm

•  May 2027 (Annual Meeting)    -         date to be confirmed

To submit the report of the Head of Democracy.

The report of the Head of Democracy regarding the Council’s political balance arrangements were presented for consideration.

 

It was RESOLVED: -

 

·     To confirm the political balance arrangements and the number of

     seats allocated to each of the Groups under the Local Government

     and Housing Act 1989;

·     That Group Leaders advise the Head of Democracy as soon as

     possible if there are any changes to Group Membership on

     Committees.

 

To submit the report of the Head of Democracy.

The report of the Head of Democracy regarding the appointment to Outside Bodies was presented for consideration.

 

It was RESOLVED to agree and confirm appointments as detailed in the schedule to the report.

To submit the report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer and the Head of Democratic Services, as presented to the Democratic Services Committee on 12 March 2026.

The report of the Head of Democracy regarding the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales – Annual Report for 2026/2027 was presented for consideration.

 

It was RESOLVED:-

 

•  To accept the determinations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales for 2026-2027 ;

•  To confirm that holders of the same posts as 2025-2026 will be entitled

    to receive senior salaries in 2026-2027- 2026, namely:-

 

Chair of the Council;

Vice-Chair of the Council;

Leader of the Council;

Deputy Leader of the Council;

Other Executive Members (7);

Leader of the Largest Opposition Group;

Chairs of Scrutiny Committees (2);

Chair of the Planning and Orders Committee

 

 •  To authorise Officers to amend Part 6 of the Council’s Constitution (Schedule of Member Remuneration) to reflect the determinations made in the Annual Report for 2026/2027.