Agenda item

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 UK.  He referred to the investment in the North of Anglesey and noted that it needs to be recognised the support of the NDA to these projects.  The Leader said that he accepted that the NDA is a key partner in the north of the Island and across Anglesey and was aware that there are a number of employees still employed on the Wylfa site. 

Councillor Aled Morris Jones further raised that children seemed to be having their requests refused for registration to their preferred schools and he has raised a specific case within his Ward.  He noted that the school and Governors are willing at accept additional pupils to the school.  He further said that the cost-of-living crisis increases the pressure on parents having to travel further in taking their children to school.  The Portfolio Holder for Education and the Welsh Language responded that each individual schools have an ‘intake number’ of pupils.  He noted that there is a process of appeal available to parents if they objected any decision.  Councillor Aled Morris Jones responded that there is no right of appeal for nursery admissions.   The Chief Executive said that there are regulations that the Education Authority must adhere to and a decision will be made in due course as to the specific case the Member has raised.  The Leader said that he shared the frustration of parents as regards to ‘intake number’ into schools and lobbying has been made with Welsh Government to review the current policies.