NEWYDDIONwww.gwynedd.gov.uk 01766 771000 @cyngorgwynedd cyngorgwyneddcouncil

Gwynedd Council News Spring 2014 Issue 44

In this edition…l Outdoor opportunities for

local people - Page 3

l Gwynedd’s food banks provide a life line - Page 6

l Bedroom Tax - support and advice - Page 12

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A glossary of key words used on theWelsh side of this paper can be foundat www.gwynedd.gov.uk/news If youare reading Newyddion online,you can get quick translations ofkey words (highlighted in yellow)by clicking on the word itself.

n Pupils from Ysgol Bro Tegid welcome Mistar Urdd to Gwynedd

In a few week’s time, Meirionnydd will become the home of Europe’s largest youth festival when the Urdd National Eisteddfod settles on the shores of Llyn Tegid in Bala.

The Eisteddfod – which takes place between Monday, 26 May and Saturday 31 May – will be an opportunity to enjoy our unique Welsh culture at its very best and to celebrate the fact that the Welsh language is thriving here in Gwynedd.

Over the course of the week, around 15,000 young people will take part in

the various competitions – from

cerdd dant to disco dancing – and around 100,000 people will visit the Eisteddfod Maes.

“Thanks to initiatives like the Gwynedd Language Charter, Gwynedd Council leads the way in Wales in ensuring that all our young people can enjoy the cultural and economic benefits of being bilingual,” said Councillor Ioan Thomas who leads on the Welsh language for Gwynedd Council.

“The Urdd Eisteddfod’s visit to Meirionnydd will boost these efforts and will encourage even more of Gwynedd’s young people to get

involved in the huge variety of cultural, sporting and social activities the Urdd offers.”

Looking forward to the big week, Urdd National Executive Chairman, Hedd Pugh added:

“The Eisteddfod will be the pinnacle of two years of hard work for local people of all ages. Everything is now almost in place, so our message to the people of Gwynedd is simple - come and see us in Bala. A warm welcome awaits all, from seasoned Eisteddfod-goers to first time visitors.”

Mistar Urdd is coming to Meirionnydd

Turn to page 5 to find out more about the 2014 Meirionnydd Urdd Eisteddfod

In 2014/15, Gwynedd Council will have to contend with an unprecedented 4.4% cut in the grant it receives from the Government towards the cost of local services. This cut is much larger than anything seen since local government reorganisation in 1996.

In addition, despite a firm focus on financial planning, it is estimated that Gwynedd Council will face a shortfall of around £50 million between now and 2017/18 in the amount of money it needs to support local services at their present level compared with the amount of money actually available.

“The scale of the financial squeeze currently facing us is truly enormous, and we face a daunting

challenge to limit the impact on local services and the tax payer whilst continuing to work to deliver the best possible services for local people,” said Gwynedd Council’s Resources Cabinet Member, Councillor Peredur Jenkins.

“By planning for the long run, we have been able to hold off from making the more knee-jerk service cuts that many other councils are now having to deliver. This has allowed us to buy ourselves a further 12 months in which to plan ahead for a future where we will have far less money to spend on our local services.”

“Our priority now will be to make the best use of this extra time to seek the views of the people of Gwynedd on how we can best plug the gap.”

£50 million funding gap will require careful planning

For 2014/15, Gwynedd Council has set a budget of £232 million. This means that, on average, £1,898 will be spent by the Council during the year on local services for every man, woman and child living in the county.

Of this sum, £175 million will come from the Government in the form of a grant, £1.8 million from Council balances and £55.2 million from Council Tax which will increase by 3.9% or 70 pence a week for the average Gwynedd household.

In order to limit the impact on Council Tax payers, the budget agreed by Gwynedd councillors for the year ahead will be £10 million less than the sum needed to maintain services at their current level. This sum will need to be found from within

individual Council services.

“Without a doubt, the 2014/15 budget is the tightest since Gwynedd Council was formed. Despite this, it is unfortunately a fact that things are likely to get significantly more challenging over the next few years,” said Councillor Jenkins.

“Unfortunately extremely difficult decisions lie ahead that will have far reaching implications for local services in Gwynedd. Residents can be assured however that our approach will continue to be based on careful forward planning to keep the impact on key services to the bare minimum.”

The financial year ahead

To find out how your council tax money is invested in local services, turn to pages 7-11

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Spring 2014 NEWYDDION

Message from the leaderThere is a close link between two key issues that we as a Council have been discussing recently - our campaign to attract S4C to Gwynedd and a policy to raise the wages of 2,000 of the Council’s lowest paid workers. Although the link might not be immediately apparent, the truth is that both are part of our ambition to create a fairer county with quality jobs, whilst trying to close the gap between those on high salaries and the lower paid workforce.

The biggest challenge facing us as a county is to create a thriving and balanced economy in order to ensure exciting careers for the people of Gwynedd, especially our young people. This more than anything else is what can lead to a vibrant and exciting Gwynedd, which in turn will create sustainable Welsh communities.

If S4C were to move part of its headquarters to Gwynedd, it would mean around 50 new jobs and a multi million pound investment to the Caernarfon area, as well as the opportunity to attract more jobs in the future. Indeed, the creative industries are one of Gwynedd’s major strengths, and it is also a sector that the Welsh Government has recognised as having a key role to play in the growth of the Welsh economy.

Any successful economy plays to its strengths, harnesses its natural talents and builds on its inherent skills. For a national Welsh institution to locate its headquarters in the heart of north west Wales, however, would be of even greater significance. Such a decision by the S4C Authority would send a clear message that Wales is one nation and that quality jobs can be sustained in all parts of the nation – including those areas that have been considered as ‘marginal’ in the past.

Having the headquarters of S4C here would send a clear message to our young people – that you can build an exciting career in rural Wales. This in turn would make a significant contribution towards reversing the historical trend of enterprising young people leaving Gwynedd, and our rural communities losing a generation of young people. As happened in the early 1980s with the launch of the new Welsh television channel, there is an opportunity once again for S4C to inject new life to the Caernarfon area.

Of course, not everyone can work in television. Historically, the public sector has been a major employer in Gwynedd with thousands of people dependent on institutions such as Gwynedd Council for employment. As the county’s biggest employer, we are very much aware of the responsibility that is upon us to offer careers to people and to ensure the best possible working conditions for those individuals.

That is why it is right that we raise the pay of those in the Council who are currently on the lowest wages. There are about 2,000 of the workforce in this category, and ensuring higher wages for these individuals will not only be a boost for them and their families but will also mean more spending in the local economy.

Delivering these two objectives – attracting S4C to Gwynedd and ensuring a fair wage for our workforce – would be a major step towards the creation of a fairer society with opportunities for all.

Councillor Dyfed EdwardsGwynedd Council Leader

What’s on in your area this spring?MARCH

27-30: The Sci-fi WeekenderHafan y Môr Holiday Park, Pwllheli;www.scifiweekender.com 29-30: British Downhill ChampionshipsStage 1 of the British Downhill mountain biking championships, the most technically advanced National Downhill Mountain Bike race series in the World. Antur Stiniog, Blaenau Ffestiniog; www.anturstiniog.com

APRIL5: ‘Lend me your ears’ – Conference for adults and parents of children who have a hearing impairment. Speakers, discussions and an opportunity to socialise.Powis Hall, Bangor University;i.r.cooke@bangor.ac.uk; 01248 3822555: Mawddach Goldrush Trail RaceCoed y Brenin, Dolgellau;www.mawddachgoldrush.com 19: Ras y Moelwyn – Blaenau Ffestiniog;www.anturstiniog.com; 01766 832214

20: Easter Sunday Victorian Fair and MarketY Maes, Caernarfon20: Triathlon Pwllheli; www.plasheli.org 21: Tywyn Fair, Tywyn.

MAY10: The 10th Bala Challenge Charity WalkOne of South Snowdonia’s main walking events with a range of walks around or along Lake Bala, through forests, over moorland with wonderful views and an opportunity to see wildlife.www.abercelyn.co.uk17-18: Slateman TriathlonLlanberis; www.snowdoniaslateman.com 26-31: Urdd National EisteddfodBala. www.urdd.org 29: Queen’s Baton Relay – The Queen’s Baton visits Gwynedd and Anglesey ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014.

JUNE1: Great Strait Raft RunY Felinheli; www.greatstraitraftrun.co.uk 15: Etape EryriCaernarfon; www.etapeeryri.com

EASTER HOLIDAYS 14-25 AprilWild Elements – Outdoor activity days to help get children closer to nature. Castell Penrhyn, Bangor; www.wildelements.org.uk; info@wildelements.org.uk; 07799566533

To find out about children’s Easter activities in your local Leisure Centre, visitwww.gwyned.gov.uk/leisure or contact your local centre.For more information about activities at your local Library, go to www.gwynedd.gov.uk/library

Long term planning pays offIn recent months Gwynedd Council has received glowing endorsements from two independent authorities for the way things are being run despite the difficult financial climate.

Both the Auditor General for Wales and the Welsh Government have given the Council top marks.

In a report on local government finance by the Auditor General for Wales, the Council has been praised for its strong financial leadership and effectively planning for the future.

In the report, the Auditor General said: “This approach has avoided the need for rash decisions and service cuts to balance the budget, and has allowed the Council to introduce service efficiencies in a planned and structured way over a period of time.”

In a separate assessment, the Welsh

Government has ranked Gwynedd second best of all 22 Welsh Councils. The Local Authority Services Performance Report measures the performance of all the Welsh councils across key services.

This is the second year on the trot for Gwynedd to come in the top two of Welsh Council in this comprehensive study and the report shows that we outperformed the Welsh national average in 60% of services assessed.

Council Leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards, said: “When the first effects of the UK economic crisis started to be felt, Gwynedd was one of the first Councils in Wales to develop a long term financial strategy which allowed us to prepare for the inevitable cuts in government public spending.

“This long-term planning, coupled with the hard work and vision of our staff and members, is reflected in these positive reports.”

Support for lowest paidSome of this year’s Council Tax increase will be used to help some of the Council’s lowest paid workers.

The majority of the 2,000 or so set to benefit are women in part-time jobs such as kitchen

assistants, cleaners and school lunchtime supervisors.

Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards said: “As is the case for a growing number of councils across the country, we believe that Gwynedd’s lowest paid Council workers deserve a fair wage. This decision is a first step towards addressing this important matter.”

NEWYDDION Spring 2014

Gwynedd Council 3

Gwynedd Council is working with a number of partners to make sure that local people and businesses are able to make the most of the breath-taking natural assets on our doorstep.

“Gwynedd is home to some of the best outdoor adventure facilities in the world and our fantastic mountains, coast, lakes, and trails mean that we welcome over 7 million visitors every year,” said Councillor John Wynn Jones, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Economy.

“What’s vitally important is that we make sure that the people and businesses of Gwynedd are able to reap the benefits. Both in terms of enjoying the wide-variety of new and developing activities on-offer in Gwynedd and making sure that they are at the centre of this exciting business sector so that we can keep the economic benefit local.”

Snowdonia - One Big Adventure

Securing a reputation as a world-class centre of excellence for adventure tourism - this is the goal of the Snowdonia One Big Adventure project.

The £4 million EU-backed initiative aims to build on the strengths of the Meirionnydd area - from downhill mountain biking on Blaenau Ffestiniog’s ‘black-run’ course to fishing trips on Trawsfynydd Lake.

As part of this work, Gwynedd Council and its partners are working with the area’s schools and colleges to raise awareness of outdoor tourism as a possible future career path for the area’s young people.

Councillor Paul Thomas, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Healthy Gwynedd said:

“The fact is that in the past our young people haven’t been encouraged to make the most of what the outdoor activity sector had to offer them.

“However, I’m pleased to say that all that has now changed and that a lot of hard

work has been done in recent years, and we are now starting to see a new generation getting involved in this vibrant and exciting sector.

“In Blaenau Ffestiniog, there is a group of active local people who have been at the heart of developing the new downhill mountain biking facilities which have already welcomed over 12,000 visitors since it opened in June 2012.

“Our aim is to build on these recent success stories and to make sure that local people are far more involved in this sector and the benefits it offers in future.”

With 16,000 jobs in the tourism and outdoor activity sectors across Gwynedd, the Council wants to make sure that the county’s young people are fully aware of the career paths available to them.

The project has been funded via the Sustainable Tourism Project led by Visit Wales, the tourism department within Welsh Government and supported through the European Regional Development Fund.

One big opportunity

Youngsters get involvedOne Big Adventure career days have recently been held for secondary school pupils from the Meirionnydd area. The events supported by the Mid Wales Tourism Partnership held at the Urdd’s Glan Llyn activity centre and the Coed y Brenin outdoor activity centre and included practical outdoor activities as well as a chance to talk to people who work in the sector.

Deio from Ysgol y Berwyn, who is a keen rugby and football fan, said: “I’m about to choose my GCSE options and this has really helped me to think about the subjects I’ll choose because I’d like to work in outdoor activities”

Mirain, also from Ysgol y Berwyn, added: “I came along because I’d like to work somewhere like Glanllyn, doing outdoor activities. I’d prefer to stay

somewhere local, rather than go away to work.”

For more information visit: www.visitsnowdonia.info/onebigadventure

An innovative cross-border project is providing training for Gwynedd residents to encourage them to pursue careers in the local outdoor tourism sector.

The £1.6 million Outdoor Tourism project - which draws together partners from north west Wales and Ireland - aims to stimulate the local economy by working with communities and businesses to help them get the most out of the sector.

Last year, more than 3,000 people took part in a range of free taster sessions including kayaking, surfing and rock climbing held to get local people involved in outdoor tourism. Similar events are being planned for the coming months.

Councillor John Wynn Jones,

Gwynedd’s Cabinet Member for Economy said: “Over the past decades, Ireland has made huge steps in developing a unique brand and marketing itself as an international destination for visitors from near and far.

“This cross-border project allows us to learn from Ireland’s success and to ensure that we in Gwynedd make effective use of the latest innovations in tourism marketing and customer service.”

The Outdoor Tourism project helps local people who are interested in a career in the outdoor tourism sector to develop their skills and provide suitable training.

More information about the Outdoor Tourism project is available at:www.outdoortourism.org

The Celtic link

Remember:The Blaenau Ffestiniog downhill mountain bike course will welcome the British Championships on 29

and 30 March. All are welcome to attend this fast and furious event – it promises to be a fantastic weekend. For more details, visit:www.anturstiniog.com

n Deio, Mirain and Ceri from Ysgol y Berwyn enjoying the career day at Glanllyn

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Spring 2014 NEWYDDION

Lifting the lid on recycling in GwyneddIn 2012/13, half of the waste collected in Gwynedd was buried in landfill sites. If this disappointing performance - which saw Gwynedd ranked a worrying 18th out of 22 in the Welsh councils recycling league - is repeated in 2015/16, the Council and the Gwynedd Taxpayer could be hit by a government fine of around £1 million.

Unfortunately, survey work undertaken in September 2013 and February 2014 found that around half of Gwynedd households are continuing to shun the convenient weekly recycling and composting service.

Instead of using Gwynedd’s weekly recycling and food waste service, these households still dump food waste and materials that could be recycled in the green residual waste wheelie bin that should only be used for left over waste that cannot be recycled or composted.

According to the research, the rubbish placed in the green wheelie bins surveyed contained:

n 27% was food waste that could be recycled in the weekly brown bin collection

n 21% was material such as newspapers, packaging, tetra packs, plastic containers and tins that should be recycled in the blue box.

“We are extremely grateful to the thousands of local people who make good use of the weekly blue bin recycling and weekly brown food waste collection service,” said Gwynedd Council’s Environment Cabinet Member, Councillor Gareth Roberts.

“Unfortunately this good work continues to be undone by the fact that around half of Gwynedd’s households continue to ignore the convenient weekly collection services and to dump everything in their ‘residual waste’ wheelie bin.

“As a Council we simply cannot afford to pay the huge government fines we will be hit with unless we increase the amount of rubbish collected - we will have to recycle or compost 58% by March 2016 or face these crippling government fines.

“As a result, we are currently carefully analysing the 2,500 or so responses we received to our recent public consultation on recycling and considering the possibility of introducing changes to the fortnightly ‘residual waste’ collection service in order to encourage more people to use the convenient weekly recycling and kitchen waste collections.”

21% was material such as newspapers, packaging, tetra

packs, plastic containers and tins that should be recycled

in the blue box.

27% was food waste that could be recycled in the weekly brown

bin collection

Planning for Gwynedd’s future needsOver the past three years, Council planning officers have been engaging with a range of organisations and communities to identify the area’s housing, economic and social needs for the 15 years up until 2026 and to identify land that may be suitable to meet this expected need. Like every council in Wales, Gwynedd must prepare a Local Development Plan to provide a framework against which planning applications for developments can be considered. “With regards to the need for housing, the Welsh Government says that councils should match the housing figures in their plans by population and household numbers unless they have evidence to prove that other matters should be taken into consideration. Our aim in Gwynedd is to ensure that the new plan reflects our, values and priorities, satisfies the housing needs of local communities and protects and enhances the Welsh language,” said Councillor John Wyn Williams, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing. “That’s why we have been working to gather evidence to demonstrate to the Welsh Government that the proposed housing figures for Gwynedd over the 2011 to 2026 Plan period should be 1,200 housing units lower than the Government’s projected figure. We

have also been working to identify as many ways as possible to provide new housing developments in ways that meet the needs of Gwynedd’s communities. “As new housing built since 2011 and homes which have received planning permissions but have not yet been built count towards the housing total, the work carried out so far already means that the number of additional new homes that will need to be provided in the new plan has been reduced to 2,858. “We are now working to find ways to distribute these new homes to towns and villages in a way that does not harm their form or character. Our aim is to ensure that the plan supports local housing needs in terms of affordable and open market homes, supports potential local employment opportunities, and is intended to provide additional support for local services and facilities. “The Council will be targeting appropriate brownfield sites, buildings, and infill sites before we allocate new housing sites. “What is important is that at the end of this process, the development plan ensures the best possible conditions to allow local people to live and work in Gwynedd.”

Plan in briefSince 2011, around 300 homes have been built in those parts of Gwynedd that are not within the boundaries of the Snowdonia National Park. In addition, 1,600 houses have been granted planning permission but not yet built. This total equates to around 40% of the expected housing requirement for the 15 year Local Development Plan Period (2011-2026). Of the 2,858 additional housing units left to be provided for from within the new plan, the Council has identified over 1,000 empty properties, infill sites and existing buildings that can potentially be reused in the county’s five larger settlements – Bangor, Caernarfon, Pwllheli, Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

This work is now continuing in smaller settlements where at present it is anticipated that around 700 housing units can be provided by redeveloping sites, infill sites and affordable housing. As a result, it is likely that only a limited number of sites will need to be allocated for housing in the Local Development Plan. Sites to be allocated are likely to include some of the sites which come under the existing Gwynedd Unitary Development Plan, but which currently do not have planning permission. Based on current evidence it is anticipated that there will only be a need to allocate sites for around 1,130 housing units over the remainder of the plan period, to meet the identified total demand for 4,719 new housing units.

Have your sayA full public consultation on the plan will be held this year where all interested parties can have their say on the draft proposals. All comments received will then be carefully considered before an independent public local inquiry will consider the proposals in full. For more information about the plan, visit: www.gwynedd.gov.uk/ldp - this page also tells people how to let the Council know if they want to contacted about the public consultation and the public local inquiry.

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Gwynedd Council 5

A rough guide to the 2014 Urdd Eisteddfod

The Urdd countdown continues

How do I get to the Eisteddfod?

Evening entertainment at the Eisteddfod

By carThe Meirionnydd 2014 Urdd Eisteddfod will be held on the Rhiwlas estate, near Bala on the A494 towards Corwen. The Maes is convenient regardless of which direction you’re travelling from – just look out for the yellow signs that will direct you to the Eisteddfod car parks.

By busThe X94 service that runs between Barmouth and Wrexham has a convenient stop for the Maes at Llanfor.

By bikeThose who choose to cycle to the Maes will be able to leave their bikes in a designated bike park near the Maes Welcome Pavilion.

There’s a bumper crop of talent to be enjoyed every evening at Eisteddfod yr Urdd Meirionnydd. There’s an exciting programme of concerts at the pavilion and at Theatr Harlech, with something for all tastes:

Opening Concert – PavilionSunday, 25 May 8pm The Eisteddfod will start with a showcase of Meirionnydd local talent. The stars performing include Gai Toms and his group, Jessops a’r Sgweiri, Swnami and up-and-coming local soloist Luke McCall. The evening will also feature Côr Aelwydydd Meirionnydd and the Meirionnydd Youth Choir.

Youth show - Dyma Fi, Theatr Harlech8pm on Saturday (24 May), Monday (26 May) and Wednesday (28 May)An original musical drama by the youth

of Meirionnydd featuring a script by Meilir Rhys Williams and songs by Branwen Haf (Siddi) and Osian Huw (Candelas).

Primary School Show - Paid â gofyn i mi! PavilionTuesday, 27 May 8pm Somewhere in the hills of Meirionnydd a hero slumbers who is sure to wake up when the people are in need. But, when a gang of children hear that they are to lose their playing field to a rubbish dump, who will come to help? The vibrant primary school show is directed by Iola Ynyr, the Cwmni Theatr Frân Wen crew and other creative locals.

Street, Hip Hop and Disco dancing, PavilionWednesday 28 May 6.30pmNew this year – the festival will put modern dance in the spotlight, in a night of fierce competition.

Over 50,000 young people in Wales are members of the Urdd. Every year, they and their families - from all corners of the country - converge on the Eisteddfod yr Urdd Maes.

But you don’t have to be an Urdd member to enjoy the Eisteddfod, the event really does offer something for everyone – from singing and dancing competitions to all sorts of attractions, performances and things to see and do on the festival field itself.

Here’s a taste of what’s on offer to those who are thinking of visiting for the first time when the Eisteddfod comes to Bala:

The Pavilion is the centre-point of the week’s activities. The stage in the pavilion is where the singing, dancing, acting and performing competitions take place.

Performance stages – throughout the week singers, dancers, live bands and school groups will take to these smaller stages to entertain visitors to the Maes.

Pentref Mistar Urdd – this year Mister Urdd will have his very own village on the Maes that will be home to all sorts of competitions and activities – from circus skills and shows to archery sessions and motorbike displays. The crew from S4Cs Stwnsh will set their daily challenge here too.

Sports on the Maes – why not join in the fun at one of the regular football, rugby, golf or climbing wall sessions?

Stalls – the Maes will boast over 200 stalls selling and promoting services, Welsh produce and crafts.

Arts and Crafts Pavilion – an amazing display of the winning crafts, design and technology.

Cwtsh Cymraeg – a special display by Welsh learners as well as literary workshops.

GwyddonLe – packed with fascinating interactive activities to encourage young Eisteddfod-goers to get the science bug.

Fun Fair and Web Cafe

Special ticket offer!Why not take advantage of the Eisteddfod’s early bird cheaper tickets offer which runs until 6 May? Those who buy tickets before this date will save £17 on a family day ticket for two adults and 3 children or £71 on a family week ticket. As a special offer for the last day of the Eisteddfod (Saturday 31 May), tickets will be available for half price!

To book day or night tickets,please go to www.urdd.org/eisteddfod/tocynnauor phone 0845 257 1639.

Why not get involved with

the Urdd in your community?There’s more

information here:www.urdd.org

Pupils from Ysgol Bro Tegid, Bala received a special visitor recently when Mistar Urdd himself dropped by their school. He was given a grand welcome by the children and the staff and here’s what three pupils had to say as they prepare to welcome the Eisteddfod to their own back yard:

Catrin: “I’m looking forwards to going to the Eisteddfod in Bala, and to going around the festival field with my friends looking at the different stalls. I’m also looking forward to taking part in the

primary school show and I hope to compete there too.”

Mari Elen: “I’m looking forward to taking part in the dancing competition.”

Lucy: “I’m hoping to compete with the choir and the folk dancing on the main stage at Y Bala. I hope the sun will be shining so that I can go around the Eisteddfod with my friends and enjoy myself.”

Turn to page 12 for a chance to win

Eisteddfod tickets

Local foodbanks in Gwynedd:Bangor – 01248 430525www.cathedralfoodbank.org

Barmouth – 01341 280808 /07973 914599www.barmouth.foodbank.org.uk

Blaenau Ffestiniog – 01766 831871 / 01766 831901

Bro Dyfi – 01654 702043

Caernarfon – 01286 673355 /07847 192896info@caernarfon.foodbank.org.uk

Pwllheli – www.stpeterspwllheli.com

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Spring 2014 NEWYDDION

A helping hand in tough timesWhat more evidence do we need of the effects of benefits cuts and the spiralling cost of living on ordinary families than the sight of a foodbank charity collecting food in our own community?

The success of the foodbank system depends on a chain of people and organisations working together to help vulnerable people during what must be their darkest hours.

Everyone plays their part: the shopper who buys an item of food for donation; the volunteer who collects and distributes the food; charities such as the Trussell Trust or local churches who organise the logistics; the agencies, including Gwynedd Council, which refer those who require help to the service when they are in need of food parcels to see them through a few days of hardship until their benefit payment comes through.

Councillor Brian Jones, the Gwynedd Cabinet Member with responsibility for poverty prevention, said:“It’s an

uncomfortable truth, but there are people in Gwynedd today who are struggling to feed themselves and their families.

“All sorts of reasons can conspire to push people to this breaking point – redundancy, increasing living costs, mental health issues or family breakdown. Many families are struggling these days, but I have seen that the closer people are to the edge to begin with the more likely they are to fall off when things become difficult.

“The Council has an important role to play in making sure that the people that are in need are benefitting fairly from the community’s generosity. Several Council services including the homelessness service; social services which work with children in need; those working with young people who are coming out of care at 16 give out tokens which can then be redeemed at a local foodbank.

“I would like to thank the people and businesses of Gwynedd who have

been so generous to the foodbanks by donating in whichever way they can, and I urge them to continue. Also, if you think that a local foodbank could help you or someone you know, please speak to your social worker.”

People can also be referred to a foodbank by health workers, the job centre and organisations such as homelessness or drug charities and Mantell Gwynedd.

1: Schools, churches, businesses and individuals donate non-perishable, in-date food to a foodbank.

2: Food is sorted and stored by volunteers

3: Frontline care professionals – such as health visitors and social workers – identify people in need and issue them with a foodbank voucher or token.

4: Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank where it can be redeemed for three days emergency food, to tide them over while benefit payments or other support is sorted out. Agencies such as Mantell Gwynedd also deliver food parcels to people who have no transport.

How foodbanks workn Councillor Brian Jones with volunteers from the Barmouth

Foodbank - Dave Hooper, Brian Wilson and the Reverend Dawn Robinson

Did you know?n According to the Trussell

Trust, in 2012-13 foodbanks fed 347,000 people across the UK. Of those helped, 127,000 were children.

n Over the last year, Gwynedd Council has given out more than 100 tokens to families and individuals. More will have been referred through other agencies.

Dave Hooper of the Trussell Trust Foodbank at Barmouth said:

“The majority of people turning to foodbanks are working age families and it only takes one unexpected change in circumstances to throw someone into crisis, even not having free school meals during holiday times.

“All clients are welcomed in a friendly, non-judgmental and confidential manner and are given information about the help they’re entitled to.”

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No vote, no voiceEuropean Parliamentary Elections will be held on 22 May, when voters across the 28 countries will go to the polls to choose who will represent them.

To make sure you have the opportunity to make your voice heard you must register before the 6 May deadline.

For more information about:n How to registern How to voten How to vote by post or by proxy

Go to www.gwynedd.gov.uk/elections or telephone 01766 771000.

Councillor Huw Edwards, Chairman of the Council, looks back at his year in the post.

He said: “It has been an honour to serve the people of Gwynedd and to promote the good work the Council does.

“Some of the highlights have included organising a charity concert in Caernarfon to raise money for the North West Wales Alzheimer Society and I also had the opportunity to congratulate Haf Thomas, a valued member of staff at the Council, for her stellar effort in raising £45,000 for local charities over the years.”

n Councillor Edwards is pictured with Haf Thomas, who is a clerical assistant at Gwynedd Council.

The Chairman’s year

NEWYDDION Spring 2014

Gwynedd Council 7

The cost of local services for 2014/15£240.5 million is the sum Gwynedd Council estimates it needs to pay for our local services between April 2014 and March 2015.

£175.0 million – is the sum Gwynedd Council will receive from the Government towards the cost of delivering services in 2014/15 – this is over £8 million less than the sum received in 2013/14.

£55.2 million – this is the amount Gwynedd will raise locally from Council Tax in 2014/15.

£5.5 million is the amount that has already been recognised to bridge this year’s gap by finding more efficient ways of working and delivering services to people in creative new ways.

£4.8 million is the extra amount the Council will find this year by using budgetary adjustments and balances to buy more time to develop a sensible programme of savings for the years to come.

70p a week - this will be the additional amount the average Gwynedd household will pay in Council Tax as a result of the increase.

It is getting increasingly expensive to deliver local services in Gwynedd because:n our countyʼs population is getting older

n rising energy prices have a disproportionate impact on large and sparsely populated councils like Gwynedd - we have more schools, libraries and residential homes to heat and we spend more on fuel to visit clients, to collect rubbish and to transport pupils to school

n more Gwynedd people than ever require certain services to support them through these difficult times.

For 2014/15 the Council estimates it will need an extra £2.7 million to meet inflation costs alone.

Turn to pages 8 & 9 to see what else Gwynedd people get for their Council Tax

Bridging the financial gapOver the past four years, Gwynedd Council has saved a total of £20 million to bridge the financial gap resulting from cuts in Government funding.

As a result of further cuts in Government funding, it is estimated that Gwynedd will have to find an additional £50 million of savings between now and 2017/18.

Gwynedd Council’s plan to tackle the deficit: £8 million The Council already has projects in place to reach this

amount by realising savings and adjusting budgets

£8 million Further increases in Council Tax will have to be considered over the next four years to realise this

amount

£34 million The Council will have to achieve this remaining sum by:

n finding even more ways of working more efficiently and getting more use out of what we have

n working with communities, the voluntary sector and businesses to find new less costly ways of delivering and funding services

n joining up services so people get a whole service rather than lots of separate ones that don’t always fit together

n acting quickly to prevent problems developing in the first place and supporting communities so people can look after their own needs more

n consider increasing Council Tax to reduce the effect on key services and to protect those in most need

n as a last resort ceasing to provide some services

Where your money is spent

£7 out of every £10 spent on local services in Gwynedd is spent on three service areas - Education, Social Services and the Environment.£3 is the amount spent on all other local services.

Education 38% Care, Social Services & Housing 26%

Roads and Transport 6%

Environment, Planning & Waste Management 8%

Council Tax support for low income households

4%

Economy &Regeneration

1%

Other 11%

Precepts to other bodies

3%

Leisure, Libraries

& the Arts3%

8 Gwynedd Council

Spring 2014 NEWYDDION

What does my family get for our money?During the past year, Gwynedd Council spent an average of £1,922 on each and every one of the 122,142 of us who live here.

Whilst all Gwynedd families are different, the following gives an idea of what local people get for their Council Tax...

Public toiletsGwynedd Council cleans and maintains 75 public toilets

Arts and CultureGwynedd Council runs:n 17 librariesn the Neuadd Dwyfor theatre and

cinema in Pwllheli and Neuadd Buddug in Bala

n Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery in Bangor

n the Lloyd George Museum in Llanystumdwy

n the Gwynedd Archive Service in Caernarfon and Dolgellau

n a network of youth clubs and centres

Safe roads and cycle routes Gwynedd Council is responsible for 55 miles of cycle routes, 2,314 miles of public right of way and 7,800 parking spaces

Maintaining our roadsGwynedd Council: n maintains 1,790 miles of road and

pavementsn grits 670 miles of priority roads n maintains 1,900 street lights

Developing our local economyGwynedd Council: n manages 90 industrial unitsn works to create and protect local

jobs, support employers and attract new businesses

n provides training and support for Gwynedd’s voluntary sector

n promotes tourism n leads community regeneration projectsn works to secure European and

Welsh Government funding

Safe communitiesGwynedd Council is responsible for, CCTV, trading standards, environmental health and taxi and pub licensing

Public Transport

£35 a year for every person living in Gwynedd

£7 a year for every person living in Gwynedd

£5 a year for every person living in Gwynedd

£5,205 per year for every pupil in Gwynedd

£18 a year for every person living in Gwynedd

£6,222 a year for every mile of road in Gwynedd

£21 a year for every person living in Gwynedd

£30 a year for every person living in Gwynedd

Educating our young peopleGwynedd Council:n Is responsible for 97 primary schools,

14 secondary schools and two special schools

n spent £89.3 million on educating three to 19 year-olds in 2013/14n educates around 17,000 residents every

year

£10.4 million to build new school buildings and upgrade existing school buildings

£4.8 million on new roads, cycle routes and infrastructure projects

£1.8 million to develop the new National Sailing Academy in Pwllheli as part of the wider £8.3 million project

£7.3 million was invested at Pont Briwet as part of a wider £19.2 million project

£3.3 million to improve the private sector housing stock

£6.4 million to keep public buildings up to standard

During 2014/15, a further £41.5 million will be invested in capital schemes. These will be funded by a combination of borrowing (£12.4 million), grants and contributions (£17.5 million) and the Council’s own funding (£11.6 million).

During 2013/14, Gwynedd Council invested in a number of major capital schemes worth £47.3m. These included:

NEWYDDION Spring 2014

Gwynedd Council 9

What does my family get for our money?

Precepts toother bodiesIn 2013/14, Gwynedd Council allocated £6.7 million to other authorities including North Wales Fire Service and SnowdoniaNational Park

Caring for vulnerablepeopleGwynedd Council:n cares for vulnerable children, disabled,

people with learning difficulties, homeless people and older people

n runs 16 residential homes and 13 day centres for older people and people with learning difficulties

n spent £62.4million caring for Gwynedd’s most vulnerable

people in 2013/14

Collectingand recyclingour rubbishGwynedd Council:n provides recycling, composting and

waste collection services for 60,000 households every week

n runs eight community recycling centres

GettingGwynedd activeGwynedd Council:n operates seven swimming pools, four

leisure centres and two sports facilitiesn maintains 129 playgroundsn runs two country parksn manages 187 miles of coastline, four

harbours and two marinas

Crematoriumand CemeteriesGwynedd Council is responsible for 16 cemeteries andone crematorium

And the rest…Gwynedd Council also provides a wide range of smaller services which are just as essential.These include:n registration of births, deaths and marriagesn coastal protection and land drainagen building controln the coroner service

£10,317 on average per head a year for older people in care in Gwynedd

£16,192 on average each year on every child who receives care or support

£3 a year for every person living in Gwynedd

N

OR T H WALES

GO

G L E D D C YM

RU

£212 a year for every Gwynedd household

£45 a year for every person living in Gwynedd

Your Council Tax community by communityAs well as funding Gwynedd Council services, your Council Tax also goes towards the more local services provided by your local Community, Town or City Council as well as services provided by North Wales Police. This year, the Gwynedd Council part of your Council Tax bill will increase by 3.9%, the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner part by 2% and the Community, Town or City Council part by an average of 4.4%. For further information regarding the bill and how the money is being spent visit www.gwynedd.gov.uk/counciltax

10 Gwynedd Council

Spring 2014 NEWYDDION

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COUNCIL PRECEPT 2013/14

COMMUNITY COUNCIL PRECEPT 2014/15

COMMUNITY COUNCIL BAND D

EQUIVALENT

GWYNEDD COUNCIL BAND D

EQUIVALENT

NORTH WALES POLICE AND CRIME

COMMISSIONER BAND D EQUIVALENT

BAND D COUNCIL TAX

2014/15

AberdaronAberdyfiAbergwyngregynArthogY BalaBangorBarmouthBeddgelertBetws GarmonBethesdaBontnewyddBotwnnogBrithdir and LlanfachrethBryncrugBuanCaernarfonClynnog FawrCorrisCricciethDolbenmaenDolgellauDyffryn ArdudwyY FelinheliFfestiniogY GanllwydHarlechLlanaelhaearnLlanbedrLlanbedrogLlanberisLlandwrogLlandygaiLlanddeiniolenLlandderfelLlanegrynLlanenganLlanelltydLlanfairLlanfihangel y PennantLlanfrothenLlangelynninLlangywerLlanllechidLlanllyfniLlannorLlanrugLlanuwchllynLlanwndaLlanycilLlanystumdwyMaentwrogMawddwyNefynPennalPenrhyndeudraethPentirPistyllPorthmadogPwllheliTalsarnauTrawsfynyddTudweiliogTywynWaunfawr

6,50022,7631,5009,50016,500276,64727,0006,6001,00051,24511,0004,0006,0006,4803,750

187,1436,2005,77234,00010,00049,00019,00027,00071,5003,00015,00012,0008,00013,25019,00031,00016,96210,0006,6004,00039,6906,0005,7504,2004,2006,0002,0404,50033,94012,66020,5008,80016,7003,30012,5005,5004,75042,6805,00034,00025,8834,50051,51068,50010,00011,5005,40046,00012,000

8,00023,2182,0009,50016,500298,94939,4007,8441,30053,55212,5004,0006,0006,6753,750

187,1437,0005,77234,00010,00049,00019,00027,00076,5003,00016,00013,00010,00014,95019,00034,00019,96213,0006,9004,00045,0006,0006,5004,3254,5006,0002,1424,50036,94012,66023,5008,80018,2003,30015,0005,5004,75048,4105,40034,00028,8834,50053,00068,50010,00012,0005,80046,00012,000

15.1824.8417.6015.5621.9284.2736.0024.979.8432.7928.669.2215.1420.3116.6854.5716.3119.6036.7616.4741.1823.9325.5746.0235.2321.5530.3732.0521.8525.1334.4920.747.3014.0626.3922.9221.4820.6620.5820.9015.1916.8413.6327.1214.3321.3028.5423.7717.1817.5519.6514.1735.1025.3946.1129.9418.8527.0941.1632.5523.9513.0529.8421.60

1,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.071,111.07

227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61227.61

1,353.861,363.521,356.281,354.241,360.601,422.951,374.681,363.651,348.521,371.471,367.341,347.901,353.821,358.991,355.361,393.251,354.991,358.281,375.441,355.151,379.861,362.611,364.251,384.701,373.911,360.231,369.051,370.731,360.531,363.811,373.171,359.421,345.981,352.741,365.071,361.601,360.161,359.341,359.261,359.581,353.871,355.521,352.311,365.801,353.011,359.981,367.221,362.451,355.861,356.231,358.331,352.851,373.781,364.071,384.791,368.621,357.531,365.771,379.841,371.231,362.631,351.731,368.521,360.28

Newyddion Gwynedd CompetitionTry your hand at our competition and you could walk away with one of four family tickets for the Urdd National Eisteddfod.

The ticket will give free entry to two adults and three children to the festival field and all its attractions – including the main pavilion – on Monday, 26 May.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following questions:

1 Where in Bala will the Eisteddfod be held? A: Rhiwlas B: Rhiwgoch C: Rhiwabon

2 According to the Trussell Trust, how many British children were fed by foodbanks during 2012-13? A: 17,000 B: 70,000 C: 127,000

3 Which Council service costs the most? A: Education B: Social Services C: Libraries

Send us your answers with your name, address, and daytime telephone number by 1 May, 2014.n By post: Newyddion Gwynedd Competition, Communications Unit,

Gwynedd Council, Shirehall Street, Caernarfon LL55 1SH.n By email: communications@gwynedd.gov.uk Please mark the

subject box ‘Newyddion Gwynedd Competition’.

The winner of the competition in the winter 2013 edition of Newyddion Gwynedd was Mrs Gaynor Pugh of Aberdyfi. She has received a hamper of local foods. Congratulations to Mrs Pugh and thanks to all who entered.

NEWYDDION Spring 2014

Gwynedd Council 11

Help is at hand for those who are struggling to make ends meetGwynedd Council’s Council Tax, Non Domestic Rates and Recovery TeamsIf you’re having difficulty keeping up with your Council Tax payments, please contact Gwynedd Council as soon as possible as you may qualify for a discount or an exemption. Call 01286 682701 or 682708 to find out, or visit one of Gwynedd’s three Siop Gwynedd one stop shops at Castle Street, Caernarfon; Ffordd y Cob, Pwllheli or Cae Penarlâg, Dolgellau.

Even if legal action has been taken on an arrear, you can still discuss the matter and try to come to an arrangement with the Council. The Recovery Team can be contacted on 01286 682 706 or 682 707

Council Tax Reduction SchemeSince 1 April 2013 Council Tax Benefit has been replaced nationally by a means tested local scheme called the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. If you are on a low income, and think you may qualify, free and

confidential advice is available from Gwynedd Council’s Benefits Team. Telephone the team on 01286 682 689, emailctreduction@gwynedd.gov.uk or call by one of Gwynedd’s three Siop Gwynedd one stop shops at Castle Street, Caernarfon; Embankment Road, Pwllheli or Cae Penarlâg, Dolgellau. Surgeries are also held at Llys Gwynedd, Bangor.

Age Cymru Gwynedd & Môn (formerly Age Concern Gwynedd & Môn)Age Cymru offer free, impartial advice to older people on the benefits they can claim and can help in dealing with paperwork. Contact them on 01286 677 711 - lines open weekdays 9am-5pm - or visitwww.agecymru.org.uk/gwyneddamon

Citizens Advice BureauYour local office can help with all sorts of questions you may have about money matters. To contact CAB, phone 0845 4503064 or visit www.cabgwynedd.org

Further explanation about Council Tax and financial detailsFollowing a change to the law, for the first time this year paper copies of the leaflets that usually accompany your tax bill will not be provided in the envelope with the Council Tax bill you receive through the post.

Instead, these documents - which include notes explaining Council Tax exemptions, Council Tax discounts and financial information about the Council and the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner - are available on the Council website: www.gwynedd.gov.uk/counciltax

If you’d like to receive paper copies of these leaflets, or if you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to receive any Council Tax reductions, please contact the Council Tax Department by phoning 01286 682689.

1

2

3

How to pay your Council Tax billThere are several ways of paying your bill, choose the one that suits you best. If you’re unsure or wish to discuss the best option for you, please contact us.

Direct Debit – phone Gwynedd Council’s Council Tax Service on 01286 682 701 or 682 708 to arrange for your bill to be paid directly from your bank account. You can choose one of four payment dates available within the monthly payment plan. These options can be discussed with a member of staff when you phone.

Remember, the easiest and quickest way to pay your tax is by Direct Debit. The more people choose to pay this way, the less it costs the Council to process the paperwork.

Online - visit the secure pages on Gwynedd Council’s website www.gwynedd.gov.uk/payments and pay using your bank debit or credit card.

By telephone - call 01766 771 000 between 8.30am and 5.30pm to pay with your bank debit or credit card.

By post - send a cheque or postal order payable to Gwynedd Council, with a copy of your bill, to Chief Cashier, Council Offices, Penrallt, Caernarfon, LL55 1BN. Please note that receipts can not be sent.

At the Post Office - contact the Council on 01286 682 689 for a plastic swipe card which allows you to pay at your local Post Office with cash, cheque or a bank card.

Electronic Council Tax billAs is already the case for many energy, water, telephone and broadband suppliers, you can now choose to receive your Council Tax bill electronically rather than on paper through the post.

Receiving your bill electronically is faster and more convenient. It allows you to view your bill as soon as it’s available and keep a copy on file and is better for the environment and the public purse as it cuts out the need to pay for sending out paper bills.

If you’re interested in receiving your Council Tax bill via e-mail, visit www.gwynedd.gov.uk/counciltax and click on the electronic bill link on the page. You will need your Council Tax reference – noted on any bill that has been sent to you.

Fairness for those who need supportGwynedd Council and partners which include housing associations and the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), are working together to make sure that some of the most vulnerable members of our society have the support they need to cope with a range of radical changes to the UK welfare benefits system.

Since April 2013, around 1,000 Gwynedd households have been affected by a cut in their housing benefit because of new rules about the number of bedrooms in their homes.

And during the next few years, a new benefit called Universal Credit will

replace most of the means tested welfare benefits. This will affect the way people receive their benefits, and in many cases, it will involve a greater responsibility on benefit recipients to control their finances.

Local councils have no control over the changes, as all matters concerned with benefit payments come under the UK government’s Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

However, Gwynedd Council and it’s partners are determined to do everything possible to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our society do not suffer as a result of these changes.

“Ensuring fairness for all those who need support is our aim,” said Councillor Brian Jones, the Gwynedd Cabinet Member with responsibility for tackling poverty.

“As a Council we are determined to do everything in our power to help the most vulnerable families in our communities.”

What is the Bedroom Tax?Since April last year, the housing benefit of families of working age has been cut if they have one or more of what is being defined as spare bedrooms.

This means any bedroom additional to the individual’s or the couple’s bedroom, and their children’s bedrooms. A separate bedroom is allowed for girls and boys if they are aged 10 or older; children under 10 are expected to share a bedroom regardless of their gender.

With the benefit often being paid directly as rent to the social landlord, the tenant has to find the difference between the lower benefit and the rent. The sum can vary, but it is around £14 per household on average. This cut is often referred to unofficially as the ‘bedroom tax’.

What is Universal Credit?The Universal Credit is currently being rolled out in different parts of the UK between now and 2017 and which is likely to affect Gwynedd’s residents in 2016 or 2017. It will replace housing benefit and many other benefits. It is different from current benefits in several ways:

n All recipients will have to have a bank account

n One payment will be made for each household instead of payments for each individual

n It will include a payment for rent instead of money being paid directly to the landlord

n It will usually be paid on a monthly basis, which will require greater control of day to day spending than is needed with weekly payments.

Make sure you don’t lose outFor more information about any of these matters please visitwww.gwynedd.gov.uk/benefitchanges send an email tobenefits@gwynedd.gov.uk or phone 01286 682689

Help towards the ‘Bedroom Tax’

Those who are being hit hardest by the changes in welfare payments are being actively helped by the Gwynedd Welfare Reform Group. Led by Gwynedd Council, the Group has a simple goal - to ensure that everybody knows how they will be affected by the changes and fully understand the range of temporary support available to reduce the impact on them.

In the case of the ‘Bedroom Tax’, everyone in Gwynedd who received payments from the DHP fund last year will have recently received a letter urging them to apply for similar payments for the 12 month period from April 2014 onwards.

In addition, to make sure that no one who is eligible loses out, the Gwynedd Welfare Reform Group team are also knocking on the doors of everyone who could be entitled to temporary support during 2014/15.

Anyone found to be in need of help with claiming the payment are then referred to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), who have a team of experts on hand to help.

“Our aim, and the Council’s aim, is to help people tackle their concerns before they become problems,” said Cemlyn Williams, head of Gwynedd CAB.

“This includes making sure that they are getting all the benefits to which they are entitled and advice on making the most of their scarce cash.”

Last year a similar initiative by the Gwynedd Welfare Reform Group led to CAB providing housing benefit entitlement advice to 34% more clients than in the previous year. As a result, local housing association statistics showed that their tenants’ arrears had not increased during the first six months since the ‘Bedroom Tax’ was introduced.

“We are giving one-to-one advice to the individuals or families who are referred to us,” said Osian Evans, a senior case worker with the CAB who is based at Caernarfon. “We will be discussing their circumstances in detail with them, looking to see if they have specific needs that could make them qualify for further support.

“We also look to see if they can benefit from training on how to deal with money. This will become increasingly important as the temporary support currently available comes to an end and the Universal Credit - which will require the individual to take greater responsibility for controlling their money - is introduced.”

Are you entitled?

Know your benefitsIn some cases, tenants can appeal to avoid the ‘Bedroom Tax’ completely.

For example, parents of disabled children have been able to argue the need for their child to have his or her own bedroom whilst parents who have a grown-up son or daughter in the armed forces are able to claim the need for a bedroom for when they come home.

Those who were hit by a cut in their housing benefit last year will continue to receive temporary help for the next financial year. Thanks to determined lobbying, Gwynedd Council, has been successful in securing a grant of £705,000 towards its Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) fund for a further year.

Over the past year, this fund has enabled over 800 Gwynedd households to temporarily avoid a cut in their overall income resulting from the reduction in their housing benefit. This is because money from the DHP fund has made up for the shortfall in the benefit.

“The UK Government’s argument for the bedroom tax was that people should

not receive state help to live in bigger houses than they need,” said Brian Jones.

“Here in Gwynedd, however it’s a fact that there simply are not enough smaller houses that would be suitable for them or within their reach. We therefore had a strong case for getting this additional DHP grant, and I’m greatly relieved that we were successful.

“This will mean that we will be able to avoid the worst effects of the bedroom tax in Gwynedd for another year.

“Unfortunately however, this temporary fund will not be available in the future and it is important that people start now to prepare for this.”

n Here to help - CAB’s Osian Evans

12 Gwynedd Council

Spring 2014 NEWYDDION