An overview of Gwynedd Council's work over the past year

Gwynedd Council Members have accepted the authority's Performance Report for 2021/22. The report – which sets out the progress that has been made against the Council's priorities – was presented to the Full Council recently.

The authority was commended by members for providing services to the people of Gwynedd, despite the fact that the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the current cost of living crisis are being felt across the board.

Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn, Leader of Gwynedd Council said:

"The report draws together all the work that has taken place over the past year and measures the gains made by of our projects, it highlights the successes and shows where work still needs to be done.

"The challenges of last two years – and the on-going effects of the Covid-19 pandemic – continues to cast a shadow over us. But despite all of this, I am extremely proud to see the evidence which is presented between the covers of this report, that the Council has continued to provide the best for the people of Gwynedd.

 "Once again I thank all Council staff very much for their dedication. I am looking forward to seeing how these projects will develop into the future and how we can continue to make our vision of a prosperous Gwynedd a reality."

Some of the highlights of this year's report are:

• Care – During the year, the Council has continued to provide PPE to staff and carers across the sector. The frontline staff and residents who receive support have continued with regular testing processes. Hand in hand with coping with the testing requirements, recognition is given to the heroic effort that has been across the sector in vaccinating key staff and our vulnerable residents with the 'booster'. 95.7% of the residents of the Council's residential homes have received their Covid-19 vaccinations, including the booster.

• Homes for local people – We are proud to say that, on average, 97% of social housing lettings over the past year have gone to a local person with a connection to Gwynedd (exactly as defined in the new Lettings Policy). During 2021/22, 1,400 applications were received (18% more than 2020/21) to go on the Common Housing Register, and the team was able to process the applications consistently under the 10-day target.

• The environment – The local environment is extremely important and a significant element of this is ensuring that our streets and the land are clean, tidy and safe. We use a meter called the 'Cleanliness Index' (which is a combination of internal and external assessment) to assess the standard of cleanliness and appearance of streets. In 2021/22 our cleanliness standard was 97%.

• Education – The Education Department was at the forefront in formulating policies and procedures to allow Gwynedd schools to learn remotely through live learning technology. In due course, Gwynedd's progressive policy was adopted by a number of other authorities, and the department proactively promoted and encouraged live learning sessions with our schools, seeing the obvious benefits of that for the learner.

A full copy of the report for the 2021/22 financial year is available on the Council's website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/performance, a paper copy is available by contacting the Council on 01766 771000 and officers will arrange to send a copy by post.

Paper copies are also available in your local library. The public computers at the libraries can be used to read it online. Contact details / locations / opening hours of each of the county's libraries are available at: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/library .