The Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee met to discuss joint working with Bangor University and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, membership of scrutiny panels, and the committee's forward work programme for 2025/26. The committee agreed to a revised process for membership of the three scrutiny panels based on the current political balance of the council, the terms of reference for each of the three scrutiny panels, and the current version of the forward work programme for 2025/26, including noted amendments. Additionally, both scrutiny committees are to nominate a member to serve on the Welsh Language and Equality Steering Group.

Joint Working with North Wales Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner

At the previous meeting, held on 15 July 2025, the committee heard from North Wales Police Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, Superintendent Arwel Hughes, and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) Wayne Jones.

Key discussion points included:

• Illegal parking in Valley: Vehicles, including HGVs, parking illegally on the zig-zag approach to the pelican crossing in Valley, was highlighted as an ongoing problem. The Chief Constable, Amanda Blakeman, clarified that while police constables (PCs) have the power to issue fixed penalty notices for illegal parking on a zig-zag approach, police community support officers (PCSOs) do not. She noted that PCSO roles were being reviewed to maximise their powers. Superintendent Arwel Hughes expressed disappointment that the issue persisted despite previous efforts and agreed to review individual cases and provide feedback.

• Operation Stack: The committee discussed 'Operation Stack' plans for managing traffic when the Britannia Bridge is closed. Superintendent Arwel Hughes confirmed that North Wales Police are working with the council and have identified sites on both Anglesey and the mainland.

• Community Policing: Concerns were raised that PCSOs are not working in the same areas for long enough to develop relationships within the communities they represent. The Chief Constable, Amanda Blakeman, confirmed that Anglesey and the western side of the force have been allocated funding, with an emphasis on community policing.

• Speeding in Engedi and Rhosneigr: The committee noted that no officers had attended local council meetings since Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Dunbobbin's visit some time ago, and that more support from the police regarding this issue would be appreciated. The DPCC, Wayne Jones, said that he would follow up on the need for average speed cameras between Engedi and Rhosneigr.

• Merging Police Forces: In response to a question about merging police forces, the Chief Constable, Amanda Blakeman, noted the devolved nature of Wales, apart from policing and the criminal justice system, which she said is probably not appreciated and understood by English partners .

• Ketamine Awareness: The committee discussed raising awareness of ketamine and working with the council to educate young people about its dangers. The Chief Constable, Amanda Blakeman, noted the S4C programme 'Llinell Las', which has highlighted ketamine use, and said that Holyhead has one of the first support groups for ketamine users.

• North Wales Police Website and Facebook Page: A member reported complaints that the North Wales Police Facebook page is inaccessible, as there is no point of contact listed on the website. The Chief Constable, Amanda Blakeman, discouraged people from attempting to contact North Wales Police on Facebook, as it is a service for putting information out and is not monitored all the time .

• County Lines: In response to a question about County Lines¹ the Superintendent, Arwel Hughes, said that problems still persist but have not escalated.

Joint Working with Bangor University and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai

The committee received presentations on joint working with Bangor University and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.

Bangor University's presentation highlighted its mission to be a strong, confident institution recognised regionally, nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence . Key points included:

• The university's strategic partnership and collaborations within the Anglesey Freeport.
• The M-SParc, a science park on Anglesey, which aims to deliver economic impact, create well-paid careers, and support economic diversity on the island. A second M-SParc building, Egni, is scheduled to commence on site in Quarter 2 2026.
• The AI Growth Zone, which aims to develop strategic relationships, generate ideas, and provide research expertise and future skills.
• The university's commercial and collaborative activities, including research and development, consultancy services, property services (M-SParc, Mona, St Georges Pier), and cultural services (Pontio, Canolfan Brailsford, Botanic Gardens).

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai's presentation highlighted its unique characteristics, including its true group structure, linguistic demographic, size and geographical spread, £91 million turnover, and 21,000 learners. Key priorities include:

• Leading the way in a modern world.
• Their place in the community.
• Learner opportunity and success.
• Driving the economy through skills and knowledge.
• Their role in a sustainable Wales.

Collaborative working between Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Isle of Anglesey County Council includes regular management meetings, health and social care initiatives, youth clubs, the college council, Wylfa, freeports, the Ambition Board and CJC, and the ACL Community Learning Grant. Future opportunities include post-16 resources, VCSE and Junior Apprenticeships, the Freeport, and Wylfa. Risks include the infrastructure and resilience of the two bridges, post-16 opportunities, aspirations of young people, and apprenticeships and private sector employers.

Membership of Scrutiny Panels

The committee considered a report by the Scrutiny Manager regarding the membership of scrutiny panels. The committee agreed to a revised process for membership of the three scrutiny panels based on the current political balance of the council.

The three scrutiny panels are:

• Resources Scrutiny Panel
• Social Services Scrutiny Panel
• Education Scrutiny Panel

The committee also agreed to the terms of reference for each of the three scrutiny panels, as detailed in the appendices to the report. Additionally, both scrutiny committees are to nominate one member to serve on the Welsh Language and Equality Steering Group.

The Local Government and Housing Act 1989 sets out the main principles governing political balance of local authorities.

Committee Forward Work Programme 2025/26

The committee considered a report by the Scrutiny Manager setting out the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee's indicative forward work programme for 2025/26. The committee agreed to the current version of the forward work programme for 2025/26, including the amendments noted.

Effective work programming is considered the foundation of effective local government scrutiny. The committee's rolling forward work programmes are aligned with the corporate priorities of the council and corporate transformation programmes, ensuring the role of member scrutiny makes a tangible contribution to the council's improvement priorities.