New Finance Cabinet Member appointed for Cyngor Gwynedd

A new Cabinet member will lead on Cyngor Gwynedd's Finance portfolio as the former member stands down after years of service.

As we enter a new financial year, Councillor Paul Rowlinson – the local member for Rachub ward – will take over, leading on the authority's revenue, accounting, pensions and information technology matters.

This comes after Councillor Ioan Thomas decided to step aside after a total of 12 years of service on Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet, and having been Cabinet Member for Finance for five years. Councillor Thomas will continue as local member for the Menai (Caernarfon) ward.

Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn, welcomed Councillor Paul Rowlinson to his new post and paid tribute to Councillor Ioan Thomas for his work.

Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn said: "I would like to welcome Councillor Paul Rowlinson to the Cabinet. He is an enthusiastic and conscientious councillor who is already making a difference for the residents of Gwynedd and I am certain that he will make an important contribution as a Cabinet member.

"He will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to this key post having been a member of Cyngor Gwynedd for seven years, chair of the Council's Education and Economy Scrutiny Committee and a member of several other committees and forums in the Council and elsewhere. ⁠ ⁠

"I wish him all the best in his new role and look forward to working closely with him in the future."

Councillor Paul Rowlinson said: "It is a privilege to be appointed to the Cabinet and to take on this key area.

"Thanks to the leadership of my predecessor and the hard work of the capable officers in the Finance Department, I am confident that we will be able to continue to do everything possible to protect local services here in Gwynedd despite the critical financial situation we face.

"I'm looking forward to getting on with this important work."

The Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd paid tribute to Councillor Ioan Thomas as he stands down.

Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn, Leader of the Council, said: "I would like to sincerely thank Councillor Ioan Thomas for his tireless work and dedication over many years.

"He has been at the helm at a very challenging time when the Council's budgets have been under more pressure than ever before. Councillor Thomas has stood firm to protect services for vulnerable people when setting the Council's budgets and has always put pressure on the government to ensure fair funding for rural councils such as Gwynedd.

"I know he will continue to be an active member of the Council while representing the Menai ward of Caernarfon."

Notes

On Cyngor Gwynedd, Councillor Paul Rowlinson is a member of:

• Bangor Ogwen Area Forum
• Planning Policy Working Group
• SACRE

 

Councillor Paul Rowlinson is also chair of the governors of Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen and a member of:

• Welsh Books Council
• Mantell Gwynedd
• Abbey Road Management Committee.