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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
AGREED that the decisions be accepted as a true record of proceedings.
AGREED that the report be accepted.
No requests had been received for the simultaneous translation service.
An apology for absence was reported for Mr. R. Alexander.
No declarations of interest or dispensations were reported.
Decision as recorded
AGREED that the decisions be accepted as a true record of proceedings.
The decisions of the Ethics & Standards Committee held on the 3rd September, 2024 were submitted. The Committee AGREED that the decisions be accepted as a true record of proceedings.
The Action Sheet arising from the meeting held on 3rd September, 2024 was submitted, whereupon: PDR Process The Monitoring Officer reported that Group Leaders had committed to encourage Members to participate in the PDR Process. In terms of whether there had been an uptake in participation, this data would be available at the end of the year. However, the Monitoring Officer pointed out that feedback from those Members who had participated in the PDR Process was positive and that it was a useful experience. Implementation of an introductory statement at the start of Council meetings This would be considered at the next Democratic Services Committee. However, the Monitoring Officer referred to the Council’s move towards a Federated Model with Torfaen CBC, and that the new Joint Chief Executive was keen to have similar procedures in place across both Councils, and the Officer said she was not aware that Torfaen CBC had implemented an introductory statement prior to democratic meetings.
The Committee AGREED that Mr. S. Wiliams be re-elected as Vice-Chair of the Ethics & Standards Committee for a second term.
At the invitation of the Chair, the Leader of the Council reported that it had been a very positive year in terms of conduct, with no issues going through the Local Resolution Process. He pointed out that the Council had gone through a significant process during the year with completion of the discovery phase and appointment of a new Joint Chief Executive with Torfaen County Borough Council, and there was further work to be undertaken to work together to try to deal with the funding challenges and cost pressures etc. He said the Joint Chief Executive was keen to make Blaenau Gwent a fully Marmot Council, and whilst there was not a specific principle around conduct, it would be built into how the Council would want to proceed moving forward. The Leader of the Minority Group echoed the sentiments of the Leader of the Council, and felt that there was a more cohesive approach and mutual respect between political groups. The Monitoring Officer said part of her responsibility was to educate and support Members around code of conduct compliance, and there was a very good working relationship with Group Leaders who were very supportive in their statutory duty to assist in raising standards of behaviour amongst their Groups; and that working relationship was also being developed with the new Joint Chief Executive who took conduct issues very seriously. The Monitoring Officer confirmed that conduct was excellent in Blaenau Gwent, and thanked the Group Leaders for their ongoing support, In relation to the PDR process, the Leader of the Council said he understood this was going well, and those discussions were ongoing. Also in relation to an introductory statement prior to each Council meeting, this had been discussed by Groups, and while some Members were supportive, others felt it gave the impression that there was something to be concerned about. However, he confirmed that it would be considered by the next Democratic Services Committee. The Chair then referred to discussions at the recent Chairs’ Forum, in particular the Local Government Policy Unit conducting a review of the Ethical Framework, and potential change to the Model Code of Conduct. Also of interest was the possibility of summoning of witnesses; removal of the ex-employee rule; and the prohibition of former Councillors sitting on Standards Committees. However, he reported that it had been agreed that a Sub-Group of the Chairs Forum would meet with the Local Government Policy Unit to ensure that any changes reflected the views of how Standards Committees should be run. The Chair then referred to the Democracy in Local Government meeting scheduled for the 5th March, 2025, hosted by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing & Local Government, and pointed out that the Joint Chief Executive would be the principal speaker at the event. A brief discussion ensued regarding the safety of Members undertaking their duties, and the Leader said this was a developing situation in terms of policies etc. He confirmed that Members had received training, but generally Members were more self-aware and risk averse.
Decision as recorded
AGREED that the report be accepted.
Consideration was given to the Ethics & Standards Committee Annual Report 2024. The Committee AGREED that the report be accepted.
The Vice-Chair provided an update of discussion at the Chairs’ Forum. A discussion ensued when it was agreed that the provision of hosting ‘in person’ meetings would be reviewed.
Consideration was given to the conduct element of the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales Annual letter 2023/2024. The Monitoring Officer referred to Appendix 4 which reported that 4 Code of Conduct complaints had been referred for Blaenau Gwent for the previous year, and the decision to not investigate was agreed by the Ombudsman for all 4 complaints. Appendix G referred to 2 Code of Conduct complaints for Town/Community Councils where no action was necessary. In terms of the current year, the Officer confirmed that 1 complaint had recently been received against the Council and investigation had commenced.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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