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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED to confirm as a true record of the minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2025.
AGREED to note the content of the Action Log as presented subject to the following updates:- Action 3 & 4-Town and Community Council Code of Conduct Training- the recording of the 11/2/25 training had not been circulated as most of the training was delivered in Welsh. It would be a time-consuming task to provide an English transcript of the recording. No voice-over facilities were available. Feedback on the training questionnaire would be considered further under item 10 on the agenda. Action 8-Annual Report of the Ethics and Standards Committee – work would commence to review the format of the report over the Summer period. A workshop to discuss the format would also be held prior consideration by the committee. To be added: Review Local Resolution Procedure Dispensation form guidance/explanatory notes to be drafted
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Vaux a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business (regulation 2 (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Vaux a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business (regulation 2 (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Vaux a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business (regulation 2 (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Davies a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the interest is common to the member and a significant proportion of the general public (regulation (e) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Swan Jones a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business, and the interest is common to the member and a significant proportion of the general public (regulation 2 (d) and (e) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Ryder a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business, and the interest is common to the member and a significant proportion of the general public (regulation 2 (d) and (e) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
AGREED to note the current position.
AGREED:- (i) to note that the Group leaders and the Committee work together, frequency of meetings, compliance threshold and revised compliance mechanism, and 2) to approve the revised Compliance assessment template as presented.
AGREED to note the content.
AGREED that consideration be given to amending the questionnaire once the revised self-evaluation for Scrutiny from the WLGA had been received
AGREED to note the content.
AGREED to note the current position.
AGREED to note the content of the Forward Work Programme as presented subject to the following:- · To add to the 15 October meeting -Dispensation form guidance/explanatory notes would be created for users. The Guidance notes would be drafted once new Officer was in post. It was agreed that there was a need to amend the dispensation application form as follows:- 10(2)a and b: Place "Relates to/likely to relate to" before 10(2)(a) · Item 15- work on the LRP had commenced, and once guidance had been received from PSOW, the report would be presented to the committee · Political Group Leaders Annual Compliance Assessment and meeting after AGM be added to the June 2026 meeting
Miss Carol Edwards apologised for her inability to attend the meeting.
None.
Miss Caryl Davies declared a personal interest in item 14 on the agenda. Ms Elin Prysor declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 8 (iv) to (vi)and the Deputy Monitoring Officer was present to advise Members of the Committee during these items. Mrs Dana Jones declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 8 (i) to (vi) and the Corporate Manager- Democratic Services took the minutes for these items.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to confirm as a true record of the minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2025.
It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record of the minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2025.
It was reported that the Chair’ Annual Report of the Ethics and Standards Committee 2024-2025 had been presented to Council on the 12 June 202
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the content of the Action Log as presented subject to the following updates:- Action 3 & 4-Town and Community Council Code of Conduct Training- the recording of the 11/2/25 training had not been circulated as most of the training was delivered in Welsh. It would be a time-consuming task to provide an English transcript of the recording. No voice-over facilities were available. Feedback on the training questionnaire would be considered further under item 10 on the agenda. Action 8-Annual Report of the Ethics and Standards Committee – work would commence to review the format of the report over the Summer period. A workshop to discuss the format would also be held prior consideration by the committee. To be added: Review Local Resolution Procedure Dispensation form guidance/explanatory notes to be drafted
It was AGREED to note the content of the Action Log as presented subject to the following updates:- Action 3 & 4-Town and Community Council Code of Conduct Training- the recording of the 11/2/25 training had not been circulated as most of the training was delivered in Welsh. It would be a time-consuming task to provide an English transcript of the recording. No voice-over facilities were available. Feedback on the training questionnaire would be considered further under item 10 on the agenda. Action 8-Annual Report of the Ethics and Standards Committee – work would commence to review the format of the report over the Summer period. A workshop to discuss the format would also be held prior consideration by the committee. To be added: Review Local Resolution Procedure Dispensation form guidance/explanatory notes to be drafted
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Vaux a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business (regulation 2 (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
An application for dispensation dated 01July 2025 was received from Councillor Matthew Vaux to speak only on perceived planning application to expand the caravan park at Ocean Heights, Maenygroes. He had easement over land owned by the applicant to his property; his business relied heavily on tourism trade and his fellow NQTC member had a business interest in the application. It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Vaux a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business (regulation 2 (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Vaux a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business (regulation 2 (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
An application for dispensation dated 01July 2025 was received from Councillor Matthew Vaux to speak only on perceived planning application to expand the caravan park at Ocean Heights, Maenygroes. He had easement over land owned by the applicant to his property; his business relied heavily on tourism trade and his fellow NQTC member had a business interest in the application. It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Vaux a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business (regulation 2 (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Vaux a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business (regulation 2 (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
An application for dispensation dated 01July 2025 was received from Councillor Matthew Vaux to speak only on perceived planning application to expand the caravan park at Ocean Heights, Maenygroes. He had easement over land owned by the applicant to his property; his business relied heavily on tourism trade and his fellow NQTC member had a business interest in the application. It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Vaux a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business (regulation 2 (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Davies a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the interest is common to the member and a significant proportion of the general public (regulation (e) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
An Application dated the 28 June 2025 was received from Councillor Tomas Davies, New Quay Town Council to speak and vote upon the land at central car park New Quay. His brother owned a property adjacent to car park. A planning application was refused in April for social housing, however, there continues to be a potential for a further application/possible planning appeal against this decision. Other issues require consideration by the Town Council such as parking provision, right of way access and illegal parking that were issues that have arisen with the owner of the land, Barcud in the last few weeks. It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Davies a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the interest is common to the member and a significant proportion of the general public (regulation (e) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Swan Jones a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business, and the interest is common to the member and a significant proportion of the general public (regulation 2 (d) and (e) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
An Application dated the 27 June 2025 was received from Councillor Helen Swan Jones, New Quay Town Council to speak and vote upon land at Towyn Road Car Park, Uplands Square, New Quay owned by Barcud. The application was refused in April for social housing, however, there could be another potential application or issues that arise from the land as a car park that was required to be discussed such as access, cutting of grass etc It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Swan Jones a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business, and the interest is common to the member and a significant proportion of the general public (regulation 2 (d) and (e) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Ryder a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business, and the interest is common to the member and a significant proportion of the general public (regulation 2 (d) and (e) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
An Application dated the 27 June 2025 was received from Councillor Elizabeth Ryder, New Quay Town Council to speak and vote upon the top car park (off Park St) owned by Barcud Housing. Her son, niece and nephew own and run the Water Street car park in New Quay. A recent planning application from Barcud was refused, however, if any other applications was received it would mean the loss of car parking spaces in the top car park (off Park Street), this could result in cars having to look for parking elsewhere and could potentially result in my family’s car park having more cars. Also, as the land was currently a car park, there had been issues that had arisen in the last few weeks such as rights of way, camper vans parking overnight and refuse. She wished to be able to discuss or provide input to any issues that could possibly arise. She did not benefit personally in any way from the business financially or from any land/property ownership. It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Ryder a dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business, and the interest is common to the member and a significant proportion of the general public (regulation 2 (d) and (e) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
Consideration was given to the Applications for dispensation – Attendance in person. The Monitoring Officer reported that the Committee would be aware that a process exists to guide members when attending in person to present dispensation applications (pre 2018). On the 19/3/25 a query was raised at the ESC as to the process whereby a number of Applicant members had applied for dispensations in relation to the same/similar matter, such that the factual content of the applications were largely duplicated. The current protocol requires members who attend in person to present their application individually and then leave the meeting, leading to a perceived ineffective use of time and inefficient procedure. Currently, the protocol had been reviewed, and the key changes were as follows:- • Update of titles • Inclusion of a provision in respect of duplicate applications on the same/similar issue by multiple members • clarification of procedure It was agreed to APPROVE the amended Protocol subject to (i) to include "so" in no.3 first bullet point (i) to amend no.1(a) from "prior" to "..which should be submitted at least 7 days before the meeting"
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the current position.
It was reported that the committee would be aware the Standards and Ethics Committee invited all Town and Community Councils to attend the Code of Conduct Training on the 11 February 2025; the training session was well attended via zoom. A questionnaire seeking feedback from Town and Community Councillors on the training provided was sent to all Clerks to distribute to their respective Councillors. This was sent on the 04 June 2025 followed by a reminder to complete on the 12 June 2025.It was reported that 17 responses were received, and that at least 150 councillors/clerks attended. The questions and replies were attached for consideration. It was noted that the feedback was welcomed in order improve and address issues raised by Town and Community Councillors. Due to most of the training being delivered at the previous session in Welsh and due to capacity issues within the service to provide an English transcript/voice over, this would be addressed next time by recording both languages separately. It was also agreed that to encourage a greater response to the questionnaire that consideration be given to the possibility that it would be sent out directly to the Councillors that had attended the training rather than via the Clerk, however, it was noted that several Councils had met together to receive the training. It was AGREED to note the current position.
Decision as recorded
AGREED:- (i) to note that the Group leaders and the Committee work together, frequency of meetings, compliance threshold and revised compliance mechanism, and 2) to approve the revised Compliance assessment template as presented.
Consideration was given to the Report upon the workshop with Political Group Leaders at the beginning of the municipal year, and review of Political Group Leaders Compliance Assessment Template. The report had been presented in order to ensure compliance with the Local Government & Elections Wales Act 2021. It was AGREED:- (i) to note that the Group leaders and the Committee work together, frequency of meetings, compliance threshold and revised compliance mechanism, and 2) to approve the revised Compliance assessment template as presented.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the content.
It was AGREED to note the content.
Decision as recorded
AGREED that consideration be given to amending the questionnaire once the revised self-evaluation for Scrutiny from the WLGA had been received
Consideration was given to the responses received from the self-evaluation questionnaire 2023/2024 and to identify any areas for improvement if necessary. Following questions from the floor, it was AGREED that consideration be given to amending the questionnaire once the revised self-evaluation for Scrutiny from the WLGA had been received
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the content.
It was AGREED to note the content.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the current position.
Consideration was given to the report and specifically recommendation 2 and 5 in relation to: - Section 2 which deals with standards of behaviour (paras 41-68) Section 3 which deals with Clerks to town and Community Councils (paras -85) It was reported that the Welsh Government had subsequently responded to the Role, governance and accountability of the community and town council sector of the LGH Committee report (March 2025) and this was also included within the report. The following were noted: • potential impact on the work of the Committee in context of training Town/Comunity Councillors • potential impact on the work/capacity of the Monitoring Officer/Deputy Monitoring Officer It was AGREED to note the current position.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the content of the Forward Work Programme as presented subject to the following:- · To add to the 15 October meeting -Dispensation form guidance/explanatory notes would be created for users. The Guidance notes would be drafted once new Officer was in post. It was agreed that there was a need to amend the dispensation application form as follows:- 10(2)a and b: Place "Relates to/likely to relate to" before 10(2)(a) · Item 15- work on the LRP had commenced, and once guidance had been received from PSOW, the report would be presented to the committee · Political Group Leaders Annual Compliance Assessment and meeting after AGM be added to the June 2026 meeting
It was AGREED to note the content of the Forward Work Programme as presented subject to the following:- · To add to the 15 October meeting -Dispensation form guidance/explanatory notes would be created for users. The Guidance notes would be drafted once new Officer was in post. It was agreed that there was a need to amend the dispensation application form as follows:- 10(2)a and b: Place "Relates to/likely to relate to" before 10(2)(a) · Item 15- work on the LRP had commenced, and once guidance had been received from PSOW, the report would be presented to the committee · Political Group Leaders Annual Compliance Assessment and meeting after AGM be added to the June 2026 meeting
None.
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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