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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 23 March 2026 be signed and approved as a correct record.
RESOLVED: That the Standards Committee Forward Work Programme be approved.
RESOLVED: a) That Councillor Chris Hughes be allowed to speak with officers and write to officers and/ or the Council regarding all issues relating to climate, nature and biodiversity, including land use relating to land on which the Colwyn Bay Conservation and Environment Federation might have an interest for a period of 12 months. b) That Councilor Chris Hughes be allowed to speak and take part in debates and answer questions in Overview and Scrutiny Committees, Cabinet and Council relating to climate, nature and biodiversity, including land use relating to land on which the Colwyn Bay Conservation and Environment Federation might have an interest for a period of 12 months. c) That the dispensations above be granted under paragraphs 2 (d) and (f), respectively, of the Standards Committee (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001.
RESOLVED: a) That Councillor Chris Hughes can speak to and write to officers and or the Council about matters that relate to the ‘Together for Colwyn Bay’ (“the Organisation”); and b) speak and take part in debates and answer questions in Council/committee meetings and remain in the room during any debate about matters relating to the Organisation, unless the matter relates to funding to the Organisation above the amount of £500, in which case Councillor Chris Hughes will be able to: speak and answer questions on the matter before it is debated and voted upon by the Council but must then leave the room. c) That the dispensations at a) and b) above will last for a period of 12 months. d) That the dispensations at a) and b) above be granted under paragraphs 2 (d), (f) and (h) of the Standards Committee (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001. Note: Clive Wolfendale (Independent Member) declared a personal interest in the above agenda item as he is the chair of a charity that has a financial interest relating to the Together for Colwyn Bay social enterprise, which was the subject of the dispensation request. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Mr Wolfendale left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
RESOLVED: That the update on Independent Member attendance at Dolwyddelan Community Council on 4 June 2026 and Caerhun Community Council on 26 May 2026 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the Annual Report of the Standards Committee for the year 2025-2026 be approved subject to the paragraph relating to compliance with the group leader’s duty being amended to read: Each group leader has completed their own report of the steps which they have taken to fulfil this duty and/or the independent members of the Committee met privately with them to explore those reports and ask questions where further detail was required. Having undertaken that assessment, in respect of 8 of the 9 Group Leaders, the Committee: 1) Noted the positive steps taken by group leaders to promote training to members of their groups. The Committee’s view is that there are high levels of attendance at training events; 2) Welcomed the efforts made by group leaders to help resolve any issues that had arisen during the year; and 3) Is satisfied that 8 of the 9 group leaders have each fulfilled their duty. In respect of Cllr Paul Lucock, Leader of the Citizens First Alliance Group, the Committee is not satisfied to confirm his compliance with the Group Leader duty as he did not attend the meeting arranged with the independent members of the standards committee to discuss the report he submitted and there were insufficient details within the report to enable the committee to adequately assess compliance with the duty.
RESOLVED: That the case reported by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) be noted. Note: In the interest of transparency, Gill Murgatroyd (Independent Member) declared a personal interest in the above Agenda Item as she is a Member of the Flintshire Standards Committee. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Ms Murgatroyd remained in the meeting room whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
RESOLVED: That the amendments to the Councillors’ Register of Interests be approved by the Standards Committee.
It was proposed and seconded that Maggie Griffiths be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Standards Committee. RESOLVED: That Maggie Griffiths be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Standards Committee for 2026/2027.
An apology for absence was received from Brenda Bignold (Independent Member).
In the interest of transparency, Gill Murgatroyd (Independent Member) declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 10 (Public Services Ombudsman for Wales case summaries) as she is a Member of the Flintshire Standards Committee. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Ms Murgatroyd remained in the meeting room whilst the item was discussed and voted upon. Clive Wolfendale (Independent Member) declared a personal interest in agenda item 7ii (Application for Dispensation), as he is the chair of a charity that has a financial interest relating to the Together for Colwyn Bay social enterprise, which was the subject of the dispensation request. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Mr Wolfendale left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 23 March 2026 be signed and approved as a correct record.
The minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 23 March 2026 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 23 March 2026 be signed and approved as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Standards Committee Forward Work Programme be approved.
The Forward Work Programme (FWP) for the Standards Committee was presented. RESOLVED: That the Standards Committee Forward Work Programme be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: a) That Councillor Chris Hughes be allowed to speak with officers and write to officers and/ or the Council regarding all issues relating to climate, nature and biodiversity, including land use relating to land on which the Colwyn Bay Conservation and Environment Federation might have an interest for a period of 12 months. b) That Councilor Chris Hughes be allowed to speak and take part in debates and answer questions in Overview and Scrutiny Committees, Cabinet and Council relating to climate, nature and biodiversity, including land use relating to land on which the Colwyn Bay Conservation and Environment Federation might have an interest for a period of 12 months. c) That the dispensations above be granted under paragraphs 2 (d) and (f), respectively, of the Standards Committee (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001.
Councillor Chris Hughes presented an application for the renewal of a dispensation, as he is the Chair of the Colwyn Bay Conservation and Environment Federation and wished to be able to speak at meetings where the interests of the Federation related to Council owned land or land under the management of the Council. Councillor Hughes confirmed that his application and circumstances surrounding the application was unchanged since the application previously submitted to the committee. Committee Members went into private session to determine the application. RESOLVED: a) That Councillor Chris Hughes be allowed to speak with officers and write to officers and/ or the Council regarding all issues relating to climate, nature and biodiversity, including land use relating to land on which the Colwyn Bay Conservation and Environment Federation might have an interest for a period of 12 months. b) That Councilor Chris Hughes be allowed to speak and take part in debates and answer questions in Overview and Scrutiny Committees, Cabinet and Council relating to climate, nature and biodiversity, including land use relating to land on which the Colwyn Bay Conservation and Environment Federation might have an interest for a period of 12 months. c) That the dispensations above be granted under paragraphs 2 (d) and (f), respectively, of the Standards Committee (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: a) That Councillor Chris Hughes can speak to and write to officers and or the Council about matters that relate to the ‘Together for Colwyn Bay’ (“the Organisation”); and b) speak and take part in debates and answer questions in Council/committee meetings and remain in the room during any debate about matters relating to the Organisation, unless the matter relates to funding to the Organisation above the amount of £500, in which case Councillor Chris Hughes will be able to: speak and answer questions on the matter before it is debated and voted upon by the Council but must then leave the room. c) That the dispensations at a) and b) above will last for a period of 12 months. d) That the dispensations at a) and b) above be granted under paragraphs 2 (d), (f) and (h) of the Standards Committee (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001. Note: Clive Wolfendale (Independent Member) declared a personal interest in the above agenda item as he is the chair of a charity that has a financial interest relating to the Together for Colwyn Bay social enterprise, which was the subject of the dispensation request. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Mr Wolfendale left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
(Note: As the Chair had declared a prejudicial interest in this item, the Vice-Chair took the Chair). Councillor Chris Hughes presented an application for the renewal of a dispensation for matters relating to the Together for Colwyn Bay social enterprise as he was a volunteer director. It was confirmed that Together for Colwyn Bay held a licence for the use of Station Road, and that a charge could be applied to those seeking permission to use the licence. Committee Members went into private session determine the application. The Monitoring Officer advised that dispensation was not required in respect of voting at Council meetings for decisions to make grants to voluntary organisations for sums under £500, as this was already permitted as part of an exemption within the Members’ Code of Conduct. RESOLVED: a) That Councillor Chris Hughes can speak to and write to officers and or the Council about matters that relate to the ‘Together for Colwyn Bay’ (“the Organisation”); and b) speak and take part in debates and answer questions in Council/committee meetings and remain in the room during any debate about matters relating to the Organisation, unless the matter relates to funding to the Organisation above the amount of £500, in which case Councillor Chris Hughes will be able to: speak and answer questions on the matter before it is debated and voted upon by the Council but must then leave the room. c) That the dispensations at a) and b) above will last for a period of 12 months. d) That the dispensations at a) and b) above be granted under paragraphs 2 (d), (f) and (h) of the Standards Committee (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001. Note: Clive Wolfendale (Independent Member) declared a personal interest in the above agenda item as he is the chair of a charity that has a financial interest relating to the Together for Colwyn Bay social enterprise, which was the subject of the dispensation request. As the interest was considered prejudicial, Mr Wolfendale left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the update on Independent Member attendance at Dolwyddelan Community Council on 4 June 2026 and Caerhun Community Council on 26 May 2026 be noted.
Maggie Griffiths (Independent Member) had attended a meeting of Dolwyddelan Community Council on 4 June 2026. The following update was provided: · The Council had a good, fully bilingual website, which contained a comprehensive range of relevant information. · No members of the public had been in attendance at the meeting. · The agenda had been comprehensive. · Members had been invited to declare any interests, and one declaration had been made. · The meeting had been conducted respectfully, with all members contributing to the discussion. · The Clerk had been knowledgeable and efficient, and had provided advice as required. · Accessibility had been a recurring theme across a number of agenda items. · It was noted that the Council had a range of sub-committees which were progressing matters and a reminder had been given at the meeting regarding the deadline for submitting reports to the next meeting. Glyn Roberts (Independent Member) had attended a meeting of Caerhun Community Council on 26 May 2026. The following update was provided: · The website contained one or two errors, including incorrect meeting dates and there were some differences between the Welsh and English versions of the website. · The agenda had to be requested. · The Clerk and Chair worked well together. · Declarations of interest had been sought and none had been made. · The meeting had been well run, with Members working together in the best interests of the community. · Translation would have been offered had a non-Welsh speaker been present. · The agenda had been limited, comprising the minutes of the previous meeting and matters arising from those minutes. · County Councillor Goronwy Edwards had been in attendance and his contribution had been valued. RESOLVED: That the update on Independent Member attendance at Dolwyddelan Community Council on 4 June 2026 and Caerhun Community Council on 26 May 2026 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Annual Report of the Standards Committee for the year 2025-2026 be approved subject to the paragraph relating to compliance with the group leader’s duty being amended to read: Each group leader has completed their own report of the steps which they have taken to fulfil this duty and/or the independent members of the Committee met privately with them to explore those reports and ask questions where further detail was required. Having undertaken that assessment, in respect of 8 of the 9 Group Leaders, the Committee: 1) Noted the positive steps taken by group leaders to promote training to members of their groups. The Committee’s view is that there are high levels of attendance at training events; 2) Welcomed the efforts made by group leaders to help resolve any issues that had arisen during the year; and 3) Is satisfied that 8 of the 9 group leaders have each fulfilled their duty. In respect of Cllr Paul Lucock, Leader of the Citizens First Alliance Group, the Committee is not satisfied to confirm his compliance with the Group Leader duty as he did not attend the meeting arranged with the independent members of the standards committee to discuss the report he submitted and there were insufficient details within the report to enable the committee to adequately assess compliance with the duty.
The Monitoring Officer presented the Draft Annual Report of the Standards Committee for 2025-2026. The following was discussed: · It was agreed that all Members should undertake required training. · It was advised that, whilst the term “to be relaxed” had been used in the report in respect of dispensations, this referred to the ability of the committee to disapply restrictions within the Code of Conduct if considered appropriate and having considered an application for a dispensation. · Councillor Chris Cater, Group Leader of the Conwy First Independent Group, extended his thanks to the Independent Members of the Standards Committee for the constructive meeting held in respect of how Group Leaders fulfilled their duties. - It was noted that one Group Leader did not attend a meeting with Independent Members of the Standards Committee and the content of the form submitted had not been considered sufficient for those members to adequately assess whether the Group Leader had fulfilled their statutory duties as a Group Leader. - It was therefore suggested that the Annual Report be amended to reflect that only eight of the nine Group Leaders had demonstrated that they had fulfilled their duty. RESOLVED: That the Annual Report of the Standards Committee for the year 2025-2026 be approved subject to the paragraph relating to compliance with the group leader’s duty being amended to read: Each group leader has completed their own report of the steps which they have taken to fulfil this duty and/or the independent members of the Committee met privately with them to explore those reports and ask questions where further detail was required. Having undertaken that assessment, in respect of 8 of the 9 Group Leaders, the Committee: 1) Noted the positive steps taken by group leaders to promote training to members of their groups. The Committee’s view is that there are high levels of attendance at training events; 2) Welcomed the efforts made by group leaders to help resolve any issues that had arisen during the year; and 3) Is satisfied that 8 of the 9 group leaders have each fulfilled their duty. In respect of Cllr Paul Lucock, Leader of the Citizens First Alliance Group, the Committee is not satisfied to confirm his compliance with the Group Leader duty as he did not attend the meeting arranged with the independent members of the standards committee to discuss the report he submitted and there were insufficient details within the report to enable the committee to adequately assess compliance with the duty.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the case reported by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) be noted. Note: In the interest of transparency, Gill Murgatroyd (Independent Member) declared a personal interest in the above Agenda Item as she is a Member of the Flintshire Standards Committee. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Ms Murgatroyd remained in the meeting room whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
The Monitoring Officer presented the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) Case Summaries. There had been one reported case in the ‘Our Findings’ section of the PSOW’s website since the last report to the Committee in March 2026. RESOLVED: That the case reported by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) be noted. Note: In the interest of transparency, Gill Murgatroyd (Independent Member) declared a personal interest in the above Agenda Item as she is a Member of the Flintshire Standards Committee. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Ms Murgatroyd remained in the meeting room whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the amendments to the Councillors’ Register of Interests be approved by the Standards Committee.
The Councillors’ Register of Interests was presented for the inspection of the Standards Committee. RESOLVED: That the amendments to the Councillors’ Register of Interests be approved by the Standards Committee.
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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