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RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 24 March 2025 be signed and approved as a correct record.
RESOLVED: That subject to the above amendment, the Standards Committee Forward Work Programme be approved.
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: Councillor Chris Hughes declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the above item, as it was his application. However, the Committee had invited Councillor Hughes to explain the reasons for the application and answer questions upon it before leaving the room. Note: Clive Wolfendale (Independent Member) declared a personal interest in the above item, as he is the chair of a charity that has a financial interest relating 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 Betws y Coed Community Council on 9 June 2025, Trefriw Community Council on 8 April 2025 and Eglwysbach Community Council on 8 April 2025 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the Annual Report of the Standards Committee for the year 2024-2025 be approved
RESOLVED: That the proposed changes to the Member’s Self-Regulatory Protocol shown as tracked changes in Appendix B to the report be approved.
RESOLVED: That the Committee consider the reported cases as part of their duty to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by Members, including any themes or matters arising from the reported cases that may require further action by the Committee.
RESOLVED: That the Councillors’ Register of Interests be approved by the Standards Committee.
RESOLVED- That the register of Gifts and Hospitality be signed by the Chairman of the Standards Committee.
It was proposed and seconded that Clive Wolfendale be appointed as Chair of the Standards Committee. RESOLVED: That Clive Wolfendale be re-appointed as Chair of the Standards Committee for 2025/2026.
It was proposed and seconded that Brenda Bignold be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Standards Committee. RESOLVED: That Brenda Bignold be re-appointed as Vice-Chair of the Standards Committee for 2025/2026.
None.
In the interest of transparency, Maggie Griffiths (Independent Member) stated that she was the Chair of Denbighshire County Council’s Standards Committee. Councillor Chris Hughes declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 8 (Application for Dispensation), as it was his application. However, the Committee had invited Councillor Hughes to explain the reasons for the application and answer questions upon it before leaving the room. Clive Wolfendale (Independent Member) declared a personal interest in agenda item 8 (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. Gill Murgatroyd (Independent Member) declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 10a (Appointment of an Independent Member to the Standards Committee), as it was her re-appointment that was being considered. Although the interest was a personal interest, Ms Murgatroyd left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
None.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 24 March 2025 be signed and approved as a correct record.
The minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 24 March 2025 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 24 March 2025 be signed and approved as a correct record.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That subject to the above amendment, the Standards Committee Forward Work Programme be approved.
The forward work programme (FWP) for the Standards Committee was presented. It was noted that the next meeting of the Standards Committee was due to be held in October and not September 2025 as indicated on the FWP. RESOLVED: That subject to the above amendment, the Standards Committee Forward Work Programme be approved.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
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: Councillor Chris Hughes declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the above item, as it was his application. However, the Committee had invited Councillor Hughes to explain the reasons for the application and answer questions upon it before leaving the room. Note: Clive Wolfendale (Independent Member) declared a personal interest in the above item, as he is the chair of a charity that has a financial interest relating 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 dispensation for matters relating to the Together for Colwyn Bay social enterprise as he was a volunteer director. Councillor Hughes advised that he had a similar dispensation in place in respect of another organisation and that no concerns had been raised. Together for Colwyn Bay ran several events in conjunction with Conwy County Borough Council. The Committee questioned Councillor Hughes and the following was discussed: • Whilst the organisation employed two members of staff, all directors were volunteers. • Funding was provided from the National Lottery fund for deprived communities. • Residents of Glyn ward reviewed the Driving Change Plan on a bi-annual basis. • A grant of £37k had been secured from the Gwynt y Mor community fund. • Councillor Hughes would leave the room during any votes relating to funding for amounts over £500. At this point the Committee Members went into private session to determine the application and seek advice from the Monitoring Officer. The Monitoring Officer advised that dispensation was not required in respect of voting at Council meetings for decisions to make grants to voluntary organisation 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: Councillor Chris Hughes declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the above item, as it was his application. However, the Committee had invited Councillor Hughes to explain the reasons for the application and answer questions upon it before leaving the room. Note: Clive Wolfendale (Independent Member) declared a personal interest in the above item, as he is the chair of a charity that has a financial interest relating 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.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the update on Independent Member attendance at Betws y Coed Community Council on 9 June 2025, Trefriw Community Council on 8 April 2025 and Eglwysbach Community Council on 8 April 2025 be noted.
Maggie Griffiths (Independent Member) had attended a meeting of Betws y Coed Community Council on 9 June 2025. The following update was provided: • The Community Council’s website was up-to-date. • No members of the public were in attendance at the meeting. • A large screen was used to display the agenda during the meeting. • Councillors were asked in turn whether they had any declarations to make. There were no declarations. • There was a record of declarations within previous minutes, however, the nature of the declaration was not recorded. • The Clerk was knowledgeable and offered advice during the meeting. • A list of Councillors’ training was an item on the agenda and a completion list was displayed during the meeting. Brenda Bignold (Independent Member) had attended a meeting of Trefriw Community Council on 8 April 2025. The following update was provided: • The website was up-to-date and included relevant information. • Whilst the meeting was conducted through the medium of English, the agenda was bilingual. • Four Councillors attended the meeting in-person and one attended remotely. • A member of the public, who was a prospective Councillor was in attendance. • Another member of the public, who was in attendance, was disruptive and was not dealt with effectively by the Chair. • Some IT problems were experienced due to the introduction of a new system. Glyn Jones (Independent Member) had attended a meeting of Eglwysbach Community Council on 8 April 2025. The following update was provided: • Meeting dates were incorrect on the Council’s website. • The website did not indicate who the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Council were. • The agenda was not available to access online but a hard copy was provided during the meeting. • No members of the public were in attendance at the meeting. • Whilst declarations of interest was an agenda item, a declaration was made later in the meeting. • The meeting was chaired well and good conduct was maintained throughout. The Standards Committee would be provided with a list of which Town and Community Councils had been visited during 2025, in order to avoid duplication. RESOLVED: That the update on Independent Member attendance at Betws y Coed Community Council on 9 June 2025, Trefriw Community Council on 8 April 2025 and Eglwysbach Community Council on 8 April 2025 be noted.
The Monitoring Officer presented a report which sought to recommend to Council the re-appointment of Gill Murgatroyd (Independent Member) to the Standards Committee for a second term. Ms Murgatroyd’s term would come to an end on 21 October 2025 and she was eligible to be reappointed for a further term. RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: That Gill Murgatroyd be reappointed to the Standards Committee for a second term. Note: Gill Murgatroyd (Independent Member) declared an interest in the above item as it was her re-appointment that was being considered. Although the interest was a personal interest only, Ms Murgatroyd left the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the Annual Report of the Standards Committee for the year 2024-2025 be approved
The Monitoring Officer presented the Draft Annual Report of the Standards Committee for 2024-2025. RESOLVED: That the Annual Report of the Standards Committee for the year 2024-2025 be approved
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the proposed changes to the Member’s Self-Regulatory Protocol shown as tracked changes in Appendix B to the report be approved.
The Monitoring Officer presented the Review of the Members’ Self-Regulatory Protocol. The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales reviewed all local resolution protocols (LRPs) in Wales. In response, Monitoring Officers established a small working group to review the issues. The report of the working group took the form of a checklist against which LRPs could be reviewed. Conwy County Borough Council’s LRP had been reviewed against the checklist and suggested changes had been made for approval. The following was discussed: • Changes that streamlined and simplified the process were welcomed. • The grace period of 10 and 20 days following referral to the Ombudsman or Group Leaders respectively, allowed time to seek to resolve issues and address concerns. • Whilst the amended Self-Regulatory Protocol would be considered at Council, consideration would be given to holding briefing sessions for Councillors on the amendments. • The Monitoring Officer advised that the amended protocol would not have altered the outcome of any cases dealt with over the last few years, and that his advice would have remined the same. • The Monitoring Officer provided advice regularly in respect of low-level matters. RESOLVED: That the proposed changes to the Member’s Self-Regulatory Protocol shown as tracked changes in Appendix B to the report be approved.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the Committee consider the reported cases as part of their duty to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by Members, including any themes or matters arising from the reported cases that may require further action by the Committee.
The Deputy Monitoring Officer presented a report on the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) "Our Findings" report. Committee Members were requested to consider the reported cases as part of their duty to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by Members, including any themes or matters arising from the reported cases that may require further action by the Committee. The report detailed nine cases. Five of the cases were involving alleged breaches by Town and Community Councillors and four of the matters related to County Councillors alleged to have breached the Members’ Code of Conduct. The recurring theme of behaviour was highlighted. The Deputy Monitoring Officer would bring to the attention of Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) Group Leaders that a case had considered the duty of a Group Leader to promote equality and respect amongst members of their group. The following was discussed: · As equality and respect were recurring themes, it was suggested that the PSOW reports be shared with Councillors. · All Councillors were required to complete Code of Conduct training. · The Cabinet Member for Audit, Policy and Performance advised that a Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) conference on diversity in democracy would be held in October, 2025. - Candidates were discouraged from standing as a Councillor due to the risk of verbal abuse. RESOLVED: That the Committee consider the reported cases as part of their duty to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by Members, including any themes or matters arising from the reported cases that may require further action by the Committee.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That 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 Councillors’ Register of Interests be approved by the Standards Committee.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED- That the register of Gifts and Hospitality be signed by the Chairman of the Standards Committee.
The Councillors’ Register of Gifts and Hospitality was presented for the inspection of the Standards Committee. RESOLVED- That the register of Gifts and Hospitality be signed by the Chairman of the Standards Committee.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
Caiff datganiadau eu darllen o'r cofnodion unwaith y byddan nhw wedi'u cyhoeddi.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.