Wrthi'n llwytho
Y penderfyniadau fel y mae cofnodion y cyngor yn eu cofnodi. Bydd crynodeb mewn iaith glir yn dilyn pan fydd wedi'i ysgrifennu.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Democratic Services Committee held on 10 July 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED: That the draft Councillor Support Self-Assessment Framework be noted and that a letter in support of the framework be sent to the Welsh Local Government Association.
None.
Whilst the following were not deemed a personal or prejudicial interest, Councillor Austin Roberts advised that in respect of Agenda Item 5a (Planning Protocol) that he is the Chair of the Planning Committee. Councillor Mandy Hawkins also advised that in respect of Agenda Items 5a (Planning Protocol) that she was a member of the Planning Committee.
None.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Democratic Services Committee held on 10 July 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The minutes of the meeting of the Democratic Services Committee held on 10 July 2023 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Democratic Services Committee held on 10 July 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The Development and Building Control Manager presented Members with a revised Planning Protocol and the scheme of delegation that had been reviewed by the Democratic Services Committee Working Group in order to provide better clarity for Members and Officers. In reviewing the proposals from the Working Group, the following was discussed: • Whilst there was a recommendation to increase the amount of time for speaking at the Planning Committee to 5 minutes, it was suggested that 3 minutes was ample time for speakers. However, some Members felt that 5 minutes would allow residents more time to express themselves especially for those who were inexperienced in public speaking. Several Welsh Local Authorities already allowed 5 minutes. • Members spoke in favour of the cooling off period in respect of decisions contrary to officer recommendations. It was clarified that there was no proposal from the Working Group to remove that requirement and, as such, would remain within the protocol. • It was suggested that the original paragraph 11.18 remain within the protocol as it allowed Local Members to address Members of the Planning Committee at site visits. • Concern was raised in respect of the potential for lobbying at site visits should Local Members be allowed to participate. Local Members were able to provide factual information. RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: a) That the maximum time of 3 minutes for speakers at the Planning Committee remain. b) That the revised Planning Protocol and scheme of delegation be approved, subject to the above amendment.
The Chief Executive presented a report on the Single Transferable Vote (STV). The report sought to ascertain the appetite of Council to utilise the new provisions provided within the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021, to review local election arrangements. It was noted that a report would be presented to Council in October 2023 and the views of the Democratic Services Committee were being sought to include within the report. The following was discussed: • The STV system would require a review of electoral boundaries, which would result in larger multi-member wards, possibly resulting in the loss of ‘local connection’ with some of the communities represented. The Chief Executive was not aware of any proposed changes to the ‘qualifications’ for standing for local election. • It was felt that the first past the post voting system was straightforward. • The STV system could reduce the number of Independent Elected Members. • There was no evidence that STV would improve voter turnout. • It was confirmed that if STV was adopted, information provided by the Electoral Commission would be shared with voters. • In respect of the recent changes in boundaries and reduction in the number of Elected Members, it was confirmed that consultation was carried out and resourced by the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission (LDBC). • Any change in the number of Elected Members (as a consequence of any further review directly linked to a move to STV) would be determined by the Welsh Government based on recommendations from the LDBC. • It was confirmed that funding would not be provided by the Welsh Government in respect of a STV consultation. Further information regarding resource implications would be included within the report to Council in October 2023. RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: That the Council does not initiate a consultation exercise conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021, on a proposal to change the Council’s voting system to the Single Transferable Vote.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the draft Councillor Support Self-Assessment Framework be noted and that a letter in support of the framework be sent to the Welsh Local Government Association.
The Head of Democratic Services presented a report seeking feedback on the Welsh Local Government Association - Councillor Support Self Evaluation Framework. Members were supportive of the framework and noted that Conwy County Borough Council already provided support and development opportunities for Councillors. RESOLVED: That the draft Councillor Support Self-Assessment Framework be noted and that a letter in support of the framework be sent to the Welsh Local Government Association.
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.