Wrthi'n llwytho
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RESOLVED: that a dispensation request be granted to Councillor Dr Patricia Mackinnon Day of Llandrynog Community Council in respect of any business relating to the Community Shop for the duration of a Council term or until the next Local Government Election, under Section 81 (4) 2a of the Standards Committee (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001: · No fewer than half of the members of the relevant authority or of a Committee of the authority by which the business is to be considered has an interest which relates to that business. The Monitoring Officer confirmed there was a standard form for individuals to complete to submit a dispensation request. The details provided in the letter from Llandyrnog Community Council provided all the necessary information required by the authority.
RESOLVED: that the contents of the report be noted.
RESOLVED: that the Standards Committee note the attendance at meetings update.
RESOLVED that subject to the above the Standards Committee note the contents of the report. Members resolved that a summary email be circulated and agreed for inclusion in the report prior to the papers being presented by the Chair to County Council.
RESOLVED that the Committee notes the changes made to the national Model Code of Conduct for Elected Members and the Committee notes the changes to the eligibility criteria for independent members of standards committees.
RESOLVED: That the Standards Committee noted the content of the Draft Strategic Plan and provided comments on its contents.
RESOLVED that Members of the Standards Committee note the recruitment of Independent Members verbal report.
RESOLVED that Members of the Standards Committee recommend to Full Council to increase the membership number to 9 Members made up of Independent Members, Elected Members and Community Councillors.
RESOLVED: that subject to the above, the Forward Work Programme be noted.
Resolved: that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 12 and 13 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government At 1972.
RESOLVED: that the report be received and noted
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Jon Harland.
There were no declarations of a personal or prejudicial interest raised.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: that a dispensation request be granted to Councillor Dr Patricia Mackinnon Day of Llandrynog Community Council in respect of any business relating to the Community Shop for the duration of a Council term or until the next Local Government Election, under Section 81 (4) 2a of the Standards Committee (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001: · No fewer than half of the members of the relevant authority or of a Committee of the authority by which the business is to be considered has an interest which relates to that business. The Monitoring Officer confirmed there was a standard form for individuals to complete to submit a dispensation request. The details provided in the letter from Llandyrnog Community Council provided all the necessary information required by the authority.
The Monitoring Officer reminded Members under the relevant regulations, Members of County Council or City, Town or Community Councils can seek a dispensation from the Standards Committee to participate in matters that they would otherwise have an interest in. The application attached (previously circulated) had been received from Dr Patricia Mackinnon Day on Llandyrnog Community Council. It related to the community shop, located in the village. A previous dispensation request had been granted for the same request made by other members of the Community Council. The application as understood was the same as the previously granted dispensation. It stated in the request that Dr Patricia Mackinnon Day had recently become a member of the Community Council and had an interest in the village shop. The Monitoring Officer introduced Gwen Butler, a representative from Llandyrnog Community Council to present the report. Gwen Butler thanked the Committee for the opportunity to attend the Standards Committee meeting to present the request. She informed Members she was the Chair of Llandyrnog Community Council. The previous dispensation request for the majority of the Community Council had been granted in December 2024. The reason for the dispensation was the same as the previous reason with the village shop sought a share offer to bolster funds. Many individuals from the community bought shares into the shop. It was stressed the shares did not provide any dividend to the owner. Dr Patricia Mackinnon Day had filled the vacancy on the Community Council but was also the Director and chair of the Board of Directors of the Llandyrnog Community Shop and a shareholder. The Chair thanked the speaker for the background and information. The Monitoring Officer confirmed the application appeared to fall within the ambit of what the Standards Committee can decide on. Members were directed to the appendix which detailed the circumstances in which dispensations may be granted. If Members felt any of the circumstances could be applied to the request, Members could then decide if the request warranted any further restrictions. The request if granted should be timebound until the next Local Government Election. If the dispensation request was granted it would cover all aspects of discussions, voting and debate in relation to the Community Shop. All Members were in agreement to award the dispensation request to LLandyrnog Community Council. The Monitoring Officer confirmed a formal letter will be issued based on the Standards Committee’s decision. RESOLVED: that a dispensation request be granted to Councillor Dr Patricia Mackinnon Day of Llandrynog Community Council in respect of any business relating to the Community Shop for the duration of a Council term or until the next Local Government Election, under Section 81 (4) 2a of the Standards Committee (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001: · No fewer than half of the members of the relevant authority or of a Committee of the authority by which the business is to be considered has an interest which relates to that business. The Monitoring Officer confirmed there was a standard form for individuals to complete to submit a dispensation request. The details provided in the letter from Llandyrnog Community Council provided all the necessary information required by the authority.
There were no urgent issues raised. On behalf of the Committee, the Chair offered thoughts of condolence on the recent passing of Councillor Jeanette Chamberlian-Jones.
The Chair informed the Committee she had not had previous sight of the minutes to note any grammatical errors. She noted some of the content had been noted inaccurately and needed members attention. The Monitoring Officer stated the pragmatic way would be for the minutes to be agreed subject to minor typographical errors submitted to the clerk to the Committee included any substantive issues or meaning issue be discussed. All Members agreed subject the above to receive the minutes. The minutes of the Standards Committee meeting held on the 12 December 2025 were submitted. Accuracy – Page 8 – Committee Attendance – The Chair felt that the minutes did not fully reflect the discussions of the meeting and following the meeting she suggested the minutes should read: ‘The chair welcomed any members of the committee that attended any meetings to share their feedback from those meetings. Samuel Jones informed the Committee that he had attended a St. Asaph city Council meeting (09-07-2025). His observations included that ‘Declarations of Interest’ are a standing item on the City Council meeting agendas. No declarations of interest were raised at this meeting. The meeting was chaired appropriately and the clerk was well-informed. No concerns were identified and there was good, constructive discussion from the attending members. The agenda was available bilingually, and the website was clear and easy to navigate. In his absence, the chair summarised the feedback from two community council meetings that Peter Lamb had attended: Llandegla Community Council (02-10-2025) Website observation was reported to be basic though clerk and councillor contacts were up to date. The website was not bi-lingual. Declarations of Interest was a standard agenda item though none were declared; it is recommended that committee members arriving late should also be asked to declare any interest in any agenda items. The meeting was well chaired and clerked. It was a respectful meeting with no observed concerns. Derwen Community Council (17-09-2025) Observations of the website reported ease of accessibility, both clerk and councillor contact details were up to date, and public notices were visible. Some of the information on the website was bi-lingual. The meeting was well chaired with good support from the clerk. Declarations of Interest was a standing agenda item, none were raised at this meeting. General observation included that there was good and respectful contribution to discussion. No members of the public were in attendance. The chair also attended a meeting at Bodelwyddan Town Council (06-11-2025) The information on the website was only partially available bi-lingually. Clerk contact details were up to date on the website though only 50% of councillor details were available. The visible News and Events Summary is bilingual. Declarations of Interest is a standing agenda item. None were declared at that item. The chair and the clerk also reminded members that they should declare an interest as they went along if anything came up where they realised that they had an interest. This was observed in practice in relation to a donation that was being considered and six members declared an interest and abstained from the vote. Previous sets of minutes showed declarations of interest had been declared though did not always indicate which agenda item they referred to, nor the context of the interest. The meeting was well-chaired. There was a substantial agenda and the balance and the balance between discussion and debate, and the need to move on was well-managed. Members were respectful to one another and all were given opportunities to speak. The clerk gave helpful prompts and background information as appropriate throughout e.g. there was a discussion around the rules in relation to getting 3 quotes for works, given that a ‘small’ piece of work has the potential to become much more substantial, No members of the public were present. Members of the Committee queried how the feedback would be shared with the city town and community councils. Officers clarified that letters would be sent to them. It was suggested that the City, Town and Community Council Liaison might circulate the information to them as they were developing a good rapport with those councils Page 14 – Standards Committee Terms of Reference – The last paragraph would read ‘however, they did not quash the matter either and agreed to discuss the matter at a later date with the full Standards Committee as a number of members had submitted apologies for the meeting.’ Page 15 – Code of Conduct – Part 3 Local Government Act 2000 – Members agreed the sentence should read ‘The Monitoring Officer provided a summary of the minor changes notified to the Monitoring Officer since the last meeting of the Committee which included updates regarding two complaints’ Matters arising – Page 9/10 – Protocol for Member/Officer Protocol - The Monitoring Officer informed Committee a workshop had been arranged for Members the purpose of the workshop was to discuss the member/ officer protocol, officer relations work and members frustrations and how things can be improved. Aa similar session would be arranged in the Spring for middle managers and higher. He offered his thanks to the Chair for her agreement to attend that session to introduce the item. Page 13 – Group Leaders Report – The Monitoring Officer stated a meeting had taken place with Group Leaders where all Group Leaders presented a report and answered questions from Standards Committee. They were all asked the same questions. A circulation email following those discussions had been circulated to all Standards Committee members. Members noted that one Group Leader had not attended the meeting, the reason had been due to the political group not being formed during the period for discussion. It was noted that some Group Leaders expressed dissatisfaction, the Chair suggested that feedback could be for Standards Committee to offer further support post Ombudsman decisions. The Deputy Monitoring Officer stated the intention for 2025/26 year would hold interviews and discussions at an earlier stage of the year. The Chair suggested a brief overview report may be beneficial for Members on the process with Group Leaders. RESOLVED: that subject to the above, the minutes of the meeting held on the 12 December 2025 be received and approved as a true and correct record of the proceedings.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: that the contents of the report be noted.
A report was submitted by the Solicitor (previously circulated) on the latest case summaries contained in the ‘Our Findings’ section of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) website and the latest decisions made by the Adjudication Panel for Wales (APW). The report covered the period from 25th November 2025 – 18th February 2026. The ‘Our Findings’ section of the Ombudsman’s website contained a summary of those cases involving Code of Conduct complaints that had been investigated by the Ombudsman, broken down by subject matter as follows: Promotion of equality and respect 1 Disclosure of registration & interests 2 Duty to uphold the law 1 The outcomes can be categorised as follows: No action necessary 2 No evidence of breach 1 Members were guided through the relevant extracts from the ‘Our Findings’ page which were attached to the report for ease in Appendix 1 (previously circulated). None of the cases related to a Council in Denbighshire. It was highlighted the report also covered the period in which decisions have been made by the Adjudication Panel for Wales (APW). Since 25th November 2025, there had been three decisions made by the APW in relation to references from the Ombudsman. Details of each case was provided by the Solicitor. The relevant extracts from the Case Tribunal publications were included as Appendix 2. None of the cases relate to a council in Denbighshire. The Chair thanked the Solicitor for the detailed overview of the papers provided. Independent Member Kate Robertson asked when the complaint raised in Powys County Council had been reported. She noted that details were included dating back to 2023. The Solicitor stated she was not sure when the complaint had been recorded but the report and findings had been published at the end of 2025. The Monitoring Officer suggested the investigation had taken longer than normally expected. He was surprised the investigation had taken this amount of time but it was noted that some investigations were taking some time to complete and publish. Independent Member Peter Lamb stated he felt the statement ‘Whilst this was a very bad case, it was not the worst case of its type that the Tribunal had seen or could imagine’ was a strange comment to make. He commented what would be the worse imaginable case. The Monitoring Officer agreed it did seem strange given the maximum disqualification period was 5 years and the result from this investigation resulted in the individual receiving a 4 year disqualification suggesting it was a severe consequence. Mr Lamb asked if an investigation had begun and subsequently the individual resigned from their position would the investigation continue? In response the Monitoring Officer stated if an investigation had begun by the Ombudsman, it would run its course. In relation to investigations referred to the police, the police conducted the investigation. If following the investigation, the Ombudsman felt the individual had brought a Council into disrepute they could raise an investigation following the police findings. The Chair asked if the Ombudsman referred concerns and complaints to the police. The Monitoring Officer informed Members the Ombudsman could refer to the Police for investigations although it was hoped it would have been referred before the concern reached the Ombudsman. Members were informed that the Ombudsman did not hold the power to make mandatory resolutions. When they resolved training should take place it was not mandatory for any individual to participate. A review of the powers of Standards Committee was being undertaken. Officers were awaiting further guidance and support. RESOLVED: that the contents of the report be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: that the Standards Committee note the attendance at meetings update.
The Chair invited Members to update the Committee on any visits to City, Town and Community Councils they had visited since the last Standards Committee meeting. Independent Member Kate Robertson stated she had attended Denbigh Town Council meeting. She stated it was the first visit she had undertaken as her role on the Standards Committee and was grateful the Chair also attended for support. She also offered her thanks to Peter Lamb who had also offered to attend a City, Town and Community Council meeting as support. Members her the Denbigh Town Council meeting had taken place on 26 January 2026. The meeting was held hybrid with individuals attending both in person and remotely. Prior to the meeting she stated she had reviewed the website which was fully bilingual with up-to-date details for the clerk and Councillors of the council. The meeting lasted a couple of hours, at the start of the meeting one Councillor raised concern that we were there as observers. The concern revolved around the absence of a Standards Committee Member observing a meeting last year which they felt ay have been beneficial and supportive. There were 3 declarations of interest raised at the meeting with the individuals leaving the meeting at the appropriate times. When reviewing the previous minutes it was noted that declarations had been made so it was felt that was the practice of the committee. A member of the public did attend the meeting and during the confidential Part 2 item were kindly asked to leave the meeting for that discussion. The meeting was Chaired well and controlled the meeting respectfully. A minor point of note, on the agenda which was published prior to the meeting it stated ‘please be in the Chamber by 6 pm if you wish to attend’ although the address of the town hall was included on the agenda it did not clearly state the ‘Chamber’ within the building. Access to the Chamber was via a staircase or a lift with some steps to enter the room. It may be that a ramp would be required. Overall, a very well Chaired meeting, with a helpful Clerk. Independent Member Peter Lamb clarified that the attendance at meetings was on a 2 year rolling rota so that may have been why Denbigh Town Council had not received a Standards Committee observation the previous year. If City, Town and Community Councils felt an observation would be beneficial they could invite Standards Committee to attend. The Monitoring Officer added support had been provided to Denbigh Town Community Council the previous year from numerous officers from the authority. The Chair asked if officers could look at the allocation of meetings to visit and recirculate to members. The Monitoring Officer informed the Committee Sam Jones had been a Member of the Standards Committee but had to resign from his position as he had gained work in the authority. Independent Member Peter Lamb suggested that on occasion some of the locations were difficult to find and it may be beneficial to add further directions for areas which may be difficult to find. RESOLVED: that the Standards Committee note the attendance at meetings update.
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RESOLVED that subject to the above the Standards Committee note the contents of the report. Members resolved that a summary email be circulated and agreed for inclusion in the report prior to the papers being presented by the Chair to County Council.
The Head of Corporate Support Service – People reminded members the report was presented to Members at the last meeting. Amendments had been completed following that meeting and a revised update was attached (previously circulated). In the report there was a couple of omissions, one being a page number which will be inserted later and to agree what Members wished to include following the meeting with Group Leaders. Once those two areas had been completed it was felt the report would be completed and ready to be presented to County Council at its May meeting. It was felt the May Council meeting was a better timed meeting for a fuller discussion. The Chair suggested that a summary of the meeting held with Group Leaders be circulated to Members for agreement via email. The Monitoring Officer stressed Members had to discuss and review if Group Leaders had met their duty. The Chair reminded Members the duty of the Group Leaders was ‘a duty on Political Group Leaders requiring them to take reasonable steps to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by the members of their group, and to cooperate with the Council’s Standards Committee in the exercise of the Standards Committee’s functions.’ Members felt that the Political Group Leaders had met that duty. Members noted that the notes from the meeting had been conducted by the Monitoring Officer. Members felt the comments made at the meeting regarding the support from the Monitoring Officer needed strengthening in the notes. All Group Leaders were grateful for his support and guidance. The Monitoring Officer stated the meeting allowed for open frank conversation and discussion for Group Leaders to air any topics of conversation or concerns. It allowed for discussions to take place and often diffuse and differences. All Political Group Leaders felt the meetings were beneficial and useful. The Chair did suggest that support be offered by the Standards Committee to aid Group Leaders with any fall out following a resolved complaint. It was felt it would be possible to reflect in the annual report that some Political Group Leaders had expressed disquiet about the impact upon a specific decision which could make the management of Member conduct more challenging within their groups. Standards Committee would be keen to work with Group Leaders. It could be reflected that sometimes Group Leaders felt the outcome of the Ombudsman decisions or the decision to not investigate cases may make it difficult for Group Leaders to encourage other Members to behave in a certain way. Members heard that previous Standards Committees had commented that on occasion the Ombudsman had decided not to investigate a complaint when it could have been investigated and referred to the Standards Committee for a decision. The consistency or otherwise of the Ombudsman decision can make it difficult for Group Leaders and the Standards Committee to support. It was felt that a review of the Local Resolution Process would be beneficial. Standards Committee could be involved in some of the informal resolutions. It currently stated that if an informal resolution was sought it was the responsibility of Group Leaders to resolve with support from the Monitoring Officer. It may be something could be included to offer Standards Committee support and involvement in that process. The Chair suggested that training could be offered to Group Leaders and more could be offered on resolving issues and disputes and the processes. Highlighting what support was available and how to access said information. Independent Member Peter Lamb highlighted that it was important that Group Leaders were aware they can approach Standards Committee to move forward and pass to the Ombudsman. The Chair informed Members an in-depth discussion had been recorded in the minutes of the National Standards Forum around Group Leaders. The Chair suggested she submit a report to the Head of Corporate Support Service – People for inclusion at a future report. Members suggested that the wording in the question ‘do you feel you get the right level of support from the Monitoring Officer’ be amended to read support from officers or council rather than Monitoring Officer. The Chair asked if the Head of Corporate Support Service – People could draft a summary and circulate to all Members. The Monitoring Officer confirmed the make up of the Committee was of 7 Members, quorum was usually half the Members rounded down meaning 3. The Standards Committee regulations state as the Chair had to be an Independent Lay person then a meeting was only quorate if at least half of those present were Independent Members. The Chair noted that on page 42 of the paper it stated ‘who is also a twin hatted Member’, this needed removing from the text. RESOLVED that subject to the above the Standards Committee note the contents of the report. Members resolved that a summary email be circulated and agreed for inclusion in the report prior to the papers being presented by the Chair to County Council.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that the Committee notes the changes made to the national Model Code of Conduct for Elected Members and the Committee notes the changes to the eligibility criteria for independent members of standards committees.
The Monitoring Officer informed Members that several changes had been made to the Local Government (standards committees and member conduct) (miscellaneous amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2025 earlier in the year. The first change was a change to the model code of conduct, the law in Wales stated that every Local Authority in Wales to have a Code of Conduct which was to include everything in the model Code of Conduct. Authorities were permitted to change the Code of conduct if it did not detract from the model code. Members were guided to the requirements under paragraph 4 of the code which referred to the obligations to carry out responsibilities with due regard to the principle of equality opportunity and provided a list of protected characteristics. The Penn Review of the ethical framework in Wales identified it was not up to date in terms of equalities and that it would need to be amended and it could only be amended by secondary legislation such as these regulations. So the changes would be the removal of the list of protected characteristics, and it read ‘equality of opportunity for all people, regardless of their protected characteristics or socioeconomic circumstances’. In addition a similar change was made to the Conduct of Members Principles (Wales) Order 2001 to mirror the wording. The Monitoring Officer informed Members the Code of Conduct formed part of the Constitution and he held the delegated authority to amend the Constitution to reflect changes in Law. It was proposed by Officers to present a report to County Council in May 2026 to formally adopt the changes. The regulations also made further changes including the eligibility criteria for Independent Members of Standards Committee. Previously the rule was if you had ever been a member or an employee of a Local Authority you could not be a Member of the Standards Committee. The changes would mean that if you had been a Member of a Local Authority, then you could be a Member of the Standards Committee provided that 2years had lapsed following the individual holding Councillor position if not a senior Cabinet Member or 5 years if held a senior role. The rules were similar for officers of the authority with restrictions to those who hold a politically restricted post, for 2 years following employment. Members heard when recruitment to vacant positions on the Standards committee the eligibility criteria will reflect the changes. The Chair thanked the Monitoring Officer for the explanation of the changes and welcomed the report being presented to County Council in May. RESOLVED that the Committee notes the changes made to the national Model Code of Conduct for Elected Members and the Committee notes the changes to the eligibility criteria for independent members of standards committees.
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RESOLVED: That the Standards Committee noted the content of the Draft Strategic Plan and provided comments on its contents.
The Monitoring Officer guided Members through the report (previously circulated). Members heard that the report would also be sent to Political Group Leaders for comment. The report detailed the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) consultation on the draft strategic plan for 2026–2029. The document was recognised as a high‑level document with detailed aims and objectives. The report stated that detailed annual plans would be produced to demonstrate how those objectives would be met. The work related to their consideration of code of conduct concerns and their complaints handling process. The work of the PSOW’s office had evolved over recent years, allowing the office to initiate its own investigations in certain service areas. It also had the ability to review health services. The report provided a list of the main aims of the PSOW. The PSOW’s proposed Strategic Aims were: • Strategic Aim 1: Deliver justice with a positive impact for the people of Wales • Strategic Aim 2: Influence positive change in public services and high standards of conduct in local government • Strategic Aim 3: Strengthen access and impact for those who needed the service the most • Strategic Aim 4: Ensure that the organisation was resilient, agile and accountable The document also included details of actions for each of the aims to demonstrate how they would be achieved. The Monitoring Officer stated that the Council would draft a response to the consultation and sought the opinions and comments of the Standards Committee. The Chair thanked the Monitoring Officer for the update and asked if Members had any feedback. Independent Member Peter Lamb felt that the contents of the report did not provide much for Members to discuss. The report did not provide clarity or any figures to aid the reader’s understanding. He questioned whether the PSOW was creating more issues for itself by raising the bar of what was acceptable from individuals and therefore potentially creating more complaints. He stated that he felt a little disappointed by the report. The PSOW should be the first point of contact when individuals were dissatisfied with a service or with the conduct of an individual. The report did not provide any impact measures. The Monitoring Officer thanked Members for their comments and fair criticism of the report. He stressed that the PSOW had to demonstrate ambitious aims. He suggested that one area Members might wish to provide feedback on was the need for Members to have sight of the detailed annual plans as part of the consultation, to allow them to understand the steps proposed to achieve the aims. Under Strategic Aim 1 – delivering justice – Members felt the length of time taken for reviews could be improved. During Members’ discussions, it was noted that a point on consistency could also be communicated back to the PSOW. Fuller explanations of the reasons for determining concerns would be beneficial to Standards Committee Members when receiving the report. This would allow for a fuller understanding of each complaint and how the thresholds for complaints received were applied. It was noted that there would always be a need for the PSOW to investigate concerns relating to health boards. Members agreed that it would be beneficial to have a better understanding and explanation of the threshold levels used when complaints were investigated. Independent Member Kate Robertson stated that if a matter involved criminal activity, then it was the role of the Police to investigate. If complaints were not criminal, she queried the role of Standards Committee Members in relation to the work of the PSOW and in cases where criminal investigations were involved. The Monitoring Officer informed Members that there was currently an issue between what constituted freedom of expression and what constituted respect. It was a difficult area and often subject to opinion. The Chair suggested making representations to the PSOW requesting that, where possible, complaints or concerns be referred back to Local Government for review. Members heard that the PSOW held the power to refer cases back to Standards Committees for review and investigation. They also held the power to open investigations and then refer cases back to the Monitoring Officer to investigate. Feedback from those cases had been that it was difficult—not only because of time and resources, but also because Monitoring Officers were expected to offer advice while managing relationships between individuals. The independence of the PSOW made it the most appropriate body to conduct investigations. There was, however, the potential to request an independent body to conduct investigations on the Authority’s behalf. The preferred view of many Monitoring Officers was for the PSOW to investigate complaints. The Chair stated that if standards were to be improved, all lower‑level complaints needed to be addressed. Members asked whether the Standards Committee could request that complaints be referred to the Committee for debate. The Monitoring Officer stated that this would depend on the complaint and the circumstances. Political standards would be a decision for political parties to impose on their Members. Many political parties had additional rules which Members had to abide by. The PSOW did not hold the power to impose sanctions; the role of the PSOW was to receive complaints and open investigations against Members. The Penn Review suggested that the PSOW and the Standards Committee should have more flexibility. The Chair felt that Members agreed on the need to revise the space between “no action” and “disqualification and sanctions”, and to involve the Standards Committee in that process. In summary, the Monitoring Officer suggested wording that would be circulated to Members to include: • Impacts on justice – time taken to conduct investigations and publish findings • Better understanding for the public and complainants of thresholds and consistency of application, so people felt heard and understood • No impact measures were clearly set out in the report Historically, there had been concern that Standards Committees did not have the opportunity to determine a decision. There was a desire for a consistent approach, as the Code applied to all Members in Wales and therefore should be applied consistently, although local circumstances could be understood better by Standards Committees. This could be included as a comment under Strategic Aim 1: Deliver justice with positive impact for people of Wales. The Chair thanked Members and officers for the detailed discussion. RESOLVED: That the Standards Committee noted the content of the Draft Strategic Plan and provided comments on its contents.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that Members of the Standards Committee note the recruitment of Independent Members verbal report.
The Chair informed Members Lay Member Samuel Jones had been successful in gaining employment for Denbighshire County Council and in doing so was required to resign from the Standards Committee. On behalf of the Committee the Chair offered congratulations and best wishes to Mr Jones. The Deputy Monitoring Officer added that Lay Member Mr Peter Lams’s term was coming to an end in May 2026. Up until May, Mr Lamb is a full Standards Committee member and was able to continue work on behalf of the committee. Members heard the authority was advertising for the Lay Member positions and was hopefully to recruit to two Lay Member positions. The advert was live and was open until the 7th April 2026. It was hoped interviews for the positions would take place on the 24th April. Following the interviews any successful applicants would need approval from Full Council which was scheduled for the 12th May 2026. The Deputy Monitoring Officer stated she would send the link to the advert to all Members and asked where possible they shared the advert. The advert would be promoted on the Council’s social media to share the details. Members heard the application form had been amended in line with the new eligibility criteria. It would be clear that applicants would need to tick a box and provide details if they answered yes to any of the criteria. The Monitoring Officer thanked Mr Lamb for his work and support during his term on the Standards Committee. Both Mr Lamb and Mr Jones would be invited back to the June Committee meeting for formal thanks and recognition. The Chair also offered her thanks to both exiting members. RESOLVED that Members of the Standards Committee note the recruitment of Independent Members verbal report.
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RESOLVED that Members of the Standards Committee recommend to Full Council to increase the membership number to 9 Members made up of Independent Members, Elected Members and Community Councillors.
The Deputy Monitoring Officer provided a report on the membership of the Council’s Standards Committee as defined in the Terms of Reference (previously circulated). The reason for the report was to gain Members opinions on the current makeup of the committee and if that warranted a review. The report had been presented to the Committee in the December Standards Committee meeting, members felt that due to several apologies tendered it warranted further discussion. The report demonstrated Denbighshire Standards Committee was out of line against other North Wales Standards Committee numbers, with many having 9 members of the committee and Denbighshire having 7 members. If members agreed to change the membership of the committee they would also be required to decide how the committee was made up of Elected Members, Independent Members and Co-opted Members. Independent Member Kate Robertson asked if a further independent Member would need to be recruited in addition to the two currently being advertised. The Monitoring Officer confirmed that there was a requirement to always have a majority independent voice, there also had to have a Councillor voice in the group dynamics. Full Council would have to resolve to change the number of Members with a report being presented to Governance and Audit Committee for discussion. A second recruitment would have to take place to allow for reports to be presented and discussed with any recommended changes. It was highlighted if the committee was minded to increase the membership to 9 Members that would have to be made up of 5 Independent Members. The additional seat could then be either an elected Councillor or a Community Councillor. Mr Peter Lamb did note there would be a cost element if the membership increased to what gain. The Chair stated there would be benefits to increasing the membership, having more opinions and views and to aid meeting quorum requirement. The Monitoring Officer confirmed the authority would write to all City, Town and Community Councils and seek expressions of interest and if required hold interviews. If an additional elected Member was agreed, they would be elected to represent elected Councillors by Full Council. Members heard that whilst cost implications were relevant, it was felt it should not be the determining factor for Members decisions. If it was felt the Membership of Standards Committee would benefit being 9, Members should offer that recommendation to Full Council. Independent Member Kate Robertson suggested the resilience argument potentially outweighed the cost factor for increasing the membership. Members agreed to recommend the membership number be raised to 9 members of Denbighshire Standards Committee. The Monitoring Officer suggested that a report including the options of member makeup could be included in the report to Council offering the pros and cons of each increase. The Monitoring Officer confirmed a report would be formulated with the recommendation from Standards Committee to increase the membership to 9 with details of options for the breakdown of elected Councillors and Community Councillors for Full Council to resolve. Members were also made aware that Mr Samuel Jones was the Vice-Chair of the Standards Committee, at the next meeting Members would have to nominate a Vice-Chair. The Chair thanked Officers for the discussion. She noted that the wording in the Terms of Reference regarding 1.4 voting – did not include County Councils. The Monitoring Officer confirmed the wording could be made more explicit. The Deputy Monitoring Officer confirmed the Terms of Reference had been review in 2025. They had been included as they were the most up to date. As part of any changes to Membership the Terms of Reference would also be updated if needed. RESOLVED that Members of the Standards Committee recommend to Full Council to increase the membership number to 9 Members made up of Independent Members, Elected Members and Community Councillors.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: that subject to the above, the Forward Work Programme be noted.
The Standards Committee Forward Work Programme was submitted for consideration. It was agreed that the following items be added to the Standards Committee Forward Work Programme for the 19 June 2026 meeting – · Appointment of Vice-Chair · Officer and Member Code of Conduct · Group Leaders reports · National Standards Committee Forum (Wales) It was also suggested that a report be included on the September 2026 meeting on the role of Standards Committee and strengthening that role in the local resolutions. It was agreed to invite all City, Town and Community Councillors to attend the September Standards Committee meeting. The Monitoring Officer suggested that a report on induction and training process be included on the forward work programme for December 2026. RESOLVED: that subject to the above, the Forward Work Programme be noted.
The next meeting of the Standards Committee is to take place on the 19 June 2026.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved: that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 12 and 13 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government At 1972.
Resolved: that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 12 and 13 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government At 1972.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: that the report be received and noted
The Monitoring Officer submitted a confidential report (previously circulated) providing an overview of complaints against members lodged with the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales since 1 March 2024. The Monitoring Officer provided a summary of the minor changes notified to the Monitoring Officer since the last meeting of the Committee The Chair stated that there were occasions where it would be beneficial for Standards Committee’s to have a more active role in reviewing complaints and supporting the work of the Public Services Ombudsman. Members heard freedom of expression should enable an individual to express their political opinion and challenge authority and question wrongdoing. The Chair thanked the Monitoring Officer for the report and details of each case. RESOLVED: that the report be received and noted
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.
Dyw'r cyngor ddim wedi cofnodi presenoldeb ar gyfer y cyfarfod hwn.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.