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Resolved that the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer would ask the Ombudsman about what checks are made on those making complaints and report back to the next meeting. Concerns were raised about the wellbeing of members who are the subject of a complaint, especially those where investigations are taking a long time. A question was asked if officers keep in touch with those members, ensuring they have all the information they need and reassure them that delays are justified. The Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer advised that the Deputy Monitoring Officer responds to any queries from a member, who is the subject of a complaint. However, the Council and officers had to be careful not to be seen to be interfering in the Ombudsman’s investigation process. The Deputy Monitoring Officer advised she can provide members with support or help to assist the process and the Ombudsman does ask her to liaise with the member if more information is needed. She also seeks updates from the Ombudsman regarding cases being investigated but is only advised that they are progressing. It was questioned whether the Ombudsman should be providing support to members. The Chair advised that at the recent National Forum for Standards Committees the Ombudsman advised that there was a rise in cases over the last two years. The Ombudsman was undertaking a recruitment drive to increase capacity. Resolved that the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer would write to the Ombudsman on behalf of the Committee seeking information regarding what support it provides to councillors who are the subject of a complaint. C. Dispensations Applications - County Councillors No applications for dispensation have been received from County Councillors. D. Ombudsman Wales – Our Findings The Committee noted the Ombudsman Wales - Our Findings E. Adjudication Panel for Wales [APW] Details of cases considered by the APW are available via the following link: Decisions | The Adjudication Panel for Wales (gov.wales) F. National Forum for Standards Committees The Committee received the notes provided by the Chair of the meeting held on 27 January 2025. The formal notes of the meeting would be circulated when received. G. Independent review of investigations by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales [PSOW] into Code of Conduct complaints The Committee had considered the full report at its last meeting but noted that the Ombudsman was going out to consultation as to when members should be advised about complaints, The Committee noted that the PSOW had accepted all the recommendations from the Independent Review and the lessons learned will be used to further strengthen internal policies and practices, recruitment, and training. H. Meeting dates The dates of meetings in 2024 are as follows, all starting at 2pm: 9 April – annual meeting with Group Leaders 18 June 13 October
RESOLVED that Reason for decision: 1. The report be noted and 2. guidance on gifts and hospitality be developed and 3. the gifts and hospitality be raised at the annual meeting with Group Leaders. To ensure the Committee undertakes an annual review of the acceptance of gifts and hospitality by Members as part of its work programme. To support members in their understanding of the rules relating to gifts and hospitality. To support Group Leaders in their role.
Resolved that Reason for decision: 1. the report be noted, 2. that the Monitoring Officer: a. implements the trial documentation, for one year only in order to support Group Leaders undertake their Annual Review on compliance with the Code of Conduct and to arrange to review the process at a meeting later in the year and b. enhances the Annual Report by including a summary of actions outlined by the Group Leaders. § To provide greater clarity and support to Group Leaders. § To improve consistency of reporting. § To develop the Standard’s Committee – Annual Report.
Apologies for absence were received from Mr J Goolden, Independent Member.
The Chair was authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 30 October 2024 as a correct record. In response to a question the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer advised that a there was a limited response from the Monitoring Officers Group when he raised the issue of support to members who are the subject of a complaint. He advised he would raise the issue again.
No declarations were received at this point. Councillor Baynham declared a personal interest when item 5, in respect of the annual review of acceptance of gifts and hospitality by members, was considered.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved that the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer would ask the Ombudsman about what checks are made on those making complaints and report back to the next meeting. Concerns were raised about the wellbeing of members who are the subject of a complaint, especially those where investigations are taking a long time. A question was asked if officers keep in touch with those members, ensuring they have all the information they need and reassure them that delays are justified. The Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer advised that the Deputy Monitoring Officer responds to any queries from a member, who is the subject of a complaint. However, the Council and officers had to be careful not to be seen to be interfering in the Ombudsman’s investigation process. The Deputy Monitoring Officer advised she can provide members with support or help to assist the process and the Ombudsman does ask her to liaise with the member if more information is needed. She also seeks updates from the Ombudsman regarding cases being investigated but is only advised that they are progressing. It was questioned whether the Ombudsman should be providing support to members. The Chair advised that at the recent National Forum for Standards Committees the Ombudsman advised that there was a rise in cases over the last two years. The Ombudsman was undertaking a recruitment drive to increase capacity. Resolved that the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer would write to the Ombudsman on behalf of the Committee seeking information regarding what support it provides to councillors who are the subject of a complaint. C. Dispensations Applications - County Councillors No applications for dispensation have been received from County Councillors. D. Ombudsman Wales – Our Findings The Committee noted the Ombudsman Wales - Our Findings E. Adjudication Panel for Wales [APW] Details of cases considered by the APW are available via the following link: Decisions | The Adjudication Panel for Wales (gov.wales) F. National Forum for Standards Committees The Committee received the notes provided by the Chair of the meeting held on 27 January 2025. The formal notes of the meeting would be circulated when received. G. Independent review of investigations by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales [PSOW] into Code of Conduct complaints The Committee had considered the full report at its last meeting but noted that the Ombudsman was going out to consultation as to when members should be advised about complaints, The Committee noted that the PSOW had accepted all the recommendations from the Independent Review and the lessons learned will be used to further strengthen internal policies and practices, recruitment, and training. H. Meeting dates The dates of meetings in 2024 are as follows, all starting at 2pm: 9 April – annual meeting with Group Leaders 18 June 13 October
The Committee received the report of the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer (copy filed with signed minutes). The Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer apologised for the delay in the meeting due to ICT problems, which would be looked into and lessons learned. A. General Standards Issues for County Councillors and Co-opted Members Nothing to report. B. Referral of Councillors to the Public Services Ombudsman The abbreviations used in the headings are as follows: MO – Monitoring Officer OW – Ombudsman Wales Stds – Standards Committee APW - Adjudication Panel for Wales The column titled “Date OW notified MO of complaint” has been deleted as such notifications are no longer received. Ref Date OW advised investigating or not investigating Date OW’s decision Date considered by Stds Date considered by APW 03/CC/22 17/04/23 investigating 02/CC/23 26/02/24 investigating 03/CC/23 23/04/24 investigating 02/CC/24 14/08/24 investigating 03/CC/24 08/11/24 not investigating --- --- --- 04/CC/24 08/11/24 not investigating --- --- --- 05/CC/24 08/11/24 not investigating --- --- --- 06/CC/24 07/12/24 not investigating --- --- --- 07/CC/24 07/12/24 not investigating --- --- --- 08/CC/24 16/01/25 investigating 09/CC/24 14/01/25 not investigating --- --- --- 10/CC/24 14/01/25 not investigating --- --- --- 11/CC/24 14/01/25 not investigating --- --- --- 12/CC/24 14/01/25 not investigating --- --- --- 13/CC/24 14/01/25 not investigating --- --- --- 14/CC/24 14/01/25 not investigating --- --- --- 15CC/24 14/01/25 not investigating --- --- --- 16/CC/24 14/01/25 not investigating --- --- --- 17/CC/24 14/01/25 not investigating --- --- --- 18/CC/24 14/01/25 not investigating --- --- --- 19/CC/24 14/01/25 not investigating --- --- --- 20/CC/24 14/01/25 not investigating --- --- --- The Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer highlighted the complaints being investigated by the Ombudsman one of which dates back to April 2023. In response to a question about the latter he advised that these matters are progressing and there are legitimate reasons for the delays. He reminded the Committee that the Chair had written to the Ombudsman regarding the time to investigate complaints and the Ombudsman’s response had been considered at the last meeting. The Ombudsman had advised that there are legitimate reasons for delays. In response to a question the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer advised that the complaints which were not being investigated by the Ombudsman in January 2025 related to a recent single meeting where a member of the public had made a complaint. A question was asked whether the Ombudsman undertakes any checks on individuals making complaints. Resolved that the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer would ask the Ombudsman about what checks are made on those making complaints and report back to the next meeting. Concerns were raised about the wellbeing of members who are the subject of a complaint, especially those where investigations are taking a long time. A question was asked if officers keep in touch with those members, ensuring they have all the information they need and reassure them that delays are justified. The Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer advised that the Deputy Monitoring Officer responds to any queries from a member, who is the subject of a complaint. However, the Council and officers had to be careful not to be seen to be interfering in the Ombudsman’s investigation process. The Deputy Monitoring Officer advised she can provide members with support or help to assist the process and the Ombudsman does ask her to liaise with the member if more information is needed. She also seeks updates from the Ombudsman regarding cases being investigated but is only advised that they are progressing. It was questioned whether the Ombudsman should be providing support to members. The Chair advised that at the recent National Forum for Standards Committees the Ombudsman advised that there was a rise in cases over the last two years. The Ombudsman was undertaking a recruitment drive to increase capacity. Resolved that the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer would write to the Ombudsman on behalf of the Committee seeking information regarding what support it provides to councillors who are the subject of a complaint. C. Dispensations Applications - County Councillors No applications for dispensation have been received from County Councillors. D. Ombudsman Wales – Our Findings The Committee noted the Ombudsman Wales - Our Findings E. Adjudication Panel for Wales [APW] Details of cases considered by the APW are available via the following link: Decisions | The Adjudication Panel for Wales (gov.wales) F. National Forum for Standards Committees The Committee received the notes provided by the Chair of the meeting held on 27 January 2025. The formal notes of the meeting would be circulated when received. G. Independent review of investigations by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales [PSOW] into Code of Conduct complaints The Committee had considered the full report at its last meeting but noted that the Ombudsman was going out to consultation as to when members should be advised about complaints, The Committee noted that the PSOW had accepted all the recommendations from the Independent Review and the lessons learned will be used to further strengthen internal policies and practices, recruitment, and training. H. Meeting dates The dates of meetings in 2024 are as follows, all starting at 2pm: 9 April – annual meeting with Group Leaders 18 June 13 October
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that Reason for decision: 1. The report be noted and 2. guidance on gifts and hospitality be developed and 3. the gifts and hospitality be raised at the annual meeting with Group Leaders. To ensure the Committee undertakes an annual review of the acceptance of gifts and hospitality by Members as part of its work programme. To support members in their understanding of the rules relating to gifts and hospitality. To support Group Leaders in their role.
The Committee considered the report on the annual review of acceptance of gifts and hospitality by Members. The Committee noted the details of gifts and hospitality recorded by 10 members on the website between 2 February 2024 and 5 February 2025. In response to a question regarding the seemingly low number of declarations, the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer advised that members had been emailed reminding them to record any gifts or hospitality for this period. It was for the members to declare. Councillor Bayham declared a personal interest as she had added details about hospitality received. She advised that these were received while she was Chair of Council. In previous years gifts and hospitality may have occurred more often but now as an ordinary member it is not something which happens. In response to a comment the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer advised that information on gifts and hospitality is contained in the Constitution. However, clearer guidance on gifts and hospitality and a clearer distinction between hospitality which related to any work in which the Council is involved versus hospitality provided by a third party may assist members. A review of any cases considered by the Ombudsman could also be undertaken. Comment was made that the issue could be raised at the meeting with Group Leaders. RESOLVED that Reason for decision: 1. The report be noted and 2. guidance on gifts and hospitality be developed and 3. the gifts and hospitality be raised at the annual meeting with Group Leaders. To ensure the Committee undertakes an annual review of the acceptance of gifts and hospitality by Members as part of its work programme. To support members in their understanding of the rules relating to gifts and hospitality. To support Group Leaders in their role.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved that Reason for decision: 1. the report be noted, 2. that the Monitoring Officer: a. implements the trial documentation, for one year only in order to support Group Leaders undertake their Annual Review on compliance with the Code of Conduct and to arrange to review the process at a meeting later in the year and b. enhances the Annual Report by including a summary of actions outlined by the Group Leaders. § To provide greater clarity and support to Group Leaders. § To improve consistency of reporting. § To develop the Standard’s Committee – Annual Report.
The Committee considered the alternative set of documentation to support Group Leaders when they undertake their personal annual review of compliance with the Council’s Code of Conduct. The Committee and the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer thanked Mr Steward, Independent Member for his work on this matter and for the input of the Committee and Group Leaders into this process. Mr Steward thanked Mr Stafford-Tolley and Councillor McIntosh and others for their comments. The previous form had been used for a number of years and this review assisted in developing the process and was not a criticism of the past information and process. The information previously received from Group Leaders varied in styles and standards and the aim off the new documentation was to ensure more consistency in responses from Group Leaders and highlight any action a Group Leader would be taking as a result of the annual review. Comment was made that if the documentation is seen to be beneficial, after the trial and the review, it could be shared with the Monitoring Officers Group and National Forum of Standards Committees. It was noted that most councils are using the form which the Standards Committee had previously used. Resolved that Reason for decision: 1. the report be noted, 2. that the Monitoring Officer: a. implements the trial documentation, for one year only in order to support Group Leaders undertake their Annual Review on compliance with the Code of Conduct and to arrange to review the process at a meeting later in the year and b. enhances the Annual Report by including a summary of actions outlined by the Group Leaders. § To provide greater clarity and support to Group Leaders. § To improve consistency of reporting. § To develop the Standard’s Committee – Annual Report.
The Committee noted the Work Programme. As agreed in the last item, the review of the trial documentation to support Group Leaders when they undertake their personal annual review of compliance with the Council’s Code of Conduct would be added to the work programme. Resolved That a general discussion on the new documentation would be undertaken after the meeting with Group Leaders on 9 April and a more detailed review be undertaken at the meeting in October 2025.
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.