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 proposed changes to the form be approved and that group leaders are provided with the Standards Committees actions from the previous year.
Resolved that the Guidance on gifts and hospitality be approved.
Apologies for absence were received from Mr J Goolden (Independent Member).
The Chair was authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 18 June 2025 as a correct record. The Committee noted that in respect of Item 8 – Annual review of register of interest of members, co-opted members and church and parent governors representatives and officers, the outstanding reviews noted at the last meeting had been completed. In respect of Item 10 – Observing County Council meetings by Standards Committee member, the Committee noted that whether reference to displaying newspaper headlines and placards etc should be made in the Constitution would be considered as part of the current review of the Constitution.
No declarations were received.
The Committee received the report of the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer (copy filed with signed minutes). A. General Standards Issues for County Councillors and Co-opted Members There was nothing to report. B. Members attendance The Deputy Monitoring Officer advised that Councillor Karl Lewis’s attendance details had been adjusted due to errors and his attendance level for 2024/25 was 63% rather than 59% as previously advised. The Chair welcomed Councillor Karl Lewis to the meeting. Councillor Lewis thanked the Committee for the opportunity to address the Committee to explain his absences. He advised that during the period in question he suffered a period of severe ill health from late October to mid-March, which impacted his attendance. He advised that some councillors in his group and other groups were aware of his health issues but he apologised for not communicating his situation earlier and for failing to address the Committee sooner. He asked the Committee to note that in the period 2017 and 2018 he was a member of approximately nine committees, including subcommittees, which was the highest of all councillors. During this period he maintained an attendance record exceeding 80%, placing him in the top five councillors for attendance during that term. He noted that his recent attendance rate of 63% was uncharacteristically low and not reflective of his usual commitment and he advised he took his role very seriously. Councillor Lewis expressed concern over negative media coverage during the recent by-election, which stemmed from comments made by another councillor. He advised that the issues raised dated back to 2016, prior to his tenure as a county councillor but were then linked to his attendance record. The Monitoring Officer had reviewed the issues and had found no breach of the code of conduct. He criticised the politicisation of issues and linking such issues to his attendance record, which led to public abuse directed at his wife due to the press coverage. The Chair thanked Councillor Lewis and commended his conduct and transparency and on behalf of the Committee he acknowledged errors in the Council’s attendance records and apologised to Councillor Lewis for this. Comment was made that the Standards Committee could review how attendance figures are calculated, noting the discrepancies between councillors with varying committee membership levels and the ease by which a member on only one committee could reach the 60% attendance level. The Chair agreed that these were important points and recommended they be noted for future discussion. Comment was made that there can be political differences and the Ombudsman says that councillors should have “thicker skins” and accept some criticism but when this had an impact on families and other third parties it was unacceptable and individuals should reflect on this. The Chair and Vice Chair confirmed they had reviewed a letter from Councillor Sarah Williams regarding her attendance level and were satisfied with the explanation provided. They expressed expectations for improved attendance in the following year. C. Referral of Councillors to the Public Services Ombudsman The Committee noted the following details regarding complaints. The abbreviations used in the headings are as follows: MO – Monitoring Officer OW – Ombudsman Wales Stds – Standards Committee APW - Adjudication Panel for Wales Ref Date OW advised initial assessment 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 02/06/25 refer to Standards Committee Preliminary hearing 18/06/25 02/CC/23 --- 26/02/24 investigating 03/CC/23 --- 23/04/24 investigating 02/CC/24 --- 14/08/24 investigating 01/CC/25 04/04/25 02/CC/25 07/04/25 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. Correspondence with the Ombudsman The Committee received the letter from the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales [PSOW] in response to the issues raised at the previous Committee regarding how vexatious complaints are managed and the support the Ombudsman provides to the subject of a complaint. It was noted that the Ombudsman had agreed that their response could be made public. In response to a question regarding the support available to a member who is the subject of a complaint, the Deputy Monitoring Officer acknowledged the potential conflict in that the Monitoring or Deputy Officers cannot provide legal advice to members but can give advice on procedural matters. Members would be signposted to the employee support scheme, which provides independent support. Members could also seek support from their Group Leaders if they wished to do so. The Committee agreed to accept the Ombudsman’s letter. G. Independent Member vacancy on the Standards Committee On behalf of the Monitoring and herself, the Deputy Monitoring Officer thanked Stephan Hays for his service and dedication to the Standards Committee. She advised that thanks were also expressed at the Council meeting on 9 October. Claire Moore, Vice Chair on behalf of the independent members thanked Stephan Hays for his works and stated that he would be missed. The Committee agreed that the following would participate in the shortlisting/ appointments panel: Independent members – Mrs Claire Moore [Vice Chair] and Mr Nigel Steward County Councillor – Councillor Beverley Baynham H. Meeting dates The dates of meetings in 2025 are as follows: 4 February – 2pm 17 June – 2pm 14 October – 10am
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved that the proposed changes to the form be approved and that group leaders are provided with the Standards Committees actions from the previous year.
The Committee considered the proposed changes to the Group Leaders’ Code of Conduct Health Check form. The Committee was reminded that the original form inherited from wider local government was revised as it did not meet the Committee’s needs and some group leaders seemed to have struggled to engage with the form’s requirements. The revised draft aimed to address these concerns and was considered to have supported those group leaders who required additional guidance. It was noted that the feedback from some group leaders was that they considered the form encouraged negativity. Comment was made that the form was useful and encouraged thoughtful consideration of group dynamics and the opportunity for group leaders to highlight positive aspects within their groups. The form was evolving and the Committee recognised the need for ongoing development as the process entered its third year. In response to a question regarding the recommendations referred to in line 008 it was clarified that these recommendations referred to those action points agreed by the Standards Committee and which would be included in the Committee’s Annual report. It was agreed that group leaders would need details of the previous years actions when completing the form. It was moved and duly seconded to agree the proposed changes to the form and ensure that group leaders are provided with the Standards Committees actions from the previous year. Resolved that the proposed changes to the form be approved and that group leaders are provided with the Standards Committees actions from the previous year.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved that the Guidance on gifts and hospitality be approved.
The Committee received the draft Guidance on gifts and hospitality which had been requested by the Committee at its meeting in February 2025 when it completed its annual review of gifts and hospitality. The Committee noted that the guide should be read in conjunction with Section 18 of the Constitution and the Deputy Monitoring Officer advised that members could approach her or the Monitoring Officer for advice at any time. It was moved and duly seconded to approve the Guidance on gifts and hospitality. Resolved that the Guidance on gifts and hospitality be approved.
The Committee received and noted the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales – Annual report and account 2024 – 2025.
The Committee noted the work programme and the addition of the following: February 2026: · A request from the Council meeting on 9 October that the Standards Committee considers a dispensation regarding tourism · Appointment of Chair and if required Vice Chair · National Forum of Standards Committees – June 2025 minutes, which had recently been circulated to the Committee on behalf of the Chair.
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.