Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
Resolved that: Mr Mel Jehu be appointed as Chair.
Resolved that: Mr Julian John be appointed as Vice Chair.
Resolved that: All Councillor Dispensations listed as Appendix 2 which outline a list of blanket dispensations for Councillors to assist them in carrying out their functions for the 2022 – 2027 term of office be approved. Having declared an interest Jeff Beard did not speak on this matter, but did not leave the meeting. Councillor Ian Thomas be entitled to speak and vote on matters relating to the Bedlinog and Trelewis Community Council. This dispensation was granted in accordance with paragraphs (a) (c) (d) (f) and (g) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001. Jeff Beard re-joined the meeting. Councillor Darren Roberts be entitled to speak and vote on matters, including Finance, relating to the Leisure Trust. This dispensation was granted in accordance with paragraph (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001. Considered as a late item, Councillor Michelle Jones be entitled to speak and vote on matters, including Finance, relating to the Leisure Trust. This dispensation was granted in accordance with paragraph (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001.
Resolved that: a) The content of the report be noted. b) The proposed programme of meetings agreed.
Resolved that: a) The content of this report be noted. b) The provision of a report to Standards Committee by 1st March each year from each Group Leader setting out steps taken by them to promote compliance with the Code of Conduct be agreed.
Apologies for absence were received from Martin Veale.
Jeff Beard declared an interest as a member of Bedlinog Community Council.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: Mr Mel Jehu be appointed as Chair.
Nominations for Chair were sought from amongst Independent Members of the Committee. Resolved that: Mr Mel Jehu be appointed as Chair.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: Mr Julian John be appointed as Vice Chair.
Nominations for Vice Chair were sought from amongst Independent Members of the Committee. Resolved that: Mr Julian John be appointed as Vice Chair.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: All Councillor Dispensations listed as Appendix 2 which outline a list of blanket dispensations for Councillors to assist them in carrying out their functions for the 2022 – 2027 term of office be approved. Having declared an interest Jeff Beard did not speak on this matter, but did not leave the meeting. Councillor Ian Thomas be entitled to speak and vote on matters relating to the Bedlinog and Trelewis Community Council. This dispensation was granted in accordance with paragraphs (a) (c) (d) (f) and (g) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001. Jeff Beard re-joined the meeting. Councillor Darren Roberts be entitled to speak and vote on matters, including Finance, relating to the Leisure Trust. This dispensation was granted in accordance with paragraph (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001. Considered as a late item, Councillor Michelle Jones be entitled to speak and vote on matters, including Finance, relating to the Leisure Trust. This dispensation was granted in accordance with paragraph (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001.
Carys Kennedy referred members to the dispensation applications for the 2022 – 2027 term of office which are attached to the agenda and led the Committee through each of the dispensation applications. Detailed questions were raised, discussed and answered by Carys Kennedy and it was: Resolved that: All Councillor Dispensations listed as Appendix 2 which outline a list of blanket dispensations for Councillors to assist them in carrying out their functions for the 2022 – 2027 term of office be approved. Having declared an interest Jeff Beard did not speak on this matter, but did not leave the meeting. Councillor Ian Thomas be entitled to speak and vote on matters relating to the Bedlinog and Trelewis Community Council. This dispensation was granted in accordance with paragraphs (a) (c) (d) (f) and (g) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001. Jeff Beard re-joined the meeting. Councillor Darren Roberts be entitled to speak and vote on matters, including Finance, relating to the Leisure Trust. This dispensation was granted in accordance with paragraph (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001. Considered as a late item, Councillor Michelle Jones be entitled to speak and vote on matters, including Finance, relating to the Leisure Trust. This dispensation was granted in accordance with paragraph (d) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: a) The content of the report be noted. b) The proposed programme of meetings agreed.
Carys Kennedy led members through the Work Programme with particular emphasis on paragraph 3.7 detailing: · December - Ombudsman’s letter · February - Complaints data · April - Group Leaders’ report on promoting compliance · July – Whistleblowing Questions were raised and discussed and answered in detail by Carys Kennedy. The Chair requested within the Work Programme that proactive initiatives from the Panel be highlighted. Carys Kennedy suggested changing the title of future reports to read ‘Ombudsman letter and issues and trends arising from it’ and ‘Complaints Data and issues and trends arising from it’. The Chair and Vice Chair agreed to arrange a meeting with Leaders of Political Parties. The Chair also suggested a mock hearing and possibility of sharing the costs with RCT CBC. Resolved that: a) The content of the report be noted. b) The proposed programme of meetings agreed.
Detailed discussion ensued on future training and development requirements for members of the Standards Committees, as follows: · Mock Hearing to include neighbouring Authority. · Other training with neighbouring Local Authorities. · Code of Conduct Training. · Consideration of an All Wales Chairs Panel so that Standards Committees across Wales can share good practice and build good relationships. · Standards Conference.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: a) The content of this report be noted. b) The provision of a report to Standards Committee by 1st March each year from each Group Leader setting out steps taken by them to promote compliance with the Code of Conduct be agreed.
Carys Kennedy led members through the Political Group Leaders’ Duty to Promote Compliance Report. Detailed discussion took place around setting the culture and the following questions were raised: · What can be done as a Standards Committee to support Group Leaders? · How do we promote ourselves and raise our profile and credibility as a Committee? · What are our plans to raise the profile of the Code and what is the Authority’s view on promoting us? The Chair discussed observing conduct at Committee Meetings. Carys Kennedy suggested that members attend and be introduced as Members of the Standards Committee at the next Full Council meeting. Resolved that: a) The content of this report be noted. b) The provision of a report to Standards Committee by 1st March each year from each Group Leader setting out steps taken by them to promote compliance with the Code of Conduct be agreed.
To be agreed.
No other business was deemed urgent by the Chair.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.