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There is no summary of this meeting yet. One is written once the council publishes the minutes. The agenda and papers are below.
Apologies for absence were received from Jeff Beard, Anne Morgan and Councillor Lisa Mytton.
No declarations of interest were received.
Simon Jones updated the Committee for information with the reported data within the Ombudsman letter and advised what is required of the Council. Detailed discussion ensued on how this information related to the Code of Conduct and the role of the Standards Committee. The Chair clarified for members the role of the Standards Committee and summarised that whilst this data is great for information and awareness, apart from Appendix E, it was not within the role or remit of the Standards Committee and should be noted for information only. Question raised:- · Is there a responsibility of the Portfolio Member of the area concerned? How would the Portfolio Member know about them? What is the accountability in these matters? S Jones confirmed that this information would be reported to Cabinet. It was agreed that the content of the report be noted.
Simon Jones detailed the content of Annual Complaints Review for Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council - 2021/22 to Committee. Detailed discussion ensued with particular emphasis on the process/procedure of making a complaint. The content of the report was noted.
Simon Jones updated Committee with information from Carys Kennedy. C Kennedy referred to last meeting in which she told members about the Standards Forum which is a forum to bring together Chairs of Standards from across all 22 authorities in order to share good practice, agree networking and training opportunities, and which was agreed that Merthyr Tydfil would join. The first meeting was scheduled for 8th December 2022, but was postponed until January 2023. The Chair and C Kennedy to update Standards Committee at the next meeting.
The Chair updated Committee on the meeting he had with Carys Kennedy where this report was discussed and the content agreed. At the meeting benchmarks were set out and the work programme going forward was agreed.
Simon Jones advised Committee that the constitution had been finalised and sent out to elected members with a workshop scheduled for 15th December 2022 with the aim that it will go to Council for approval in January 2023. If approved a copy will be provided to Standards Members and will be discussed at the next meeting.
The Chair advised that training will be a big part of the work programme, and that Rhondda Cynon Taf Standards Committee were in a similar position to Merthyr Tydfil with new members and therefore it was agreed that Merthyr Tydfil would work in partnership with RCT to deliver training and a mock hearing. Additionally, it was advised that following attendance at the Standards Forum scheduled to take place in January 2023 where training opportunities would be discussed, an update would be provided at the next meeting.
The Chair confirmed that a non-political meeting had been arranged for January 2023 with the Leaders of both parties, together with J John, Vice Chair to discuss the way forward and the expectations of the Standards Committee.
It was agreed that the next Standards Committee meeting will be held at 2.00 pm on Friday, 3rd March 2023.
No other business was deemed urgent by the Chair.
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