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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.
No apologies for absence were received.
No declarations of interest were received.
The Minutes of the previous Standards Meeting held on Friday, 1st December 2023 were shared with members of the Standards Committee to determine accuracy. The Chair then went through the Minutes for information.
The Monitoring Officer, C Kennedy presented the Analysis of Data in respect of complaints received by the Authority 2022 – 2023 to the Committee Members and explained that the content of this report had previously been submitted by the complaints officer to the Governance and Audit Committee and now adapted to present replica information to the Standards Committee to provide an opportunity to go through the detail and look at historical trends, raise questions and discuss the content. The Chair invited questions to be raised and discussed, but reminded members that this report was for information and not investigation by the Standards Committee. The following questions were raised:- · Does this information go as an information report to social services committee? Following discussion it was noted that this information has previously been reported to the Social Service Committee. · How do we compare with neighbouring authorities? Do we look at trend and comparative analysis? The Monitoring Officer advised she would update members if further information was available. It was agreed that this Report be received for information and noted Standards Committee look forward to receiving next year’s report.
The Monitoring Officer advised that there were two live Ombudsman investigations, the brief detail of which are: · A member of public referred a matter to the Ombudsman in June 2023 and confirmed that this matter still hasn’t been concluded. The Ombudsman has been chased for a response and advised that this could take up to 12 months to conclude. · Hearing – Following a decision made regarding a breach of code of conduct, the matter was referred to the Ombudsman. Detailed discussions took place with regard to the role of the Standards Committee and the role of the Ombudsman. The Chair and Monitoring Officer updated Members on the discussion and concerns raised that took place at the All Wales Chairs Forum around a decision being made by Standards Committee being referred to the Ombudsman and the details of the holding response received from the Ombudsman following these concerns being raised. Detailed discussion ensued surrounding the well-being, support available and duty of care to the persons involved in these investigations and the need for these matters to be expedited as quickly as possible. The discussion concluded with reassurance from the Chair that the Standards Committee would continue to expedite these matters as quickly as possible.
The Monitoring Officer provided a brief update on the Council budget setting process and difficulties encountered and how this was managed, including how the process is already being looked at to alleviate problems next year. Discussion took place around the duties and responsibilities of Elected Members.
The Monitoring Officer provided a verbal update on the workshops to go through the Constitution that had taken place and reported that it was hoped the new Constitution would be reported to Council in May 2024. Following this it was agreed that a report would be brought back to Standards Committee with a user guide and an opportunity to run through the changes.
The Chair provided a verbal update on his attendance at the Chairs of Standards Forum Meeting. It was noted that a copy of the Minutes of this meeting were available for Members on request from the Democratic Service Department.
The Monitoring Officer provided a verbal update on training for Standards Members, and noted that whilst there was no training available at the moment, when the Standards Forum meet later this year this usually generates training opportunities, and also there may be an opportunity to observe a Hearing at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council if the situation arises.
The date of the next meeting will be 2.00 p.m. on Friday, 28th June 2024.
No other business was deemed urgent by the Chair.
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