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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED That Councillor Elizabeth Rawlings be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the development of Llangwm Community Centre. It was agreed that the Monitoring Officer, when conveying the decision of her application to Councillor Rawlings, that she be advised that the Committee would be happy to consider an additional application for dispensation to vote which contained further explanation. A timescale for the dispensation was resolved at the end of the next item, which was as follows: RESOLVED That the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (4 July 2024).
RESOLVED That Councillor Simon Hancock be granted dispensation to speak and vote as a member on the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Panel; and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this Council Term.
RESOLVED That the application be refused.
RESOLVED That Councillor Vivien Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Milford Town Centre regeneration, subject to her declaring a prejudicial interest and removing herself from the meeting when discussing grant funding; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two year (4 July 2024). Mr Nick Watt suggested it would be helpful to use the recording of this application for future training purposes.
RESOLVED That Councillor Vivien Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Post 16 education in Pembrokeshire; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (4 July 2024).
RESOLVED That Councillor Terry Davies be granted dispensation to speak on cemetery or crematorium matters; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (4 July 2024).
RESOLVED That Councillor Michael John be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the development of Llangwm Community Centre in both his role as Community and County Councillor; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two year (4 July 2024)
RESOLVED That Councillor Aaron Carey be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the South Quay/Castle Terrace development in Pembroke as both a Town and County Councillor; and that the dispensation be valid until for a period of two years (4 July 2024).
RESOLVED That Councillor Michael Williams be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Tenby Harbour; and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this Council Term.
RESOLVED That Councillor Michael Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Milford Town Centre regeneration; and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this Council Term. The Committee then considered the application of Councillor Stoddart to speak and vote on Post 16 Education in Pembrokeshire. Councillor Hugh Watchman stated that he supported the application to speak only. He did not support dispensation to vote and highlighted how a reasonable person might construe a decision to vote in favour of a decision that would affect his daughter personally. Mr Nick Watt concurred with Councillor Hugh Watchman on supporting dispensation to speak only due to the importance of being allowed to speak on a broad general interest topic; however, he also referred to public perception if voting was allowed. Councillor David Edwards supported the application to speak and vote. He highlighted the importance of Councillors being able to vote on this topic that affect a large part of the County. Mr Paul Richardson commented that it would be probable that it would be more prejudicial to not be allowed to vote and outweighs any potential prejudicial interest that arises by the employment of Councillor Stoddart’s daughter. Councillor David Edwards Moved that Councillor Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak and vote on Post 16 Education in Pembrokeshire and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this council term; Seconded by Mr Paul Richardson. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands was tied at three votes for and three votes against. The Motion fell after the casting vote of the Chair against the Motion. Mr Nick Watt then Moved that that Councillor Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on Post 16 Education in Pembrokeshire and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this council term; Seconded by Councillor Hugh Watchman. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Michael Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Post 16 Education in Pembrokeshire; and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this Council Term.
RESOLVED That Councillor Tessa Hodgson be granted dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to the Swansea City Bay Deal; and that the dispensation be valid until for the duration of this Council Term.
RESOLVED That the application be refused.
Councillor Guy Woodham declared a personal and prejudicial interest in respect of item 14 on the agenda by virtue of the applicant, Councillor Terry Davies, being his maternal Uncle.
Mr Nick Watt highlighted repeat wording in the 4th paragraph under Item 45 which included the word ‘that’ and the wording ‘– would respond yes to the questions. It does highlight how narrowly this committee has been operating’. Mr Paul Richardson referred to the 4th paragraph under Item 44 and asked that it be replaced by the following wording ‘Mr Paul Richardson commented that in relation to the broader discussion about the Conference we as a Committee should be focused on mandating professional standards of which quality of training is an important component’. Moved by Ms Corinna Kershaw; Seconded by Mr Nick Watt The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 6 April 2022 be approved as a correct record, subject to the above amendments.
The items of business were varied in the following order. Due to technical difficulties of the hybrid function of the meeting there was a short adjournment of the Meeting. When the Meeting resumed Councillor Guy Woodham and Ms Suzanne Lewis were no longer present at the Meeting, due to ongoing technical difficulties, with Councillor Guy Woodham leaving to ensure quorum of the Meeting.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Elizabeth Rawlings be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the development of Llangwm Community Centre. It was agreed that the Monitoring Officer, when conveying the decision of her application to Councillor Rawlings, that she be advised that the Committee would be happy to consider an additional application for dispensation to vote which contained further explanation. A timescale for the dispensation was resolved at the end of the next item, which was as follows: RESOLVED That the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (4 July 2024).
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Elizabeth Rawlings for dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to the redevelopment of Llangwm Community Centre, the prejudicial interest being that she was Chair of the Llangwm Community Centre Management Trustees. The Chair highlighted that Councillor Rawlings had previously been granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the proposed development of Llangwm Community Centre; and that the dispensation ended in May 2022. The Committee then considered the application. Mr Nick Watt advised he was happy to support dispensation to speak only, on the grounds, that participation was justified due to her particular role or expertise; however, the application was not clear in why Councillor Rawlings should be granted dispensation to vote. The Chair concurred that there did not appear to be any change in comparison to her previous application in terms of being allowed to vote. Reference was made to a similar application further on in the agenda and that the application referred to a further two new members on the Community Council, who also have a prejudicial interest in this matter. It was noted that the grounds of ‘at least half of the members considering the business has an interest’ had been included in the application. The Committee acknowledged the potential issues this might cause; however, it was felt that there was insufficient information within the application to support the case for granting dispensation to vote. Moved by Mr Nick Watt; Seconded by Councillor Hugh Watchman The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Elizabeth Rawlings be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the development of Llangwm Community Centre. It was agreed that the Monitoring Officer, when conveying the decision of her application to Councillor Rawlings, that she be advised that the Committee would be happy to consider an additional application for dispensation to vote which contained further explanation. A timescale for the dispensation was resolved at the end of the next item, which was as follows: RESOLVED That the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (4 July 2024).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Simon Hancock be granted dispensation to speak and vote as a member on the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Panel; and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this Council Term.
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Simon Hancock for dispensation to speak and vote, as a Member of the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime at Meetings, the interest being that his niece was a serving police officer for Dyfed Powys Police. In considering the application Mr Paul Richardson stated the Police and Crime Panel’s role had very little impact on the working life of a Police Constable. He advised that he supported the application for dispensation to speak and vote be granted on the grounds that it would not damage public confidence. Other Members expressed support for the application to speak and vote with Councillor Hugh Watchman commenting that Councillor Hancock would not able to be an effective Member on the Police and Crime Panel if he was unable to speak and vote. Moved by Councillor Hugh Watchman; Seconded by Councillor David Edwards The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried RESOLVED That Councillor Simon Hancock be granted dispensation to speak and vote as a member on the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Panel; and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this Council Term.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the application be refused.
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Brian Hall for dispensation to speak and vote on planning applications relating to the Valero and RWE Power Station Liaison Committees at Planning Committee and Full Council, the prejudicial interest being that, in the context of planning matters, he was a Member on the Valero and RWE Power Station Liaison Committees. The Chair highlighted that the application was a renewal of a previous application, which had been granted to speak and vote. In considering the application, Members discussed the lack of information contained within the application. It was commented that although dispensation had previously been granted that each application should to be considered on an individual basis. Councillor Hugh Watchman referred to further training and guidance and suggested developing a model answer to the application form. The Monitoring Officer agreed to look at developing a model answer for Councillors. Due to insufficient information in the application Mr Nick Watt moved that the application be refused, which was Seconded by Mr Paul Richardson The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the application be refused.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Vivien Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Milford Town Centre regeneration, subject to her declaring a prejudicial interest and removing herself from the meeting when discussing grant funding; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two year (4 July 2024). Mr Nick Watt suggested it would be helpful to use the recording of this application for future training purposes.
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Vivien Stoddart for dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the regeneration of Milford Haven Town Centre. Councillor Hugh Watchman expressed support for the application to speak only highlighting that the application was clear that in terms of any discussions on grant funding she had advised would declare a prejudicial interest and remove herself from the meeting. Mt Nick Watt commented that there was no explanation on the grounds that participation would not damage public confidence. The Chair concurred that there was no explanation; however, referred to Councillor Stoddart wish to be able to represent the views of the residents. Councillor David Edwards stated that the application had been set out clearly and did not see what more information she could have provided; and that the public would expect her to have a view and represent them. He concluded that on balance he supported her application to speak only. Mr Paul Richardson advised that he had to make certain assumptions on the information provided and queried whether they should be making assumptions or have that detail provided in the application. Mr Nick Watt stated that Councillor Stoddart had previously been a valued member of the Committee and respected her integrity; however, the connection between the information and the grounds had not been fully met and therefore the application should be refused for further information. Councillor Hugh Watchman queried what further information would the committee be seeking; and if did not allow her to speak could be denying the electorate the opportunity to have their voice heard. The Monitoring Officer advised that the Committee could be specific in their wording of the dispensation if they were minded to. The Committee could be specific on speaking in relation to general issues around the town centre regeneration; for example, anything that related directly to the particular property would not fall within that dispensation. In response to a query on whether assumptions could be made the Monitoring Officer advised that where there were natural assumptions and gaps that can be filled through Members own knowledge then they were permitted to do so. Mr Nick Watt stated that the more suitable grounds would have been ‘in the interests of the inhabitants of the area’. The Monitoring Officer responded that it was open to the Committee to grant a dispensation on one of the available grounds and select what they thought was appropriate. Mr Nick Watt then Moved the Motion to support the application on the grounds that it was in the interests of the inhabitants in the areas; Seconded by Mr Paul Richardson. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Vivien Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Milford Town Centre regeneration, subject to her declaring a prejudicial interest and removing herself from the meeting when discussing grant funding; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two year (4 July 2024). Mr Nick Watt suggested it would be helpful to use the recording of this application for future training purposes.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Vivien Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Post 16 education in Pembrokeshire; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (4 July 2024).
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Vivien Stoddart for dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to the Post 16 Education in Pembrokeshire. The Chair highlighted that she had been granted a number of dispensations on the matter since June 2017, which had been to speak and vote. It was noted that since her original application there was no longer a sixth form at Milford Haven Secondary School. Councillor David Edwards supported the application to speak and vote. He stated that with Councillor Stoddart’s daughter being a teacher at Pembrokeshire College, it would have no impact on her view as to what the correct sixth form arrangement for any particular school in the County should be. Mr Paul Richardson agreed that education was a broad topic and that there was little possibility of an impact; however, if a matter did directly impact the daughter then an interest should be declared. Mr Nick Watt concurred with Mr Paul Richardson that, should the Committee be minded to grant dispensation, it should be subject to the condition that should any discussion have a direct impact on the provision of sixth form teaching at Pembrokeshire College, then Councillor Stoddart should not vote. The Monitoring Officer highlighted that the only reason an application was submitted was that the applicant was deemed to have a personal and prejudicial interest. The Chair clarified that the most recent dispensation granted to Councillor Stoddart was to speak only on matters relating to post 16 Education. Mr Nick Watt advised that he supported her application to speak; however, he commented that there was no explanation as to why she should vote. Mr David Edwards reiterated his support of the application to speak and vote and referred to previous application discussions involving whether there would have been a direct impact, and that he still believed the connection was too remote for the Councillor to be influenced. Mr Hugh Watchman supported a dispensation to speak only and not to vote due to what a reasonable person would consider if an issue arose which directly affected Pembrokeshire College. Mr Paul Richardson referred to the lack of specific detail in the application in terms of granting dispensation to vote. Councillor Hugh Watchman stated that should Councillor Stoddart wish to put in a further application seeking dispensation to vote then she would need to provide more detail specifically around Pembrokeshire College issues that may affect her daughter. Moved by Councillor Hugh Watchman; Seconded by Mr Nick Watt The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands was tied at three votes for and three votes against. The Motion was then carried by the casting vote of the Chair. RESOLVED That Councillor Vivien Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Post 16 education in Pembrokeshire; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (4 July 2024).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Terry Davies be granted dispensation to speak on cemetery or crematorium matters; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (4 July 2024).
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Terry Davies for dispensation to speak only on matters relating to cemetery or crematorium matters. In considering the application the Committee supported his application to speak only, with it noted that the application was succinct and contained all the relevant information. Moved by Councillor David Edwards; Seconded by Mr Nick Watt The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Terry Davies be granted dispensation to speak on cemetery or crematorium matters; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (4 July 2024).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Michael John be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the development of Llangwm Community Centre in both his role as Community and County Councillor; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two year (4 July 2024)
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Michael John for dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to the redevelopment of Llangwm Community Centre. The Committee then considered the application. Mr Nick Watt commented that Councillor John had made a clear case on why he should be granted dispensation to speak. He stated that the reason given to vote was not very clear. Reference was made to the similar application of Councillor Rawlings considered earlier in the agenda and it was highlighted that it would be beneficial to understand the composition of the Community Council in terms of allowing dispensation to vote. Councillor David Edwards advised he had looked at the previous minutes of Llangwm Community Council and clarified that there were seven members on the Community Council in total. The Monitoring Officer responded to a query regarding whether Councillor John was seeking dispensation in his role as County Councillor as well as his role as Community Councillor. She stated that under section two he had referred to speaking as a local member at Planning Committee meetings and so was seeking dispensation in his role as County Councillor in addition to his role as Community Councillor. Moved by Mr Nick Watt; Seconded by Councillor Hugh Watchman The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Michael John be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the development of Llangwm Community Centre in both his role as Community and County Councillor; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two year (4 July 2024)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Aaron Carey be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the South Quay/Castle Terrace development in Pembroke as both a Town and County Councillor; and that the dispensation be valid until for a period of two years (4 July 2024).
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Aaron Carey for dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the South Quay/Castle Terrace development in Pembroke. The Chair highlighted that he had previously been granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the South Quay/Castle Terrace development in Pembrokeas recently as January 2022. It was noted that Councillor Aaron Carey had provided detailed information, which had included a photo of the area the application related to. Mr Nick Watt clarified that the application for dispensation was in relation to his role as County Councillor and also as a Town Councillor. In considering the application the Committee supported that dispensation to speak only be granted and that the timescale should be for a period of two years (4 July 2024). Moved by Councillor David Edwards; Seconded by Mr Nick Watt The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Aaron Carey be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the South Quay/Castle Terrace development in Pembroke as both a Town and County Councillor; and that the dispensation be valid until for a period of two years (4 July 2024).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Michael Williams be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Tenby Harbour; and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this Council Term.
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Michael Williams for dispensation to speak on matters relating to Tenby Harbour. The Chair advised that Councillor Williams had tried to attend the Committee remotely, however due to the technical difficulties had been unable to attend the meeting. Councillor Williams had been spoken to via telephone, was content for the Committee to consider the application without his attendance, and would be available via telephone if any questions were required to be answered. It was noted that he had been granted a dispensation to speak on this matter for many years and had considerable knowledge and expertise in this area. The Committee considered the application and supported dispensation to speak only on the grounds that were outlined in the application. Moved by Mr Paul Richardson; Seconded by Mr Nick Watt The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Michael Williams be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Tenby Harbour; and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this Council Term.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Michael Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Milford Town Centre regeneration; and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this Council Term. The Committee then considered the application of Councillor Stoddart to speak and vote on Post 16 Education in Pembrokeshire. Councillor Hugh Watchman stated that he supported the application to speak only. He did not support dispensation to vote and highlighted how a reasonable person might construe a decision to vote in favour of a decision that would affect his daughter personally. Mr Nick Watt concurred with Councillor Hugh Watchman on supporting dispensation to speak only due to the importance of being allowed to speak on a broad general interest topic; however, he also referred to public perception if voting was allowed. Councillor David Edwards supported the application to speak and vote. He highlighted the importance of Councillors being able to vote on this topic that affect a large part of the County. Mr Paul Richardson commented that it would be probable that it would be more prejudicial to not be allowed to vote and outweighs any potential prejudicial interest that arises by the employment of Councillor Stoddart’s daughter. Councillor David Edwards Moved that Councillor Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak and vote on Post 16 Education in Pembrokeshire and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this council term; Seconded by Mr Paul Richardson. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands was tied at three votes for and three votes against. The Motion fell after the casting vote of the Chair against the Motion. Mr Nick Watt then Moved that that Councillor Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on Post 16 Education in Pembrokeshire and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this council term; Seconded by Councillor Hugh Watchman. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Michael Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Post 16 Education in Pembrokeshire; and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this Council Term.
The Chair advised that due to technical difficulties Councillor Stoddart was attending the meeting through the facility of his mobile phone. Due to Councillor Stoddart having two applications that were being considered he was invited to address the Committee in support of each application and to explain the purpose for each application. The Chair invited Councillor Stoddart to address the Committee in support of his application for dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the regeneration of Milford Haven Town Centre. Councillor Stoddart addressed the Committee in support of his application highlighting that he felt it would damage public confidence if an elected member was not able to participate in general debate about the regeneration. The Chair then invited Councillor Stoddart to address the Committee in support of his application for dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to Post 16 Education in Pembrokeshire. Councillor Stoddart addressed the Committee in support of his application highlighting that he had consistently spoke in favour of sixth form education in schools, which was directly in conflict with his daughter’s interest. Councillor Stoddart withdrew from the meeting and the Committee firstly considered the application for dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the regeneration of Milford Haven Town Centre. Councillor David Edwards stated he supported the application to speak only and proposed that the dispensation begranted to speak only for the life of this Council due to Milford Haven Regeneration being a long-term project. Mr Nick Watt also stated that he supported the application on the grounds outlined in the application. Moved by Councillor David Edwards; Seconded by Mr Nick Watt. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Michael Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Milford Town Centre regeneration; and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this Council Term. The Committee then considered the application of Councillor Stoddart to speak and vote on Post 16 Education in Pembrokeshire. Councillor Hugh Watchman stated that he supported the application to speak only. He did not support dispensation to vote and highlighted how a reasonable person might construe a decision to vote in favour of a decision that would affect his daughter personally. Mr Nick Watt concurred with Councillor Hugh Watchman on supporting dispensation to speak only due to the importance of being allowed to speak on a broad general interest topic; however, he also referred to public perception if voting was allowed. Councillor David Edwards supported the application to speak and vote. He highlighted the importance of Councillors being able to vote on this topic that affect a large part of the County. Mr Paul Richardson commented that it would be probable that it would be more prejudicial to not be allowed to vote and outweighs any potential prejudicial interest that arises by the employment of Councillor Stoddart’s daughter. Councillor David Edwards Moved that Councillor Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak and vote on Post 16 Education in Pembrokeshire and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this council term; Seconded by Mr Paul Richardson. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands was tied at three votes for and three votes against. The Motion fell after the casting vote of the Chair against the Motion. Mr Nick Watt then Moved that that Councillor Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on Post 16 Education in Pembrokeshire and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this council term; Seconded by Councillor Hugh Watchman. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Michael Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Post 16 Education in Pembrokeshire; and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this Council Term.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Tessa Hodgson be granted dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to the Swansea City Bay Deal; and that the dispensation be valid until for the duration of this Council Term.
The Chair advised that due to ongoing technical difficulties Councillor Tessa Hodgson was attending the meeting through the facility of her mobile phone. The Committee considered an application by Councillor Tessa Hodgson for dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to the Swansea City Bay Deal. The Chair invited Councillor Hodgson to address the Committee in support of her application and to explain the purpose for her application. Councillor Hodgson addressed the Committee in support of her application and advised that her partner worked as a Marine Pilot for Milford Port Authority, which was one of the lead organisations in the Pembroke Dock Infrastructure project that was part of the Swansea Bay City Deal. In response to Mr Nick Watt she expanded on her reason for why being allowed to vote would not damage public confidence. She stated that her partner’s role was not directly linked to the Port Authorities’ involvement in the Swansea City Bay Deal. At that point Councillor Hodgson withdrew from the meeting and the Committee considered her application and oral submission. In considering the application, the Committee supported that dispensation to speak and vote be granted and that and that the dispensation be valid for the duration of this Council Term. Moved by Councillor Hugh Watchman; Seconded by Mr Paul Richardson. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Tessa Hodgson be granted dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to the Swansea City Bay Deal; and that the dispensation be valid until for the duration of this Council Term.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the application be refused.
The Chair advised that due to ongoing technical difficulties Councillor Alec Cormack was attending the meeting through the facility of his mobile phone. The Committee considered an application by Councillor Alec Cormack for dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the scope of the public consultation into the release of a covenant at the Heritage Park site, Pleasant Valley. The Chair invited Councillor Cormack to address the Committee in support of his application and to explain the purpose of his application. Councillor Cormack addressed the Committee in support of his application highlighting that his only interest in the matter was his involvement on behalf of the community in the Stepaside and Pleasant Valley Residents Group (SPVRG). He advised that he had no financial or other beneficial interest and explained the grounds for dispensation that he had outlined in his application. The Chair highlighted a judicial review that had found against the SPVRG on all counts and it was concerning that this information had not been provided. Councillor Cormack responded that that was in relation to the planning application and believed that was a separate matter to the public consultation on the car park covenant. Councillor Cormack clarified that he was seeking dispensation to speak only on the release of the covenant concerning the current car park and specifically the terms of reference of the public consultation that was proposed. It was also confirmed that Pembrokeshire County Council would carry out the public consultation. At that point in the Meeting Councillor Cormack withdrew from the meeting and the Committee considered his application and oral submission. Councillor David Edwards commented that it was clear he had a predetermined and not a balanced view on the matter and therefore he would be inclined to support refusing the application. Mr Nick Watt concurred stating that a reasonable person would question his ability to reach an impartial conclusion due to his role in the group. Moved by Mr Nick Watt; Seconded by Councillor David Edwards The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the application be refused.
No urgent applications of dispensation were received.
It was confirmed that the next meeting was scheduled for 10 October 2022 at 10am.
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.
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