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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 Mr Paul Richardson be elected as Chair for the duration of this Meeting.
RESOLVED That the matter be considered at the next Standards Committee Meeting.
RESOLVED That Councillor Paul Miller be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the Community Interest Domiciliary Care – Community Interest Care; and that the dispensation be valid until the end of this Council Term.
RESOLVED That Councillor Di Clements be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to second homes council tax and tourism levies; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (9.10.2024).
RESOLVED That Councillor Brian Hall be granted dispensation to speak and vote on planning applications relating to the Valero Liaison and RWE Power Station Committees; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (9.10.2024). The Committee then considered his application for dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to Swansea City Bay Deal. In considering the application, the Committee supported that dispensation to speak and vote be granted and that the dispensation be valid for the end of this Council Term. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillor David Edwards, Ms Suzanne Lewis, Mr Paul Richardson, Councillor Vanessa Thomas, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Hugh Watchman [6]. There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That Councillor Brian Hall be granted dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to Swansea City Bay Deal; and that the dispensation be valid until the end of this Council Term.
RESOLVED That the report be noted.
RESOLVED That the report be noted.
RESOLVED That the update in respect of the Overview of Ombudsman Code of Conduct Cases June – September 2022 be noted.
RESOLVED That the draftprotocol on members/officers relations be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Mr Paul Richardson be elected as Chair for the duration of this Meeting.
Due to the absence of both the Chair and Vice Chair the Monitoring Officer sought nominations for the election of a Chair for the duration of this Meeting. Moved by Mrs Suzanne Lewis; Seconded by Councillor Hugh Watchman The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Mr Paul Richardson be elected as Chair for the duration of this Meeting.
There were no declarations of interest received.
In considering the Minutes of the Meeting held on the 9 June 2022, the Chair highlighted page 9 of the agenda and advised that he believed there was a mistake in the order of the text. He referred to the resolution to exclude the public being recorded and then the next line referring to the Committee retiring to consider the matter. He advised that he thought that there was either a mistake in terms of recording the fact that the first exclusion was about the extra material or that line needed to be removed. 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 the Minutes of the Meeting held on 9 June 2022 be approved as a correct record, subject to the above amendments. In considering the Minutes of the Meeting held on the 5 July 2022 the following issues were raised by the Chair: · That on Item 14, paragraph 2 the word ‘remover’ should be replaced by ‘removed’. · That on Item 15, paragraph 4 the word ‘than’ should be replaced with ‘then’ Moved by Mr Paul Richardson; Seconded by Councillor Hugh Watchman The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 5 July 2022 be approved as a correct record, subject to the above amendments.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the matter be considered at the next Standards Committee Meeting.
The Chair introduced the Item and suggested that due to the Chair and Vice Chair being unable to attend for this item today that no firm resolutions on the matter be decided. This was due to any meetings held with the Group Leaders would be with the Chair and Vice Chair and therefore would be beneficial for them to be part of any decisions made. The Monitoring Officer then presented the report on the Duty of Group Leaders outlining the duties of the Group Leaders and Standards Committee as set out in the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 and the progress of the work carried out in relation to the new duties. She drew the Committee’s attention to the draft template report for Group Leaders, attached at Appendix 3 and asked for any feedback. The Chair welcomed political Group Leaders and Councillor Jacob Williams, who had been nominated by unaffiliated members to attend on their behalf, to the Meeting and asked for their views. Councillor Di Clements commented that it would be prudent for Group Leaders to meet once or twice a year and have the completed form to assist in forming the basis for those discussions in highlighting what issues might have arisen and could be addressed. Councillor Alec Cormack referred to the first section of the draft report template highlighting that it related to training, which was a one off and therefore this would not change significantly. He also advised that issues that would be drawn to the attention of the Committee would have been dealt with as soon as arisen, through the Monitoring Officer. He concluded that he would be happy with a six monthly or Annual report to the Standards Committee Mr Nick Watt highlighted that the Standards Committee have to report to full Council formally once a year so there would need to be some structure of routine reporting, while recognising that urgent action would be required when an issue arose. Councillor David Edwards queried if the Group Leader reports became part of the formal process of the Standards Committee, would they be considered as background documents and therefore open to the public. The Monitoring Officer clarified that they would be open to the public and so would need to be anonymous which did limit the value to a certain extent; however, it would outline the type of issues emerging. In terms of the meetings of the Chair and Vice Chair with the Group Leaders the Chair concurred with previous comments that they should be 6 monthly at most. However, in reference to a formal process for the Standards Committee he commented that there should be a formal agenda item on a quarterly basis with the necessary data to assist in preparing the Annual Report that would be agreed by the Committee prior to it being considered at full Council. The Monitoring Officer highlighted that she had reviewed some other Local Authority approaches who were having the forms submitted to the Committee on an Annual basis. She suggested that forms could be on an Annual basis to the Committee to inform the Annual Report and that informal meetings with the Chair/ Vice Chair and Group Leaders could happen on a 6 monthly basis. She concluded that she could provide a report at the next meeting based on the feedback provided to agree a formal approach. Councillor Jacob Williams advised that, he had been nominated by unaffiliated members, highlighting that the legislation only applied to political group members and that he did not see the value it added. He stated that it was already a duty of members to report members conduct and abide by the Code of Conduct. He also commented that smaller groups would find it more difficult to maintain anonymity in the reports. Councillor Paul Miller referred to training, stated that it was there to help, and was not there as a performance management tool. Mr Nick Watt stated that the Committee had a statutory duty to act and needed a way forward that was not too onerous yet effective. Mrs Suzanne Lewis commented that the Group Leader report should be on an Annual basis as needed to be proportionate and reasonable; however, it was important in raising standards. She advised would need to consider how to share information in relation to smaller political groups. The Chair, in his summing up of the item, agreed that the process should not be overly bureaucratic; however, it was the key role of the Committee to ensure professional standards were maintained. It was noted that views expressed would be captured and form part of a report to come back to the next Committee. Moved by Councillor David Edwards; Seconded by Mrs Suzanne Lewis The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the matter be considered at the next Standards Committee Meeting.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Paul Miller be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the Community Interest Domiciliary Care – Community Interest Care; and that the dispensation be valid until the end of this Council Term.
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Paul Miller for dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the the Community Interest Domiciliary Care Company – Community Interest Care. The Chairman invited Councillor Paul Millerto address the Committee in support of his application and to explain the purpose of his application. Councillor Paul Miller addressed the Committee in support of his application and then withdrew from the Meeting. The Committee then considered the application. The consensus of the Committee was to support Councillor Miller to grant dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the Community Interest Domiciliary Care Company – Community Interest Care. This was supported on the basis of Councillor Paul Miller’s expertise in this area. In discussing the timescale for the dispensation the Committee agreed that the circumstances were unlikely to change and therefore dispensation should be granted for the full Council term. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillor David Edwards, Ms Suzanne Lewis, Mr Paul Richardson, Councillor Vanessa Thomas, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Hugh Watchman [6]. There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That Councillor Paul Miller be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to the Community Interest Domiciliary Care – Community Interest Care; and that the dispensation be valid until the end of this Council Term.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Di Clements be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to second homes council tax and tourism levies; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (9.10.2024).
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Di Clements for dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to second homes council tax and a potential tourism levy. The Chair asked if Councillor Clements wished to address the Committee in support of her application at this stage, with Councillor Clements advising she was content for the Committee to ask any questions they might have. Mrs Suzanne Lewis queried whether Councillor Clements or a close association of hers owned a second home or holiday accommodation in Pembrokeshire. Councillor Clements advised that she owned two holiday units, which were not classed as a second home and that she could not sell or rent out due to the planning policy of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. In terms of voting, Councillor Hugh Watchman, asked if there was any conflict in her voting intentions that could arise. Councillor Clements highlighted potentially it could be argued that people could think this especially in terms of the tourism levy; however, these issues were not decided yet and she would like to be able to offer balance in making any potential decisions. Members asked for further detail about why Councillor Clements felt she should be allowed to vote and Councillor Clements responded that she was not able to give further detail. Councillor David Edwards asked about the Visit Pembrokeshire Board and whether Members on that Board owned a second home. Councilor Clements responded that it would more likely be holiday homes as Visit Pembrokeshire was to promote tourism. At this point Councillor Clements withdrew from the meeting and the Committee considered his application and oral submission. In deliberating the application the consensus of the Committee was that Councillor Clements should be granted dispensation to speak, on the grounds that, she had expertise and knowledge in the matter; however, Members did not support her application to vote. For the Motion: Councillor David Edwards, Ms Suzanne Lewis, Mr Paul Richardson, Councillor Vanessa Thomas, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Hugh Watchman [6]. There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That Councillor Di Clements be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to second homes council tax and tourism levies; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (9.10.2024).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Brian Hall be granted dispensation to speak and vote on planning applications relating to the Valero Liaison and RWE Power Station Committees; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (9.10.2024). The Committee then considered his application for dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to Swansea City Bay Deal. In considering the application, the Committee supported that dispensation to speak and vote be granted and that the dispensation be valid for the end of this Council Term. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillor David Edwards, Ms Suzanne Lewis, Mr Paul Richardson, Councillor Vanessa Thomas, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Hugh Watchman [6]. There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That Councillor Brian Hall be granted dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to Swansea City Bay Deal; and that the dispensation be valid until the end of this Council Term.
Due to Councillor Brian Hall 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 Hall to address the Committee in support of his application for dispensation to speak and vote on planning applications relating to the Valero Liaison and RWE Power Station Committees and his application for dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to Swansea City Bay Deal. Councillor Hall addressed the Committee in support of both his applications. The Committee then asked Councillor Hall questions about both his applications. In relation to his application for dispensation to speak and vote on planning applications relating to the Valero Liaison and RWE Power Station Committeesthe following points were raised: · Councillor Brian Hall confirmed he had served on the Committees for at least 34 years. · In response to Councillor Hugh Watchman, Councillor Hall confirmed that he had been on the Planning Committee for a number of years and was the longest standing member. · Councillor Hall, in response to Mr Nick Watt, confirmed that he had received no material benefit from being on the RWE/Valero Liaison Committees or that there was any reason that a Member of the Public would have concern about him voting on planning applications. · Councillor Brian Hall in response to a query from Mrs Suzanne Lewis about whether he would receive any benefit, he referred to mileage claims; however, it was noted he had not claimed any for approximately 3 years. In relation to his application for dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to Swansea City Bay Deal the following points were raised: · Mr Nick Watt queried if Councillor Brian Hall had any previous connection with anything related to the Swansea Bay City Deal. In response. Councillor Brian Hall advised that the Pembroke Dock scheme fell within his ward and outlined the positive impact the scheme would have on local apprenticeships and jobs. · Councillor David Edwards asked if an application came up for Swansea City Bay Deal outside Councillor Hall’s ward would he wish to speak and vote on those as well. Councillor Hall highlighted that there was £550 million for the whole Swansea Bay City deal area and that he would support projects that would not be detrimental to that local area. · Councillor David Edwards sought further clarification on the application as it stated that all planning applications would all be within the Councillors ward. Councillor Brian Hall responded that might have been an error; however, the role of the Committee was to scrutinise the spend of that money and was essential to represent his ward. At this point Councillor Hall withdrew from the Meeting and the Committee considered his application for dispensation to speak and vote on planning applications relating to the Valero Liaison and RWE Power Station Committees. In considering the application there was consensus for Councillor Hall to speak on matters due to his expertise and knowledge; however, there was some debate about whether he should be allowed to vote. Mr Paul Richardson highlighted that the Councillor had been appointed to the Committees by the Authority and that the Committee could set a dangerous precedent if the Committee were minded to not allow him to vote. As it might mean that other Members might not want not want to sit on future Committees. Mrs Suzanne Lewis referred to his response in relation to any benefit and that mileage was not really a benefit as would be for petrol, so he had clarified he did not receive a benefit. The Monitoring Officer referred to the Code of Conduct and advised that it was a body to which he had been elected or appointed by the Council and it would in most circumstances fall under paragraph 12 (2). However, there was an exemption where it involved an approval, consent, licence permission or registration. So clarified that the application was just in relation to the Planning Committee. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillor David Edwards, Ms Suzanne Lewis, Mr Paul Richardson, Councillor Vanessa Thomas, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Hugh Watchman [6]. There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That Councillor Brian Hall be granted dispensation to speak and vote on planning applications relating to the Valero Liaison and RWE Power Station Committees; and that the dispensation be valid for a period of two years (9.10.2024). The Committee then considered his application for dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to Swansea City Bay Deal. In considering the application, the Committee supported that dispensation to speak and vote be granted and that the dispensation be valid for the end of this Council Term. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillor David Edwards, Ms Suzanne Lewis, Mr Paul Richardson, Councillor Vanessa Thomas, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Hugh Watchman [6]. There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That Councillor Brian Hall be granted dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to Swansea City Bay Deal; and that the dispensation be valid until the end of this Council Term.
No urgent applications of dispensation were received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the report be noted.
The Monitoring Officer presented the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) Annual Letter 2021/22 which provided standard information regarding the number of complaints (including Code complaints) received by the PSOW in relation to each Authority’s area. 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 the report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the report be noted.
The Monitoring Officer presented the report outlining the decision of the Adjudication Panel for Wales regarding former Councillor Paul Dowson. It was noted that the hearing was held on 22nd August 2022, and that the Case Tribunal found by unanimous decision that Former Councillor Paul Dowson had failed to comply with the Pembrokeshire County Council Code of Conduct. The Case Tribunal decided by unanimous decision that Former Councillor Paul Dowson should be disqualified for three years from being or becoming a member of Pembrokeshire County Council or of any other relevant authority within the meaning of the Local Government Act 2000, with effect from the date of the notice. Moved by Mr Paul Richardson; Seconded by Councillor David Edwards The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the update in respect of the Overview of Ombudsman Code of Conduct Cases June – September 2022 be noted.
The Monitoring Officer presented the report which provided Members with an overview of the outcome of Code of Conduct cases which contain summaries of all reports issued under Section 69(4) of the Local Government Act 2000 that have been published on the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales’ website since June 2022. The Monitoring Officer also advised that she had offered Code of Conduct training sessions in person and online and that these would continue to be offered. Mrs Suzanne Lewis referred to the short Code of Conduct training video that had been emailed to the Town and Community Council Clerks and queried whether the Leader could request that it be to shown at one of their council meetings as a way to reach more Councillors. The Monitoring Officer in response advised that the Clerks could be asked to show the video. Councillor Hugh Watchman referred to the Code of Conduct booklet that had been produced and confirmed that all the members of his community council had a copy and had been forwarded the video. He stated that believed there was more that could be done to ensure Councillors at all levels were fully aware of the standards required of them. Mr Paul Richardson commented that the report was useful in recognising common themes and identifying where it was needed to improve standards. He also thanked Officers for their work on the report. Moved by Mr Paul Richardson.; Seconded by Councillor David Edwards The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the update in respect of the Overview of Ombudsman Code of Conduct Cases June – September 2022 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the draftprotocol on members/officers relations be noted.
The Monitoring Officer presented the draft protocol on members/officers relations for the consideration of the Committee. It was noted that as part of the Governance Improvement Action Plan that was attached at Appendix 1 the draft Protocol on members/officers relations sought to address objectives A5 – A7. The Monitoring Officer, in response to Mr Paul Richardson, clarified that it had not yet gone to Council and that it would go through a whole political process, along with the Constitution and associated protocols. Councillor Hugh Watchman suggested that the Committee could meet separately to discuss all the ideas around improving standards and produce a report which outlines what the Committee intend to do to improve standards to be considered at full council for approval. Mrs Suzanne Lewis concurred with Councillor Hugh Watchman and also stated that it would be useful to include the work that has been carried out by the Monitoring Officer around training and the discussions with Group Leaders to show the progress to date. Mr Nick Watt commented that it was a report to note and asked that the Monitoring Officer kept the Committee updated on progress. Moved by Mr Paul Richardson; Seconded by Councillor David Edwards. The vote for the Motion, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the draftprotocol on members/officers relations be noted.
The Monitoring Officer presented the Standards Committee Timetable 2022/23 for the consideration of the Committee. Councillor Hugh Watchman referred to a template form and suggested a workshop to look at what was expected from the Committee and take a view on how standards were to be maintained as highlighted in a previous item agenda. Members concurred with this suggestion and it was requested that this be looked at and Members to be emailed a way forward.
It was confirmed that the next meeting was scheduled for 12 December 2022 at 2pm.
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.