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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 Neil Prior be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024).
RESOLVED That Councillor Mike Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024).
RESOLVED That Councillor Vivien Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024).
RESOLVED That Councillor Alistair Cameron be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024).
RESOLVED That Councillor Tessa Hodgson be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024). Councillor Christopher Williams The Committee considered an application by Councillor Chris Williams for dispensation to speak on matters relating to second home council tax and the tourism levy. On invitation of the Chair, Councillor Williams addressed the Committee in support of his application; and to explain the purpose of his application. Councillor Williams informed the committee that his mother in law and his mother both had second homes and that he managed roughly 40 properties. He bought land off his neighbour to build the annex on his house but now his neighbour was planning to buy the annex and land off it. The Committee were then provided with an opportunity to ask questions of Councillor Williams on his application. In response to Councillor Woodham, Councillor Williams said that he would like the dispensation to be extended so he could speak and vote but would accept a ‘speak only’ dispensation. Regarding Councillor Edwards’ question on income, Councillor Williams stated that he was self-employed and some of the 40 properties he managed were second homes; therefore, some of his income came from second homes. Councillor Chris Williams left the meeting so the Committee could discuss his application. Nick Watt expressed his concern that the information Councillor Williams gave verbally in the meeting was not in his dispensation. Proper consideration could not be given without for this and therefore, there was not enough information to grant a dispensation. Councillor Edwards concurred with this and suggested that the neither a dispensation to speak or vote is granted. Councillor Woodham stated that he was happy to grant a dispensation to speak but he acknowledged the concerns given by the committee. He queried whether this could be deferred so a new application containing all the information be provided. The Chair expressed her concern that a sizeable amount of Councillor Williams’ income came from second homes and the familial relationships that had second homes. Nick Watt proposed that the application be rejected but that Councillor Williams be invited to submit another application for the next meeting containing the information he disclosed verbally in the meeting. The Chair concurred with this. Moved by Councillor David Edwards; Seconded by Ms Corinna Kershaw. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried, the votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion – Community Councillor David Edwards, Ms Corinna Kershaw, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Guy Woodham RESOLVED That Councillor Chris Williams be not granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism. Moved by Mr Nick Watt; Seconded by Councillor David Edwards. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED The all approved dispensations submitted to this meeting be expanded to cover ‘all matters within the tourism industry’.
RESOLVED That this item be considered at a working group of the Committee on the 9th October so the Committee can review the procedure rules.
RESOLVED That the update in respect of the Overview of Ombudsman Code of Conduct Cases February 2023-May 2023 be noted.
RESOLVED That the forward work programme be noted, subject to the amendment of the Standards Committee Hearing Procedure Rules going to a working group meeting on the 9th October.
Councillor Guy Woodham declared a personal and prejudicial interest in agenda Item 9 – Application from Councillor Michelle Bateman, because of his personal friendship with the applicant.
RESOLVED That the Ordinary Minutes of the Meeting held on the 12th June 2023 be approved as a correct record. That the Extraordinary Minutes of the Meeting held on the 12th June 2023 be approved as a correct record. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Neil Prior be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024).
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Neil Prior for dispensation to speak on matters relating to self-catering holiday lets. On invitation of the Chair, Councillor Prior addressed the Committee in support of his application; and to explain the purpose of his application. He informed the committee that his partner had a self-catering holiday accommodation but that he had no shares in it. There were no questions to Councillor Prior on his application. Councillor Neil Prior left the meeting so the Committee could discuss his application. Councillor Dave Edwards said that as nothing has changed since Councillor Prior’s previous application so he was happy to support the dispensation to speak only. Nick Watt concurred with this and suggested an extension to this until the end of the municipal year. The committee supported this. Moved by Councillor Guy Woodham; Seconded by Councillor David Edwards The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried, the votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion – Community Councillor David Edwards, Ms Corinna Kershaw, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Guy Woodham RESOLVED That Councillor Neil Prior be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Mike Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024).
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Mike Stoddart for dispensation to speak on matters relating to the second-home council tax and holiday home occupation thresholds. On invitation of the Chair, Councillor M Stoddart addressed the Committee in support of his application; and to explain the purpose of his application. He requested that his dispensation be extended to be able to speak on self-catering holiday let’s as his wife and daughter owned one. There were no questions to Councillor M Stoddart on his application. Councillor Mike Stoddart left the meeting so the Committee could discuss his application. Councillor Edwards supported Councillor M Stoddart’s dispensation to speak on second homes. Nick Watt highlighted his concern that most dispensations were asking to speak only and not vote and queried the impact this would have when it was debated at Full Council. He added that as tourism was prevalent to the economy in Pembrokeshire, he believed that more councillors were linked to it than the members who submitted dispensations. Councillor Woodham queried whether this was something Standards Committee could action because dispensations were self-referral. Rhian Young (Head of Law and Governance) noted that more dispensations may be presented to committee after the tourism levy increases. Moved by Councillor David Edwards; Seconded by Mr Nick Watt The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried, the votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion – Community Councillor David Edwards, Ms Corinna Kershaw, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Guy Woodham RESOLVED That Councillor Mike Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Vivien Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024).
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Vivien Stoddart for dispensation to speak on matters relating to the second-home council tax and self-catering holiday lets. On invitation of the Chair, Councillor V Stoddart addressed the Committee in support of her application; and to explain the purpose of her application. Councillor Vivian Stoddart noted that she made the application in June 2023 and there had been changes to planning laws since then and the meeting. She requested that her dispensation be extended to discuss all tourism matters. The Committee were then provided with an opportunity to ask questions of Councillor V Stoddart on her application. In response to Nick Watt, Councillor V Stoddart confirmed that she did not take in any income as shareholder and director of the company for the holiday home. Councillor V Stoddart suggested that all the dispensations in this meeting be expanded to cover all topics tourism related due to the changing legislation. Councillor Vivien Stoddart left the meeting so the Committee could discuss his application. Councillor Edwards supported Councillor Stoddart’s suggestion to expand the dispensations requested in the meeting to cover all tourism related topics. This was seconded by Mr Nick Watt who supported this for ‘speak only’ applications. Councillor Woodham supported the views of the committee. Moved by Councillor David Edwards; Seconded by Mr Nick Watt The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried, the votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion – Community Councillor David Edwards, Ms Corinna Kershaw, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Guy Woodham RESOLVED That Councillor Vivien Stoddart be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Alistair Cameron be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024).
The Committee considered an application by Councillor Alistair Cameron for dispensation to speak on matters relating to the tourism levy and second-home council tax. On invitation of the Chair, Councillor Cameron addressed the Committee in support of his application; and to explain the purpose of his application. Councillor Cameron clarified that he was happy for his application to be changed so he would just be granted a dispensation to speak only rather than speak and vote. He bought a flat in Saundersfoot that met the 182 occupancy threshold. There was a lot of tourism in his area and he would like to represent their views and the levy. The Committee were then provided with an opportunity to ask questions of Councillor Cameron on her application. In response to Nick Watt, Councillor Cameron stated that roughly 25% of his income came from renting the flat he owned since he bought it in June 2023. In response to Councillor Woodham, Councillor Cameron clarified that being granted a dispensation to speak only should not stop his from representing his constituents. However, he informed the committee that as there was no overall party majority at the council and he was in a party with only two councillors, this could affect the voting outcome. Councillor Alistair Cameron left the meeting so the Committee could discuss his application. Councillor Woodham noted that as Councillor Cameron confirmed that he was happy to be granted the dispensation to speak only than to vote then this should be supported. This would also be in line to the precedent of the other application received at this meeting. Rhian Young said that she could not see a legal reason as to why dispensations should not be granted. Councillor Edwards and Nick Watt supported Councillor Woodham’s proposal. Moved by Councillor Guy Woodham; Seconded by Councillor David Edwards. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried, the votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion – Community Councillor David Edwards, Ms Corinna Kershaw, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Guy Woodham RESOLVED That Councillor Alistair Cameron be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024).
Councillor Guy Woodham left the meeting at this juncture The Chair read out the following motion to be moved: That the public be excluded from the meeting for item nine on the agenda pursuant to Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 12 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act; and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. Moved by Councillor David Edwards; Seconded by Mr Nick Watt. The vote, undertaken by way of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the public be excluded from the meeting for item nine on the agenda pursuant to Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 12 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act; and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Tessa Hodgson be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024). Councillor Christopher Williams The Committee considered an application by Councillor Chris Williams for dispensation to speak on matters relating to second home council tax and the tourism levy. On invitation of the Chair, Councillor Williams addressed the Committee in support of his application; and to explain the purpose of his application. Councillor Williams informed the committee that his mother in law and his mother both had second homes and that he managed roughly 40 properties. He bought land off his neighbour to build the annex on his house but now his neighbour was planning to buy the annex and land off it. The Committee were then provided with an opportunity to ask questions of Councillor Williams on his application. In response to Councillor Woodham, Councillor Williams said that he would like the dispensation to be extended so he could speak and vote but would accept a ‘speak only’ dispensation. Regarding Councillor Edwards’ question on income, Councillor Williams stated that he was self-employed and some of the 40 properties he managed were second homes; therefore, some of his income came from second homes. Councillor Chris Williams left the meeting so the Committee could discuss his application. Nick Watt expressed his concern that the information Councillor Williams gave verbally in the meeting was not in his dispensation. Proper consideration could not be given without for this and therefore, there was not enough information to grant a dispensation. Councillor Edwards concurred with this and suggested that the neither a dispensation to speak or vote is granted. Councillor Woodham stated that he was happy to grant a dispensation to speak but he acknowledged the concerns given by the committee. He queried whether this could be deferred so a new application containing all the information be provided. The Chair expressed her concern that a sizeable amount of Councillor Williams’ income came from second homes and the familial relationships that had second homes. Nick Watt proposed that the application be rejected but that Councillor Williams be invited to submit another application for the next meeting containing the information he disclosed verbally in the meeting. The Chair concurred with this. Moved by Councillor David Edwards; Seconded by Ms Corinna Kershaw. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried, the votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion – Community Councillor David Edwards, Ms Corinna Kershaw, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Guy Woodham RESOLVED That Councillor Chris Williams be not granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism. Moved by Mr Nick Watt; Seconded by Councillor David Edwards. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED The all approved dispensations submitted to this meeting be expanded to cover ‘all matters within the tourism industry’.
Councillor Tessa Hodgson The Committee considered an application by Councillor Tessa Hodgson for dispensation to speak on matters relating to second home council tax and the tourism levy. On invitation of the Chair, Councillor Hodgson addressed the Committee in support of her application; and to explain the purpose of her application. Councillor Tessa Hodgson noted that there had been changes in policy and requested if her and all the previous dispensations granted could cover the new planning legislation changes. The Committee were then provided with an opportunity to ask questions of Councillor Hodgson on her application. In response to Nick Watt, Councillor Hodgson stated that she did not make a significant income from her business because the money made from it was reinvested back into the property to maintain it. Councillor Tessa Hodgson left the meeting so the Committee could discuss her application. Councillor Edwards supported the application and suggested that dispensation be granted until the end of the council term. Nick Watt seconded this and stated that he was happy for the dispensation application criteria to be expanded. Councillor Woodham concurred with the committee. Moved by Councillor David Edwards; Seconded by Mr Nick Watt. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried, the votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion – Community Councillor David Edwards, Ms Corinna Kershaw, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Guy Woodham RESOLVED That Councillor Tessa Hodgson be granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism until the end of the Council term (10.05.2024). Councillor Christopher Williams The Committee considered an application by Councillor Chris Williams for dispensation to speak on matters relating to second home council tax and the tourism levy. On invitation of the Chair, Councillor Williams addressed the Committee in support of his application; and to explain the purpose of his application. Councillor Williams informed the committee that his mother in law and his mother both had second homes and that he managed roughly 40 properties. He bought land off his neighbour to build the annex on his house but now his neighbour was planning to buy the annex and land off it. The Committee were then provided with an opportunity to ask questions of Councillor Williams on his application. In response to Councillor Woodham, Councillor Williams said that he would like the dispensation to be extended so he could speak and vote but would accept a ‘speak only’ dispensation. Regarding Councillor Edwards’ question on income, Councillor Williams stated that he was self-employed and some of the 40 properties he managed were second homes; therefore, some of his income came from second homes. Councillor Chris Williams left the meeting so the Committee could discuss his application. Nick Watt expressed his concern that the information Councillor Williams gave verbally in the meeting was not in his dispensation. Proper consideration could not be given without for this and therefore, there was not enough information to grant a dispensation. Councillor Edwards concurred with this and suggested that the neither a dispensation to speak or vote is granted. Councillor Woodham stated that he was happy to grant a dispensation to speak but he acknowledged the concerns given by the committee. He queried whether this could be deferred so a new application containing all the information be provided. The Chair expressed her concern that a sizeable amount of Councillor Williams’ income came from second homes and the familial relationships that had second homes. Nick Watt proposed that the application be rejected but that Councillor Williams be invited to submit another application for the next meeting containing the information he disclosed verbally in the meeting. The Chair concurred with this. Moved by Councillor David Edwards; Seconded by Ms Corinna Kershaw. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried, the votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion – Community Councillor David Edwards, Ms Corinna Kershaw, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Guy Woodham RESOLVED That Councillor Chris Williams be not granted dispensation to speak in relation to the second homes council tax premium and on matters related to tourism. Moved by Mr Nick Watt; Seconded by Councillor David Edwards. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED The all approved dispensations submitted to this meeting be expanded to cover ‘all matters within the tourism industry’.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That this item be considered at a working group of the Committee on the 9th October so the Committee can review the procedure rules.
The Chair stated that she was uncomfortable discussing this item at this meeting because of the low amount of attendees present. Councillor Edwards concurred with this. In response to Nick Watt, Kelly Byrne (Deputy Head of Legal) clarified that there were a few minor local amendments to this document. If this item was postponed then the amendments could be highlighted to the group on a paragraph by paragraph basis. The Committee agreed to postpone this item until the next meeting due to the low number of available attendees for the meeting. Rhian Young suggested a working group meeting to enable the committee to go through the procedure rules. The Chair agreed with this suggestion and proposed that the meeting be reinstated for the 9th October but for this to be a working group meeting and not an official meeting. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried, the votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion – Community Councillor David Edwards, Ms Corinna Kershaw, Mr Nick Watt and Councillor Guy Woodham RESOLVED That this item be considered at a working group of the Committee on the 9th October so the Committee can review the procedure rules.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the update in respect of the Overview of Ombudsman Code of Conduct Cases February 2023-May 2023 be noted.
RESOLVED That the update in respect of the Overview of Ombudsman Code of Conduct Cases February 2023-May 2023 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the forward work programme be noted, subject to the amendment of the Standards Committee Hearing Procedure Rules going to a working group meeting on the 9th October.
RESOLVED That the forward work programme be noted, subject to the amendment of the Standards Committee Hearing Procedure Rules going to a working group meeting on the 9th October.
9th October 2023 at 2pm (Workshop) 11th December 2023 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.
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