Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED to elect Claire Moore as Chair of the Standards Committee.
RESOLVED to appoint Nigel Steward to the position of Vice Chair.
RESOLVED 1. To note the report. 2. The Monitoring Officer to write to Councillors to remind them of their responsibility to record all offers of gifts and hospitality.
RESOLVED that the Monitoring Officer prepare a report for consideration by the Democratic Services Committee.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to elect Claire Moore as Chair of the Standards Committee.
The Deputy Monitoring Officer welcomed Ceri Ellis-Jones to the Standards Committee following her appointment by Council, replacing the retired Chair Stephan Hays. The Committee was asked for nominations for the position of Chair. Claire Moore was nominated by County Councillor Beverley Baynham and seconded by Jonathan Goolden and it was RESOLVED to elect Claire Moore as Chair of the Standards Committee.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to appoint Nigel Steward to the position of Vice Chair.
The Committee was asked for nominations for the position of Vice Chair. Nigel Steward was nominated by Claire Moore and seconded by County Councillor Beverley Baynham and it was RESOLVED to appoint Nigel Steward to the position of Vice Chair.
Apologies for absence were received from County Councillor Ian Harrison.
The Chair was authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 13 October 2025 as a correct record.
No declarations were received.
The Committee received the report of the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer (copy filed with signed minutes). A. General Standards Issues for County Councillors and Co-opted Members There was nothing to report. B. Referral of Councillors to the Public Services Ombudsman There had been three referrals from the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, one of which was under consideration. C. Dispensations Applications - County Councillors No applications for dispensation had been received from County Councillors. D. Ombudsman Wales – Our Findings The Committee noted the Ombudsman Wales - Our Findings E. Adjudication Panel for Wales [APW] The Committee noted details of cases considered by the APW are available via the following link: Decisions | The Adjudication Panel for Wales (gov.wales) F. National Forum for Standards Committees The Chair reported back on the National Forum for Standards Committees which had been held on 26th January. Julie Hughes from Flintshire County Council’s Standards Committee had been elected Chair. The Forum was an opportunity for members of Standards Committees to share good practice. It had been agreed that questions templates for group leaders meetings would be shared. Michelle Morris, the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, had given an update to the Forum. She acknowledged concerns over the length of time being taken to hear cases, but had said that delays had been halved. The next meeting of the Forum would be held on 29th June. G. Meeting dates The dates of meetings in 2026 were noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED 1. To note the report. 2. The Monitoring Officer to write to Councillors to remind them of their responsibility to record all offers of gifts and hospitality.
The Committee reviewed the list of gifts and hospitality declared by Councillors for the period 6 February 2025 – 26 January 2026 and one gift which was declined. The high value of hospitality at the Green Man festival was noted, but the Committee felt that attendance was justified at this important event for the county. The Committee was surprised by the low number of declarations made by Councillors. RESOLVED 1. To note the report. 2. The Monitoring Officer to write to Councillors to remind them of their responsibility to record all offers of gifts and hospitality.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Monitoring Officer prepare a report for consideration by the Democratic Services Committee.
The Committee received the observation reports of the Council meetings held on 9th October 2025 and 4th December 2025. The Chair of Council, County Councillor William Powell said that he had found the feedback provided by observers from the Standards Committee very helpful and constructive. A number of recommendations had been made which would require consideration by the Democratic Services Committee and recommendations to full Council. RESOLVED that the Monitoring Officer prepare a report for consideration by the Democratic Services Committee.
The work programme for 2026 was noted.
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.