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On 1 May 2025 Swansea Council appointed two independent members to the Standards Committee, which deals with councillors' conduct. It also approved changes to the councillors' ICT allowance policy, adopted a guide on handling online abuse of councillors, noted new personal safety guidance and changed the membership of four council bodies.
The Chief Legal Officer gave advice regarding the potential personal and prejudicial interests that Councillors and / Officers may have on the agenda. The Head of Democratic Services reminded Councillors and Officers that the “Disclosures of Personal and Prejudicial Interests” sheet should only be completed if the Councillor / Officer actually had an interest to declare. Nil returns were not required. Councillors and Officers were also informed that any declarable interest must be made orally and in writing on the sheet. In accordance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea the following interests were declared: 1) Councillor A S Fitzgerald declared a Personal Interest in Minute 130 “Councillors’ Questions”. 2) Huw Evans. Head of Democratic Services declared a Personal & Prejudicial Interest in Minute 124 “Appointment of Independent (Statutory Co-opted) (Lay) Members to the Standards Committee” and withdrew from the meeting prior to its discussion.
Resolved that the following Minutes be approved and signed as a correct record: 1) Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 6 March 2025. 2) Extraordinary Meeting of Council held on 20 March 2025.
The Chief Legal Officer submitted an information report setting out the written responses to questions asked at the last Ordinary Meeting of Council.
a) Councillor Tony Fitzgerald, Penllergaer Electoral Ward The Presiding Member congratulated Councillor Tony Fitzgerald on being elected to serve Swansea Council following the Penllergaer By-Election on 27 March 2025. She welcomed him to his first Council Meeting. b) Artwork Exhibition by the Council’s Special Guardianship Order (SGO) Children & Young People The Presiding Member thanked those Swansea Council Children & Young People living under Special Guardianship Order (SGO) arrangements for providing the artwork in the Guildhall Foyer outside the Council Chamber prior to this evening’s Council meeting. This participation work of our Family and Friends Team in Child and Family Services has been acknowledged as trailblazing by AFKA Cymru (Association for Fostering, Kinship and Adoption). c) St David Awards 2025. Dylan Buller - Young Person Award Winner The Presiding Member stated that Dylan Buller is a young person who transformed his life at the Young Persons Unit in His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Young Offender Institute (YOI) Parc by actively participating in educational and enrichment programs. Dylan had previously been excluded from mainstream school and a Pupil Referral Unit. Dylan went to HMP YOI Parc at 16 years of age because of going down the wrong path which resulted in him serving a custodial sentence. He recognised that this was an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to better himself. During his time at Parc, Dylan successfully turned his life around by working with the staff and the charity Dallaglio Rugby Works. His passion for sports resulted in Dylan gaining coaching, mentoring, communication and teamwork skills. He has also been a driving force in trailing new activities for the young people at Parc. On release from Parc, Dylan has led new activities, secured a job as a trainee rugby coach and now works with other young people who are at-risk in the community to stay on the right course. Defying the odds of his background, he serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing exceptional determination and commitment. She congratulated Dylan Buller on recently winning the Young Person Award at the St David Awards 2025. d) Nicholas Nzomosi - Member of the Welsh Youth Parliament The Presiding Member stated that Nicholas Nzomosi is one of the Council’s Care Experienced young people and a member of the Welsh Youth Parliament. Nicholas is a very impressive person. She stated that she had invited Nicholas to repeat his maiden speech that he made at the Welsh Youth Parliament. e) Lucy Moore, Appointed as Chief Legal Officer The Presiding Member stated that the Appointments Committee at its meeting on 28 April 2025, resolved to appoint Lucy Moore as the Council’s Chief Legal Officer. Article 12 “Officers” of the Council Constitution states that the Chief Legal Officer shall also act as the Monitoring Officer. The date of Lucy’s appointment has not been finalised yet. The Presiding Member congratulated Lucy Moore on her appointment.
a) 71-72 The Kingsway The Leader of the Council stated that 71-72 The Kingsway would officially be opening during the first week of July 2025. He stated that further announcements relating to the development would be made in due course.
There were no questions asked.
The Monitoring Officer submitted a report that sought consideration of the recommendation of the Standards Committee Vacancy Panel of 9 April 2025 and to appoint two Independent (Statutory Co-opted) (Lay) Members to the Standards Committee. Resolved that: 1) Emma Jayne Walters be appointed as an Independent (Statutory Co-opted) (Lay) Members to the Standards Committee for a term of 6 years commencing on 1 May 2025. Her Term of Office shall end on 30 April 2031. 2) David Arwel Roberts be appointed as an Independent (Statutory Co-opted) (Lay) Members to the Standards Committee for a term of 6 years commencing on 1 May 2025. His Term of Office shall end on 30 April 2031.
The Head of Democratic Services & Head of Digital & Customer Services jointly submitted a report that proposed that the Councillors ICT Allowances Policy – May 2022 & Beyond be amended to: a) Enable greater flexibility on how the ICT Allowance many be spent on smart technology and to better align with the determinations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW). b) Remind Councillors & Statutory Co-opted Members of their duty to handle data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Resolved that: 1) Paragraph 6.1 of the Councillors ICT Allowances Policy - May 2022 & Beyond be amended to read: “6.1 The Councillors / Co-opted Members’ ICT Allowance allows Councillors / Co-opted Members to purchase their own ICT equipment such as desktop or laptop PC, Tablet Computer, Printer and Software, ICT Peripherals such as storage, backup facilities, printer paper and ink, ICT Support and smart technology and related subscriptions for safety and wellbeing purposes.” 2) The reference to “twice” in Paragraphs 4.2a) & 5.1a) of the Councillors ICT Allowances Policy be amended to read “once”. 3) The word “sent” be amended to read “spent” in the table under Paragraph 6.8 of the Policy. 4) Paragraph 9.1 of the Councillors ICT Allowances Policy be amended to read: “9.1 Councillors / Co-opted Members must produce proof of Data, Telephone connection at their home, Mobile Phone (for relevant Councillors) once in their 5-year term of Office in line with the instructions of the Head of Democratic Services to receive this monthly allowance.” 5) Paragraphs 8-8.2 of the Councillors ICT Allowances Policy be amended to read: “8. Data Protection Act (GDPR) / Security Advice (Anti-Virus, Anti-Spam, Firewall and Encryption) & Monitoring of emails 8.1 Councillors / Statutory Co-opted Members are likely to handle personal information about individuals; as such they have several legal obligations to protect that information under the Data Protection Act 2018. Should a Councillor fail to comply with this Act then they would be liable to a fine of up to £5,000. 8.2 Whilst the Council wishes to provide a reasonable level of privacy, users should be aware that the data they create on the corporate systems remains the property of Swansea Council. 8.3 Because of the need to protect our network, it may be necessary to scan or monitor information stored on the Council’s system. i.e. Swansea Council reserves the right to monitor use of the Council’s email and Microsoft 365 facility. 8.4 Councillors / Statutory Co-opted Members must not forward any confidential Council emails or confidential data to an external personal email account under any circumstances. Confidential information may be forwarded to a third party if approved by the Monitoring Officer. Any unauthorised sharing of confidential information will be a breach of our data protection policies and procedures. It would also likely be a breach of the Councillors Code of Conduct. 8.5 All information processed on the Council's ICT facilities is the property of Swansea Council and may be accessed or monitored at any time by the Council. 8.6 The Authority strongly advises that Councillors / Statutory Co-opted Members install Anti-Virus, Anti-Spam and Encryption software and use password protection on any PC, Laptop, Tablet, Mobile Phone etc. used for Councillor Business. The use of a personal Firewall should also be considered. For advice in this area, Councillors should take appropriate security advice from their external ICT Support provider.” 6) The amendment Councillors ICT Allowances Policy be updated and republished.
Part of an issue followed across 3 meetings
The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report that sought approval of the Councillor’s Guide - Handling Online Harassment, Abuse & Intimidation and to roll out training to all Councillors. Resolved that: 1) The Councillor’s Guide - Handling Online Harassment, Abuse & Intimidation be approved and added to the Councillors Handbook. 2) The Head of Democratic Services roll out the Councillor’s Guide - Handling Online Harassment, Abuse & Intimidation training to all Councillors.
The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report that provided guidance to Councillors on issues of Personal Safety & Lone Working. Resolved that: 1) The Guidance be noted and emailed to all Councillors.
Part of an issue followed across 3 meetings
The Cabinet Member for Corporate Service & Performance submitted a report that sought approval of the nominations / amendments to various Council Bodies. Resolved that the membership of the Council Bodies listed below be amended: Appointments Committee Delete Vacancy. Add Councillor S M Jones. Chief Executives Appraisal & Remuneration Committee Delete Vacancy. Add Councillor S M Jones. Chief Officers Disciplinary Committee Delete Vacancy. Add Councillor L James. Scrutiny Programme Committee Delete Vacancy. Add Councillor S M Jones.
1) Part A ‘Supplementary Questions’ Ten (10) Part A ‘Supplementary Questions’ were submitted. The relevant Cabinet Member(s) responded by way of written answers contained in the Council Summons. Those questions requiring a written response are outlined below: Question 6. 1) Councillor C L Philpott asked for the weblink to the list of roads and streets which will be re-laid or repaired to be shared with all Councillors. 2) Councillor P M Black asked for the total cost of the works to re-lay or repair roads and streets for each of the last 3 years. The Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure stated that a written response would be provided. No supplementary questions required a written response. 2) Part B ‘Questions not requiring Supplementary Questions’ Four (4) Part B ‘Questions not requiring Supplementary Questions’ were submitted.
1) Part A ‘Supplementary Questions’ Nine (9) Part A ‘Supplementary Questions’ were submitted. The relevant Cabinet Member(s) responded by way of written answers contained in the Council Summons. Those questions requiring a written response are outlined below: Question 2. Councillor C A Holley asked where the 500 jobs per year had been created as part of the City Deal? The Leader of the Council stated that would circulate the updated figures from the City Deal. 2) Part B ‘Questions not requiring Supplementary Questions’ Six (6) Part B ‘Questions not requiring Supplementary Questions’ were submitted.
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.