The constitution, councillors' conduct, audit, performance and complaints.
What councils do
How the council itself is run: its constitution, staff, buildings, IT, complaints, and how councillors behave.
Who decides
The full Council agrees the constitution. A standards committee deals with councillors' conduct; the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales investigates complaints.
Having a say
Complain to the council first; if you're not satisfied, you can go to the Ombudsman. Council meetings are public, and many are broadcast.
In numbers
Welsh councils plan to spend £67 per person on this in 2026-27.
It ranges from -£4 in Monmouthshire to £167 in Blaenau Gwent.
Council tax collected: 95% across Wales (2025-26).
Council tax unpaid at the end of the year: £119 million across Wales (2025-26).
Council tax still owed from earlier years: £199.3 million across Wales (2025-26).
Council tax written off: £9 million across Wales (2025-26).
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the recruitment and selection arrangements as contained within the
report be approved. .
(2) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Corporate
Resources, in consultation with the Head of HR and the Leader to progress:
(a) advertising the position,
(b) the necessary arrangements for long-listing and any necessary assessment of
candidates in advance of shortlisting,
(c) the drawing up of a final short-list for interview, the interview of which to be
undertaken by a future meeting of the Committee, and,
(d) agreed costings and resource requirements relating to the processes required
to pursue the recruitment and selection process.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To ensure the appointment could be progressed in accordance with the
requirements of the Council's constitution.
(2) To allow matters to be progressed in advance of the final stage of recruitment.
July 07 Minutes MS
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the updates to the Cabinet Quarterly Work Programme for April to
June 2023 attached at Appendix 1 be agreed.
(2) T H A T the Cabinet Quarterly Work Programme July to September 2023
attached at Appendix 2 be endorsed.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To monitor progress.
(2) To approve the Work Programme for July to September 2023.
C43 CLOSURE OF ACCOUNTS 2022/23 (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY –
CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES) –
The Leader presented the report, the purpose of which was to inform Cabinet of the
provisional financial position of the Council for the 2022/23 financial year.
There had been significant inflationary and demand pressures during the year for
Childrens Services including legal costs for complex cases and placement costs,
supply of HGV drivers, rising fuel and school transport costs, additional pay
pressures and rising energy costs. Additional payments in Social Care were made to
social care providers to assist commissioning and recruitment and retention of
providers.
Minutes - MS
Some provision was made for additional Council Tax income of £1.5m earlier in the
year which was not achieved in full as arrears had increased but was able to be
offset by underspend elsewhere. Additional pay costs had been offset by vacant
posts in service budgets, however it was important to be mindful that vacant posts
put additional pressure on existing staff.
The Leader referred to a typographical error in paragraph 10.5 of the report that
referred to the 2020/21 the Statement of Accounts, which should have referred to the
2022/23 accounts, which was noted.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the report and the financial measures taken and proposed be
approved.
(2) T H A T the allocation of overall Council surplus as set out below be
approved.
• £200k transfer to Education Pressures and Improvements Reserve to
provide additional support to schools in special measures.
• £850k to Education Pressures and Improvements Reserve support ALN
support in mainstream schools.
• £20k to Neighbourhood Services Reserve for repairs in to single use
sports facilities
• £350k to Neighbourhood Services Reserve for micro asphalt schemes to
address the condition of roads within the Council area.
• £150k to Neighbourhood Services Reserve to support the delivery of
health and safety works in leisure centres.
• £200k to Reshaping Risk and Investment Reserve to provide additional
support to Children and Young people over the summer period.
• £120k to Neighbourhood Services Reserve to support the implementation
of A48 Scheme to improve Road Safety.
(3) T H A T the report be referred to Corporate Performance and Resources
Scrutiny Committee.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To approve the report and the financial measures taken and proposed.
(2) To approve the allocation of the 2022/23 surplus to support the delivery of
schemes supporting key priorities identified by the Council.
Minutes - MS
(3) To enable the Scrutiny Committee responsible for finance to review the year
end position.
C44 CAPITAL CLOSURE OF ACCOUNTS 2022/23 (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY –
ALL) –
The Leader presented the report, the purpose of which was to inform Cabinet of the
provisional financial position of the Council’s Capital Programme for the 2022/23
financial year.
Delivering 98% of the programme before the end of the financial year had been
outstanding and due to the commitment and hard work across all directorates. The
Leader said it was important to recognise the work undertaken to deliver the capital
programme, not only the impact of the continued school building programme but with
work going on to maintain, renovate and update existing Council properties.
Councillor Wilson concurred with the Leader’s comments concerning the teams that
had worked so hard to deliver the capital programme, often under difficult
circumstances. He referred to the successful delivery of the Resource Recovery
Facility and that it was a delight to see it delivered and working.
Councillor John said that the development at Hayes Road that consisted of 19 four-
person two-bedroom houses and 4 five person three-bedroom houses was
extremely good news with further schemes in the pipeline which would make a
difference to people across the Vale.
The Leader also referred to the installation of automatic water meter readers which
gave advanced warning of water leaks on the estate which saved water and money.
Paragraph 2.12 of the report noted the progress made within the Band B Programme
for six of the schools in the Vale with more to come in Cowbridge, St Nicholas, Ysgol
y Deri 2, Iolo Morgannwg and St Richard Gwyn from September onwards.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the year end capital position for financial year 2022/23 be noted.
(2) T H A T the additional scheme budgets as set out in Appendix 1 be approved.
(3) T H AT the summary position of the changes in the Capital Programme by
directorate from approval at Council on 7th March, 2022 to 31st March, 2023, as set
out in Appendix 2 be noted.
(4) T H A T the Emergency Power approved in respect of the slippage as set out
in Appendix 3 be noted.
Minutes - MS
(5) T H A T the report be referred to Corporate Performance and Resources
Scrutiny Committee.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To inform Cabinet of the year end capital position for financial year 2022/23.
(2) To inform Cabinet of the additional schemes added to the approved
programme for 2022/23.
(3) To inform Cabinet of the changes to the Approved Capital Programme set on
7th March, 2022.
(4) To advise Cabinet of the approved slippage in the Emergency Powers in the
2022/23 Capital Programme.
(5) To enable the Scrutiny Committee responsible for finance to review the year
end position.
C45 ANNUAL TREASURY MANAGEMENT REPORT 2022/23 (EL/PR)
(SCRUTINY – CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES) –
The Leader presented the report, the purpose of which was to present the annual
review report on Treasury Management 2022/23.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED – T H A T the annual report on Treasury Management 2022/23 and that
the report be referred to the Corporate Performance Resources Scrutiny Committee
prior to being referred to Full Council for approval.
Reason for decision
To accept and refer the report to Council.
C46 CORPORATE RESOURCES DIRECTORATE - CAPACITY & WAYS
OF WORKING (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY – CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND
RESOURCES) –
The Leader presented the report, the purpose of which was to provide an update on
proposals to make changes within the Corporate Resources directorate following the
restructure of the Strategic Leadership Team in 2022 and reflecting the future ways
of working to support the Council.
Minutes - MS
Paragraph 2.5 of the report highlighted that the Authority had been operating without
a Head of Policy and Business Transformation or Operational Manager for
Performance and Policy which had put pressure on other staff and was not a
sustainable situation. Paragraph 2.8 of the report proposed reorganising the
directorate around four key service areas of HR & Organisational Development,
Legal & Democratic Services, Finance & Digital and had no financial implications to
the Authority.
Councillor Sivagnanam stressed the importance of the Vale’s participation and
engagement and equality strategies and that there was no cost implication for the
Authority.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the contents of the report be noted.
(2) T H A T the proposals contained in the report be endorsed.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To update Cabinet on the proposals to make changes within the Corporate
Resources directorate.
(2) To enable additional strategic capacity to be created to progress the Council's
digital ambitions and support the Council to deliver its strategic priorities.
C47 DRAFT DIGITAL STRATEGY (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY – CORPORATE
PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES) –
The Leader presented the report, the purpose of which was to provide Cabinet with
an overview of work undertaken to develop a new draft Digital Strategy and seek
approval to consult on the same before adoption.
Digital innovation was a step change away from where it was prior to the pandemic
where many service users became much more used to accessing services online.
The Strategy would address how digital technology could be used to become more
effective, more active, more accessible, more inclusive, and also more data driven.
There was a fear that some people would be left out because of such changes, but
residents would still be supported by in-person and telephone services.
Councillor Sivagnanam said it was important to recognise that both digital and in
person support services were available, and that demand for digital services had
increased, e.g., 95% of residents in the Vale of Glamorgan digitally completed the
census survey. Data gathered could be used to provide better services to residents.
Minutes - MS
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the contents of this report be noted.
(2) T H A T the draft Digital Strategy and proposals contained in the report be
endorsed as the basis for wider consultation.
(3) T H A T the report and Appendix A be referred to Corporate Performance &
Resources Scrutiny Committee as part of the consultation process.
(4) T H A T Cabinet receives a further report on conclusion of the consultation
process in order to consider a final Digital Strategy to be adopted.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To update Cabinet on the approach taken to developing the draft Digital
Strategy.
(2) To enable the draft Digital Strategy to be consulted upon.
(3) To enable the Corporate Performance & Resources Scrutiny Committee to
participate in the consultation process.
(4) To enable Cabinet to consider the outcomes of the consultation process and
proposed changes to the draft Digital Strategy and to ensure the Council adopts a
Digital Strategy to provide the framework for digital development in the future.
C48 STRONG COMMUNITIES GRANT FUND 2020-2025 (DL/SP)
(SCRUTINY – CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES) –
The Deputy Leader presented the report, the purpose of which was to provide
Cabinet with an update on the Strong Communities Grant Fund 2023 -24 and to
seek approval for the award of funding for the fourth round of applications.
Councillor Brooks emphasised the help and support available to a variety of applying
organisations and gave examples of some of the different types of applications that
had been made to the Fund.
The Leader added that bringing funding together in this way had enabled different
organisations from across the Vale of Glamorgan to apply for support for a variety of
different reasons and had proven to be amazingly successful. The Creative
Communities team had developed a high level of expertise in helping organisations
out together effective applications but also assisting with monitoring expenditure.
Minutes - MS
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T grant funding of up to £152,916.58 be approved and the Evaluation
Panel's recommendations as outlined in Appendix A be endorsed.
(2) T H A T the content of the report and Appendices B and C be noted.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To enable Strong Communities Grant Funding to be awarded to submissions
as outlined in Appendix A attached to the report, in line with the Council's
Constitution and the scope of the scheme.
(2) To provide Cabinet with an update on the Strong Communities Grant Fund.
C49 WELSH LANGUAGE STANDARDS ANNUAL MONITORING
REPORT 2022-23 (EAWL) (SCRUTINY – LEARNING AND CULTURE AND
CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report, the purpose of which was to seek
approval for the Council’s Annual Welsh Monitoring Report and update on 5-year
Promotion Strategy.
Councillor Birch listed matters already in place bilingually including the website that
was available and updated bilingually and would soon include historical pages also,
staff pages enabled staff to view their information on internal news, policies, payslips
etc., the Chief Executive posted a weekly message to staff bilingually,
Communications teams produce material bilingually and the Contact Centre and
Reception at the Civic Offices were able to conduct business in either medium of
English or Welsh. Recruitment and retention of Welsh speakers was a priority and
Welsh language courses for all levels offered during work time and at no cost to
staff, with classes held remotely including members of the community. Welsh
awareness training had also been made available for elected Members as part of
equalities training.
The Leader noted that the Report Owner listed on the report was incorrect, stated as
the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources when it
should have been the Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
Minutes - MS
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the Annual Welsh Monitoring Report for 2022-23 (Appendix 1) and
Update on the Welsh Language Promotional Strategy (Appendix 2) be approved in
principle, subject to consideration by Scrutiny Committee (Learning & Culture and
Corporate Performance & Resources).
(2) T H A T the report and appendices be referred to Learning & Culture and
Corporate Performance & Resources Scrutiny Committees for consideration and if
endorsed by the Committees, that the report be published.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To allow the Council to meet its reporting duty to the Welsh Commissioner as
part of the Welsh Language Standards.
(2) To enable Learning & Culture and Corporate Performance & Resources
Scrutiny Committees to consider the report (and appendices) prior to publication.
C50 DAMP AND MOULD POLICY (NBS) (SCRUTINY – HOMES AND
SAFE COMMUNITIES) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report, the purpose of which was to approve the
Damp and Mould Condensation Policy. Councillor Wilson said there were
management arrangements in place for addressing condensation and damp issues
in residential properties, but the Policy consolidated the detail into a working
document for stakeholders, including residents, Officers and the general public, who
may be concerned or interested in damp and condensation issues within their
properties. He emphasised that Officers in the Housing Department or
Neighbourhood Services Department could help people if there were issues with
damp and mould.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED – T H A T the Damp and Mould Policy provided at Appendix 1 be
approved.
Reason for decision
To enable the practices set out within the policy to be adopted and practiced.
Minutes - MS
C51 PROPOSED TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER FOR EXCEPTIONS
TO WALES 20MPH DEFAULT SPEED LIMIT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF
ANCILLARY SPEED LIMITS (NBS) (SCRUTINY – ENVIRONMENT AND
REGENERATION) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report, the purpose of which was to update
Cabinet on the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process associated with proposed
exceptions to Wales 20mph Default Speed Limit and proposed ancillary speed limits.
Councillor Wilson said that a similar exercise had taken place in Spain where a
substantial decrease in the number of deaths and serious accidents had occurred
because of the lowering of the speed limit. It was also hoped that the speed
reduction would help to promote sustainable mobility and encourage active travel
options and therefore in the future potentially assist to reduce the number of journeys
by private car.
Councillor John encouraged people to take part in the consultation to express their
views.
The Leader said the consultation was an example of data driving actions and echoed
Councillor John’s encouragement of people taking part in the consultation to express
their views. She said that speed reductions would make it safer for pedestrians and
cyclists, near schools and would not add a lot of time to average journeys around the
Vale of Glamorgan.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the public consultation for the proposed Traffic Regulation Order
(TRO) associated with exceptions to Wales 20mph Default Speed Limit and
proposed ancillary speed limits which commenced on 22nd June, 2023 be noted.
(2) T H A T the report be referred to the Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny
Committee for consideration.
(3) T H A T Cabinet be provided with a further report on this matter to consider
the responses and comments received during the public consultation period and
make a final decision on the implementation of the proposed TRO.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To advise Cabinet of the proposed TRO and public consultation process.
(2) To ensure that the views of the Scrutiny Committee are considered prior to a
future decision being taken by Cabinet on the proposed TRO.
Minutes - MS
(3) To confirm the Council’s position in respect of any objections that may be
made to the Order.
C52 VALE, VALLEYS & CARDIFF ADOPTION COLLABORATIVE
AGREEMENT (SCH) (SCRUTINY – HEALTHY LIVING AND SOCIAL CARE) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report, the purpose of which was to agree to
enter into a new Collaborative Agreement, a copy of which was appended to the
report, between Vale of Glamorgan Council, The County Council of the City and
County of Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Merthyr Tydfil
County Borough Council.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T a new Collaborative Agreement be entered into between the Vale of
Glamorgan Council, the County Council of the City and County of Cardiff, Rhondda
Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council to
commence on 1st June, 2023.
(2) T H A T authority be delegated to the Monitoring Officer/Head of Legal and
Democratic Services to agree and execute the Collaborative Agreement and future
variations to the Agreement.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To provide a governance framework which ensured the continued operation
and delivery of the Collaborative and outlined the responsibilities of partners.
(2) To bring the Collaborative arrangements into line with current practice and
requirements.
Minutes - MS
RESOLVED - T H A T the re-appointment of Mrs. P. Hallett and Mrs. L. Tinsley
from 13th July, 2023 and Mr. R. Hendicott from 31st July, 2023 as Independent
Members on the Standards Committee for the next four years be approved.
Reason for decision
In compliance with the legislation and having received confirmation from the three
Independent Members that they were prepared to be re-appointed for one further
consecutive term not exceeding four years.
RESOLVED – T H A T Councillor P. Summers (Penllyn Community Council) be
appointed as the Vale of Glamorgan Town and Community Council representative
on the Standards Committee until the next Local Government Elections.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the applications attached to the agenda, the verbal update
provided at the meeting by the Monitoring Officer/Head of Legal and Democratic
Services and the recommendation of the Standards Committee Appointments
Panel.
.
Minutes - KB
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the Vale of Glamorgan Annual Performance Calendar 2023/24 and
the proposed approach to engaging with Members in-year to shape and refine the
Annual Performance Calendar of activities and to support Members in their scrutiny
role be noted.
(2) T H A T Cabinet be advised of views of Members of the Governance and
Audit Committee, these being:
• For consideration to be given to extending the public engagement
activity scheduled for August 2023 as many people will be on holiday
and because of the school summer term.
• That the Council ensures that members of the public feel that their
views have been heard and responses provided to indicate how those
views have been taken into account.
Reason for decisions
(1&2) Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
No.
RESOLVED – T H A T the Internal Audit Strategy (Appendix A to the report) and the
Annual Risk Based Audit Plan for 2023/24 (Appendix B to the report) be approved.
Reasons for decision
Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the Annual Internal Audit Report for the Financial Year 2022/23
including the Head of Internal Audit’s Annual Opinion on the adequacy and
effectiveness of the Council’s framework of governance, risk management and
internal control be approved.
(2) T H A T in relation to Stanwell School, the Local Authority should consider
issuing a warning notice to the school under the School Standards and Organisation
(Wales) Act 2013.
(3) T H A T in relation to Stanwell School, the internal audit report should be
formally shared by the Council with all Governors on the Governing Body and that
the Director of Learning and Skills and Head of Internal Audit should meet urgently
with all Governors and the Senior Management Team of the school (in separate
meetings) to present the internal audit report.
(4) T H A T in relation to Stanwell School, the Governance and Audit Committee
receives an update on the progress made against the action plan at its meeting on
18th September, 2023 and that the Headteacher and a representative of the
Governing Body from the school are in attendance to provide relevant updates and
answer questions from Committee Members.
No.
(5) T H A T in relation to Stanwell School, the Internal Audit Service work with
Stanwell School to incorporate management responses to any recommendations
that do not have a management comment currently, where appropriate.
(6) T H AT in relation to Stanwell School, the internal audit of the control
environment at the school that is planned for the Autumn be prioritised and
scheduled as early as possible and that Governance and Audit Committee receives
an update following that work being undertaken.
(7) T H A T in relation to Stanwell School, all arrangements around delivering the
contract, including the procurement process, for the new wellbeing building be
further reviewed to highlight any specific procedural weaknesses and identify any
appropriate follow up actions. The interim findings of this review to be brought to the
Governance and Audit Committee meeting on 17th July, 2023.
(8) T H A T the Internal audit reporting in respect of Stanwell School contained in
Annex 5 of Agenda Item 9 of the Governance and Audit Committee of 12th June,
2023 and the recommendations made be drawn to Cabinet’s attention. Any
subsequent report and recommendations be referred to Cabinet as and when they
arise.
(9) T H A T the Council (Learning and Skills Directorate) undertake further work
in regard to school policies across the Vale of Glamorgan relating to unofficial funds.
Reasons for decisions
(1) Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
(2) To ensure that the LEA considers all possible responses given the
seriousness of the situation at Stanwell School and the need to see urgent progress.
(3) To ensure that there is complete transparency, openness and a full
understanding of the serious financial situation that has developed at Stanwell
School.
(4) To ensure continued progress given the seriousness of the situation.
(5) To ensure full regard is given to the audit process
(6) Given the seriousness of the audit findings and the need for an urgent follow
up.
(7) Given the seriousness of the situation around the management of the contract
at Stanwell School, this further, more detailed work is urgent.
(8) For the attention of Cabinet.
(9) To conduct a review of policies within schools regarding unofficial funds.
No.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the contents of the report be noted.
(2) T H A T the report be referred to Cabinet for their oversight.
Reason for decisions
(1&2) Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the draft response at Appendix 1 to the report in respect of the Welsh
Government Consultation on the recommendations of the Independent Review of the
Ethical Standards Framework (Richard Penn Report), with the additional
amendments as below, be agreed:
No.
Question 5 – What avenues would be open to the Adjudication Panel for
Wales if a summons was not adhered to and the implications.
Question 7 – That the following words be added to the end of the response
“…albeit it is noted that the general rule is that hearings are to be held in
public.”
10a – That the words “… even where there are very serious safeguarding
concerns” be added to the second sentence of the second paragraph of the
response i.e. the sentence to read as “ No such similar provision exists in
relation to members even where there are very serious safeguarding
concerns”. That an extra paragraph be included relating to when a Councillor
was charged with a specified category of an offence and particularly offences
which carried a custodial sentence an interim suspension would be
appropriate.
Question 13 – The response be amended to No and the response paragraph
deleted with a new sentence inserted as “ It is important to ensure that
potential candidates from a wide range of backgrounds are attracted to the
role and all channels including newspapers, websites or existing networks are
utilised”.
Question 16 – The additional response be added as agreed for Question 5
above.
(2) T H A T it be recommended to Cabinet that the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s
threshold for Gifts be amended in line with paragraph 1.5 of the report as follows:
Gifts, material benefits or advantages – £25.00 or totalling £100.00 over a year from
a single source.
(3) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Monitoring Officer / Head of
Legal and Democratic Services in consultation with the Chair of the Standards
Committee, to make the amendments to the response as agreed by the Standards
Committee at the meeting.
(4) T H A T the report be referred to Corporate Performance and Resources
Scrutiny Committee for consideration.
Reasons for decisions
(1) In order to respond to Welsh Government consultation in respect of the
recommendations of the Richard Penn Report.
(2) To recommend for approval in line with agreement of All Wales Monitoring
Officer Group an All Wales Standards Committee Forum in the interest of
harmonisation across all Welsh Local Authorities.
(3) Having regard to the comments made at the meeting.
No.
(4) For pre Cabinet scrutiny and having regard to the deadline for submission of a
response on 23rd June, 2023.
RESOLVED – T H A T the draft Terms of Reference attached at Appendix 1 to the
report be approved.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the report and the feedback received in respect of observation visits
undertaken by Independent Members of the Standards Committee to Town and
Community Council meetings be noted.
(2) T H A T where observations of Town and Community Council meetings are
advised by Independent Members to have been managed effectively with no material
issues identified, observations of such meetings be undertaken on a biennial basis
as opposed to on an annual basis.
(3) T H A T where matters following observation visits of Town and Community
Council meetings are highlighted by Independent Members as issues requiring
further attention or further visits and / or requests are made by the Monitoring Officer/
Head of Legal and Democratic Services for visits to be undertaken, these be
arranged as and when required.
(4) T H A T where poor practice continued, consideration be given for meetings to
be arranged for the Chair and Clerk to either attend a meeting of the Standards
Committee or a meeting with the Chair of the Standards Committee and Monitoring
Officer / Head of Legal and Democratic Services.
Reasons for decisions
(1&2) Having regard to the observations undertaken and the role of the Standards
Committee.
No.
(3) To maintain a watching brief having regard to the role of the Standards
Committee and the Monitoring Officer / Head of Legal and Democratic Services.
(4) In the interests of promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the draft Annual Report attached at Appendix 1 to the report be
approved and forwarded to Full Council.
No.
(2) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Monitoring Officer / Head of
Legal and Democratic Services and the Chair of the Standards Committee to include
the additional comments made at the meeting in order to finalise the Annual Report
before submission to Full Council.
(3) T H A T a copy of the finalised draft be forwarded to each Member of the
Standards Committee by email for their approval prior to submission to Full Council.
Reasons for decisions
(1) In compliance with the requirements of Section 63 of the Local Government
and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.
(2) In order to insert additional comments into the Annual Report as discussed at
the meeting.
(3) In order to seek final approval from Members of the Standards Committee
before submission to Full Council.