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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 the report be noted.
RESOLVED – That the report be noted.
RESOLVED – That the information be noted.
RESOLVED – That Liz Granger be appointed as Vice Chair of the Standards Committee for a period of not less than four nor more than six years; or until her term of office as an independent member comes to an end.
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Neil Benson and Councillor Hugh Jones.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the report be noted.
The Monitoring Officer submitted a report (COGC/74/24) to inform Members of the publication of the Annual Report 2023-2024 of the Adjudication Panel for Wales. The Deputy Monitoring Officer presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. It was noted that the figures in paragraph 4.2 of the report added up to 101% and not 100% and the Officer confirmed that this would be addressed. RESOLVED – That the report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the report be noted.
The Monitoring Officer submitted a report (COGC/73/24) to inform Members of the publication of the Annual Report and Accounts of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales 2023/24. The Deputy Monitoring Officer presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A discussion ensued and the following points were raised during the debate: · Members noted that there had been a 16% increase in complaints during the reporting period, and these were detailed in paragraph 4.3 of the report. · A Member raised concerns that in paragraph 4.2, it was noted that 36% of the complaints received were not investigated. The Deputy Monitoring Officer advised that the figures could be in relation to engagement with that particular Council, and whether they were engaging with the process as in some cases, engagement didn’t always happen as it should. · Paragraph 4.3 of the report gave a breakdown of the complaints received and it was noted that the promotion of equality and respect complaints were much higher than any other subject areas which was similar to what the Adjudication Panel was acknowledging. Furthermore, paragraph 4.4 stated that generally complaints received in relation to respect were at a lower level whilst the equality complaints were more serious in respect of allegations of bullying or discrimination. · A Member advised that there had been publicity regarding incidents of bullying at the Fire Authority, particularly in South Wales, yet there had been no complaints made to the Ombudsman in this regard. It was suggested that this could be discussed at the Chair’s Forum with a view to looking into the matter further. · Acknowledgement that the Committee had done a lot of work to encourage Group Leaders to take more responsibility and for the Code of Conduct to be taken more seriously, but this didn’t seem to have impacted upon the number of complaints to the Ombudsman. · Clarification sought regarding training. The Deputy Monitoring Officer advised that the Monitoring Officer was very active in respect of training at the County Borough Council. An annual training programme was in place, and training was also available to any new Members joining the Authority. It was mandatory for Town and Community Councillors to attend to training, but the Deputy Monitoring Officer would report back to the next Meeting on compliance levels and whether attendance at training was reported back to Wrexham County Borough Council. RESOLVED – That the report be noted.
The Chair reminded Members that it was Julie Adams’ last Meeting as a Member of the Committee. On behalf of the Committee, she passed on a huge thank you to Julie for all of her time and effort adding that she had been a stalwart in terms of her attendance and contribution. Julie advised that she had thoroughly enjoyed her time on the Committee and wished everyone well for the future.
RESOLVED - That the press and public be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following item of business, as it comprises a matter referred to the Standards Committee pursuant to section 70(4) or (5) or section 71(2) or (4) of the Local Government Act 2000. The requirement to publish or otherwise make available to the public, agendas for, records of, or information connected to this business under sections 100B to 100D Local Government Act 1972 do not apply pursuant to Regulation 26(2A)(a) Standards Committees (Wales) Regulations 2001.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the information be noted.
Members were provided with an update following the Meeting in August whereby the Committee considered a report of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. RESOLVED – That the information be noted.
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