Venue: Hybrid - Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron / remotely via video conference
Contact: Nia Jones
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Apologies Minutes: None. |
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Disclosure of personal / prejudicial interests Minutes: None. |
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Minutes of the previous meeting and to consider any matters arising Minutes: It was RESOLVED to confirm as true the minutes of the meetig held 16 December 2022. There were no matters arising. |
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Report on a Members' Survey in relation to ICT requirements Additional documents: Minutes: Nia Jones, Corporate Manager Democratic Services presented
the report to the Committee noting that 15 responses were received, which is
equivalent to 39% of all Members. It was noted that all requests for
additional training had been addressed and the comments relating to additional
equipment submitted were considered. Member noted their disappointment that only 15 Members had
responded to the survey, and that the main messages from the survey was the
need for 4G when working away from the office or home, and the need for a
secondary telephone number to separate work and home life. Members noted that an opt-in £10 monthly allowance was
available to them, and that it is possible to purchase a 4G dongle for £11, and
a telephone with contract from circa £7.40 per month, which would address these
concerns. Members noted that ICT provision should be reviewed prior to
the next election in order to
ensure that Councillors’ needs are met, taking into consideration any future
technological advancements. The Committee NOTED the report. |
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Report on a Members' Survey in relation to the Timing of Meetings Additional documents: Minutes: Lowri Edwards, Corporate Lead Officer presented the report
to the Committee noting that it is a statutory requirement to conduct a survey
in relation to the times and intervals at which meetings are held taking into
consideration the needs and circumstances of all Members. It was noted that 25 Members responded to the report and
that the majority clearly favoured Thursday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in that
order for attending meetings; with Fridays and Mondays being the least favoured
days. It was noted that prior to COVID-19, the normal start time for
meetings was at 9.30am, however the majority of respondents noted a preference
to continue with a 10.00am start for all Committees and Council. Councillor Elizabeth Evans noted that the Governance and
Audit Committee, and the Licensing Committee currently start at 9.30am and that
they would now need to be amended in line with all other meetings. She
also noted that a 1.30pm start time for afternoon meetings would improve
accessibility for those with childcare responsibility. A report will be presented to Council outlining the findings
of the survey and proposals in terms of the timing of meetings. |
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Report on the Members' annual appraisal survey Additional documents: Minutes: Nia Jones, Corporate Manager Democratic Services presented
the report to the Committee noting that it is a statutory requirement to provide
an annual review of the Members’ training and development needs. It was
noted that 8 Members have responded to the survey, and that areas identified
for further development and training were being addressed, and that these
individuals will now be offered an opportunity for an interview with a person
who, in the opinion of the authority is suitably qualified to provide advice
about the training and development needs of that Member. Members noted that the number of responses were low, and it
was recommended that this be raised with the party Leaders. The Committee NOTED the report. |
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Report on Members' Schedule of Remuneration 2023/24 Additional documents:
Minutes: Lowri Edwards, Corporate Lead Officer for Democratic
Services presented the report to the Committee noting that there are no
significant changes to the 2023-24 Schedule of Remuneration. She noted
that the basic salary for elected members will increase from £16,800 to
£17,600, emphasising that the Council has no discretion in terms of the levels
set by the Independent Remuneration Panel. Individual Members that wish to decline
the pay increase must communicate their intentions in writing, however the
Council as a whole, or any group of councillors cannot do so. There are discretionary elements to the report. It was noted
that there are no proposals to enable Councillors to claim for travelling costs
for work within their Wards; or to the travelling subsistence, overnight
accommodation and car parking allowance which will remain at the same rate as
2022/23. The £10 monthly opt-in allowance to cover telephone, broadband
and any postage costs will remain the same; and it is recommended that the cap
of 10 full days for each Committee that Co-opted Members sit on continues. It was noted that this has been an exceptional year for
Co-opted Members due to the additional training and support required during
their first year in term, however it is anticipated that this will settle down
during the subsequent years. It was noted that arrangements relating to travelling out of
county will continue and that 99% of all requests during the current year were
approved as they benefitted both the Council that there was
representation. The IRPW Annual Report 2023 and the draft Members’ Schedule
of Remuneration 2023/24 will now be presented to Council on the 20th April 2023. |
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Report on Members' Exit Survey Results Minutes: Nia Jones, Corporate Manager Democratic Services presented
the report to the Committee noting that the results for Ceredigion overall are
in line with the Wales average. It was noted that the modal response for
the number of years spent in the role of Councillor is 21 – 15 years,
equivalent to 4 – 5 terms of Office, and that the average number of hours spent
in the role, including community casework was equivalent to 23.4 hours per
week. Members noted the increasing number of hours involved with
regards to external organisations’ meetings such as the Police, Health and Fire
Service, and thanked previous Members for their time and commitment serving
Ceredigion County Council. The Committee NOTED the report. |
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Forward work programme Minutes: Members noted the reports proposed for the Forward Work Programme, and it was noted that draft guidance have now been received in relation to the Local Government and Elections Act (Wales) 2021, and that additional reports would result from this. |
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Any other matter which the Chairman decides is for the urgent attention of the Committee Minutes: Members noted their concern regarding the ongoing problem of
the audio cutting out during meetings, noting that this is now happening for an
extended period of time of circa 5 – 6 seconds. Members were reassured that
this was being looked into and discussions are ongoing with ICT. |