Agenda and minutes

Venue: Hybrid - Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron / remotely via video conference

Contact: Lisa Evans 

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

Minutes:

Councillor Delyth James & Jan Culley together with Mr John Weston apologised for their inability to attend the meeting.

 

2.

Personal Matters

Minutes:

None.

 

3.

Disclosure of personal / prejudicial interests

Minutes:

Councillor Caryl Roberts declared a personal and prejudicial interest in application 7 (a) to 7(n).

 

Councillor Gwyn Wigley Evans declared a personal and prejudicial interest in application 7 (a) to 7(n).

 

Mrs Dana Jones, Democratic Services and Standards Officer declared a personal and prejudicial interest in application 7(q) to 7(x) and the minutes were taken by Mrs Lisa Evans, Scrutiny and Standards Officer.

 

4.

To confirm as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Ethics & Standards Committee held on 25 January 2023 pdf icon PDF 98 KB

Minutes:

It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record of the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 25 January 2023 subject to the following:-

(i) item 5 be amended to “highest standards of conduct” in the first paragraph

(ii) item 6 to add “the” prior to Appendix in the fourth paragraph; and

(iii) item 9 be amended to “in” relation to dispensations

 

5.

Matters Arising

Minutes:

Training – refresher training had been arranged for the 18 May 2023, the training is to be mandatory for new Members and open to other Members that wished to attend or were subject to any complaints.

 

Item 6- The Monitoring Officer reported that the Committee would recall approving the attached Political group Leaders template document at the meeting on 25/1/23.

Following discussion with the Chair, it was proposed to suggest that para. 12 was amended as follows:

from:

“Group Leaders will prepare their report for the first available Ethics & Standards Committee meeting after 1st April each year;”

to: “Group Leaders will prepare their report for the  Ethics & Standards Committee after 1st April each year.”

 

It was agreed to confirm the change and it was reported that a Workshop is to be arranged to discuss this document further with Group Leaders.

 

Item 17- The All Wales Chair Standards Forum meeting had been held two days following the last Committee meeting. The next meeting would be held on the 30 June 2023 and the WLGA were proposing that Chairs and Vice-Chairs would be provided training. The Penn consultation had been discussed with an opportunity to respond formally to it.

 

Item 11- It was agreed that the Harmonisation of gifts/hospitality thresholds across all Welsh Authorities item would be reviewed again in six months as it was also now a part of the consultation in the Penn report. This would be placed on the Forward Work Programme.

 

Item 13- Three further training plans had been received from Town and  Community Councils. This would be discussed further under Training on the agenda.

 

6.

Action Log pdf icon PDF 84 KB

Minutes:

It was AGREED to note the Action Log as presented subject to amending the document with the matters arising above.

 

7.

To consider applications for dispensation from the following Councillors:

7a

Councillor Gareth Lloyd, Ceredigion County Council-TB application pdf icon PDF 152 KB

Minutes:

An application dated 23 March 2023 was received from Councillor Gareth Lloyd, Ceredigion County Council requesting a dispensation regarding the Notice of Motion to Full Council in relation to the way TB is dealt with by Welsh Government. Councillor Lloyd read out the draft terms and scope of the proposed Notice of Motion. He stated that he lives on the family farm, Clettwr, where he farms sheep and cattle.

 

Councillor Lloyd was requested to leave the chamber for the Committee to consider hus application.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Lloyd a dispensation to speak and vote on the TB motion to Council that would be considered at their meeting on the 20 April 2023 on the grounds that the participation of the member in the business to which the interest relates is justified by the member's particular role or expertise (Regulation 2(f))

 

The dispensation was granted for the meeting of the Council on the 20 April 2023 and subsequent Council meetings if required, but doesn’t exceed six months.

 

7b

Councillor Euros Davies, Ceredigion County Council - TB application pdf icon PDF 153 KB

Minutes:

An application dated 23 March 2023 was received from Councillor Euros Davies, Ceredigion County Council requesting a dispensation regarding the Notice of Motion to Full Council in relation to the way TB is dealt with by Welsh Government. He is a self-employed builder that carries out building maintenance work on agricultural farms that keep Cattle. He also rents some land and keep a flock of sheep & horses.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Davies a dispensation to speak and vote on the TB motion to Council that would be considered at their meeting on the 20 April 2023 on the grounds that the participation of the member in the business to which the interest relates is justified by the member's particular role or expertise (Regulation 2(f))

 

The dispensation was granted for the meeting of the Council on the 20 April 2023 and subsequent Council meetings if required, but doesn’t exceed six months.

 

7c

Councillor Gwyn James, Ceredigion County Council, - TB application pdf icon PDF 405 KB

Minutes:

An application dated 23 March 2023 was received from Gwyn James, Ceredigion County Council requesting a dispensation regarding the Notice of Motion to Full Council in relation to the way TB is dealt with by Welsh Government. He is a dairy farmer in partnership with his son at Bron y Glyn, Glynarthen.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor James a dispensation to speak and vote on the TB motion to Council that would be considered at their meeting on the 20 April 2023 on the grounds that the participation of the member in the business to which the interest relates is justified by the member's particular role or expertise (Regulation 2(f))

 

The dispensation was granted for the meeting of the Council on the 20 April 2023 and subsequent Council meetings if required, but doesn’t exceed six months.

 

7d

Councillor Geraint Hughes, Ceredigion County Council - TB application pdf icon PDF 157 KB

Minutes:

An application dated 24 March 2023 was received from Councillor Geraint Hughes, Ceredigion County Council requesting a dispensation regarding the Notice of Motion to Full Council in relation to the way TB is dealt with by Welsh Government. He had Farming Connections which were affected by TB and the way in which it was being managed in the agricultural sector in Wales

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Hughes a dispensation to speak and vote on the TB motion to Council that would be considered at their meeting on the 20 April 2023 on the grounds that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business

(Regulation 2(d).

 

The dispensation was granted for the meeting of the Council on the 20 April 2023 and subsequent Council meetings if required, but doesn’t exceed six months.

 

7e

Councillor Wyn Evans, Ceredigion County Council -TB application pdf icon PDF 175 KB

Minutes:

An application dated 24 March 2023 was received from Councillor Wyn Evans, Ceredigion County Council requesting a dispensation regarding the Notice of Motion to Full Council in relation to the way TB is dealt with by Welsh Government. Councillor Evans was present at the meeting to present his application. He lives on the family farm , Nant Byr Uchaf, where he farms sheep and cattle.

 

Councillor Evans was present at the meeting to present his application.

 

Councillor Evans was requested to leave the video conference for the Committee to consider his application.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Evans a dispensation to speak and vote on the TB motion to Council that would be considered at their meeting on the 20 April 2023 on the grounds that the participation of the member in the business to which the interest relates is justified by the member's particular role or expertise (Regulation 2(f))

 

The dispensation was granted for the meeting of the Council on the 20 April 2023 and subsequent Council meetings if required, but doesn’t exceed six months.

 

7f

Councillor Gwyn Wigley Evans, Ceredigion County Council - TB application pdf icon PDF 153 KB

Minutes:

An application dated 23 March 2023 was received from Councillor Gwyn Wigley Evans, Ceredigion County Council requesting a dispensation regarding the Notice of Motion to Full Council in relation to the way TB is dealt with by Welsh Government. He lives on the family farm, Benglog where sheep and cattle were farmed.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Wigley Evans a dispensation to speak and vote on the TB motion to Council that would be considered at their meeting on the 20 April 2023 on the grounds that the participation of the member in the business to which the interest relates is justified by the member's particular role or expertise (Regulation 2(f))

 

The dispensation was granted for the meeting of the Council on the 20 April 2023 and subsequent Council meetings if required, but doesn’t exceed six months.

 

7g

Councillor Meirion Davies, Ceredigion County Council - TB application pdf icon PDF 411 KB

Minutes:

An application dated 23 March 2023 was received from Councillor Meirion Davies, Ceredigion County Council requesting a dispensation regarding the Notice of Motion to Full Council in relation to the way TB is dealt with by Welsh Government. Farming was affected by TB and the way which it was being managed in the agricultural sector.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Davies a dispensation to speak and vote on the TB motion to Council that would be considered at their meeting on the 20 April 2023 on the grounds that the participation of the member in the business to which the interest relates is justified by the member's particular role or expertise (Regulation 2(f))

 

The dispensation was granted for the meeting of the Council on the 20 April 2023 and subsequent Council meetings if required, but doesn’t exceed six months.

 

7h

Councillor Ifan Davies, Ceredigion County Council - TB application pdf icon PDF 153 KB

Minutes:

An application dated 23 March 2023 was received from Councillor Ifan Davies, Ceredigion County Council requesting a dispensation regarding the Notice of Motion to Full Council in relation to the way TB is dealt with by Welsh Government. He was a beef and sheep farmer in Pontrhydfendigaid.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Davies a dispensation to speak and vote on the TB motion to Council that would be considered at their meeting on the 20 April 2023 on the grounds that the participation of the member in the business to which the interest relates is justified by the member's particular role or expertise (Regulation 2(f))

 

The dispensation was granted for the meeting of the Council on the 20 April 2023 and subsequent Council meetings if required, but doesn’t exceed six months.

 

7i

Councillor Bryan Davies, Ceredigion County Council - TB application pdf icon PDF 152 KB

Minutes:

An application dated 23 March 2023 was received from Bryan Davies, Ceredigion County Council requesting a dispensation regarding the Notice of Motion to Full Council in relation to the way TB is dealt with by Welsh Government. He was a beef cattle farmer.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Davies a dispensation to speak and vote on the TB motion to Council that would be considered at their meeting on the 20 April 2023 on the grounds that the participation of the member in the business to which the interest relates is justified by the member's particular role or expertise (Regulation 2(f))

 

The dispensation was granted for the meeting of the Council on the 20 April 2023 and subsequent Council meetings if required, but doesn’t exceed six months

7j

Councillor Eryl Evans, Ceredigion County Council - TB application pdf icon PDF 175 KB

Minutes:

An application dated 23 March 2023 was received from Councillor Eryl Evans, Ceredigion County Council requesting a dispensation regarding the Notice of Motion to Full Council in relation to the way TB is dealt with by Welsh Government. Beef and sheep farmer at her main residence with was the main source of livelihood for family.

 

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Evans a dispensation to speak and vote on the TB motion to Council that would be considered at their meeting on the 20 April 2023 on the grounds that the participation of the member in the business to which the interest relates is justified by the member's particular role or expertise (Regulation 2(f))

 

The dispensation was granted for the meeting of the Council on the 20 April 2023 and subsequent Council meetings if required, but doesn’t exceed six months.

 

7k

Councillor Rhodri Evans, Ceredigion County Council - TB application pdf icon PDF 153 KB

Minutes:

An application dated 23 March 2023 was received from Councillor Rhodri Evans, Ceredigion County Council requesting a dispensation regarding the Notice of Motion to Full Council in relation to the way TB is dealt with by Welsh Government. He was a beef and sheep farmer in Tregaron

 

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Davies a dispensation to speak and vote on the TB motion to Council that would be considered at their meeting on the 20 April 2023 on the grounds that the participation of the member in the business to which the interest relates is justified by the member's particular role or expertise (Regulation 2(f))

 

The dispensation was granted for the meeting of the Council on the 20 April 2023 and subsequent Council meetings if required, but doesn’t exceed six months.

 

7l

Councillor Catrin M S Davies, Ceredigion County Council - TB application pdf icon PDF 154 KB

Minutes:

An application dated 23 March 2023 was received from Councillor Catrin M S Davies, Ceredigion County Council requesting a dispensation regarding the Notice of Motion to Full Council in relation to the way TB is dealt with by Welsh Government. She owns a farm that was farmed by her sister and her partner was a farmer.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor M S Davies a dispensation to speak and vote on the TB motion to Council that would be considered at their meeting on the 20 April 2023 on the grounds that the the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business

(Regulation 2(d)

 

The dispensation was granted for the meeting of the Council on the 20 April 2023 and subsequent Council meetings if required, but doesn’t exceed six months.

 

7m

Councillor Ceris Jones, Ceredigion County Council - TB application pdf icon PDF 152 KB

Minutes:

An application dated 23 March 2023 was received from Councillor Ceris Jones, Ceredigion County Council requesting a dispensation regarding the Notice of Motion to Full Council in relation to the way TB is dealt with by Welsh Government. Her grandfather and brother were beef farmers.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Jones a dispensation to speak and vote on the TB motion to Council that would be considered at their meeting on the 20 April 2023 on the grounds that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business

(Regulation 2(d))

 

The dispensation was granted for the meeting of the Council on the 20 April 2023 and subsequent Council meetings if required, but doesn’t exceed six months.

 

7n

Councillor Wyn Thomas, Ceredigion County Council - TB application

Minutes:

A late application dated 30 March 2023 was received from Councillor Wyn Thomas Ceredigion County Council requesting a dispensation regarding the Notice of Motion to Full Council in relation to the way TB is dealt with by Welsh Government. He owns cattle.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Thomas a dispensation to speak and vote on the TB motion to Council that would be considered at their meeting on the 20 April 2023 on the grounds that the participation of the member in the business to which the interest relates is justified by the member's particular role or expertise (Regulation 2(f))

 

The dispensation was granted for the meeting of the Council on the 20 April 2023 and subsequent Council meetings if required, but doesn’t exceed six months.

 

7o

Councillor Euros Davies, Ceredigion County Council pdf icon PDF 152 KB

Minutes:

To note that the application had been withdrawn.

 

 

7p

Councillor Elizabeth Evans, Ceredigion County Council pdf icon PDF 154 KB

Minutes:

An application for dispensation dated 25 March 2023 was received from Councillor Elizabeth Evans on the Harbour Defence Works to Aberaeron main harbour and Pwll Cam. She would like to liaise with officers on behalf of my residents on various aspects of the harbour works, and ask any relevant questions. Her mother lived directly overlooking Pwll Cam.

 

Councillor Evans was present at the meeting to present her application.

 

Councillor Evans was requested to leave the video conference for the Committee to consider her application.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Evans with dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business;  (regulation 2 (d))The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.

 

 

7q

Councillor Elizabeth Evans, Aberaeron Town Council pdf icon PDF 154 KB

Minutes:

An application for dispensation dated  25 March 2023 was received from Councillor Elizabeth Evans on the Harbour Defence Works to Aberaeron main harbour and Pwll Cam. She would like to liaise with officers on behalf of my residents on various aspects of the harbour works, and ask any relevant questions. Her mother lived directly overlooking Pwll Cam.

Councillor Evans was present at the meeting to present her application.

 

Councillor Evans was requested to leave the video conference for the Committee to consider her application.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Evans with dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business;  (regulation 2 (d))The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.

 

 

7r

Councillor Matthew Vaux, Ceredigion County Council pdf icon PDF 303 KB

Minutes:

An application for dispensation dated 27 March 2023 was received from Councillor Matthew Vaux upon Waste collections and public bin placement and supply in New Quay. He owns The Captains Rendezvous Fish and Chip takeaway and restaurant in New Quay.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Vaux with dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business; (regulation 2 (d))The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.

 

 

7s

Councillor Matthew Vaux, New Quay Town Council pdf icon PDF 184 KB

Minutes:

An application for dispensation dated 27 March 2023 was received from Councillor Matthew Vaux upon Waste collections and public bin placement and supply in New Quay. He owns The Captains Rendezvous Fish and Chip takeaway and restaurant in New Quay.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Vaux with dispensation to speak only on the grounds that the nature of the members’ interest is such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business; (regulation 2 (d))The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.

 

 

7t

Councillor Brett Stones, New Quay Town Council pdf icon PDF 150 KB

Minutes:

An application for dispensation dated 21 March 2023 was received from Councillor Brett Stones upon Planning applications for holiday accommodation (self-catering accommodation, huts, caravans and Second homes). He owns a Dolphin Watching Boat Trip business, a Pasty Shop and holiday accommodation in New Quay.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Stones with dispensation to speak and vote on the grounds that no fewer than half of the members of the relevant authority or of a committee of the authority (as the case may be) by which the business is to be considered has an interest which relates to that business; (regulation 2 (a))The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.

 

7u

Councillor Jennifer Davies, New Quay Town Council pdf icon PDF 150 KB

Minutes:

An application for dispensation dated 21 March 2023 was received from Councillor Jennifer Davies upon planning applications for holiday accommodation to include self- catering accommodation, second homes, glamping pods and caravans. Her daughter in law owns a self catering property.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Davies with dispensation to speak and vote on the grounds that no fewer than half of the members of the relevant authority or of a committee of the authority (as the case may be) by which the business is to be considered has an interest which relates to that business; (regulation 2 (a))The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.

 

7v

Councillor Julian Evans, New Quay Town Council pdf icon PDF 150 KB

Minutes:

An application for dispensation dated 21 March 2023 was received from Councillor Julian Evans upon planning applications for holiday accommodation to include self- catering accommodation, second homes, glamping pods and caravans. He owns self-catering accommodation in New Quay

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Evans with dispensation to speak and vote on the grounds that no fewer than half of the members of the relevant authority or of a committee of the authority (as the case may be) by which the business is to be considered has an interest which relates to that business; (regulation 2 (a))The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.

 

7w

Councillor Sioned Davies, New Quay Town Council pdf icon PDF 150 KB

Minutes:

An application for dispensation dated 21 March 2023 was received from Councillor Sioned Davies upon planning applications for holiday accommodation to include self- catering accommodation, second homes, glamping pods and caravans. Her father owns self-catering accommodation in New Quay.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Davies with dispensation to speak and vote on the grounds that no fewer than half of the members of the relevant authority or of a committee of the authority (as the case may be) by which the business is to be considered has an interest which relates to that business; (regulation 2 (a))The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.

 

7x

Councillor Tomas Davies, New Quay Town Council pdf icon PDF 150 KB

Minutes:

An application for dispensation dated 21 March 2023 was received from Councillor Tomas Davies upon planning applications for holiday accommodation to include self- catering accommodation, second homes, glamping pods and caravans. He’s a Director of Pencnwc Holiday Park near New Quay, Caerfelin in Aberporth and New Minerton in Tenby. He also has two properties that were rented out in the New Quay area.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Davies with dispensation to speak and vote on the grounds that no fewer than half of the members of the relevant authority or of a committee of the authority (as the case may be) by which the business is to be considered has an interest which relates to that business; (regulation 2 (a))The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.

 

7y

Councillor Ywain Davies, New Quay Town Council pdf icon PDF 154 KB

Minutes:

An application for dispensation dated 21 March 2023 was received from Councillor Ywain Davies upon planning applications for holiday accommodation to include self- catering accommodation, second homes, glamping pods and caravans. He is the the owner/Director of Wern Mill Caravan Park, Gilfachrheda, New Quay, he had holiday accommodation – Touring caravans, static caravans, holiday homes, holiday huts, his family also have holiday accommodation locally. Planning applications may have a direct or indirect impact on my business (positive or negative)His opinion/verdict may be deemed as biased or impartial by the public or the persons submitting the application.

 

It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Stones with dispensation to speak and vote on the grounds that no fewer than half of the members of the relevant authority or of a committee of the authority (as the case may be) by which the business is to be considered has an interest which relates to that business; (regulation 2 (a))The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.

 

 

8.

Report on amendment to dispensation form pdf icon PDF 315 KB

Minutes:

It was AGREED to note the amendment of the dispensation form as presented.

 

9.

Recruitment of independent member update pdf icon PDF 64 KB

Minutes:

The Monitoring Officer reported that the current Chair, Mrs Caroline White was appointed initially on 30/7/2013 and reappointed on 30/7/2019. Her term of office would expire on the 29/7/2023.  Mrs Caroline White was not now eligible for reappointment. 

 

Consequently it was necessary to recruit a new independent member to the Ethics and Standards Committee to maintain the Committee's composition, as set out in the Constitution, and as required by legislation.

 

Following the recruitment process Gail Storr was selected as an Independent / Lay Member to the Ethics and Standards Committee.  The new lay member would be appointed for one term of 6 years, with an option to reappoint for a second term of 4 years, up to no more than two consecutive administrative terms inclusive of the current term (up to 10 years, up to 29 July 2032).

 

Council at its meeting on 26th January resolved to approve the appointment of Gail Storr as Independent / Lay Member to the Ethics and Standards Committee with effect from 30 July 2023 up to 29 July 2029.

 

It was AGREED to note the update provided.

 

10.

Appointment of Chair/Vice Chair

Minutes:

The Monitoring Officer reported that this was the last meeting for the current Chair as her term of office was coming to an end on the 24 July 2023. It was suggested that the new Chair could be appointed from the 01 May 2023 or 01 June 2023. It was reported that one independent Member had agreed to put their name forward, namely Mrs Caryl Davies.

 

It was proposed by Councillor Gwyn Wigley Evans and seconded by Mr Alan Davies that Mrs Caryl Davies be appointed as Chair effective from the 01 May 2023 for four years (1/5/23-30/4/27 ).

 

The term of office for the Vice-Chair was to due end on the 30 July 2023 , it was AGREED to defer the decision to appoint a Vice Chair  to the next meeting of the Committee as the Vice-Chair was not in attendance.

11.

Review of Vision Statement pdf icon PDF 70 KB

Minutes:

The current Ethics and Standards Committee vision statement was shared with Members of the Committee on 22nd February 2023. 

 

The Vision Statement of the Ethics and Standards Committee was as follows:

 

“Our Vision is that the people of Ceredigion will have trust and confidence that all those elected to office in Local Government in our county will work to the highest ethical and moral standards in serving their community”

 

The Standards Officer requested members to share any comments/proposed amendments that they’d like seen.

 

The following responses were received:

•Three committee members agreed that the vision statement was still fit for purpose.

•One member proposed a slight amendment to add "and businesses" after "people"

 

It was AGREED to defer consideration of the statement wording in order to consider additional wording proposed to include businesses and organisation after “people”

 

12.

Update on Adjudication Panel for Wales matters

Minutes:

It was AGREED to note the two APW decisions that had been sent via email following publication of the agenda:-

 

  • Former Councillor Sheila Jenkins, St. Harmon Community Council
  • Councillor Paul Rogers, Wrexham County Borough Council

Brymbo Community Council

 

 

 

13.

Update on the Public Services Ombudsman matters pdf icon PDF 87 KB

Minutes:

It was AGREED to note the content of the report presented. 

 

It was reported that that the Ethics and Standards Committee meetings were recorded on livestream in Pembrokeshire CC and this meeting could be used as a training resource for the Committee .

 

It was also agreed that the report would also be circulated to  Clerks to Town and Community Councils once presented at Committee.

 

14.

Training

Minutes:

It was reported that refresher training on the Code for Councillors had been arranged for 18th May 2023 for County Councillors as previously stated under matters arising.

 

Hearing training held in September 2022 would be followed up by providing a video of a hearing to consider. It was reported by Caryl Davies that an actual hearing would provide a different aspect to the Committee in practice.

 

Sixteen Town and Community Councils had provided their Training plans. The Monitoring Officer stated that it was a statutory requirement for training  plans to be published on their respective Council’s websites. Several Councils had only reported on the training Members had received and not a plan for future training.

 

 A request for refresher training on the Code would be provided in 2024 as requested in the plans provided by several Town and Community Councils .

 

Llansantffraed Community Council would be receiving training on the Code of Conduct on the 2/5/23, following the recommendation of the Adjudication panel for Wales on the former Cllr Vaughan case.

15.

To consider any other applications for dispensation received since the agenda was published

Minutes:

Councillor Wyn Thomas late application had previously been considered under item 7.

 

16.

Forward Work Programme pdf icon PDF 127 KB

Minutes:

It was AGREED that the following would be added to the Forward Work Programme:-

 

(i) Harmonisation of gifts/hospitality thresholds across all Welsh Authorities;

(ii) Vision Statement on the next meeting agenda;

(iii) that the draft response to the 20 questions prepared by the Monitoring Officer be circulated to Members upon the Penn Review consultation, in order to provide a cohesive response by the end of April;

(iv) a workshop would possibly be held in May 2023 with the Group leaders subject to their availability and Members of the Committee;

(v) the self evaluation would be circulated in May 2023 and the results presented in the June 2023 meeting

 

 

17.

Any other matter which the Chairman decides is for the urgent attention of the Committee

Minutes:

The Chair reported that this was her last meeting as chair and thanked Members of the committee and Officers for their work and assistance during her term.  She wished the new Chair well on her term of office.

 The Monitoring Officer and Members in response thanked her for all her hard work and commitment to the role and noted that the current Chair is always being well informed.