Venue: Hybrid - Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron / remotely via video conference
Contact: Lisa Evans
No. | Item |
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Apologies Minutes: Councillor Rhodri Evans and Mr Alan Davies
apologised for their inability to attend the meeting. |
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Chair Announcements Minutes: None. |
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Declaration of personal / prejudicial interest Minutes: Ms Elin Prysor declared a personal and
prejudicial interest in 9 (g)/(vii) and 17 (xiii), (xiv) and (xv). Those items
were considered at the end of the meeting as the Deputy Monitoring Officer was
in attendance as the Monitoring Officer had vacated the Chamber. Mrs Dana Jones, Democratic and Standards
Officer declared a personal and prejudicial interest in 9 (vii) to (xii), 11,
and 17. The minutes were taken by the Scrutiny and Standards Officer for those
items. |
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An annual opportunity for Group Leaders to address the committee about promoting and maintaining high standards of behavior by Ceredigion County Council members Minutes: The Chair welcomed to the meeting Councillor
Bryan Davies, Leader of the Plaid Cymru Group , Councillor Elizabeth Evans,
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group and Councillor Keith Evans on behalf of
the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Independent Group to address the committee
about promoting and maintaining high standards of behaviour by Ceredigion
County Council members. Councillor Bryan Davies firstly addressed the
Committee regarding his position. He stated that due to budget cuts within the
Council, the public and press were very vocal in their opinions. Distasteful
emails were being received by him and other Members of the Cabinet. He stated
that he understood that emotions were high in relation to sensitive issues such
as discussing the process of closing primary schools, moving Aberaeron Library
in recent Cabinet meetings, however, the public that attended the Chamber
should always have a standard of conduct towards Members and Officers. He reported that a meeting between the Leader
of the Groups and the Monitoring Officer were now being held and were
beneficial to discuss issues of concern and code of conduct issues. Councillor Elizabeth Evans agreed with the
comments by Councillor Bryan Davies and stated that public emotions were high
since the pre-Council tax setting for 2024. There had been contentious issues
discussed at recent Cabinet, to include schools and the library in her own
Ward, however, she stated that the meeting had been chaired excellent by the
Leader. She stated that everyone had to be respectful even though emotions were
high. All her members had attended Social Media training, and she had also urged
them to share information on their Social Media platforms in order that their
residents were aware of Council work. Refresher training on the code of conduct
was welcomed in November, and she always reminded her members of the need to
read their agendas in their entirety to ascertain if they were required to
declare an interest. She had also advised them of the need to separate their
position as an individual and their role as Councillors, as if an email was
sent from their Council email, these would be subject to the code of conduct.
She also agreed with the Leader that the MO meeting with the Group Leaders was
welcomed as it was a confidential space to discuss breach of the Code of
Conduct and other general issues. Councillor Keith Evans read out a letter on
behalf of Councillor Rhodri Evans, Leader of the Independent Group who was
apologising that he was unable to attend the meeting as he was attending other
Council business. The letter stated that the group met regularly usually twice monthly where issues were discussed to include the code of conduct, and if there was a need to apply for dispensations for issues that were being discussed on future agendas. He always urged members to attend meetings to discuss consultation papers to be aware of proposals by WG etc and pre briefing meeting for committees if they were vice chairs to ... view the full minutes text for item 4. |
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Minutes: It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record
of the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 11 July 2024. |
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Minutes: It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record of the minutes of the meeting
of the Committee held on 19 July 2024 subject to noting that Mrs Llinos James
had tendered her apologies. |
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Minutes: It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record
of the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 23 August 2024 |
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Matters Arising Minutes: Minutes 19 July
2024- ·
Refresher training for County Councillors On Code of Conduct and social media had been arranged for
27/11/24. ·
The Chair requested an update upon the Review of the
political group leaders compliance assessment
template. It was reported that a certain
amount of work had been done on it, however, it was agreed that it would be
placed on the Forward Work Programme for further consideration. |
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To consider the following applications for dispensation :- |
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Councillor Keith Evans - Ceredigion County Council (Calon Tysul) Minutes:
An
application for dispensation dated 15 September 2024 was
received from Councillor Keith Evans to speak and vote on potential funding for
Calon Tysul.
Councillor Evans serves and advises on their Management Committee. As
both their County Council and Community Council local Member, local
organisations look to elected members for guidance, leadership and support. Councillor Evans was present at the meeting to present all his
applications and answered questions regarding his applications. Councillor Evans was requested to leave the Chamber for the Committee
to consider his application.
It was
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Evans a
dispensation to speak and vote 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, and 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 (d) and (f) of the Standards Committees (Grant
of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a
period of 12 months. |
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Councillor Keith Evans, Llandysul Community Council (Calon Tysul) Minutes:
An
application for dispensation dated 15 September 2024 was received from
Councillor Keith Evans to speak and vote on potential funding for Calon Tysul. Councillor
Evans serves and advises on their Management Committee. As both their County
Council and Community Council local Member, local organisations look to elected
members for guidance, leadership and support.
It was
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Evans a
dispensation to speak and vote 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, and 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 (d) and (f) of the Standards Committees (Grant
of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a
period of 12 months.
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Councillor Keith Evans, Ceredigion County Council (Cymdeithas Chwaraeon Llandysul) Minutes:
An
application for dispensation dated 15 September 2024 was received from
Councillor Keith Evans to speak and vote on potential funding for Llandysul
Sports Society. Councillor Evans serves and advises on their Management
Committee. As both their County Council and Community Council local Member,
local organisations looks to elected members for
guidance, leadership and support.
It was
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Evans a
dispensation to speak and vote 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, and 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 (d) and (f) of the Standards Committees (Grant
of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a
period of 12 months. |
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Minutes:
An
application for dispensation dated 15 September 2024 was received from
Councillor Keith Evans to speak and vote on potential funding for Llandysul
Sports Society. Councillor Evans serves and advises on their Management
Committee. As both their County Council and Community Council local Member,
local organisations look to elected members for guidance, leadership and
support.
It was
RESOLVED to grant Councillor Evans with a dispensation to speak and vote 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, and 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 (d) and
(f) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations
2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months |
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Councillor Keith Evans, Ceredigion County Council (Pontweli Ymlaen Cyf) Minutes: An application for dispensation dated 15 September 2024 was received
from Councillor Keith Evans to speak and vote on potential funding for
Llandysul Pont-Tyweli Ymlaen
Cyf.
Councillor Evans serve and advise on their Management Board as a
Director. As both their County Council and Community Council local Member,
local organisations looks to elected members for
guidance, leadership and support. It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Evans a dispensation to speak and vote 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, and 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 (d) and (f)
of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales) Regulations 2001).
The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months |
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Councillor Keith Evans, Cyngor Cymuned Llandysul (Pontweli Ymlaen Cyf) Minutes: An application for dispensation dated 15 September 2024 was received
from Councillor Keith Evans to speak and vote on potential funding for
Llandysul Pont-Tyweli Ymlaen
Cyf.
Councillor Evans serve and advise on their Management Board as a
Director. As both their County Council and Community Council local Member,
local organisations look to elected members for guidance, leadership and support.
It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Evans a dispensation to speak and
vote 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,
and 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
(d) and (f) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations)(Wales)
Regulations 2001). The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months. |
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Councillor Brett Stones, New Quay Town Council Minutes: An application for dispensation dated 16 September 2024 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 the nature
of the member's 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 |
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Councillor Jennifer Davies, New Quay Town Council Minutes: 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;
and the interest is common to the member and a
significant proportion of the general public; (regulation 2 (a) and (e))The
dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months. |
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Councillor Julian Evans, New Quay Town Council Minutes: 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; and the interest is common to the member and
a significant proportion of the general public; (regulation 2 (a) and (e))The
dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months |
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Councillor Sioned Davies, New Quay Town Council Minutes: 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; and the interest is common to
the member and a significant proportion of the general public; (regulation 2
(a) and (e))The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months |
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Councillor Tomas Davies, New Quay Town Council Minutes: An application for dispensation dated 16
September 2024 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 only on the grounds that the
nature of the member's 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; and 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 (d) and (f))The dispensation
was granted for a period of 12 months. |
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Councillor Ywain Davies, New Quay Town Council Minutes: An application for dispensation dated 16 September 2024 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 Davies with dispensation to speak
only on the grounds that the nature of the member's 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;
and 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
(d) and (f))The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months. |
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Minutes: It was AGREED to note the content of the
Action Log as presented. It was reported that all County Council Members would
be receiving Code of Conduct refresher training to include Socia Media issues
on the 27 November 2024 |
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Update on Adjudication Panel for Wales matters Additional documents:
Minutes: It was AGREED to note the content. |
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Quarterly report on trends of complaints Quarter 1 & 2 24/25 Minutes: It was AGREED to
note the content. It was suggested that the figures could be placed in a
different format such as table to obtain a clear oversight of the trends. |
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Code of conduct training for Town and Community Councils Minutes: Consideration was given to the Code of
Conduct training for Town and Community Council. It was AGREED following
discussion that:- A one-off online training session would be held annually. This would be open to all Town and
Community Councils. The session would be recorded and circulated to those
unable to attend. If the session was not well attended, consideration would be given to
another form of training session. Dates, times and format of the online
training would be addressed in due course. Mrs Gail Storr and Councillor Elen
Page had agreed to assist with the training sessions. Other committee Members
input on the training was also welcomed. |
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Additional documents:
Minutes: It was AGREED to note the minutes for
information and the presentations that were provided at the meeting. |
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The Public Services Ombudsman Code of Conduct Findings and Annual Letter Additional documents: Minutes: It was AGREED to note the Public Services Ombudsman Code of Conduct Findings, Independent Review and the Annual Letter for information |
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Forward Work Programme Additional documents: Minutes: It was AGREED to
note the content of the Forward Work Programme as presented, subject to the following:-
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To consider any other applications for dispensation received since the agenda was published |
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Councillor Brett Stones - New Quay Town Council Minutes: An application for dispensation dated 12 October 2024 was received from
Councillor Brett Stones upon New Quay Town Place Plan. He owned businesses in
New Quay. It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Stones with dispensation to speak
and vote on the grounds that the nature of the member's 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 (d) The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months.
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Councillor Julian Evans - New Quay Town Council Minutes: An application for dispensation dated 13 October 2024 was received from
Councillor Julian Evans upon the Place Plan – initial stages of planning for.
New Quay Memorial Hall / Hub had been identified as a Community Asset in the
initial planning stages for the place plan. During discussions stakeholders
wish for New Quay to provide year-round event for the Community. He is a trustee of New Quay
Memorial Hall, and his wife is the Development Officer at New Quay Community
Hub. It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Evans with dispensation to speak
and vote on the grounds that the nature of the member's 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 (d) The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months. |
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Councillor Sioned Davies - New Quay Town Council Minutes: An application for dispensation dated 13 October 2024 was received from
Councillor Sioned Davies upon Place Plan – initial stages of planning for. New
Quay Memorial Hall / Hub had been identified as a Community Asset in the
initial planning stages for the place plan. During discussions stakeholders
wish for New Quay to provide year-round event for the Community. She is the
trustee of New Quay Memorial Hall and her mother is
the Development Officer at New Quay Community Hub. It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Davies with dispensation to speak
and vote on the grounds that the nature of the member's 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 (d) The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months. |
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Councillor Tomas Davies, New Quay Town Council Minutes: An application for dispensation dated 13 October 2024 was received by
Councillor Tomas Davies upon the five priorities NQTC need to consider for the
New Quay Place Plan, these include linking to 5 key areas of Wellbeing,
Placemaking, Heritage and Culture , Economy and
Environment. He’s a Director of Pencnwc Holiday Park
near 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;
and the nature of the member's 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 (a) &(d) The dispensation was granted for a period of
12 months. |
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Councillor Matthew Vaux- New Quay Town Council Minutes: An application for dispensation dated 14 October 2024 was received by
Councillor Vaux upon the New Quay Place Plan. He owned The Captain’s Fish and
Chip shop. It was RESOLVED to grant Councillor Vaux with dispensation to speak and
vote on the grounds that the nature of the member's 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 (d) The dispensation was granted for a period of 12 months. |
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Councillor Jennifer Davies, New Quay Town Council Minutes: An application for dispensation dated 13 October 2024 was received by
Councillor Davies upon the five priorities NQTC need to consider for the New
Quay Place Plan, these include linking to 5 key areas of Wellbeing,
Placemaking, Heritage and Culture , Economy and
Environment. She’s the NQTC Member responsible for the Heritage Centre and
Museum. She was also on community group looking to create a Community
garden on the old library site with access to the local primary school 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;
and the nature of the member's 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 (a) &(d) The dispensation was granted for a period of
12 months. |