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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 Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer write to councillors Karl Lewis and Sarah Williams, on behalf of the Committee, requesting them to attend the next committee to explain the reasons for their attendance levels during the period 2024/25 and if they are unable to attend to provide an explanation why they are unable to do so and that this correspondence is copied to the relevant group leaders. C. Referral of Councillors to the Ombudsman Wales The Committee noted that the Ombudsman now sends information when complaints have been received and initial assessments are being undertaken. As a result, an extra column has been added to the table below to reflect this change. The abbreviations used in the headings are as follows: MO – Monitoring Officer OW – Ombudsman Wales Stds – Standards Committee APW - Adjudication Panel for Wales Ref Date OW advised initial assessment Date OW advised investigating or not investigating Date OW’s decision Date considered by Stds Date considered by APW 03/CC/22 --- 17/04/23 investigating 02/06/25 refer to Standards Committee 02/CC/23 --- 26/02/24 investigating 03/CC/23 --- 23/04/24 investigating 02/CC/24 --- 14/08/24 investigating 08/CC/24 --- 16/01/25 investigating 11/03/25 investigation completed -no evidence of failure to comply with the Code of Conduct --- --- 21/CC/24 --- 21/03/25 not investigating --- --- --- 01/CC/25 04/04/25 02/CC/25 07/04/25 In in response to questions regarding the fact that the Ombudsman had not completed investigations into two complaints within 12 months, the Deputy Monitoring Officer advised that she regularly seeks updates from the Ombudsman regarding the progress of investigations. There can be a variety of reasons for the time taken, including getting hold of witnesses, arranging meetings, the illness or absence of individuals but all of these are outside the control of the Council. The Chair advised that the Committee had written to the Ombudsman expressing concerns regarding the delays in investigations and the Ombudsman had responded advising that the number of cases had increased significantly over the last few years and the Ombudsman had recruited extra staff to deal with this. Comment was made whether the delays were still because of capacity issues or internal difficulties within the Ombudsman's office. The Chair advised that he would raise the issue with the Ombudsman at the National Standards Forum meeting which would be taking place next week. Resolved that the recent correspondence between the Committee and the Ombudsman would be shared with Councillor I Harrison, as he was a new member on the Committee. D. Dispensations Applications - County Councillors No applications for dispensation have been received from County Councillors. E. Ombudsman Wales – Our Findings The Committee noted the Ombudsman Wales - Our Findings F. Adjudication Panel for Wales [APW] Details of cases considered by the APW are available via the following link: Decisions | The Adjudication Panel for Wales (gov.wales) G. Whistleblowing cases The Committee noted the information regarding whistleblowing cases for the period 2024-25. The report included details of the number of cases in previous years, so showing the trend. The Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer highlighted that one case related to a supplier. G. Meeting dates The next starting at 2pm was noted: 13 October County Councillor W Powell joined the meeting.
RESOLVED To accept the annual report for 2024 – 25.
RESOLVED that Reason for decision 1. the report is noted and 2. the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer writes to the one councillor and two co-opted members who need to complete their reviews. To ensure the Committee undertakes an annual review of the Register of Interest of members, Co-opted members and Church and Parent Governor representatives and Officers as part of its work programme.
Resolved that the Democratic Services Committee be asked to consider the issue of councillors displaying newspaper headlines or placards and banners in council meetings and whether reference should be made to this in the Constitution.
RESOLVED to exclude the public for the following item of business on the grounds that there would be disclosure to them of exempt information under category 8 of The Council’s Access to Information Rules.
The Committee was advised that Councillor W Powell was at the Welsh Local Government Association [WLGA] Conference and hoped to join later.
The Chair was authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2025 as a correct record. The Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer apologised that he had not followed up the two issues with the Ombudsman. In respect of what checks the Ombudsman makes on those making complaints, he advised that the Ombudsman has to take every complaint seriously, irrespective of the number of complaints from any one individual. He suspected, that like the Council, the Ombudsman would have a vexatious complaints policy and would consider numerous complaints from one person against that policy. He agreed to contact the Ombudsman on this issue and also regarding what support it provides to councillors who are the subject of a complaint. The Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer apologised for the late circulation of the minutes.
No declarations were received.
County Councillor Beverley Baynham was appointed as the councillor representative on the Standards Community Sub-Committee.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that The Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer write to councillors Karl Lewis and Sarah Williams, on behalf of the Committee, requesting them to attend the next committee to explain the reasons for their attendance levels during the period 2024/25 and if they are unable to attend to provide an explanation why they are unable to do so and that this correspondence is copied to the relevant group leaders. C. Referral of Councillors to the Ombudsman Wales The Committee noted that the Ombudsman now sends information when complaints have been received and initial assessments are being undertaken. As a result, an extra column has been added to the table below to reflect this change. The abbreviations used in the headings are as follows: MO – Monitoring Officer OW – Ombudsman Wales Stds – Standards Committee APW - Adjudication Panel for Wales Ref Date OW advised initial assessment Date OW advised investigating or not investigating Date OW’s decision Date considered by Stds Date considered by APW 03/CC/22 --- 17/04/23 investigating 02/06/25 refer to Standards Committee 02/CC/23 --- 26/02/24 investigating 03/CC/23 --- 23/04/24 investigating 02/CC/24 --- 14/08/24 investigating 08/CC/24 --- 16/01/25 investigating 11/03/25 investigation completed -no evidence of failure to comply with the Code of Conduct --- --- 21/CC/24 --- 21/03/25 not investigating --- --- --- 01/CC/25 04/04/25 02/CC/25 07/04/25 In in response to questions regarding the fact that the Ombudsman had not completed investigations into two complaints within 12 months, the Deputy Monitoring Officer advised that she regularly seeks updates from the Ombudsman regarding the progress of investigations. There can be a variety of reasons for the time taken, including getting hold of witnesses, arranging meetings, the illness or absence of individuals but all of these are outside the control of the Council. The Chair advised that the Committee had written to the Ombudsman expressing concerns regarding the delays in investigations and the Ombudsman had responded advising that the number of cases had increased significantly over the last few years and the Ombudsman had recruited extra staff to deal with this. Comment was made whether the delays were still because of capacity issues or internal difficulties within the Ombudsman's office. The Chair advised that he would raise the issue with the Ombudsman at the National Standards Forum meeting which would be taking place next week. Resolved that the recent correspondence between the Committee and the Ombudsman would be shared with Councillor I Harrison, as he was a new member on the Committee. D. Dispensations Applications - County Councillors No applications for dispensation have been received from County Councillors. E. Ombudsman Wales – Our Findings The Committee noted the Ombudsman Wales - Our Findings F. Adjudication Panel for Wales [APW] Details of cases considered by the APW are available via the following link: Decisions | The Adjudication Panel for Wales (gov.wales) G. Whistleblowing cases The Committee noted the information regarding whistleblowing cases for the period 2024-25. The report included details of the number of cases in previous years, so showing the trend. The Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer highlighted that one case related to a supplier. G. Meeting dates The next starting at 2pm was noted: 13 October County Councillor W Powell joined the meeting.
The Committee received the report of the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer (copy filed with signed minutes). A. General Standards Issues for County Councillors and Co-opted Members There was nothing to report. B. Members’ attendance The Committee noted that three members had an attendance level of below 60% for the period 16 May 2024 to 14 May 2025. The Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer advised that the surname of the first councillor referred to in his report was incorrect and should be Councillor Josie Ewing and not Councillor josie Evans. · Councillor Josie Ewing - the Committee noted the explanation for the reasons for her absence due to her maternity leave and arranging childcare. The Committee accepted these reasons for her lower attendance as being reasonable and acceptable. · Councillor Karl Lewis - the Committee was advised that a letter was emailed to the councillor on 3 June. The Democratic Services Officer spoke to the councillor on 12 June and sent a further e-mail reminder on 17 June. These communications asked the councillor to provide information regarding his attendance level which was 59%. No information had been provided by councillor. · Councillor Sarah Williams – a letter was emailed to this councillor on 29 May and the Democratic Services Officer left a message and sent a further email on 9 June. The councillor was asked for an explanation as to why her attendance level was at 45% and no information has been provided. The Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer advised the Committee that it could consider whether the lack of correspondence is acceptable and not do anything else or it could send another letter from the Chair or ask the members to attend the next committee meeting to explain their level of attendance. In response to a question the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer advised that group leaders have not previously been copied into the correspondence with the individual councillor. However, this is something that could be added into the process going forward. Comment was made that communication with the group leader was important in respect of the support they may need to provide to a councillor. He advised that one group leader is aware of a members attendance as he contacted the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer yesterday but had not provided any explanation. The Democratic Services Officer advised that, as a result of this contact, she also advised the other group leader in respect of their member’s attendance levels. Comment was made that the councillors had been asked to respond, on a number of occasions regarding the reasons for their absence and therefore it was perfectly acceptable for the Committee to ask them to attend a future meeting of the Committee to explain their attendance levels. It was considered that the Committee should set a standard of its expectations and it was not unreasonable to expect councillors to respond to a letter from the Chair. Comment was also made that rather than inviting the councillors to the next meeting the Committee should ask them to attend and that councillors should be held accountable. RESOLVED that The Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer write to councillors Karl Lewis and Sarah Williams, on behalf of the Committee, requesting them to attend the next committee to explain the reasons for their attendance levels during the period 2024/25 and if they are unable to attend to provide an explanation why they are unable to do so and that this correspondence is copied to the relevant group leaders. C. Referral of Councillors to the Ombudsman Wales The Committee noted that the Ombudsman now sends information when complaints have been received and initial assessments are being undertaken. As a result, an extra column has been added to the table below to reflect this change. The abbreviations used in the headings are as follows: MO – Monitoring Officer OW – Ombudsman Wales Stds – Standards Committee APW - Adjudication Panel for Wales Ref Date OW advised initial assessment Date OW advised investigating or not investigating Date OW’s decision Date considered by Stds Date considered by APW 03/CC/22 --- 17/04/23 investigating 02/06/25 refer to Standards Committee 02/CC/23 --- 26/02/24 investigating 03/CC/23 --- 23/04/24 investigating 02/CC/24 --- 14/08/24 investigating 08/CC/24 --- 16/01/25 investigating 11/03/25 investigation completed -no evidence of failure to comply with the Code of Conduct --- --- 21/CC/24 --- 21/03/25 not investigating --- --- --- 01/CC/25 04/04/25 02/CC/25 07/04/25 In in response to questions regarding the fact that the Ombudsman had not completed investigations into two complaints within 12 months, the Deputy Monitoring Officer advised that she regularly seeks updates from the Ombudsman regarding the progress of investigations. There can be a variety of reasons for the time taken, including getting hold of witnesses, arranging meetings, the illness or absence of individuals but all of these are outside the control of the Council. The Chair advised that the Committee had written to the Ombudsman expressing concerns regarding the delays in investigations and the Ombudsman had responded advising that the number of cases had increased significantly over the last few years and the Ombudsman had recruited extra staff to deal with this. Comment was made whether the delays were still because of capacity issues or internal difficulties within the Ombudsman's office. The Chair advised that he would raise the issue with the Ombudsman at the National Standards Forum meeting which would be taking place next week. Resolved that the recent correspondence between the Committee and the Ombudsman would be shared with Councillor I Harrison, as he was a new member on the Committee. D. Dispensations Applications - County Councillors No applications for dispensation have been received from County Councillors. E. Ombudsman Wales – Our Findings The Committee noted the Ombudsman Wales - Our Findings F. Adjudication Panel for Wales [APW] Details of cases considered by the APW are available via the following link: Decisions | The Adjudication Panel for Wales (gov.wales) G. Whistleblowing cases The Committee noted the information regarding whistleblowing cases for the period 2024-25. The report included details of the number of cases in previous years, so showing the trend. The Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer highlighted that one case related to a supplier. G. Meeting dates The next starting at 2pm was noted: 13 October County Councillor W Powell joined the meeting.
The Committee noted the summary of the meeting with Group Leaders regarding the Code of Conduct and their duties. The Committee had been able to comment on the draft notes prior to publication. In response to a comment the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer advised that officers could offer assistance to group leaders when they are completing their annual review in preparation for their meeting with the Standards Committee and this may assist group leaders in their engagement with the process. He also advised that the summary refers to the fact that there needs to be more clarity on the role of group leaders and what the Committee expects in respect of their duties. It was also suggested that the Chair should refer to the role of the Committee, its expectations of councillors and the summary of the meeting with Group Leaders when the Annual Report is presented to the Council meeting in July. Resolved That the summary of the meeting with Group Leaders be approved and added to the annual report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED To accept the annual report for 2024 – 25.
The Committee considered the Annual report. It was noted that the summary report of the meeting with Group Leaders would be added at Appendix 3 and the Chair’s report would also be added. The report was agreed and it was noted that it would be presented to the Council meeting on 10 July 2025. RESOLVED To accept the annual report for 2024 – 25.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Reason for decision 1. the report is noted and 2. the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer writes to the one councillor and two co-opted members who need to complete their reviews. To ensure the Committee undertakes an annual review of the Register of Interest of members, Co-opted members and Church and Parent Governor representatives and Officers as part of its work programme.
The Committee considered the report in respect of it’s Annual review of Register of Interest of members, Co-opted members and Church and Parent Governor representatives and Officers. It was noted that one councillor had not completed the review because of family issues and two co-opted members still needed to complete their reviews. RESOLVED that Reason for decision 1. the report is noted and 2. the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer writes to the one councillor and two co-opted members who need to complete their reviews. To ensure the Committee undertakes an annual review of the Register of Interest of members, Co-opted members and Church and Parent Governor representatives and Officers as part of its work programme.
The Committee was advised that during the year 19 May 2024 -14 May 2025 inclusive, no General dispensations had been used.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that the Democratic Services Committee be asked to consider the issue of councillors displaying newspaper headlines or placards and banners in council meetings and whether reference should be made to this in the Constitution.
The Committee received the observation report of the Council meeting held on 6 March 2025. The Committee discussed the issue of councillors displaying newspaper headlines or placards and banners in council meetings which can be seen on the webcast. It was acknowledged however that councillors should be in a position to express their views but there is a balance between the right of members to do so and for a council meeting to be conducted with due efficiency and professionalism. Comment was made that guidance on displaying such information would assist the chair of meetings. In response to a comment regarding the names of councillors being displayed on webcasts, the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer advised that he thought names were displayed but he would ask officers to review this. Resolved that the Democratic Services Committee be asked to consider the issue of councillors displaying newspaper headlines or placards and banners in council meetings and whether reference should be made to this in the Constitution.
The Work programme was noted and the Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer reminded members that they could suggest items for inclusion at any time.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to exclude the public for the following item of business on the grounds that there would be disclosure to them of exempt information under category 8 of The Council’s Access to Information Rules.
RESOLVED to exclude the public for the following item of business on the grounds that there would be disclosure to them of exempt information under category 8 of The Council’s Access to Information Rules.
There were no declarations of interest.
The Committee considered the Deputy Monitoring Officer’s report and discussed the preliminary issues relating to a referral of a complaint from the Ombudsman Wales. Recommendation: Reason for Recommendation: That the Committee adopts the procedures at Appendix 1 for the determination of the matter. To comply with the requirements under the Local Government Investigations (Functions of Monitoring Officers and Standards Committees) (Wales) Regulations 2001. That the Standards Committee on considering the Ombudsman’s Investigation Report dated 2 June 2025 considers that there is evidence which might amount to a failure to comply with the code of conduct and to give Councillor Iain McIntosh the opportunity to make representations, either orally or in writing at a future meeting in respect of the findings of the investigation and any allegation that he has failed, or may have failed, to comply with the code of conduct in accordance with the procedures adopted under 1 above. To comply with its obligations under the Local Government Investigations (Functions of Monitoring Officers and Standards Committees) (Wales) Regulations 2001.