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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 from 9 February 2026, the newly appointed Head of Service, Legal, Democratic and Registration be appointed as the designated Head of Democratic Services as required under Section 8(1) of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011.
RESOLVED - (i) That the changes in Members’ remuneration be noted, as set out in the Annual Report of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru for 2026/27. (ii) That a letter be sent to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, noting that the situation in relation to maternity allowance/ family leave is considerably better for elected Members than Council staff and asking for this disparity to be considered in the future.
RESOLVED – (i) That a Member Development Task and Finish Group be established comprising the following Members: Councillors Bryan Apsley, Pete Howell, Malcolm King OBE, Jerry Wellens and Derek Wright (ii) That the Task and Finish Group be asked to: · Review the Welsh Government’s list of training topics which the Council must make available to Members. · Consider and determine the matters outlined in paragraph 4.17 of report CE/06/26. · Examine the action points set out in paragraph 5 of report CE/06/26 to inform future training and support arrangements. (iii) That a report highlighting the findings of the Member Development Task and Finish Group be presented to the next Meeting of this Committee in July 2026.
RESOLVED – (i) That the information be noted. (ii) That an update be provided at the next Meeting in July following discussions with the ICT Champions.
RESOLVED – That the current position in relation to webcasting of Council Meetings be noted.
RESOLVED – That, in order to request better engagement from the Fire Service: (i) The Head of Democratic Services will research what powers a principal Local Authority has to compel external bodies, specifically the Fire Authority, to provide information. The findings will be circulated to this Committee for Members to consider whether, and how, a formal process can be established to ensure Members receive regular information from the Fire Authority. (ii) That Councillor Rondo Roberts, together with the other Council appointed Members on the Executive Panel of the Fire Authority, raise concerns at an Executive Panel Meeting, seek clarification as to why there has been no engagement, and request that regular reports be provided to the relevant Scrutiny Committee in future.
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Bryan Apsley, Gary Brown and Jeremy Kent.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 November 2025 be signed as a correct record.
Members were reminded of their responsibility, under Paragraph 11 of the Members’ Code of Conduct, to declare the existence and nature of any personal interest in respect of any of the business to be transacted at this meeting. Agenda Item 6 – Members’ Remuneration – Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru Councillors William Baldwin, Trevor Bates, Pete Howell, Malcolm King OBE, Claire Lovett, Rondo Roberts, Jerry Wellens, Debbie Wallice and Derek Wright – Personal and Prejudicial – Potential Beneficiary. The Councillors remained in the meeting and claimed the exemption set out in paragraph 12(2)(b)(iv) of the Members' Code of Conduct taking part in the discussion and voting thereon.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That from 9 February 2026, the newly appointed Head of Service, Legal, Democratic and Registration be appointed as the designated Head of Democratic Services as required under Section 8(1) of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011.
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.
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The Chief Officer Governance & Customer submitted a report (COGC/27/26) asking Members to consider a recommendation for the appointment of a Head of Democratic Services as required by the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011. RESOLVED – That from 9 February 2026, the newly appointed Head of Service, Legal, Democratic and Registration be appointed as the designated Head of Democratic Services as required under Section 8(1) of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the changes in Members’ remuneration be noted, as set out in the Annual Report of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru for 2026/27. (ii) That a letter be sent to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, noting that the situation in relation to maternity allowance/ family leave is considerably better for elected Members than Council staff and asking for this disparity to be considered in the future.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 17 above) The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report (COGC/28/26) asking Members to note the changes to the Members’ Remuneration Scheme for 2026/27 contained in the final Annual Report of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru. She presented the report, and in doing so, the following points were highlighted: · The key recommendation was to increase the basic salary for elected Members by 6.4%. · Confirmation that elected Members would receive a slightly enhanced maternity allowance compared with employees. · It was acknowledged that Members had limited ability to prevent the increase in remuneration, however it was suggested that comments should be fed back, particularly regarding concerns about the maternity allowance. · Recognition that national conditions determine the maternity benefits employers able to offer to employees. · The importance of encouraging a diverse range of people to stand for election as a Councillor was emphasised. RESOLVED - (i) That the changes in Members’ remuneration be noted, as set out in the Annual Report of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru for 2026/27. (ii) That a letter be sent to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, noting that the situation in relation to maternity allowance/ family leave is considerably better for elected Members than Council staff and asking for this disparity to be considered in the future.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That a Member Development Task and Finish Group be established comprising the following Members: Councillors Bryan Apsley, Pete Howell, Malcolm King OBE, Jerry Wellens and Derek Wright (ii) That the Task and Finish Group be asked to: · Review the Welsh Government’s list of training topics which the Council must make available to Members. · Consider and determine the matters outlined in paragraph 4.17 of report CE/06/26. · Examine the action points set out in paragraph 5 of report CE/06/26 to inform future training and support arrangements. (iii) That a report highlighting the findings of the Member Development Task and Finish Group be presented to the next Meeting of this Committee in July 2026.
The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report (CE/06/26) to review the relevant legislation relating to the current and proposed training needs; to update the Committee on the end of year Member Development activity; to present the draft Elected Member Development Strategy/Annual Plan; to provide information on the Personal Development Review process for elected Members; and to remind Members about the submission of their Annual Reports. The Head of Democratic Services presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A discussion ensued and the following points were highlighted during the debate: · It was noted that more clarity was needed between mandatory and core training. · It was suggested that Officers draft an explanatory document to send to all Councillors setting out the PDR process. · Confirmation that the Head of Democratic Services would send a reminder to Members inviting them to complete their Annual Reports by 31 July 2026. RESOLVED – (i) That a Member Development Task and Finish Group be established comprising the following Members: Councillors Bryan Apsley, Pete Howell, Malcolm King OBE, Jerry Wellens and Derek Wright (ii) That the Task and Finish Group be asked to: · Review the Welsh Government’s list of training topics which the Council must make available to Members. · Consider and determine the matters outlined in paragraph 4.17 of report CE/06/26. · Examine the action points set out in paragraph 5 of report CE/06/26 to inform future training and support arrangements. (iii) That a report highlighting the findings of the Member Development Task and Finish Group be presented to the next Meeting of this Committee in July 2026.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the information be noted. (ii) That an update be provided at the next Meeting in July following discussions with the ICT Champions.
The ICT End User Services Manager provided an update on the support provided to elected Members, outlining the effects of introducing Member ICT Champions and the deployment of new iPads. A debate ensued and the following points were noted: · Over last 2 years, calls to the ICT Helpdesk had reduced from 228 to 159, representing a 30% decrease. · There had been an increase in digital contact, with fewer phone calls to the Helpdesk and fewer direct calls to individual ICT staff. This was positive, as it ensured that issues were logged correctly and enabled the Helpdesk to manage and respond to queries more effectively. Approximately 80% of contacts were now received through the proper channels. · Progress with the ICT Champions had been slower than anticipated due to resource pressures arising from the ongoing work relating to the transition from Windows 10. With that work now completed, follow up sessions were planned with the Champions to review successes, challenges and priorities for supporting Members in the coming year. · A survey was being developed to gather individual feedback on support needs. Previous plans to deliver Teams training for Members, particularly around calls and chat functions, were delayed due to resource constraints, but this would be prioritised early in the new financial year. Additional training on security awareness and cyber security was also being planned for both Members and Officers. RESOLVED – (i) That the information be noted. (ii) That an update be provided at the next Meeting in July following discussions with the ICT Champions.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the current position in relation to webcasting of Council Meetings be noted.
The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report (COGC/26/26) to assist Members in reviewing the webcasting activity of Council Meetings for 2025/26. Members received the monthly webcast statistics for the period March 2025 to February, along with annual figures dating back to March 2019, and welcomed the overall increase in viewing numbers across most Committees. RESOLVED – That the current position in relation to webcasting of Council Meetings be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That, in order to request better engagement from the Fire Service: (i) The Head of Democratic Services will research what powers a principal Local Authority has to compel external bodies, specifically the Fire Authority, to provide information. The findings will be circulated to this Committee for Members to consider whether, and how, a formal process can be established to ensure Members receive regular information from the Fire Authority. (ii) That Councillor Rondo Roberts, together with the other Council appointed Members on the Executive Panel of the Fire Authority, raise concerns at an Executive Panel Meeting, seek clarification as to why there has been no engagement, and request that regular reports be provided to the relevant Scrutiny Committee in future.
The Head of Democratic Services had been advised by the Scrutiny Facilitator that there were concerns regarding the lack of engagement from the Fire and Rescue Authority. It was noted that the Fire Service had indicated they did not have capacity to attend meetings or provide reports, but that the Scrutiny Committee were continuing to pursue the matter. A discussion ensued and the following points were raised: · Concern was expressed by some Members who could not recall ever having received reports from the Fire Authority. They felt that although the Fire Service request an annual precept, there was no meaningful input or information provided to Members to share with their constituents. · It was suggested that a Fire Officer be invited to attend Meetings of the Community Safety Partnership, with the Lead Member taking responsibility for reporting back, which would at least enable an annual update for Members. · It was also suggested that the Council’s appointed representatives on the Fire Authority be requested to provide reports or feedback following each Fire Authority meeting. · Members were advised that the Safeguarding, Communities and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee approached the Fire Authority late last year to invite them to attend a Meeting, but were informed that no representative was available. · Reference was made to the structure that was in place with the Police, which was working well. The need for a similar formal arrangement with the Fire Service was emphasised, enabling an annual report to be presented to Scrutiny. · It was noted that Fire Authority Executive Panel members received a weekly bulletin and some Members expressed surprise at the lack of wider engagement given the level of communication that already existed. · Confirmation that Councillor Rondo Roberts would raise the issue at the upcoming Fire Authority meeting later in the month. · Clarification was sought regarding what powers the Council had in this area and what arrangements were in place in other authorities. RESOLVED – That, in order to request better engagement from the Fire Service: (i) The Head of Democratic Services will research what powers a principal Local Authority has to compel external bodies, specifically the Fire Authority, to provide information. The findings will be circulated to this Committee for Members to consider whether, and how, a formal process can be established to ensure Members receive regular information from the Fire Authority. (ii) That Councillor Rondo Roberts, together with the other Council appointed Members on the Executive Panel of the Fire Authority, raise concerns at an Executive Panel Meeting, seek clarification as to why there has been no engagement, and request that regular reports be provided to the relevant Scrutiny Committee in future.