Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from County Councillor K M Roberts-Jones.

To appoint a Lay Member as Vice Chair for the term of their office.

RESOLVED that Independent Member Claire Moore be appointed as Vice Chair for her term of office.

To authorise the Chair to sign the minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee held on 13 October 2021 as a correct record.

The Chair was authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 13 October 2021 as a correct record.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members relating to items to be considered on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive the report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

The Sub-Committee received the report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services (copy filed with signed minutes).

A         Referral of Councillors to Public Services Ombudsman

A1.      Town and Community Councillor Referrals

The current position regarding matters with the Ombudsman is detailed below:

03/20/TCC    Ombudsman deciding whether or not to investigate

09/20/TCC    Ombudsman deciding whether or not to investigate

10/20/TCC    Ombudsman deciding whether or not to investigate

04/21/TCC    Ombudsman investigating

05/21/TCC    Ombudsman investigating        

10/21/TCC    Ombudsman not investigating      

11/21/TCC    Ombudsman deciding whether or not to investigate

12/21/TCC    Ombudsman deciding whether or not to investigate

It was noted that One Voice Wales had circulated a local resolution protocol for town and community councils to adopt.  The Head of Legal and Democratic Services advised that all town and community councils should have such a protocols in place.  This protocol would be considered at a future meeting.  The Ombudsman was very concerned about the number and nature of complaints received.

B.        Dispensations

B1.      Applications - Town and Community Councillors

No applications for dispensation had been received from Town or Community Councillors.

C.        Term of Office – Town and Community Councillors

The Sub-Committee noted the timetable to appoint the Town and Community Council representatives after the May 2022 elections.

D.        Independent Review of the Ethical Standards Framework in Wales 

The Sub-Committee noted the report which would be discussed at a future meeting.

E.        Standards Conference Wales

            The virtual Conference on 9 February was noted.

F.         Ombudsman’s Casebook

The Code of Conduct Casebook January 2021- March 2021 was noted.

G.        Meeting Dates

            The following Sub-Committee dates were noted:

9 September 0930hrs – induction training [once the community council

appointments have been made to the Community Sub-Committee]

15 September 1400hrs

5 December 1400hrs

           The Head of Legal and Democratic Services thanked Jackie Evans, independent lay member for her 10 years of service and her contribution to the work of the Committee.  Jackie thanked the Committee and officers for their support.  The Chair, on behalf of the lay members thanked her for her work.