Agenda and minutes

No apologies for absence were received.

Members are reminded of their personal responsibility to declare any personal and prejudicial interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992 relating to Council Tax, the Local Government Act 2000, the Council’s Constitution and the Members Code of Conduct

Note:

(a)  Members are reminded that they must identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest and

(b)  Where Members withdraw from a Meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chair when they leave

No Declarations of Interest were received.

To receive the Minutes of the previous meeting (15^th March 2024) to determine accuracy and for information purposes.

The Minutes of the previous Standards Meeting held on Friday, 15^th March 2024 were shared with members of the Standards Committee to determine accuracy. 

The Chair then went through the Minutes for information and Standards Committee approval.

To receive a verbal update from the Chair of the Standards Committee.

The Chair brought to the attention of the Standards Committee the sad passing of Professor Sir Mansel Aylward CB, who not only was an eminent Merthyr Tydfil citizen who had done so much for the community both in health and public life, he was formerly the Chair of the Merthyr Tydfil Standards Committee.  It was proposed that a letter of condolence and a floral bouquet be sent to Sir Mansel Aylward’s family.

Councillor L Mytton also shared her personal experiences and thoughts and supported the kind gesture the Chair suggested.

It was agreed that Councillor L Mytton on behalf of the Standards Committee would deliver the letter and floral bouquet to Sir Mansel Aylward’s family.

To receive a verbal update from the Chair of the Standards Committee.

The Chair advised that due to other work commitments and studies Julian John, Vice Chair had tendered his resignation.  The Committee agreed that a letter be sent to Mr John to thank him for his service.

It was agreed that an advertisement be placed for a replacement co-opted member. 

Michelle Edmunds to action this.

It was discussed and agreed that a Vice Chair be nominated and appointed at the next meeting.

To receive a verbal report from the Monitoring Officer.

Simon Jones, Senior Solicitor updated Committee on the process and progress of the Annual Report, he advised that under the Local Government Elections Wales Act there is to be an Annual Standards Report.  Leaders are required to provide information in order for this report to be compiled.

As soon as this information is received the report will be brought back to the Standards Committee.

The Chair will follow this matter up with Leaders if information is not forthcoming.

To receive a verbal report from the Monitoring Officer.

Simon Jones, as Deputy Monitoring Officer updated Committee that there was only one outstanding Public Services Ombudsman for Wales matter, which was in relation to a Hearing held a year ago.  He advised that a response from the Ombudsman was still awaited. 

The Chair has received assurance from the Ombudsman Office that this was being dealt with, although his concerns still centred around the wellbeing of individuals concerned.

Other members of the committee also raised concerns about the wellbeing of individuals and the impact of the delay in this being dealt with, and whether this should be referred to the WLGA for support in moving forward.

The Chair advised that the WLGA co-ordinate and run the All Wales Standards Committee, so when this issue has been addressed every other Chair in Wales and the leads of the WLGA are aware of the situation.

It was agreed that the Chair and Monitoring Officer to further chase the matter with the Ombudsman, including requesting a timeframe on the case; and consideration be given whether this matter needs to be raised formally with the WLGA.

To consider a report from the Monitoring Officer.

Simon Jones referred Committee to the report for information ‘The Constitution’.

The Council’s current constitution is approximately 24 years old and was in need of review to modernise it to reflect the way the Council operates within its current structure, to update it with regard to legislative changes, to take into account guidance, to make it easier to read and to align it to the way Councils across Wales operate in the 2020s. 

The new Constitution was adopted at Full Council on 17^th July 2024 and is a live document from this date. 

It is hoped that the Summary Guide will go to the September Full Council.

It was agreed that when the Summary Guide was available, Simon Jones would go through the relevant parts with the Standards Committee.

Agreed – The content of the report be noted and a further report provided to present the guide once available.

To receive a verbal update from the Chair of the Standards Committee.

The Chair updated Committee on the National Standards Forum Meetings with particular reference made to:

·         An Ombudsman’s office representative being in attendance at the meetings, together with other organisations, which has proved useful in mentoring less experienced Chairs.

·         Minutes from the Meeting being shared with Panel Members

·         Vice Chair attending the meetings

·         Commitment to mentoring Vice Chair

To consider report of the Monitoring Officer

Simon Jones referred to the Whistleblowing Policy Report.

The following questions and matters were raised and discussed:-

·         What protection is afforded to staff in this process?

S Jones assured Committee that the report had been scrutinised by external auditors.

·         Do we utilise user feedback after something has been reported and dealt with?

Monitoring Officer to update Committee at a later date.

Agreed – The content of the report be noted.

It was agreed the date of the next meeting be Friday, 8^th November 2024 at 2.00 p.m.

No other item was deemed urgent by the Chair.

Resolved that:

The public be excluded from the Meeting on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined under Part 4 of Schedule 12A of Section 100 (A) (4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

To receive a verbal update from the Senior Solicitor.

The matter was discussed and agreed that a Hearing would be held.