Issue - meetings

To discuss the consultation on changes to the adoption absence for Local Authority Councillors.

DECISION

To accept the report.

Reasons:

It was noted that this would ensure that elected members received the same rights as officers. It was suggested that this would promote diversity in democracy.

In response to a consultation by Welsh Government, a report was submitted by the Democracy and Language Services Manager on extending the period of adoption leave to 26 weeks. 

It was noted that this would ensure that elected members would receive the same rights as officers. It was expressed that this extension also encouraged diversity in democracy as people from diverse backgrounds would appreciate the flexibility associated with standing as councillor.

The following specific points arose from the discussion:

-   Clarity was sought regarding maternity leave rights for members, and in response the Democracy and Language Service Manager said that these would be the same for members as they were for Officers.

DECISION

To accept the report.