Decision details

FUNCTION

ASSESSMENT

(1/2/3/4)

Evidence

Further action

1.  Promote and maintain high standards of conduct by members

1.

The Chair and Vice-chair have attended the Wales Standards Forum to share experiences with other standards committees.

Submit the annual report to the Full Council.

Continue to attend and support.

2.  Assist the members to adhere to the Code of Conduct

1.

The Monitoring Officer and his team provide advice and guidance at meetings, and on a one-to-one basis for members.

3.  Advise the Council with regard to adopting or amending the Code of Conduct

1.

No occasion had arisen to revise the Code.

However, the Internal Resolution Procedure was reviewed to support the duty of Leaders of Political Groups under 52A(1) of the Local Government Act 2000.

4.  Monitor the implementation of the Code of Conduct

1.

Receive regular reports on allegations against members.

Receive the annual reports of the Ombudsman and the Adjudication Panel for Wales.

Continue to monitor and consider alternative methods of receiving information.

Receive annual reports on the register of interests and hospitality.

5.  Advise, train or arrange for members to receive training on matters relating to the Code of Conduct

3.

Full Code of Conduct training was arranged for members with the first session taking place during February and the second in April.

Need to look at providing further training as many members did not attend.

6.  Granting dispensations to members

1.

Two applications for dispensation were discussed and allocated by the Committee in February 2024.

7.  Deal with reports of case tribunals and any reports from the Monitoring Officer on matters referred by the Ombudsman

1.

One hearing was held during the year regarding a Member of Cyngor Gwynedd.

In addition, the procedure for hearings was reviewed to strengthen the communication.

8.  Authorise the Monitoring Officer to pay allowances to persons assisting with an investigation

No action required.

None to report

9. Monitor the compliance of Leaders of Political Groups on the Council and their duties under Section 52A(1) of the Local Government Act 2000.

Advise, train or arrange for the Council's Political Group Leaders to receive training on matters relating to those duties.

2.

A joint session was held with Political Group Leaders and the Standards Committee Leaders to consider the duty.

Criteria and a reporting on duty procedure were adopted.

The Monitoring Officer has met with the Group Leaders individually to discuss the Code of Conduct matters.

The arrangements will be undertaken in accordance with the statutory guidelines.

10.  Exercise the relevant above functions in relation to community councils

3.

The Monitoring Officer and his team provide advice and guidance to councillors, clerks and members.

However, it was acknowledged that providing for an activity such as training has been challenging and this area needed attention and to come to a conclusion regarding the way forward.

Need to consider resuming the programme virtually when resources allow.