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 had attended the North Wales Standards Forum to share experiences with other standards committees.

Submit an annual report to the Full Council

The Committee had received a report on the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021

Continue to attend and support

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

3.

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

Resume training stages when resources permit

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

1.

No occasion has arisen to amend the Code.

4.  Monitor the implementation of the Code of Conduct

3

Receive regular reports of allegations against members

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

The Committee resolved to commence the work on the new duty imposed on Political Group Leaders regarding the conduct of their members.

Continue to monitor and consider alternative methods of receiving information.

Receive annual reports on the register of interests and hospitality.

Following the Election, steps will be taken to work with Leaders to establish operational arrangements for the new provision.

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

3.

Induction training was arranged for new members of Gwynedd Council in preparation for the elections.

Need to look at providing new training.

6.  Granting dispensations to members

1.

No applications have been considered under the new procedure. 

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

1.

One case referred to the Committee by the Ombudsman was dealt with.

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

No action required

There were no occasions where such an allowance was due

9.  Exercise the above functions in relation to community councils

3

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

Adopt a training pilot on the Code of Conduct.  A session has been included to pilot the content of the course.

This must be considered as a priority.