Issue - meetings

To recommend a revised Local Resolution Procedur for adoption by the Full Council.

Appendix 1 is separate for Standars Committee Members only. The Appendix is exempt under Paragraph 16 of Schedule 12A of the Local Gofernment Act 1972 – Information in respoect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could me maintained in legal proceedings. The Appendix contains a legal opinion provided through the office of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and subject to legal privilege.

To note the report.

The report was presented by the Monitoring Officer. It was explained that the Local Resolution Procedure had been in place in Gwynedd since 2013, and created an informal process for dealing with low-level complaints without the need for a formal complaint to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. It was noted that the Ombudsman had reviewed all local resolution elements and protocols in Wales, and had highlighted Gwynedd's work as good practice in the field. Members were reminded that this Committee had modified Gwynedd's local resolution procedure about two years ago to give group leaders at the time a greater role in the local resolution process. It was noted that this promoted local resolution and reinforced the process.

Reference was made to the challenges that faced town and community councils and the pressure on monitoring officers to resolve allegations and breaches of the code of conduct. It was noted that the structure was laborious, but that it took significant pressure off the Ombudsman. It was highlighted that this freed up the Ombudsman's resources to deal with matters in accordance with the constitution.

To note the report.