Agenda item

To consider the report and agree on a recommendation as to the future size of the Committee.

DECISION:

 

·         To accept the report

·         To approve the progress in the Work Programme and seek an update for the February meeting

·         To recommend to the Full Council a composite membership of 18 members for the Audit and Governance Committee - 12 Co-opted Members and 6 Lay Members. To be operational from 5 May 2022

·         To accept the proposed changes to the Constitution - statutory changes to be made by the Monitoring Officer in accordance with his rights under the Constitution.

 

Submitted – the report of the Monitoring Officer updating the Committee on progress with the draft work programme in response to Legislation that introduced a number of changes and powers in relation to the governance of Local Government in Wales. Members were reminded that the Committee had adopted a work programme (May 2021) that responded to the provision and requirements of the Act, and addressed the steps in a timely and appropriate manner.

 

Attention was drawn to specific statutory changes to the functions and constitution of the Audit and Governance Committee within the Act, referring to the appendix that outlined the main amendments to the Constitution.  It was reported, as one third of the membership were lay members, that an advertisement for members had been published, and that arrangements and an appointment panel was in place to make a recommendation to the Full Council that would approve the appointments in accordance with the arrangements established in May 2017.

 

Thanks were expressed for the report.

 

During the ensuing discussion, the following questions and responses were received:

 

·         Would it be possible for a retiring Councillor to submit their name as a Lay Member?

There would have to be a gap of 12 months between retirement and submitting an application

·         Would the Chair receive remuneration for the post of Chair?

The Chair would receive a co-opted member's allowance that has been set by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales

·         Had there been any response to the advertisement?

The closing date was 25 November - information had been shared with the Members in order to encourage suitable applicants

·         Who would appoint the Lay Members?

In accordance with the arrangements established in May 2017, the panel would include the Chair of the Council, the Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee and the Cabinet Member for Finance, advised by the Statutory Finance Officer and the Monitoring Officer. Applications would be considered and a recommendation would be submitted to the Full Council.

·         Would neighbouring Councils also be seeking the same Members, and could one person serve as a member on two committees?

It would be acceptable for Members to be Committee members in more than one County

·         If it is not possible to make an appointment, will a 'vacant seat' be noted?

Although appointing may be challenging, if not all seats are filled, a vacant seat must be noted

·         Do Lay Members have to be Gwynedd residents?

Members do not have to be from Gwynedd, but they must have a link to the County

·         Who will monitor quality? Will political balance be considered?

Lay members have an independent opinion - any interest would have to be recorded, to include registration details with a political party.

·         Would it be possible to consider holding an informal meeting for everybody to get to know each other before commencing the new procedures?

This had not been discussed officially. It was noted that in addition to lay members, there would potentially be new members on the Committee, and therefore it was decided to accept the suggestion to hold a preliminary conversation noting the aspirations of the role, possibly prior to appointing a Chair.

·         Given that a Lay Member would be appointed as the Committee Chair, it was suggested that the panel should ask the applicants if they considered themselves to be suitable to be the Committee chair.

It would be possible to ask whether the applicant was 'interested' in being the Chair.  It was reiterated that the advertisement also noted this

·         If four lay members were appointed, would it be acceptable to have two vacant seats if it was decided to continue with 18 members?

If it was decided to continue with 18 members, this would be the composition of the membership of the Committee - efforts should continue to fill the vacant seats.

·         It was accepted that there were significant changes to this Committee - a number of experienced members would be lost

 

 RESOLVED

·         To accept the report

·         To approve the progress of the Work Programme and seek an update for the February meeting

·         To recommend to the Full Council a composite membership of 18 members for the Audit and Governance Committee - 12 Co-opted Members and 6 Lay Members. To be operational from 5 May 2022

·         To accept the proposed changes to the Constitution – statutory changes to be achieved by the Monitoring Officer in accordance with its rights under the Constitution.

 

 

In concluding the meeting, the Chair noted that this was Mr Dafydd Edwards' (Head of Finance Department) last meeting  - he was thanked for his work, his support to the Committee and his professional attitude towards ensuring that the Council was in good hands. He was wished a happy flexible retirement.