Agenda item

DECISION:

To adopt the following as the Standards Committee’s self-evaluation of its performance in 2024/25

FUNCTION

ASSESSMENT

(1/2/3/4)

Evidence

Further action

Promote and maintain high standards of conduct by members

1

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

Submit an annual report to the Full Council

Continue to attend and support

Assist the members to adhere to the Code of Conduct

1

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

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

1

No occasion had arisen to amend the Code.

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

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 the consideration of alternative methods of receiving information.

Receive annual reports on the register of interests and hospitality.

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

2

A full Code of Conduct training had been arranged for members with the first session taking place during December and the second in April. The provision was now available on-line.

Need to look at delivering further training as several members had not attended

Granting dispensations to members

1

No occasion of a decision had come forward during the year.

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

1

There had been no relevant instance during the year.

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

1

Nothing to report

To monitor the compliance of leaders of political groups on the council with 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 organised with Group Leaders and members of the Standards Committee to consider the duty

A meeting was held between the Chair and the Monitoring Officer with the new Leader of the Plaid Cymru Group in regard to the duty.

The Monitoring Officer met with the Group Leaders individually to discuss Code of Conduct issues

Arrangements will be made in accordance with statutory guidance

Exercise the above relevant functions in relation to community councils

2

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

A training programme had been initiated during the year with two sessions held during March.

To continue with the arrangements and offer an on-line resource.