Agenda and minutes

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City & County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve & sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Standards Committee held on 7 October 2016 be signed and approved as a correct record.

The Head of Democratic Services presented a report to update the Standards Committee on the dispensation regime and amendments to legislation.

Dispensations were valid until the next Local Government Election (4 May 2017) or for a period of time specified by the Standards Committee (whichever ends sooner).  All dispensations granted by the Standards Committee of the City & County of Swansea would therefore cease on 4 May 2017.

As part of this Review of Councillors Dispensation, the form had been reviewed and amended.  The amended form seeks to simplify the request for dispensations by improving the guidance notes to reflect the legislative changes.

RESOLVED that the proposed Councillors Request for Dispensation Form – Standards Committee (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001 (as amended) be adopted and used from 4 May 2017.

The Head of Democratic Services provided a current list of outstanding Complaints made to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) in relation to Breaches of the Code of Conduct.

It should be noted that the final case listed had recently been closed by the PSOW who had stated that he would not be investigating on this occasion.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

The Head of Democratic Services provided an updated work programme for 2016-2017.

There were currently no items listed for the meeting scheduled for 3 March 2017.

The Annual Meetings with Political Group Leaders and Chairs of Committees would commence following the Local Government Elections May 2017, around September / October 2017.

The Head of Democratic Services provided a verbal update on the current position regarding the 2 vacancies for Independent Members on the Standards Committee.

A Standards Committee Vacancy Panel had considered 2 applications, however neither candidate had been appointed.

A further advertisement would be placed in the Evening Post next month. 

RESOLVED that:

1)       The update be noted;

2)       Contact details of any relevant groups / businesses who may be interested in receiving details regarding the vacancies be forwarded to the Head of Democratic Services.