Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Meirion Howells be appointed as Chair of the Standards Committee for the Municipal Year 2015 - 2016.

Meirion Howells (Chair) Presiding

RESOLVED that Jill Burgess be appointed as Vice Chair of the Standards Committee for the Municipal Year 2015 - 2016.

Apologies for absence were received from J Burgess and Councillor L G Thomas.

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

To approve the Minutes of the Standards Committee held on 13 February 2015 as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Standards Committee held on 13 February 2015, be accepted as a correct record subject to Minute 47, “Discussion Regarding the Meeting with Community Councils” being amended as follows:

Delete the penultimate word of the final paragraph which is “and”.  Replace it with the word “had”.

Minute 48 “Community / Town Councils Standards Sub Committee Merger with Standards Committee”.

The Deputy Head of Legal, Democratic Services and Procurement confirmed that the maximum period for the length of service for Community / Town Councillors was no more than 4 years.  She indicated that she would consider the legislation in order to establish whether the sitting Community / Town Councillors would be eligible to stand on the merged Committee should it be created. 

Minute 49 “Councillors Local Dispute Resolution”

The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales views had been informally sought regarding whether it would be appropriate to extend the Local Dispute Resolution to consider complaints against Councillors by members of the public.  The Ombudsman’s view was this was not appropriate.

The Head of Legal, Democratic Services & Procurement and Monitoring Officer provided training to the Members of The Standards Committee.

The Head of Democratic Services provided an update in relation to the Merger of the Standards Committee and Community Council Standards Sub Committee.

Out of the 22 Local Authorities in Wales, only Swansea and Powys still have separate Standards and Community Council Standards Sub Committees.  In order to progress the merger, the Head of Democratic Services has commenced the consultation process with the 24 Community/Town Councils.  The consultation deadline is 15 May 2015.  Reminders have been sent and further reminders are scheduled prior to the deadline. 

A further verbal update will be provided at the next Standards Committee meeting on 5 June 2015.  A report will be presented to Council on 25 June 2015 setting out the results of the consultation and a proposal for the future.

RESOLVED that the update be noted.

RESOLVED that the Workplan 2016-2016 be noted.