Agenda and minutes

We received apologies from Community Councillor Mrs I. Cameron.

There were no declarations of interest made.

We resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 8th June 2015 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

We receieved a report in order to inform Standards Committee of the Omdudsman’s Annual Letter.  The letter provided a breakdown of complaints against Monmouthshire County Council and alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct for County Councillors.

Members noted that the Ombudsman’s Annual Letter described how 19 complaints had been dealt with against Monmouthshire County Council in 2014/2015, compared with 16 in 2013/14, both figures were below the local authority average for Wales.

We heard that, historically, the number of complaints had increased during the period approaching an election.  Members suggested that it would be helpful to distribute a reminder of the Code of Conduct to all Members at such a time. 

We resolved to note the report.

Members were informed of the forthcoming Standards Conference Wales 2015, due to take place at Cardiff City Hall on Tuesday 20th October 2015.

Members were advised there would be various speakers on the day, including  Nick Bennett, the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, and Peter Davies, the President of the Adjudication Panel for Wales.  A number of workshop sessions would include whistleblowing, leadership and members use of social media.

The Conference would provide an opportunity to meet Standards Committee  members from across Wales.

Each council could send up to 5 members to the conference.

Members were required to advise the Temporary Monitoring Officer if they would be attending the conference.

The Chairman expressed that an update from members attending the conference would be welcome at the next meeting.

We received a report to advise Members of the Public Services Ombudsman For Wales Factsheets for Councillors, providing information on what happens when a Member faces an allegation that the Code of Conduct has been breached, and the subsequent interview process.

The factsheets were considered a useful addition for Members and it was confirmed they would be distributed to the Town and Community Councils Clerks as well as County Councillors.

The Temporary Monitoring Officer advised that training would be provided as requested.

·         Monday 7^th December 2015 – 10.30am

·         Monday 14^th March 2015 – 10.30am

We noted the dates of the next meetings as:

•           Monday 7th December 2015

•           Monday 14th March 2016.

We resolved that the meetings would commence at 9.30am and that all future Standards Committee meetings would commence at 9.30am.