Agenda and draft minutes

None.

The minute of the meeting held on 15^th September 2025 were approved.

The Chief Officer for Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer presented the report for the committee to consider and endorse a proposed Local Resolution Protocol for dealing with low level member on member complaints in accordance with the guidance of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (“the Ombudsman”).

Key points of the protocol were highlighted:

·        Applies only to low?level complaints between elected members of the Council.

• Does not apply to repeated behaviour that has already been dealt with.
• Does not apply to lay/independent committee members or to town and community councils.

The Committee agreed that the Monitoring Officer would:

• Clarify that the protocol applies only to elected members, not lay members.
• Add wording to explain that Stage 2 meetings will be arranged as soon as reasonably practicable.
• Clarify the position where complaints involve group leaders or independent members.
• Highlight the Ombudsman’s expectation that complaints are made within 12 months.
• Circulate a revised draft with changes clearly marked for members to review.

The Committee resolved to accept the recommendation to endorse the LRP subject to the approval of Council and subject to the agreed amendments.

The amended protocol will be circulated for final comments and then taken to full Council for approval (expected March or April 2026).

The Committee agreed to move to two scheduled meetings per year, in June and December.

It was agreed that additional meetings can be arranged if required.  Short online meetings may be used for urgent business.