The Standard and Ethics Sub Committee - Hearings Panel of Cardiff Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026. The primary item scheduled for discussion was an Ombudsman referral concerning a complaint against Councillor Latif. The meeting also included the approval of previous minutes and the consideration of apologies for absence and declarations of interest.

Ombudsman Referral of a Complaint Against Councillor Latif

The main focus of the meeting was the scheduled discussion of an Ombudsman referral regarding a complaint made against Councillor Latif. The report pack indicated that appendices A, Ai, C, Ci, and Cii were exempt from publication due to their confidential nature, as permitted by the Local Government Act 1972 and the Standards Committee (Wales) Regulations 2001. It was also noted that recording of the hearing proceedings was likely to be prohibited.

The report pack included a document outlining the Procedure for Hearings (Ombudsman Referrals) for the Standard and Ethics Committee. This procedure details the process for determining complaints referred by the Ombudsman, which may arise from an investigation ceasing or being referred to the Council's Monitoring Officer. The procedure outlines the composition of a Hearings Panel, which must include at least two independent members, and the steps involved in an initial determination, prior to a formal hearing.

Key stages detailed in the procedure include:

• Prior to the Hearing: This involves the Investigating Officer submitting an Investigation Report, the Panel notifying the Councillor of its initial determination, and inviting a written response. The Councillor is expected to indicate representation, intentions regarding public exclusion, areas of dispute, supporting evidence, witnesses, and unavailability. The Investigating Officer is also consulted on attendance and witness requests.
• The Monitoring Officer: The Monitoring Officer, or a nominated legal advisor, is to be in attendance to advise the Hearings Panel. If the Monitoring Officer conducted the investigation, they would present the findings, with another legal advisor providing advice to the Panel.
• Powers of the Hearings Panel: The Chair, with legal advice, can vary the procedure in the interests of fairness or efficiency. The Panel members can question participants and witnesses, and may request additional documentation or the attendance of specific witnesses.
• Representation: Both the Councillor and the Investigating Officer have the right to be represented by legal counsel or another chosen person.
• Legal Advice: The Committee can seek legal advice at any stage, and the substance of this advice is to be shared with the Councillor and Investigating Officer.
• Introductions and Preliminary Procedural Issues: The Chair is to introduce all participants and explain the hearing procedure. Any disagreements about how the hearing should proceed, including requests for late information or public exclusion, are to be resolved.
• Stage 1 — Formal Findings of Fact: The Panel considers disagreements about the facts in the Investigation Report. The Investigating Officer presents evidence, and the Councillor has the opportunity to make representations and call witnesses. The Panel then retires to consider its findings of fact.
• Stage 2 — Did the Member fail to follow the Code?: Based on the established facts, the Panel determines whether the Councillor has failed to comply with the Code of Conduct.
• Stage 3 — Breach of the Code and Sanctions: If a breach is found, the Panel considers representations on potential sanctions, which could include no action, censure, or suspension for up to six months. The Panel may also request remedial action, such as an apology or training.
• Recommendations to the Authority: The Panel may make recommendations to the Authority to promote high standards of conduct.
• The Written Decision: A short written confirmation of the decision is provided on the day, with a full written decision issued within five working days.
• Appeals: A Councillor found to have failed to comply with the Code of Conduct may seek permission to appeal to an Appeals Tribunal.
• Publication: The outcome of the investigation is to be published on the Authority's website and made available to the public.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The agenda also included the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting of the Standard and Ethics Sub Committee - Hearings Panel, which was held on 21 April 2026.