The Standards Committee of Carmarthenshire Council met on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, to consider several dispensation requests. The committee granted a significant dispensation to 29 councillors from the Plaid Cymru Group, allowing them to speak, vote, and make written representations on matters relating to rural poverty and the rural proofing strategy until the end of March 2025.

Dispensation for Plaid Cymru Councillors on Rural Poverty and Rural Proofing Strategy

The most significant decision of the meeting was the granting of a dispensation to 29 members of the Plaid Cymru Group on the County Council. This dispensation allows these councillors to speak, make written representations, and vote on matters concerning rural poverty and the rural proofing strategy. The dispensation is valid until the end of March 2025.

The councillors had applied for this dispensation on the grounds that they, or their close associates, live in or have businesses in rural or semi-rural wards that are impacted by the rural proofing strategy. They argued that their inability to participate would upset the political balance of the Council, that their participation would not damage public confidence, and that their interest is common to a significant proportion of the general public. They also cited their particular role or expertise in understanding the challenges facing rural communities.

The committee also resolved that this dispensation would not apply on any occasion where the Council or any committee is specifically discussing matters that directly affect the wellbeing of these councillors or their close personal associates. Furthermore, delegated authority was granted to the Monitoring Officer to extend this dispensation to any other councillor with an interest in such business, including Cabinet members. Councillor Betsan Jones, who had declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item, left the meeting during its consideration.

Previous Meeting Minutes and Action Log Review

The committee also formally signed the minutes of its previous meeting held on 9 September 2024. In reviewing the Standards Committee Action Log, the committee had previously expressed the view that code of conduct refresher training should be modified to be applicable to both County Councillors and Town and Community Councillors. It was agreed that this training would be offered annually via a remote session, recorded, and made available online for those unable to attend.

Code of Conduct Training and Data

The committee noted a report on the code of conduct training session held for Town and Community councillors on 28 June 2024. This session was delivered remotely via Zoom, with 34 delegates positively identified as attending. The training was recorded and made available to all councillors. The committee extended its gratitude to the Head of Legal Services and his colleagues for the training.

Additionally, the committee received and noted a report on the annual collation of code compliance data from Town and Community Councils for the period 2023-2024. The report indicated that 66 out of 72 councils provided data, and while a small number experienced software difficulties, the majority complied. The analysis showed an increase in complaints, but none resulted in formal action. Overall, the data suggested a good awareness and general compliance with the code of conduct among Town and Community councillors.

Policy and Procedure Reviews

The committee approved the Council's Whistleblowing Policy, which aims to raise awareness and facilitate protected disclosures under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1988. No substantive changes were deemed necessary, but officers were given delegated authority to update names and contact details as required. During the period of 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, two whistleblowing complaints were received and remained under investigation.

The committee also reviewed and adopted its formal procedure for the hearing of Code of Conduct disciplinary proceedings against councillors, following a report from the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) under Part III of the Local Government Act 2000. The procedure, initially adopted in June 2022 and amended in December 2023, was considered to require no further changes at this time.

Other Business

The committee received reports on recent Adjudication Panel for Wales (APW) and Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) decisions, which provide learning points for implementing the code of conduct and training councillors. They also received and noted the minutes of the all-Wales Standards Committee Forum held on 29 January 2024, which serves as a platform for Chairs of Standards Committees to exchange best practices. There were no items of urgent business raised.