The Monmouthshire County Council Standards Committee met on Monday 15th September 2025, and approved the Standards Committee Annual Report 2024/25 for submission to the council. The committee also received updates on the Local Resolution Protocol and notes from the National Forum of Chairs of Standards Committees, as well as decision notices from the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW).

Annual Report of the Standards Committee

The committee approved the draft Annual Report of the Standards Committee 2024-25 for submission to the council. The report is required by Section 63 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, which mandates standards committees to provide an annual report to their authority¹. Councillor County Frances Taylor suggested that refresher sessions for code of conduct training be held during the council term, rather than only during the induction period. The committee agreed to add this topic to the agenda of the next meeting.

Local Resolution Protocol

The committee received a verbal update on the Local Resolution Protocol. This protocol is intended to provide a process for dealing with low-level, member-on-member complaints, allowing them to be resolved internally, informally, and quickly. The council has a local resolution protocol within its current constitution. The All-Wales Monitoring Officers Group noted variations between councils in the processes and sanctions associated with these protocols. Welsh Government is planning workshops for officers to improve the protocols and establish a standardised approach. It is anticipated that the new Local Resolution Protocol will be presented at the December meeting.

Notes from the National Forum of the Chairs of Standards Committees

The committee reviewed notes from the National Forum of Chairs of Standards Committees from January and June 2025. Peter Easy, Chair of the Standards Committee, presented the notes and welcomed comments. A key issue discussed at the June 2025 meeting was whether a member should be notified when a complaint is made, rather than later in the process. The Ombudsman has committed to informing members at the point a complaint is made.

Decision Notices - Public Services Ombudsman for Wales

The committee reviewed decision notices issued by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) following complaints against elected members regarding breaches of the Member Code of Conduct.