The Standards and Ethics Committee meeting on 29 April 2026 focused on updates to the Members' Code of Conduct, a review of complaints and whistleblowing procedures, and the council's work programme. Key decisions included the adoption of new regulations aligning the Member's Code of Conduct with the Equality Act 2010 and noting the work programme for 2026-27.

The Local Government (Standards Committees and Member Conduct)(Miscellaneous Amendments)(Wales) Regulations 2025

The committee was informed about new regulations that came into effect on 5 January 2026, which amend existing regulations concerning standards committees and member conduct. A significant change is the amendment to the eligibility criteria for Independent Members of Standards Committees. Previously, former councillors and council employees faced a lifelong disqualification from serving on a standards committee in an authority where they had previously served or been employed. The new regulations introduce waiting periods: two years for former councillors and officers, and five years for those who held senior, cabinet, or executive posts.

Another key amendment updates the Members' Code of Conduct to align the equal opportunities duty with the Equality Act 2010. The previous wording, which referred to gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, age or religion, has been replaced with protected characteristics or socio-economic circumstances. This change ensures the code reflects the broader scope of protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010. The committee recommended these amended regulations to full council for approval.

Members' Code of Conduct Complaints Update

The committee received an update on complaints made against members of Cardiff Council and its community councils during Quarters 3 and 4 of the 2025/26 financial year. A total of eight complaints were notified by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) during this period.

Of the four complaints notified in Quarter 3 (October-December 2025):

• One, from a member of the public alleging a lack of adequate response from a member regarding a corporate complaint, was not investigated by the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman noted there was no obligation for the member to respond or support the complaint, and that the core issue related to the council's broader handling of the complaint.
• Another, concerning a member allegedly shouting aggressively at a meeting chair and making accusations of falsifying records, was also not investigated. The Ombudsman determined that the member was acting in a private capacity, and their conduct did not bring their office or council into disrepute.
• A third complaint, from a member of the public alleging rudeness and unprofessionalism during telephone conversations, was not investigated. The Ombudsman found that while the behaviour might have been discourteous, it did not meet the threshold for a breach of the Code of Conduct.
• The fourth complaint, regarding a social media comment made by a member about a deceased former politician, was not investigated. The Ombudsman cited Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (freedom of expression) and the enhanced protection afforded to elected members for political comments, concluding that the comment was not egregious enough to warrant investigation.

Of the four complaints notified in Quarter 4 (January-March 2026):

• One, alleging a member was using TikTok for political and financial gain, was not investigated due to insufficient evidence.
• The Ombudsman commenced an investigation into a member's alleged failure to cooperate with an ongoing Ombudsman investigation. However, following the member's re-engagement, apology, and explanation, the Ombudsman decided not to proceed further, strongly recommending refresher training.
• A complaint submitted by one member about another member, alleging misuse of Council resources, is currently being investigated by the Ombudsman. The details remain confidential, and an update will be provided in due course.
• A complaint from a member of the public about a traffic dispute and altercation was not investigated due to insufficient evidence.

The report also provided an update on previously reported complaints, with most having been concluded or discontinued by the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman's office will not issue decisions to start investigations during the pre-election period for the Senedd elections, except in exceptional circumstances.

Whistleblowing

The committee considered the council's whistleblowing arrangements and reports made under the Whistleblowing Policy. A revised Whistleblowing Policy, approved by Cabinet in November 2024, has been implemented with a comprehensive communications and training plan. This includes mandatory online training for all staff and a presentation for non-PC users.

During 2025, two whistleblowing reports were received, a decrease from previous years. Appendix C, which contains details of these reports and their outcomes, was exempt from publication. The committee was asked to note the information presented.

Registration of Gifts and Hospitality Received by Members

The committee reviewed the register of gifts and hospitality received by members between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026. The threshold for registration remains £25, consistent with other Welsh authorities. The register detailed various gifts and hospitality, including hotel accommodation, conference attendance, event tickets, and football match hospitality, with approximate values noted. Notably, Councillor Dan De'Ath received hotel accommodation and conference attendance valued at £380 and £225 respectively. Councillor Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council, registered several instances of hospitality and gifts, including tickets and hospitality for a Wales v New Zealand rugby match valued at £150, and UEFA hospitality valued at £50. Councillor Lister received a ticket to the Welsh NHS Confederation Annual Gala Dinner valued at £50, and Councillor Huw Thomas received hospitality and a gift bag for a UEFA event valued at £50. Councillor Adrian Robson, in his role as Lord Mayor, registered several instances of hospitality and gifts, including tickets for a Wales v Scotland rugby match valued at £110. The committee was asked to note the information and make any appropriate comments.

Observation of Meetings

The committee considered feedback from members who had observed various council and community council meetings. The feedback indicated that meetings were generally well-managed, with clear decision-making processes and appropriate room layouts. No concerns were raised regarding member conduct, standards, or ethics issues. The committee was encouraged to continue observing meetings and providing feedback.

National Standards Committee Chairs Forum, Wales Update

The committee received an update on the National Standards Committee Chairs Forum meeting held on 26 January 2026. Key discussion points included feedback from Welsh Government workshops on the Local Resolution Protocol (LRP), highlighting inconsistent use across Wales and the need for clearer guidance and training. The forum also discussed approaches to the statutory duty on Group Leaders to promote and maintain standards, noting variations in how this is assessed and reported. Different models for the involvement of elected members on Standards Committees were also discussed, alongside an update from the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales on complaint trends and process improvements. Recent adjudication cases of interest and the procedures for hearings were also reviewed.

Work Programme 2026/27

The committee reviewed its draft Work Programme for 2026/27. The programme includes standard monitoring reports such as the Standards and Ethics Annual Report, the Ombudsman's Annual Report, and quarterly updates on Code of Conduct complaints. It also includes ongoing items such as the Group Leaders and Whips Report, and feedback from the observation of meetings. The committee was asked to agree the work programme, making any amendments as necessary.