Issue - meetings

That the number and types of complaints be noted.

The Deputy Monitoring Officer introduced the report which provided a running total of the ethical complaints alleging a breach of the code that had been submitted to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.  He advised that as per the Committee’s resolution at its meeting in March 2018, the complaints distinguished between different Councils and Councillors whilst remaining anonymous. 

The Deputy Monitoring Officer reported on the list of complaints received during 2017/18 which was appended to the report.  He advised that two complaints had been received since the last report.  The Deputy  Monitoring Officer reported that a significant number of complaints had been submitted in respect of one Town Council.  One of these was from a member of the public and investigation was still in progress. 

During discussion the Deputy Monitoring Officer provided clarification on the year when the complaints had been made.  The Chair commented on the number of alleged breaches made regarding bullying and suggested that more training should be provided to Town and Community Councils to address the issue.

In response to a query by Julia Hughes on the frequency of reporting ethical complaints, the Deputy Monitoring Officer advised that it had been agreed that an overview of ethical complaints would be included as a standing agenda item for consideration by the Committee and an update provided when new complaints arose.  He agreed to review the Committee’s decision and report back. 

RESOLVED:

That the number and types of complaints be noted.