Issue - meetings

To provide an overarching feedback in respect of all the visits to Town and Community Councils.

(a)       That the report include examples of good practice observed at the meetings; and

(b)       That the report is circulated to all Town and Community Councils in Flintshire and the common themes and suggestions at paragraph 1.04 of the report are endorsed as recommendations of best practice to those councils.

The Monitoring Officer presented a report which summarised common themes arising from Independent Members of the Committee observing meetings of Town and Community Councils over the past 12 months.  The report reiterated the purpose for the visits and included written feedback shared with councils during the period.

In response to questions, the Monitoring Officer provided clarification on declarations of interest.  It was explained that dispensations could last a maximum of 12 months.  As only the councillor who applied for the dispensation would know whether the personal and prejudicial interest still pertains, the onus rests with them to seek a renewal of any dispensation.

Town and Community Councils were thanked for welcoming the Independent Members at the meetings.

The Chair suggested that examples of positive practices observed at the meetings could also be reflected in the report.  On that basis, the recommendations were moved and seconded by Mark Morgan and Councillor Teresa Carberry.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the report include examples of good practice observed at the meetings; and

(b)       That the report is circulated to all Town and Community Councils in Flintshire and the common themes and suggestions at paragraph 1.04 of the report are endorsed as recommendations of best practice to those councils.