The Standards and Ethics Committee of Cardiff Council met on Wednesday 8 July 2026 to review group leaders' reports, consider the annual report, and discuss the committee's work programme. Key decisions included noting the group leaders' reports and approving the committee's work programme for the upcoming year.

Group Leaders' Reports to Standards and Ethics Committee 2025-26

The committee received and considered the annual reports from political group leaders regarding their statutory duties in promoting high standards of conduct among their members. These reports, submitted in accordance with the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, detailed the steps taken by group leaders to maintain ethical standards. All members of the council had completed their mandatory training, a point noted with satisfaction. Councillor Catriona Brown-Reckless raised concerns about the confidentiality of these reports, questioning whether sensitive standards matters could inadvertently become public. Debbie Marles, Director of Governance and Legal Services and Monitoring Officer, assured the committee that information was appropriately handled and that the public interest was weighed when determining what information could be made public. The committee agreed to note the reports and receive an update in twelve months.

Standards and Ethics Annual Report 2025-26

The committee reviewed the draft of its Annual Report for 2025-26. This report details the committee's activities and compliance with statutory requirements, including its work on group leaders' reports, complaints updates, and observations of council meetings. The committee agreed to delegate authority to Debbie Marles and the Chair to finalise the report, which will then be presented to the full council and shared with community councils and the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. Councillor Brown-Reckless abstained from the vote to approve the report.

Officers' Personal Interests

The committee was due to review personal interest declarations made by senior officers. However, due to technical difficulties with the remote participant Richard Crane, Operational Manager in Legal Services, this item was deferred. Following a closed session to discuss process issues, the committee decided to revisit the remainder of this item at their next meeting in October to ensure a better understanding of the process.

Members' Code of Conduct Complaints Update

Debbie Marles provided an update on code of conduct complaints received during the first quarter of 2026-27. Three complaints were notified by the Ombudsman. One, concerning a failure to respond to local concerns, was not investigated by the Ombudsman, who stated that while discourteous, it was unlikely to breach the Code and was a matter for the electorate. Two other complaints are currently under consideration by the Ombudsman and are being treated as confidential. The report also provided updates on previously notified complaints, including one that had progressed to a Hearings Panel decision, which was still within its appeal period.

Observation of Meetings

The committee considered feedback from Jason Bartlett, Chair of the Standards and Ethics Committee, following his observation of the Annual Council Meeting on 21 May 2026. Mr. Bartlett reported that the meeting was well-managed, with no concerns raised regarding member conduct, standards, or ethics. Councillor Catriona Brown-Reckless expressed strong objections to the practice of independent members observing council meetings, viewing it as an intimidating chill on political debate and a potential politicisation of standards matters. She also raised concerns about remuneration for these observations. The Chair and other members, including Rashpal Singh and Louise Evans, defended the practice, highlighting its value in understanding council operations and promoting good practice. The committee agreed to continue observing meetings.

Work Programme 2026-27

The committee reviewed and agreed its proposed work programme for 2026-27. This includes ongoing monitoring of complaints, observation of meetings, and reports on group leaders' statutory duties. A significant item is the consideration of training requirements and preparation following the 2027 Local Government Elections. Councillor Brown-Reckless again voiced concerns about the expansion of the observation of meetings into council meetings and questioned whether certain items represented an expansion beyond statutory requirements. The committee noted her comments and proceeded to agree the work programme, with Councillor Brown-Reckless abstaining from the vote.

The next meeting of the Standards and Ethics Committee is scheduled for 14 October 2026.