The Standards Committee's meeting on 16 December 2024 included the consideration of a decision made by the Standards Committee Panel and a response to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales' consultation on their independent review. The Committee was also due to receive the Adjudication Panel for Wales' annual report, and notes from the National Forum for Chairs of Standards Committees.

Decision of the Standards Committee Panel

The Committee's meeting included consideration of a decision by the Standards Committee Panel relating to a complaint made about a Councillor. The details of the complaint, and the Councillor it relates to have not been made public.

The report pack contains a Decision Notice , which contains the Panel's decision on the complaint.

Having considered the information before it, the Panel decided that there was no evidence that Councillor [redacted] had breached the Code of Conduct

Public Services Ombudsman for Wales Independent Review Consultation Response

Monmouthshire Council received a letter from the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) on 2 October 2024, inviting them to respond to a consultation about their independent review.

The consultation seeks the views of local authorities in Wales on proposals to create new legislation about the PSOW.

The purpose of the proposed legislation is to consolidate and update the existing legislative framework, while strengthening the Ombudsman’s role and ability to contribute to improvements in public services in Wales. It also includes provision to enable the Ombudsman to investigate complaints about closed cases, to review his own decisions, and to charge fees for certain aspects of the Ombudsman’s work.

Code of Conduct Training - Community Town Councils

The Committee was due to consider feedback about Code of Conduct training that was delivered to all of Monmouthshire's Community and Town Councils.

The training covered:

• The role of the Ombudsman
• The Code of Conduct complaints process
• The role of the Standards Committee, and the Adjudication Panel for Wales.

Annual Report of the Adjudication Panel for Wales 2023-24

The Committee was due to note the Adjudication Panel for Wales' (APW) annual report for 2023-24.

The APW considers cases that have been referred by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, where there is evidence that a Councillor or member of a local authority in Wales may have breached their Code of Conduct.

Notes from the National Forum for Chairs of Standards Committees

The Committee was due to note the notes from the most recent meeting of the National Forum for Chairs of Standards Committees, which had taken place on 20 September 2024.