Agenda Item No. 7

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

Standards Committee: 22nd March 2018

Report of the Monitoring Officer

Model Local Resolution Protocol for Community and Town Councils Update Report

Purpose of the Report

1. To advise Members in respect of responses received since the last meeting on 25th January, 2018 regarding adoption of the One Voice Wales Model Local Resolution Protocol.

Recommendation

That the report be noted.

Reason for the Recommendation

To inform Members of the Standards Committee.

Background

2. At the All Wales Monitoring Officers meeting in June 2017, a presentation and a copy of the One Voice Wales' Model Local Resolution Protocol for Community and Town Council was presented.
3. At its meeting on 13th July, 2017, the Standards Committee resolved that all Town and Community Councils in the Vale of Glamorgan be recommended to consider adopting the Model Local Resolution Protocol or to use the Model version to draw up their own Protocol.
4. The Standards Committee was subsequently updated at its meeting on  25th January, 2018  of the responses that had been received from Town and Community Councils with  all Town and  Community Councils having been contacted to ascertain if their Councils had adopted the Protocol or whether they had used it as a basis to draw up their own Protocols.

Relevant Issues and Options

5. At the meeting on 25th January, 2018, it was noted that 21 out of the 26 Town and Community Councils had confirmed that the Protocol had been adopted by their Councils.
6. The Clerk for Penllyn and Wenvoe had advised that the Protocol was considered disproportionate to the size of the Councils and with the number of complaints received being nil, following consultation with the Chairmen at that time, there was no intention to put the document before the Councils.  However, having written again to the Councils following the resolution of the Standards Committee, I have since been advised that the Councils will be considering the Model Protocol at their March meetings.  
7. Cowbridge and Llanblethian Town Council advised that as part of its Council's review of Standing Orders the Protocol would be considered by the Council with completion expected to take place by April 2018.
8. For the remaining Councils namely St. Brides Major and Sully and Lavernock Community Councils confirmation is still awaited.  

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

9. No Vale of Glamorgan Council resources have been utilised in the adoption and / or implementation of the Protocol by Town and Community Councils.

Sustainability and Climate Change Implications

10. None as a direct result of this report.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

11. None as a direct result of this report.

Crime and Disorder Implications

12. None as a direct result of this report.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

13. None as a direct result of this report.

Corporate/Service Objectives

14. The report relates to the role of the Standards Committee to promote and maintain high standards of conduct of Members as detailed in the Council's Constitution.

Policy Framework and Budget

15. This is a matter for decision by the Standards Committee.

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

16. The report does not require consultation with other parties.

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

17. Not applicable.

Background Papers

E-mailed comments as detailed in the Appendix

Contact Officer

Mrs. Karen Bowen, Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officer, Tel: 01446 709856

Officers Consulted

None

Responsible Officer:

Ms. D. Marles, Monitoring Officer