Agenda item

The Chair of the Standards Committee, Mrs Louise Fleet presented Council with the Standards Committee Annual Report.

Members were reminded that there is now a legal requirement for Standards Committees to make an annual report to the full Council on the standards regime within Neath Port Talbot.

The requirement to make an annual report is intended to ensure there is a regular and consistent approach to the reporting and consideration of standards of conduct by elected members and to promote local ownership and collective responsibility by all 60 members for ensuring high standards of conduct within the authority.

The Chair was pleased to note that all 60 members elected in May 2022 have completed the Code of Conduct training provided by the Monitoring Officer following the May 2022 elections.

In particular, members were informed that the Standards Committee have welcomed the new powers conferred regarding group leaders taking steps to promote and maintain high standards of conduct of their members. The duty recognises those in positions of leadership and influence within a principal council should have responsibility for combating bullying and harassment amongst elected members and council staff, and must act as a positive role model. The Standards Committee has met with the group leaders to discuss how this important function can be discharged and more information on this is to be found in the annual report.

Members were asked to take particular note of the future priorities that the Standards Committee will focus on in 2023 and 2024 as well as recommendations that members and group leaders are encouraged to take on board.

Members were urged to remain mindful of the fundamental importance of high standards of conduct in order for members of the public to maintain their trust and confidence in local democracy.

RESOLVED:             That members note the Standards Committee Annual Report 2022-2023 and the recommendations included therein.