PSOW Individual Decisions

The Ombudsman received a complaint that a Former Member (“the Former Member”) of Haverfordwest Town Council (“the Council”) had breached the Code of Conduct (“the Code”). The Ombudsman’s investigation considered whether the Former Member’s conduct may have breached paragraphs 4(a), 4(b), 4(c) and 6(1)(a) of the Code. Information was obtained from the Council. Witnesses, including the Complainant, were interviewed. The Former Member was interviewed. In relation to Paragraph 4(a), it was alleged that the Former Member treated the female members of the Council differently. Specifically, it was alleged that the Former Member only requested expenses from female members of the Council, ignored female members of the Council during meetings and tried to prevent a female member from becoming the Mayor of the Council. The Ombudsman’s investigation found that the Former Member requested expenses from individuals who held a role that included an allowance – in this instance, it was only female members of the Council who held a position which included an allowance. There was no evidence that the Former Member requested such information on the basis of gender. In addition, it was found that the Former Member had a process to ensure that he did not ignore any councillor wishing to speak in meetings. Evidence was provided to corroborate the Former Member’s explanation. The Ombudsman was therefore not persuaded that there was evidence to substantiate the complaint that the Former Member ignored female members of the Council. Finally, the investigation found that the issue in relation to the Mayoral election was contentious. The Former Member took appropriate action seeking advice from the appropriate body, One Voice Wales. The Ombudsman considered that there was no evidence that the Former Member’s actions were motivated by discrimination on the basis of gender. Accordingly, the Ombudsman’s investigation found that the Member’s conduct was not suggestive of a breach of paragraph 4(a

The Ombudsman received a complaint that a Member (“the Member”) of Haverfordwest Town Council (“the Council”) had breached the Code of Conduct for Members of the Council.  It was alleged that the Member called the Clerk “a liar” on 2 occasions during a meeting of the Council’s Management, Estates and Strategy (“MES”) Committee on 5 April 2022. The investigation considered whether the Member failed to comply with the following provisions of the Code of Conduct: 4 (b) – To show respect and consideration for others. 4 (c) – Not use bullying behaviour or harass any person. 6(1)(a) – Not conduct himself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing his office or authority into disrepute. The Ombudsman’s investigation obtained copies of minutes and other documents from the Council and obtained witness accounts from 6 witnesses who were present at relevant meetings.  It also considered comments made by the Member. The Member accepted that he had called the Clerk “a liar” on 2 occasions during the MES meeting.  The Ombudsman therefore considered that the Member’s conduct was indicative of a breach of paragraphs 4(b) and 4(c) of the Code of Conduct.  The Ombudsman did not consider that this incident, in isolation, was suggestive of a breach of paragraph 6(1)(a) of the Code of Conduct. The report on the investigation was referred to the Monitoring Officer of Pembrokeshire County Council for consideration by its Standards Committee. The Standards Committee concluded that the Member had breached paragraphs 4(b), 4(c) and 6(1)(a) of the Code of Conduct.  Accordingly, the Standards Committee decided that the Member should be censured, the maximum available sanction as the Member resigned from office shortly before the hearing