Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Mrs M. Dodd, Mr F. Phillips and Councillor G.B. Thomas.

There were no declarations of personal interest.

The Committee considered an application submitted by Newcastle Emlyn Town Council Councillor Hazel Evans for the grant of a dispensation under the provisions of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations to speak, make written representations and vote in relation to town council business regarding the grant of tenancy of the Old Courthouse within Newcastle Emlyn.

It was reported that Councillor Evans would have a personal and prejudicial interest in such business as she is a non-remunerated Director of one of the applicants, which itself is a charity.

It was reported that a dispensation was sought by Councillor Evans by virtue of Regulation 2(d) – the nature of the member’s interest was such that the member’s participation in the business to which the interest relates would not damage public confidence in the conduct of the relevant authority’s business and Regulation 2(f) – the participation of the member in the business to which the interest relates would be justified by the member’s particular role or expertise.

The Committee was advised that if it was minded to grant Councillor Evans’ request, it would also need to determine the duration of that dispensation.

Following a discussion it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that dispensation be granted under Regulations 2(d) and (f) of the Standards Committees (Grant of Dispensation) (Wales) Regulations 2001 to Councillor Hazel Evans to speak and make written representations, but NOT vote, on council business at meetings of Newcastle Emlyn Town Council regarding the grant of tenancy of the Old Courthouse within Newcastle Emlyn and the dispensation be valid until the end of the current electoral term. 

There were no items of urgent business.