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Agenda Item No. 6

 

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

 

Democratic Services Committee: 18th October 2017

 

Report of the Head of Democratic Services

 

Members' Annual Reports

 

Purpose of the Report

  1. To apprise Members of the facility to prepare (and publish) an Annual Report.

Recommendation

That, subject to any comments the Committee may have on the Annual Report template, all Members be informed of the facility for them to produce for publication on the Council's website an Annual Report.

Reason for the Recommendation

To facilitate the Council's compliance with the relevant provision of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 ("the Measure").

Background

  1. The Measure contains a requirement that Local Authorities make provision for the production of Annual Reports by its Members. Any reports produced by individual Members must be published by the Local Authority.

Relevant Issues and Options

  1. A copy of the template used in previous years is attached as Appendix A to the report. The Committee is asked to consider whether the current template remains "fit for purpose" or whether any amendments to the template should be made. The current format reflects guidance issued by the Welsh Government at the time the requirement relating to Annual Reports first came into being.
  2. Whilst the Measure requires the Council to make this facility available to Members, there is no obligation on individuals to produce an Annual Report. It is also acknowledged that, whilst Annual Reports can be regarded as a means of improving communication between Elected Members and the public, they are only one method of communication open to, and used by, Members.

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

  1. There are no direct implications arising from the report.

Sustainability and Climate Change Implications

  1. There are no direct implications arising from the report.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

  1. The Council is required to comply with the provisions of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 in terms of facilitating the production of Annual Reports.

Crime and Disorder Implications

  1. None.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

  1. None.

Corporate/Service Objectives

  1. As indicated above, the publication of Annual Reports can be regarded as an additional means by which Members are able to communicate with the public.

Policy Framework and Budget

  1. There are no direct implications arising from the report.

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

  1. This is an internal matter and, therefore, no consultation has been necessary.

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

  1. Corporate Performance and Resources

Background Papers

Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011

Welsh Government Guidance on Annual Reports

Contact Officer

Jeff Wyatt, Head of Democratic Services

Officers Consulted

Managing Director

Responsible Officer:

Jeff Wyatt, Head of Democratic Services