The Ombudsman received a complaint that a Member (“the Member”) of Tywyn Town Council (“the Council”) had breached the Code of Conduct (“the Code”) by failing to declare an interest in respect of a series of Council meetings that considered a Trust (“the Trust”).
The Ombudsman determined that investigation was appropriate and that paragraphs 10(1), 10(2), 11(1), 11(2), 12(1), 12(2) and 14(1) of the Code should be considered.
Information was obtained from the Council, including minutes of the relevant meetings. Witnesses, including the complainant, were interviewed and provided written submissions. The Member was interviewed.
The investigation found that in respect of a number of Council meetings, the Member did not declare an interest and took part in discussions and voting in matters to which she had a prejudicial interest. The Ombudsman considered that the Member showed contrition and expressed remorse if she was wrong not to have declared an interest which showed reflection and learning on the part of the Member. The Ombudsman considered, on balance, that a referral was not proportionate. However, the Ombudsman considered that the Member should undertake training on the Code with particular attention to personal and prejudicial interests. The Ombudsman recommended that the Member undertakes such training within 3 months.