The Ombudsman received a complaint that a Former Member (“the Former Member”) of Harlech Community Council (“the Council”) had breached the Code of Conduct (“the Code”). It was alleged that the Former Member had failed to declare an interest at a Council meeting in March 2025, regarding her association with a school (“the School”) and a charity (“the Charity”).
The Ombudsman’s Office started an investigation to consider paragraphs 11(1) and 12(1) (personal and prejudicial interests) of the Code. Information was obtained from the Council and the Charity. Comments were provided by the Clerk, the Complainant and the Former Member. The Former Member resigned from the Council during the investigation.
The investigation found that the Council made annual donations to the Charity (which supported the School) in 2024 and 2025, and the Former Member had been an employee of the School and a trustee of the Charity at the time. It was found that whilst the Former Member had declared an interest regarding the matter in 2024, she failed to do so for the same matter in 2025 and therefore, may have breached paragraphs 11(1) and 12(1) of the Code. It was also found, however, that her presence did not impact the outcome of the decisions made, and there was no evidence of direct financial or other gain to the Former Member and no evidence of harm to another because of her involvement in the meetings.
The Ombudsman found that given the facts around the business being considered, the breaches appeared technical in nature. Therefore, on balance, taking into account the limited nature of the matter, a lack of training or intent, incorrect advice and the Former Member’s resignation, the Ombudsman was satisfied that any suggested breaches were not sufficiently serious to warrant a referral to the Standards Committee in the public interest.
The Ombudsman found that no action needed to be taken in respect of the matters investigated.