Statutory duties and standards

Members of Laleston Community Council are bound by statutory duties under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 and a range of standing obligations. Below is a summary of what councillors are committed to in the role.

Councillors are elected to represent residents and govern community council business, but the role carries clear legal responsibilities — declaration of interests, attendance at meetings, ongoing training, and conduct under the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Standards regime & Code of Conduct

All members are bound by the Council’s adopted Members’ Code of Conduct, which is enforced through the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. Breaches are investigated by the Ombudsman and may be referred to the Adjudication Panel for Wales or the Council’s Standards Committee.

Members must abide by the Nolan Principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Members must register all financial and non-financial interests with the Monitoring Officer at Bridgend County Borough Council on appointment, and update the register whenever circumstances change.

Members must declare any personal or prejudicial interest at the start of any meeting where the interest is relevant, and may be required to leave the room while that item is discussed.

Members are required to attend Council and committee meetings at which they are appointed. A member who fails to attend any meeting for six consecutive months without the Council’s consent automatically ceases to be a member, under section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Council appoints members to working committees at its Annual Meeting in May each year. Current committees are: Finance Committee · Biodiversity & Allotment Committee · Project Management, Community Wellbeing & Biodiversity Committee.

Each committee meets approximately every two months and reports its recommendations to Full Council.

Newly elected members must complete induction training within six months of election. The Council also operates a Training Plan covering ongoing development for all members.

Each year the Council publishes an Annual Report summarising the year’s decisions, expenditure, projects and committee activity. Annual reports are available in the Documents section.

Concerns about a councillor?

The Members’ Code of Conduct is enforced by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. To raise a concern, contact the Clerk who can advise on the next steps.

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