The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2014

Gwnaed: 9 Mehefin 2014

Gosodwyd gerbron Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru: 10 Mehefin 2014

Yn dod i rym: 1 Gorffennaf 2014

Mae Gweinidogion Cymru yn gwneud y Rheoliadau a ganlyn drwy arfer y pwerau a roddwyd i’r Ysgrifennydd Gwladol gan adrannau 8, 20 a 190 o Ddeddf Llywodraeth Leol a Thai 1989[^f00001] ac a freiniwyd bellach yng Ngweinidogion Cymru i’r graddau y maent yn arferadwy o ran Cymru[^f00002].

Title, commencement and interpretation

1

• (1) The title of these Regulations is the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2014.

• (2) These Regulations come into force on 1 July 2014.

• (3) In these Regulations “the 2006 Regulations” (“Rheoliadau 2006”) means the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (Wales) Regulations 2006.

Amendments to the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (Wales) Regulations 2006

2

The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (Wales) Regulations 2006[^f00003] are amended as follows.

3

In regulation 2 (interpretation)—

• (a) omit the definition of “alternative arrangements” (“trefniadau amgen”);

• (b) omit the definition of “council manager” (“rheolwr cyngor”);

• (c) omit “and” following the definition of “relevant joint committee” (“cydbwyllgor perthnasol”); and

• (d) at the appropriate places insert—

• (i) "“head of democratic services” (“pennaeth gwasanaethau democrataidd”) means the officer designated under section 8 of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (head of democratic services)[^f00004];"; and

• (ii) "“remuneration” (“cydnabyddiaeth ariannol”) has the same meaning as in section 43(3) of the Localism Act 2011[^f00005];".

4

In regulation 5 (executive arrangements – standing orders relating to staff)—

• (a) omit paragraph (1)(c);

• (b) in paragraph (1)(d) for “(a), (b) and (c)” substitute “(a) and (b)”; and

• (c) in paragraph (2) for “(a), (b), (c) or (d)” substitute “(a), (b) or (d)”.

5

Omit regulation 6 (alternative arrangements – standing orders relating to staff).

6

For regulation 7 (standing orders relating to staff) substitute—

(7) (1) Where a relevant authority has standing orders incorporating the provisions of these Regulations mentioned in paragraph (2), the functions referred to in that paragraph must be exercised by the authority itself and accordingly section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972 (arrangements for discharge of functions by local authorities)[^f00006] does not apply to the exercise of those functions. (2) The provisions are— (a) paragraph 4(1) of Part 1 of Schedule 3 and paragraph 4(1) of Part 2 of Schedule 3 relating to the function of approving the appointment or dismissal of the head of the authority’s paid service; and (b) paragraph 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 3 and paragraph 6 of Part 2 of Schedule 3 relating to the function of determining the level, and any change in the level, of remuneration to be paid to a chief officer.

7

• (1) The existing text of regulation 8 (standing orders in respect of disciplinary action) becomes regulation 8(1).

• (2) In regulation 8(1) for “or its chief finance officer” substitute “, its chief finance officer, its head of democratic services or any officer referred to in paragraph (2)”.

• (3) After regulation 8(1) insert—

(2) An officer in relation to whom disciplinary action is proposed where— (a) the officer was, but at the time of the proposed disciplinary action no longer is, an officer referred to in paragraph (1); and (b) the alleged misconduct or, as the case may be, the reason for the proposal for dismissal, occurred during the period when the officer was an officer referred to in paragraph (1).

8

In regulation 9 (investigation of alleged misconduct)—

• (a) for paragraph (1) substitute—

(1) Where, after a relevant authority has incorporated provisions in standing orders pursuant to regulation 8, it appears to the relevant authority that an allegation of misconduct which may lead to disciplinary action has been made against a relevant officer, the relevant authority must appoint a committee (“an investigation committee”) to consider the alleged misconduct. (1A) For the purposes of this regulation “a relevant officer” (“swyddog perthnasol”) is— (a) the head of the authority’s paid service; (b) its monitoring officer; (c) its chief finance officer; (d) its head of democratic services; or (e) an officer who was, but at the time the investigation committee is appointed no longer is, an officer referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) where the alleged misconduct occurred during the period when the officer was an officer referred to in those sub-paragraphs.

• (b) in paragraph (5)(b) for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Welsh Ministers”; and

• (c) omit paragraph (11).

9

• (1) In Schedule 1, in Part 1—

• (a) for paragraph 1 substitute—

(1) (1) A relevant authority must take the steps set out in sub-paragraph (2) where— (a) it proposes to appoint a chief officer (within the meaning of the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (Wales) Regulations 2006); and (b) the remuneration which it proposes to pay to the chief officer is £100,000 or more per annum. (2) The steps are to— (a) draw up a statement specifying— (i) the duties of the officer concerned, and (ii) any qualifications or qualities to be sought in the person to be appointed; (b) make arrangements for the post to be publicly advertised in such a way as is likely to bring it to the attention of persons who are qualified to apply for it; and (c) make arrangements for a copy of the statement mentioned in paragraph (a) to be sent to any person on request. (3) Where sub-paragraph (1) applies, the relevant authority is not required to take the step set out in sub-paragraph (2)(b) if it proposes to appoint the chief officer for a period of no longer than 12 months.

• (b) in paragraph 2(1) for “1(b)” substitute “1(2)(b)”; and

• (c) in paragraph 2(2) for “1(b)” substitute “1(2)(b)”.

• (2) In Schedule 1, in Part 2, in paragraph 3 omit sub-paragraph (a).

10

• (1) In Schedule 3, in Part 1—

• (a) the existing text of paragraph 3 becomes paragraph 3(1);

• (b) in paragraph 3(1), after paragraph (g) insert—

(h) the officer designated as the authority’s monitoring officer; or (i) the officer designated as the authority’s head of democratic services.

• (c) after paragraph 3(1) insert—

(2) Paragraph 2 does not apply to the dismissal of, or disciplinary action against, an officer in relation to whom disciplinary action is proposed— (a) who was, but at the time of the proposed disciplinary action no longer is, an officer referred to in paragraph 3(1)(a) to (i); and (b) where the alleged misconduct, or, as the case may be, the reason for the proposal for dismissal, occurred during the period when the officer was an officer referred to in paragraph 3(1)(a) to (i).

• (d) in paragraph 4(2) for “or (d) of paragraph 3” substitute “, (d), (h), or (i) of paragraph 3(1) or the function of dismissal of any officer referred to in paragraph 3(2)”; and

• (e) after paragraph 5 insert—

(6) The relevant authority must determine the level, and any change in the level, of the remuneration to be paid to a chief officer.

• (2) In Schedule 3, in Part 2—

• (a) the existing text of paragraph 3 becomes paragraph 3(1);

• (b) in paragraph 3(1), after paragraph (f) insert—

(g) the officer designated as the authority’s monitoring officer; (h) the officer designated as the authority’s head of democratic services.

• (c) after paragraph 3(1) insert—

(2) Paragraph 2 does not apply to dismissal of, or disciplinary action against, an officer in relation to whom disciplinary action is proposed— (a) who was, but at the time of the proposed disciplinary action no longer is, an officer referred to in paragraph 3(1)(a) to (h); and (b) where the alleged misconduct, or, as the case may be, the reason for the proposal for dismissal, occurred during the period when the officer was an officer referred to in paragraph 3(1)(a) to (h).

• (d) in paragraph 4(2) for “or (d) of paragraph 3” substitute “, (d), (g), or (h) of paragraph 3(1) or the function of dismissal of any officer referred to in paragraph 3(2)”; and

• (e) after paragraph 5 insert—

(6) The relevant authority must determine the level, and any change in the level, of the remuneration to be paid to a chief officer.

• (3) In Schedule 3 omit Parts 3 and 4.

11

• (1) In Schedule 4, in paragraph 1—

• (a) omit ““council manager” (“rheolwr cyngor”),”; and

• (b) for “and monitoring officer” (“swyddog monitro”)” substitute “, “monitoring officer” (“swyddog monitro”) and “head of democratic services” (“pennaeth gwasanaethau democrataidd”)”.

• (2) In Schedule 4—

• (a) the existing text of paragraph 2 becomes paragraph 2(1) of that paragraph;

• (b) in paragraph 2(1)—

• (i) omit “(unless the head of the authority’s paid service is also a council manager of the relevant authority)”; and

• (ii) for “or its chief finance officer” substitute “, its chief finance officer, its head of democratic services or any officer referred to in sub-paragraph (2)”;

• (c) after paragraph 2(1) insert—

(2) An officer in relation to whom disciplinary action is proposed where— (a) the officer was, but at the time of the proposed disciplinary action no longer is, an officer referred to in sub-paragraph (1); and (b) the alleged misconduct or, as the case may be, the reason for the proposal for dismissal, occurred during the period when the officer was an officer referred to in sub-paragraph (1).

Transitional provisions

12

Anything which, before the date on which the relevant authority incorporates standing orders in accordance with these Regulations, was being done by, to or in relation to an officer in accordance with—

• (a) regulation 9 of the 2006 Regulations; or

• (b) the provisions set out in Schedule 4 to the 2006 Regulations (or provisions to the like effect) incorporated in the relevant authority’s standing orders,

may be continued after that date by, to or in relation to that officer in accordance with the provisions referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b), as the case may be.

Implementation

13

A relevant authority must revise its existing standing orders in so far as is necessary to conform with the amendments made by these Regulations by no later than the date which is ten weeks after these Regulations come into force.

Signed

Lesley Griffiths — Y Gweinidog Llywodraeth Leol a Busnes y Llywodraeth, un o Weinidogion Cymru — 9 Mehefin 2014

Explanatory note

(Nid yw’r nodyn hwn yn rhan o’r Rheoliadau)

NODYN ESBONIADOL

Mae’r Rheoliadau hyn yn diwygio Rheoliadau Awdurdodau Lleol (Rheolau Sefydlog) (Cymru) 2006 (O.S. 2006/1275) (Cy. 121) (“Rheoliadau 2006”).

Mae Rheoliadau 2006 yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r awdurdodau perthnasol (cynghorau sir a chynghorau bwrdeistref sirol yng Nghymru) ymgorffori darpariaethau penodol yn ymwneud â’u staff, eu cyfarfodydd a’u trafodion yn eu rheolau sefydlog. Mae’n ofynnol i’r awdurdodau perthnasol wneud neu addasu rheolau sefydlog fel eu bod yn cynnwys y darpariaethau a nodir yn Rheoliadau 2006 neu ddarpariaethau sy’n cael yr un effaith.

Yn rhannol, mae’r Rheoliadau hyn yn diwygio Rheoliadau 2006 er mwyn adlewyrchu’r darpariaethau ym Mesur Llywodraeth Leol (Cymru) 2011 (mccc 4) (“y Mesur”).

Roedd adran 8 o’r Mesur yn gwneud darpariaeth i gynghorau bwrdeistrefi sirol neu gynghorau sir yng Nghymru ddynodi un o’u swyddogion yn bennaeth gwasanaethau democrataidd.

Cafodd yr opsiwn maer etholedig a rheolwr cyngor o’r trefniadau gweithrediaeth sydd ar gael yng Nghymru ei ddileu gan adran 34 o’r Mesur. Roedd adran 35 o’r Mesur yn darparu bod yn rhaid i gynghorau bwrdeistrefi sirol neu gynghorau sir yng Nghymru sy’n gweithredu trefniadau amgen symud i weithredu un o’r trefniadau gweithrediaeth a ddisgrifir yn adran 11 o Ddeddf Llywodraeth Leol 2000.

Mae rheoliad 3 yn mewnosod yn Rheoliadau 2006 ddiffiniadau o’r “pennaeth gwasanaethau democrataidd” a “cydnabyddiaeth ariannol”.

Mae rheoliadau 3 i 5 yn dileu’r cyfeiriadau yn Rheoliadau 2006 at “trefniadau amgen” a “rheolwr y cyngor”.

Mae rheoliad 6 yn diwygio rheoliad 7 o Reoliadau 2006 er mwyn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r holl benderfyniadau ar gydnabyddiaeth ariannol i brif swyddogion gael eu gwneud drwy benderfyniad yr awdurdod ei hun.

Mae rheoliadau 7 ac 8 yn gwneud darpariaeth i unrhyw ymchwiliad i gamymddwyn honedig gan bennaeth gwasanaethau democrataidd neu gan unrhyw swyddog a oedd yn swyddog y cyfeirir ato yn rheoliad 8(1) o Reoliadau 2006, ond nad yw bellach, ar adeg penodi’r pwyllgor ymchwilio, yn swyddog o’r fath, ddilyn y gweithdrefnau sy’n gymwys i bennaeth gwasanaeth taledig, swyddog monitro neu brif swyddog cyllid, pan fo’r camymddwyn honedig neu, yn ôl y digwydd, y rheswm dros y cynnig o ddiswyddo, wedi digwydd yn ystod y cyfnod yr oedd y swyddog dan sylw yn swyddog y cyfeirir ato yn y rheoliad hwnnw. Gwneir mân ddiwygiad hefyd i reoliad 9 o Reoliadau 2006.

Mae rheoliad 9 yn diwygio Rhan 1 o Atodlen 1 i Reoliadau 2006 sy’n golygu, pan fo’r awdurdod perthnasol yn bwriadu penodi prif swyddog a bod y gydnabyddiaeth ariannol y mae’n bwriadu ei thalu i’r prif swyddog yn £100,000 y flwyddyn neu’n fwy, bod yn rhaid i’r swydd gael ei hysbysebu yn allanol. Nid yw’r rhwymedigaeth i hysbysebu’n allanol yn gymwys pan fo’r awdurdod yn bwriadu penodi prif swyddog am gyfnod o ddim mwy na 12 mis. Mae rheoliad 9 hefyd yn diwygio Rhan 2 o Atodlen 1 i Reoliadau 2006 i ddileu’r amrywiad awdurdodedig sy’n caniatáu i awdurdodau benderfynu peidio â hysbysebu’n allanol pan fyddant yn bwriadu penodi prif swyddog anstatudol.

Mae rheoliad 10 yn diwygio Rheoliadau 2006 er mwyn atal penodi swyddog monitro neu bennaeth gwasanaethau democrataidd, ei ddiswyddo neu gymryd camau disgyblu yn ei erbyn, rhag cael eu cyflawni gan bennaeth gwasanaeth taledig yr awdurdod neu swyddog a enwebir gan bennaeth gwasanaeth taledig yr awdurdod. Mae’r rheoliad yn diogelu, yn yr un modd, unrhyw swyddog y bwriedir cymryd camau disgyblu mewn perthynas ag ef ac a oedd yn swyddog y cyfeirir ato yn y rheoliad hwnnw, ond nad yw bellach, ar adeg y camau disgyblu arfaethedig, yn swyddog o’r fath, pan fo’r camymddwyn honedig neu, yn ôl y digwydd, y rheswm dros y cynnig o ddiswyddo, wedi digwydd yn ystod y cyfnod yr oedd y swyddog dan sylw yn swyddog y cyfeirir ato yn y rheoliad hwnnw.

Mae rheoliad 10 yn dileu Rhannau 3 a 4 o Atodlen 3 i Reoliadau 2006, sy’n ymwneud â’r trefniadau gweithrediaeth maer a rheolwr cyngor a ddiddymwyd ac â threfniadau amgen.

Mae rheoliad 11 yn diwygio Atodlen 4 i Reoliadau 2006 i fod yn gyson â’r diwygiadau eraill a wneir gan y Rheoliadau hyn.

Mae rheoliad 12 yn cynnwys darpariaethau trosiannol mewn perthynas â rheolau sefydlog presennol ar gyfer camau disgyblu a wnaed o dan Reoliadau 2006.

Mae rheoliad 13 yn darparu bod yn rhaid i awdurdod perthnasol adolygu ei reolau sefydlog presennol i’r graddau ei bod yn angenrheidiol er mwyn cydymffurfio â’r diwygiadau a wneir gan y Rheoliadau hyn yn ddim hwyrach na’r dyddiad ddeng wythnos ar ôl i’r Rheoliadau hyn ddod i rym.

Ystyriwyd Cod Ymarfer Gweinidogion Cymru ar gynnal Asesiadau Effaith Rheoleiddiol mewn perthynas â’r Rheoliadau hyn. O ganlyniad, paratowyd asesiad effaith rheoleiddiol o’r costau a’r manteision sy’n debygol o ddeillio o gydymffurfio â’r Rheoliadau hyn. Gellir cael copi oddi wrth y Tîm Craffu, Democratiaeth a Chyfranogi, Llywodraeth Cymru, Parc Cathays, Caerdydd, CF10 3NQ.

Footnotes

[^f00001]: 1989 p. 42. Diwygiwyd adran 8 gan adran 1(2)(a) o Ddeddf Hawliau Cyflogaeth (Datrys Anghydfodau) 1998 (p. 8) ac O.S. 2002/803 (Cy. 88); mae offerynnau diwygio eraill ond nid oes yr un ohonynt yn berthnasol. Diwygiwyd adran 20 gan O.S. 2009/3318.

[^f00002]: Mae’r pwerau o dan adrannau 8, 20 a 190 o Ddeddf Llywodraeth Leol a Thai 1989 bellach wedi eu breinio yng Ngweinidogion Cymru i’r graddau y maent yn arferadwy o ran Cymru. Yr oeddent wedi eu breinio’n flaenorol yng Nghynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru yn rhinwedd erthygl 2 o Orchymyn Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru (Trosglwyddo Swyddogaethau) 1999 (O.S. 1999/672). Yn rhinwedd paragraffau 30 a 32 o Atodlen 11 i Ddeddf Llywodraeth Cymru 2006 (p. 32), trosglwyddwyd hwy i Weinidogion Cymru.

[^f00003]: O.S. 2006/1275 (Cy. 121), a ddiwygiwyd gan O.S. 2010/1142 (Cy. 101).

[^f00004]: 2011 mccc 4.

[^f00005]: 2011 p. 20.