News

Legal action threatened over ‘councillor’s’ status

Published

8 years ago

March 5, 2018

David Boswell: Would he sue the council?

THE COUNCIL’S Legal Department has failed to respond to two pre-action letters sent by solicitors acting on behalf of the local authority’s Labour Group as thedilemma over the future of David Boswell’s membership of the Council has taken yet another turn.

The Herald understands that the Council’s Legal Department now fears that if the Pembroke St Mary North ward was declared vacant, Mr Boswell might have a legal action against the local authority.

That potenital threat is two-fold: firstly, in relation to any change of position on the advice from Monitoring Officer Claire Jones he has relied upon; and, secondly, in respect of the potential prejudice formally removing him might cause to his scheduled trial at Swansea Crown Court.

Had Mr Boswell’s trial taken place as scheduled neither of the above issues could possibly have arisen.
Suspicion is growing among some council members that Council officers were counting on the trial being over to avoid embarrassment over the advice given to Mr Boswell by the officer upon whose advice they are entitled to rely upon as the last word.

However, the legal pressure has grown upon the authority. A letter before potential proceedings has been sent by a firm of solicitors acting for the Association of Labour Councillors.

With their initial letter unanswered, a second letter has now been sent from those solicitors which takes the Council to task both for their failure to respond to a letter marked ‘URGENT’, but also for statements made by the Monitoring Officer to the press and alleged comments made to councillors.

The Herald can confirm that despite receiving both letters, the Council has failed even to acknowledge their receipt at the time we went to press.

To quote the ALC Solicitor letter to the council: “We strongly disagree with your interpretation of this legislation and urge you to declare the vacancy as soon as possible. We do not consider that it is accurate or reasonable to describe a members’ seminar as a meeting of the local authority.”

The Council’s position turns on whether or not seminars for members are council meetings.

If they were Council meetings, the Council’s Legal Department would have been able to provide minutes of those meetings.

Council meetings, at law, are subject to rules in relation to publishing the agenda, setting out the the timetable, clear rules in regards to voting, and minute taking.

None of those apply to a seminar.

And the Council’s Legal Department refused to provide any of the information that define a Council meeting to this newspaper, claiming that it wanted to explain the legal situation to members first.

What that has to do with providing information that – if it exists – would prove the Monitoring Officer’s contention that seminars are meetings is unclear.

The Solicitors’ letter sent to the authority, sets out that position with a stinging rebuke to the Legal Department’s stated position, saying: ‘If it does not sound like a council meeting and it does not act like a council meeting, then it is more than likely not a council meeting’.

And ‘more likely than not’ is the key legal test. Not beyond a reasonable doubt, as in criminal proceedings.

Of course, the Council’s position would be stronger if it did not publish information likely to be of assistance to other potential parties to litigation.

At a meeting in 2011, a key Council committee considered a range of governance issues including member attendance at meetings.

The committee endorsed the position that members’ attendance should be published.

It even set out what meetings would be covered.

‘That the recording period cover each municipal year, and the record apply to attendances at formal Council body meetings (Council; Cabinet; Committees and Sub-Committees)’.

More fundamentally, it ‘suggested that training events/seminars be included in the attendance record’.

The distinction between what the Council then resolved were meetings on the one hand and members’ seminars and training on the other is crystal clear. If seminars were ‘meetings’ under the law, attendance would be recorded as a matter of course.

That is not the whole list of what is in the law covering council meetings. That also includes meetings which councillors attend as representatives of the authority.

However a list of what constitutes a council meeting cannot just be added to as and when a local authority finds convenient. A strong legal position would be that just because a statutory list of ‘meetings’ is not comprehensive (which is a fair reflection of the legal department’s position on the Local Government Act) that does not mean meetings which do not meet the criteria for council meetings can then be called council meetings.

The ridiculousness of the situation is best illustrated by the fact that on Wednesday (Feb 28), Mr Boswell attended a members’ seminar of an authority of which he is quite possibly no longer a member, while no press or public were admitted to the ‘council meeting’, no minutes were kept, and no agenda was published.

Why the Council’s legal department has been so reticent about replying to an urgent solicitors’ letter is a mystery, although no suggestion is made that it is either because council officers are hoping to ‘run down the clock’ in order to forestall taking any action at all or because they are paralysed by indecision.

In an email sent to all county councillors marked ‘CONFIDENTIAL’ in large red letters the Monitoriing Officer forcefully reminds members not to say anything that might jeopardise Mr Boswell’s trial. The Council’s monitoring officer appears also to suggest the Council has advice from ‘Leading Counsel’ (usually a QC) to support its position.

Advice from a barrister, even a leading one, is usually dependent on the content and quality of the instructions sent to one. There is a world of difference between a barrister being asked to advise a client and a barrister being asked to advise how a client might wriggle off a hook of their own making.

There is also a faint suggestion that legal advice obtained by the Council for the benefit of the authority might not be shared with all members. The way in which the email is set out makes it difficult to determine whether the Monitoring Officer would propose releasing advice on a limited basis. In addition, when quoting the Code of Conduct, Ms Jones states that members of a political party should consider whether or not they should declare ‘either a personal or prejudicial interest when speaking and voting’ on business of the authority.

That section of the email appears to be a remarkable attempt to prevent any debate by councillors of the cleft stick the council’s own officers have placed the authority in.

With dire warnings about ‘predetermination’ and ‘recent media stories’, Claire Jones seems to confuse discussing the potential that she might have got it wrong with expressing a view on whether or not Mr Boswell is guilty of the allegations – and that is all that they are – he faces.

The latter, it goes without saying is – quite properly strictly forbidden – the former is not the same thing at all.

Ms Jones’ email warns councillors of the dangers of expressing views as to whether or not she is wrong before an occasion upon which elected members can express a view. However, Ms Jones will know that pre-sentiment is not pre-determination, that councillors are permitted to make their minds up for themselves, and that the purpose of the rules about pre-determination and potential bias, as made clear by guidance given by the Public Services Ombudsman, is not to stifle either political or public discussion of contentious issues.

In addition, seeking advice on whether the Monitoring Officer is herself right or wrong is not predetermination by any means.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.

To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.