BLAENAU GWENT COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
COUNCILLORS ANNUAL REPORT
This is the report by the Councillor named below regarding their key
activities over the year ending 30th April 2015. It is provided for the
information of all constituents and for no other purpose.
Completion instructions: Councillors are free to include as much or as little
information as they wish in each section, however the report is to be kept to this
2 page maximum format.
Councillor: Malcolm Benjamin Dally
Ward: Nantyglo Ward
Party: Labour
Section 1 – Roles and Responsibilities (Attending meetings / Training / Briefing Sessions,
Dealing with queries/complaints.
My Council roles and responsibilities during 2014-2015 were considerable
and time consuming. I served on the following Scrutiny Committees:Corporate Overview, Education and Skills, as well as Chairing the
Environment, Economy and Infrastructure Scrutiny Committee. In addition I
was a member of the General Licensing/Statutory Licensing and Audit
Committees. The appointments Committee / JNC Officers / Executive Waste
Management and the Environment – Straying Animals / Executive Waste
Management and the Environment - (Green Team), as well as Member
Champion for Scrutiny.
In relation to my representation on Outside bodies, I was appointed to serve
on the following:- L.G.A. Urban Commission, Greater Gwent Cremation Joint
Committee, Trunk Road Agency, Public Transport Consortium of Non
Metropolitan authorities , South East Area Environment Group as well as the
L.E.A representative on the Governing Body of Coed y Garn Primary School,
not forgetting attending to concerns/issues drawn to my attention by electors.
Attendance at meetings - 75
Attendance at Training/Briefings - 16
* Figures supplied by Councillor
^Figures supplied by BGCBC
Section 2: Constituency Activity
I no longer represent the council on the Gwent Police authority renamed the
Gwent Police Crime Panel or the South Wales Fire Authority. P.A.C.T.
meetings are no longer held but in its place meetings are held with ward
members and the local Inspector of police.
However, I attend many events organised by Blaenau Gwent county Borough
Council, Nantyglo and Blaina Town Council, Sports Clubs, Art/Craft
Exhibitions, British Legion Remembrance Day, Coed y Garn Primary school
Governors meetings, School Christmas plays and other school events held
during the academic year.
I also support local organisations that hold special activities - /appeals for
charities, concerts, as well as religious services. Not forgetting attending the
‘Luncheon Club’ held at St Peter’s Church Blaina most Wednesday’s at
lunchtime.
Section 3: Executive and Scrutiny Activities
Executive – To date I have not had the privilege to serve on the Executive
Committee of Blaenau Gwent County Borough.
Scrutiny Activities - During 2014-2015 I served on three Scrutiny Committees
listed as follows:1. Corporate Overview Scrutiny Committee
2. Education and Skills Scrutiny Committee
3. Chaired the Environment, Economy and Infrastructure Scrutiny
Committee
Enclosed please find lists of my record of attendance at Scrutiny Committee
meetings as well as a list of Training Sessions/Briefings linked to the work of
those Scrutiny Committees.
Section 4: Training and Development
Training and Development – I consider training and development sessions an
important element in preparation for my role as a Councillor, elected to a multi
million pound business organisation.
It prepares me for the
changes/challenges that have taken place or will take place within the
organisation as well as providing opportunities for councillors to increase their
knowledge and understanding of local government services and the delivery
of those services. For me, training and development is essential because we
live in a society which is changing and becoming more challenging.
As a consequence, I need to adapt to changes taking place which are beyond
my control but to challenge robustly whenever I can without being
confrontational. To recognise and respond positive to the need for change
with limiting resources.
Throughout the process evaluating priorities assessing candidates for top
level appointment, considering complaints/ issues brought to my attention.
Adapting to changes in legislation and finance that have an impact on the
organisation and the delivery of its services. To conclude, training assist me
to make judgements to scrutinise and challenge constructively, understand
data, exercise effective oversight of performance as well as to have a better
understanding of finance, settlements / impact on the budget and the ‘knock
on’ effect on portfolio holders.
Section 5: Initiatives, Special Activities and Issues
Initiatives – Playing the role of “Critical Friend”. I make an effort to read
external as well as officers reports relating to the business of the Council. I try
to be enterprising in thought and demonstrate a readiness to engage in
questioning Officers in connection with their written reports or matters
affecting the organisation of the council. I try to keep pace with changes and
new developments brought about by government. Ones that affect service
delivery, resulting from ‘Estyn Inspections’ and the Wales Audit Office
recommendations. Not forgetting the effect of cost pressures as well as the
government expectations for local authorities to do more with less. This
creates a climate for doing things differently. In the process, whenever
possible to aim for service improvement.
Special activities - I attend and actively engage in workshop sessions –
getting involved in question and answer debates. I make an effort to attend
may Special Activities held by outside organisations in Nantylgo and Blaina.
Issues /Complaints - Each issue /complaint drawn to my attention is listened
to, depending upon the nature /substance of the matter depends whether or
not it is progressed ‘more often than not issues/complaints are dealt with as
quickly as possible.
Signature of Councillor: M. B. Dally
Date: 27/5/15