To receive.
Minutes:
Condolences
Condolences were expressed to:
- Councillor Lisa Winnett on the sad passing of her father.
- Councillor Malcolm Cross on the sad passing of his sister.
Members and officers paid their respects with one minute’s silence.
Condolence letters had been sent to the families.
Councillor Carl Bainton – Resignation
The Leader of the Council made the following statement:
It was with regret that he had to announce the resignation of Carl Bainton who had served the Ebbw Vale South Ward since being elected in May 2022. This situation had developed because the Council at the request of Welsh Government, had been asked to transfer Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO) staff employed on the Communities for Work Plus Programme into the Council in order to align with the model adopted by the other 21 local authorities across Wales. As a result, Carl had transferred under TUPE regulations into the Council and had, therefore, had to resign as a Member of the Council. This was a unique situation, however, the provisions of the Local Government and Elections Act 2021 applied and regrettably Carl was unable to remain both a Councillor and employee. Carl had sought advice and clarity throughout the TUPE transfer process and although an unprecedented situation, confirmation had substantiated that the Act applied in this situation.
During his tenure Carl had demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the betterment of the community and citizens of Blaenau Gwent by working tirelessly to address the needs and concerns of residents. His efforts in areas such as his role of Cost of Living Champion had left a lasting impact, so much so, that the Leader had recently discussed making him Chair of the Cost of Living Cross Party Working Group, such was his dedication and commitment to the work.
The Leader concluded by stating that all were grateful for Carl’s outstanding service and dedication and wished him all the best for the future. Inevitably this resignation would trigger a by-election in the Ebbw Vale South Ward in the New Year.
The Leader than proceeded to read out a letter received from Carl:
“Dear fellow elected members,
Many would know when I started my term of office as a Councillor for Blaenau Gwent that I was employed by GAVO in the Communities for Work Plus Team. At the request of Welsh Government, GAVO recently transferred the team including myself to the Council under TUPE regulations. It was initially believed in these unique circumstances that I may be able to undertake a dual role. Unfortunately, it had since been clarified that the legislation does not permit me to continue in both roles. Therefore, I have no alternative but other than to disqualify myself from being a Councillor with immediate effect.
At this juncture, I would like to thank all Councillors for their comradery and support shown during my tenure and to hardworking staff of the Council whose efforts sometimes goes unnoticed and a massive sincere thanks to all my constituents in Ebbw Vale South who had supported me to the hilt during both good and challenging times. I hope that they are happy with my efforts as a first time Councillor during the past 18 months.
Also, it would be remiss of me not to mention and recognise the huge contribution of the Leader, Deputy Leader and Labour Group who mentored, educated and supported me as a first time councillor, helping me through at first a complex bureaucracy and later having faith in me to become the Cost of Living Champion for the Council.
My time as a councillor has been immensely rewarding and it has been an honour to serve the community and it is with great sadness that I find myself in this position but will sign off by saying ‘Hasta las vista’ and see you at the next election when my circumstances may be different. Best wishes and good luck to you all. Carl.”
Members reiterated that these were unprecedented circumstances and that it had been a pleasure working with Carl and he would be sorely missed. All Members expressed their best wishes to Carl for the future and to him in his current role as a Blaenau Gwent officer.