It was a ‘very poor show’ that the first meeting of a scrutiny committee after the summer didn’t go ahead because members failed to attend.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s partnerships overview and scrutiny committee – due to discuss a Wales Audit Office report about the performance of such committees – was adjourned by vice-chairman Clr. Simon Hancock due to a lack of councillors, writes Katy Jenkins.

It meant the meeting was not ‘quorate’ because there was insufficient members in attendance to allow decisions to be made.

Clr. Hancock said on Thursday (September 6): “I’m sorry we’re in this incredibly embarrassing situation.”

Despite a last minute bid to find more councillors, resulting in Clr. Brian Hall stepping in, there were still not enough members to legally proceed so the meeting – “with utmost reluctance” – was adjourned for another day.

Visible in attendance via the council webcast, along with Clr. Hancock, were Councillors - Myles Pepper, Paul Rapi, Vic Dennis, Ken Rowlands and cabinet members Councillors Tessa Hodgson and Bob Kilmister.

Pooling funds for adult care services and community asset transfers were also on the cancelled meeting’s agenda.

Councillors listed as members of the committee are David Bryan, Joshua Beynon, Margot Bateman, Aden Brinn, Paul Dowson, Stephen Joseph, Phillip Kidney, and Pearl Llewellyn.

Clr. Hancock added: “I express my great disappointment that we haven’t got enough members to carry out the business on an overview and scrutiny committee, it’s a pretty poor show.”