Welsh Government Reg Kilpatrick Director Local Government and Public Service Department
Community Councils You are an essential element of the democratic structures in Wales
Time of Change • Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 • Delegation of services • Local Government Democracy Bill.
The Power to Promote Wellbeing • Take any action likely to promote or improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of their area and/or persons in it • Action should be informed by, and responsive to the views of the people and communities in the area • Draft guidance is currently out to consultation.
There are limits… • A discretionary power • Can only be used if the council is not restricted from undertaking the action by other legislation including the Equalities Act 2010 • Cannot be used to raise funds • Cannot be used to create bye-laws for the regulation of conduct.
Using the New Power • Enhance local service delivery • Promote sustainable development • Improve mental, social and physical health • Tackle poverty and deprivation • Reduce inequalities and promote equalities • Promote economic development • Improve community safety.
Possible Actions • Give financial assistance to any person • Enter into arrangements or agreements with any person • Co-operate with, facilitating or co-ordinating the activities of, any person • Exercise on behalf of any person any functions of that person • Provide staff, goods, services or accommodation to any person.
Local Government Democracy Bill • Paper ‘Promoting Democracy’ published in May and detailed the proposals for the Local Government Democracy (Wales) Bill • Draft Bill to be published in late November 2012 • Likely to complete its passage through the Assembly during summer 2013 • 91 consultation responses received to the White Paper, 35 from town or community councils.
Local Government Boundary Commission and Mathias Report • Power to propose changes to community boundaries when making proposals following county electoral reviews • Duty of principal council to keep communities under review likely to become time bound • Potential new power to carry out community reviews.
Community Councils and Websites • Information about membership and business must be accessible to the public electronically • Members of the public must be able to communicate with their community council electronically • Welsh Government are considering what support could be available to community councils and will consider publishing guidance.
Looking Forward • Time of opportunity and challenge for all layers of local government • Chance for the town and community council sector to shape its own future • Chance for community councils across Wales to take ownership and drive forward change and improvement • Support available from One Voice Wales and Welsh Government to utilise these opportunities and deliver for the people of Wales.
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