Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Bill

What is the purpose of the Bill?

The objective of the Bill is to make improvements to the democratic process in local government. It is intended to ensure local authorities are democratically representative of their communities through reforming the functions of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales.

The Bill will also make changes in the following areas:

• councillors’ remuneration;
• the public’s access to information about community councils,
• the chairing of council meetings; and
• certain council committees.

What are the main benefits of the Bill?

• Reforming the functions and organisation of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales

The Bill introduces reforms to the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales which were recommended by the Mathias Review (see related link), and which looked into the Commission’s electoral review procedures.

The Bill introduces procedures which are clear, fair and provide necessary flexibilities to the way the Commission conducts electoral reviews.

• Improving access to information about Town and Community Councils

To have relevance to the lives of their electorate, it is now essential that information about community and town councils is made available on the Internet and that they are contactable by e-mail.

The Bill provides that every town and community council should provide their contact and membership details, and details of their proceedings via the internet.

• Improving the Chairing of County and County Borough Councils

Some county and county borough councils have already sought to separate the role of civic head from that of presiding over council meetings – this is currently a single role conducted by the chair of the council. However such a separation of this role is not legitimate under existing legislation.

The Bill makes provision for a principal council to decide to separate the role of Mayor/Chairman who will conduct purely civic functions and the Presiding Member to preside over meetings of the Council.

How do I find out more information?

Details on the progress of the Bill are available on the National Assembly for Wales website.