Issue - meetings

To submit an update on the work that has been underway thus far and the future plans. 

DECISION:

To accept the report and support the direction of the work programme.

Reasons:

The Diversity Sub-group was established in order to endeavour to promote greater diversity from diverse backgrounds to stand in Local Government elections.

The change in legislation meant that young people aged 16 and 17 years old could vote in Senedd Cymru elections from 2021 onwards, and in Local Government elections from 2022 onwards.

The change in legislation had brought opportunities with it.

It was noted that the current period reflected the need to seek members from different backgrounds so that they are able to respond in various methods to the challenges arising within the community.

The Democracy and Language Services Manager provided an outline of the steps and the development that had taken place thus far and what was in the pipeline to promote diversity in democracy.

It was noted that today's committee had referred to several aspects that were relevant in order to promote diversity, for example in discussing care reimbursements and virtual meetings.

Reference was made to one of the target areas, namely to promote democracy among young people by establishing a project to encourage 16 and 17 year olds to register to vote. This was reiterated and it was noted that this period had highlighted the real need for diversity so that members were able to respond to different circumstances that occurred within the community.

A member said there was a need to proceed with their attempts to attract more women, young people and disabled people to participate in elections and to stand in elections. On this note, the Committee was asked for permission to commence preparations for the 2022 Local Government elections and to support the direction of the work programme.

The following specific points arose from the discussion:

-  A number of methods for communicating and promoting participation amongst the target groups were shared.

-   It was expressed that the legislative change also enabled citizens from other countries to vote in elections.

-   It was mentioned that it was possible to look at how Welsh Government was dealing with the challenge of promoting the elections for Senedd Cymru in 2021.  The Council could then adopt the same methods for Local Government elections.

-    It was proposed that there was a need to highlight that it was possible to both be a councillor and fulfil family duties or continue to work at the same time.

DECISION:

To accept the report and support the direction of the work programme.