Issue - meetings

To submit the report of the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Legal Services.

To approve:

1.     the Final Proposals under sections 25 and 31 of the Local Government (Democracy)(Wales) Act 2013 and publish the Final Reports

2.     To authorise the Head of Legal Services to make and seal the Order for Review under Section 31

3.     The submission of recommendations for change under Section 25 to the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales

The report was submitted by Councillor Llio Elenid Owen, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Legal.

It was noted that the purpose of the report was to submit the final proposals of the Community Reviews for approval. It was explained that two types of reviews had been held. The first of community boundary surveys where matters had been brought to our attention, and the second survey of electoral arrangements in every community, looking at whether communities should be split into wards for the purposes of community council elections.

Back in March 2024, the Council agreed to conduct the reviews and a statutory consultation was held on the proposal and terms of reference. Subsequently, draft plans were developed and submitted to the Council in March, and then a statutory consultation was held on the draft proposals.

The responses received were considered and modifications were made where appropriate to create the final proposals. It was explained that if approved, those involved with boundary changes would be presented to the Boundaries Commission for decision on whether to create an order to implement them. It was emphasised that the Council has the right to make an order to bring changes to community wards into force, however, initially, a report would need to be published, including the Final Proposals, and for it to be sent to the bodies and persons prescribed in the Act. When creating the order, consideration must be given to any representations being received from the Council during the six week period after publication.

Members were given an opportunity to ask questions and offer observations.

A request was made for confirmation of when the second statutory consultation was carried out. It was confirmed that it was undertaken from March to May.

            RESOLVED

To approve:

1.     the Final Proposals under sections 25 and 31 of the Local Government (Democracy)(Wales) Act 2013 and publish the Final Reports

2.     To authorise the Head of Legal Services to make and seal the Order for Revision under Section 31

3.     To present the recommendations for change under Section 25 for submission to the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales