The Forum received a presentation from Claire Germain, Welsh Government (WG) on the consultation on the Review of the Future of the Community and Town Council Sector in Wales. She explained that an Independent Review Panel had been appointed to explore the potential role of local government below principal. The Review Panel would also look to define the most appropriate model/structure to deliver this role and how these models and structures should be applied across Wales. Since the start of the Review in July last year, the panel had heard views and gathered evidence from a range of stakeholders including Community and Town Councils, Local Authorities, the Third Sector and key stakeholders. The Forum were advised that their views on what they should be responsible for, how they should operate, what barriers stood in the way and what opportunities existed were welcomed and a link was provided to a survey where this information could be submitted. The Forum was advised that the findings would be pulled together in July with a final report available in the autumn.

Forum Members raised a number of issues including:

·          The Town and Community Councils working together and problems with the difference in the precepts. The WG representative explained that the Panel were still in “listening mode” and bringing evidence together in considering the voice of the community and working together to provide services.

·         The difference between the wants and needs of Community and Town Councils. The WG representative explained that the sense of difference was coming through strongly and the key point was what the community wanted and needed.

·         Were more powerful Town and Community Councils envisaged?

The WG representative explained that it was too early to have a firm view however the Panel were asking if Town and Community Councils required more powers.

·         The value of strong advice when required.

·         If there were more responsibilities on Town and Community Councils would there also be a review of funding and particularly external funding. The WG representative commented that this appeared to be a theme in the evidence they had considered to date.

·         The lack of influence when it came to planning applications. Town and Community Councils could state the issues but the Development Control Committee always went with the officer recommendation.   

·      Finance  arrangements were based on an antiquated system  where cheques were signed by signatories and the precept was held by the local authority.

·      Would the Panel be considering models in place in England? The WG representative explained that models in England, USA and other countries were being considered.

·      Would the Panel be considering post Brexit arrangements and austerity which were likely to continue for the foreseeable future? The WG representative explained that the Panel should be aspirational and take into account Brexit and austerity.

·      This review was premature, a decision on the county boroughs had to be made first and until then everything was in limbo. The WG representative explained that the wider picture was being considered and the review was being undertaken alongside other plans and was both proactive and ambitious.

·      Could Town and Community Councils be dissolved or would they be protected? The WG representative explained that they could continue or be dissolved. There had been little change for many years but if there was no requirement for them to continue then that could change.

·      Some communities were not aware that they could set up a Council and be supported. It was also not clear how a model could look and what could be achieved.

·      Interest was declining and there was a lack of candidates. The Head of Democratic Services reported that this had been raised at       

a Member Support Officer Network meeting. Bridgend were in a strong position with 20, Swansea had 4 and Powys had 110.

·      The Public were unclear on the role of the Town and Community Council and a core remit was required to make it clearer.

·      It was important to reflect on the difference between representation and service delivery.

The WG representative thanked Forum Members for their comments and encouraged them to take part in the online consultation.

RESOLVED:            The Town and Community Council Forum noted and considered the information contained within the report.