The Head of Democratic and Electoral Services to provide a verbal update.
Minutes:
The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager provided an update on the support for Community Councils through the first two liaison meetings in 2023. The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager noted that in the first meeting there had been five representatives in attendance and explained that the meeting had focused on the role of the Standards Committee and that interaction, the role of Community Councils and the underpinning legislation including roles and responsibilities of Community Councils.
The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager noted that in the next meeting there had been a higher attendance of eight representatives and that there had also been a police representative there for the Community Council to be able to ask questions and receive a police update. The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager added that they had discussed the new legislative requirements for an Annual Report and noted that it was positive to hear that many of the Community Councils had been aware of this, and had already began working on them. The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager explained that much of the content are things that Community Councils should already be doing and that it is just a case of bringing it together under the Annual Report.
John Davies noted that from that meeting his Community Council had been in contact with the police and they had received a newsletter, and was hoping that they would be able to attend the Community Council meeting in September.
The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager noted that this was positive and that it would be a case of ensuring they are keeping in touch going forward.
The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager felt that the meetings had been useful as there had been different levels of experience around the table which meant that they could share best practice and use. The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager added that they had also discussed the complaints process and casual vacancies.
The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager added that between the two liaison meetings, Community Councils had been invited to join a Planning Wales meeting concerning the Local Development Plan, and added that there would be a further liaison meeting in September. The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager added that they had also discussed a Standards Committee member attending the next liaison meeting; the Chair noted he would be happy to attend.
The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager gave an update on the Community Council forward work programme and stated that they would be looking at the Gwent Wellbeing Plan, Local Action Plans and the changes under the Local Government and Elections Act. The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager noted that something that the Community Council representatives felt that personal safety support would be helpful, and added that they were in the midst of agreeing dates for a training course in conjunction with the police. Health and Safety would also be invited to a future meeting to provide guidance on legislation and risk assessments and how the Council can support them with these.
John Davies commented that it had been a very constructive meeting.
Resolved:
The Committee noted the verbal update, and the Chair will be invited to the next Community Council Liaison meeting.