Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government
I am pleased to announce the publication of the report from the Democratic Health Task and Finish Group. This comprehensive report represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the current state of democratic health within our community and town councils.
In April 2023, the then-Minister for Finance and Local Government asked the group to identify options for actions that could be taken by community and town councils, sector representative bodies and Government to:
- Improve awareness and engagement between communities and their community councils, and
- Increase the number, and diversity, of candidates standing for election to community and town councils.
The Group, chaired by Shereen Wiliams MBE, Chief Executive of the Democracy and Boundary Commission, has gathered and reviewed a comprehensive range of evidence. I thank the Group for their dedication and hard work. Their efforts have been instrumental in ensuring we have a thorough and well-rounded perspective. The report presents a challenging picture and provides two clear paths for securing robust, representative and effective community governance.
I would also like to thank the members of the public, third sector organisations, community and town councils and principal councils who contributed evidence. Their contributions were invaluable in shaping the findings and options.
The Local Government and Housing Committee is now leading an inquiry into the role, governance and accountability of the community and town council sector. This inquiry has just begun and I expect this report to form part of the evidence for their work.
I look forward to considering the outcome of their review alongside this report.