There are over 730 town and community councils in Wales with over 8000 councillors. They are not present in every part of Wales as there is a procedure for forming new councils; they can be established or disbanded at the wishes of the community. They can set a ‘precept’ or ‘rate’ which is collected by the council along with the Council Tax.
The level of services these councils deliver vary across Wales, and whilst some are content with largely acting in a representative role, many also deliver a range of services on behalf of the community such as:
- maintenance of community halls;
- bus shelters;
- public spaces; and
- play grounds.
Many councillors in parts of Wales are also town or community councillors for their area. It is important that councillors and town and community councillors work together in representing their communities and, likewise, councils and town and community councils are encouraged to work closely together, and may hold regular liaison meetings and have established protocols on communication and consultation arrangements.
For more information contact: Daniel Hurford