The Role, Functions and Future Potential of Town and Community Councils in Wales.
A Research Study commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government, and undertaken by the Regional Change & Development Research Group, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth.
Research Background.
Community and Town Councils form the most local level of government in Wales. Originally founded in 1894 they have for a long time been characterised as the 'poor relations' in the local government system, but their potential role in connecting people to government and in empowering communities is considerable. This study has been commissioned by the National Assembly for Wales in order to enhance our knowledge and understanding of what community and town councils do at present and the problems they face, and to inform future policy development.
The terms of reference for the study, as agreed by the Local Government Partnership Council are: "To examine the geographical extent, representation, operation and functions of town and community councils in Wales and their interaction with other bodies, their potential to increase democratic involvement, engage with policy development at strategic levels, bring decision making and service delivery closer to people and promote the well-being of local communities."
The final report from the study is due to be submitted to the Minister for Finance and Local Government on 1st April 2003. It will be for the Welsh Assembly Government to determine how it would wish to take forward any conclusions or recommendations arising from the review once it is completed. The Assembly Government may wish to issue the report and its recommendations for wider consultation.
The research contract is managed by the Local Government Modernisation Division of the Welsh Assembly Government, and advised by a Steering Group chaired by Professor Eric Sunderland and comprising members from interested parties including local government, the voluntary sector, business and universities.
Homepage. Project Aims. Research Stages. Research Findings.
Town & Community Council Research Team, Regional Change & Development Research Group, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DB.
Telephone: 01970 622589 Fax: 01970 622659 Email: zzp@aber.ac.uk