Agenda item

(The Chief Executive, S.Phillips, withdrew from the room during discussion of this item).

Members received the Report of the Head of Corporate Strategy and Democratic Services on the draft response to the Welsh Government’s proposals on the Electoral Reform in Local Government in Wales.

Members then raised the following points:-

·        In relation to Q15 the proposal to agree a term of 5 years for local government election was seen as positive as it would give stability and avoid, as far as possible, a clash of elections in future years.  Officers advised that it was not possible to guarantee that this would not happen in the future as snap general elections could be called at any time:

·        In relation to Q38 Members felt it important that the Chief Executive should also be the Returning Officer in Local Authorities, although Members noted that the Chief Executive did not have strong views either way:

·        Clarity was sought in relation to Q33 and Q36, wherein Members noted that there would be a conflict of interest for Officers standing in the political arena while still employed by the Local Authority as Officers, whether elected of not, as they would have expressed their political views during their election campaign:

·        Members also noted that in addition to the proposed response, individual Members or Political Group could respond separately:

·        It was noted that following the consultation period, Welsh Government would provide feedback in the form of either a report or White Paper.  Welsh Government did not have the power to implement the proposals until after April:

·        In relation to Q41-43 Members asked whether the proposed responses were incompatible with the Court of Human Rights and were advised that this was probably the case. There had been considerable discussion on this however the  UK Government’s view was to maintain the current position.

RESOLVED:  that the Draft response to the Welsh Government consultation on Electoral Reform in Local Government in Wales, as contained in Appendix 1 to the circulated report, be approved.