Bridgend County Borough Council has approved the terms of a review which focuses on the arrangements of the county borough’s town and community councils.
The first phase will begin this month with an initial consultation which includes engaging with town and community councils, community groups and other local elected members. A members panel will also be launched to assist with all stages of the process.
The review will consider:
- The number of town & community councils – including the option of mergers, alterations or creating new ones.
- Electoral arrangements – including the number of councillors, the number of wards, the number of councillors elected in each ward and ward boundaries.
- Names/titles of town & community councils.
The draft recommendations are then expected to be published by February 2024 and following a further consultation period the plans will be presented to full council for approval in September 2024.
After that, the proposals will need to be examined and approved by the Local Democracy & Boundary Commission for Wales.
The last full review was carried out in 2009 and follows an approximate 10-year cycle. Any changes would come into effect for the local elections in 2027.
Cllr Huw David, the Leader, said: “Town and community councils play a key role throughout the county borough so it’s important that consultations will be held at various points throughout this process.
“It’s also planned to engage with a diverse range of residents as town which will play a crucial part in the continuing development of our strong and sustainable communities right across the county borough.”
