Local Government Act 1972

Part II W Local Government Areas and Authorities in Wales

Extent Information

E1 Part II (ss. 20-38) extends to Wales only: see s. 38

New local government areas W

[F1 20 New principal local government areas in Wales. W

(1) For the administration of local government on and after 1st April 1996, the local government areas in Wales shall be—

(a) the new principal areas; and

(b) the communities.

(2) The new principal areas (determined by reference to areas which, immediately before the passing of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994, are local government areas) are set out in Parts I and II of Schedule 4 to this Act.

(3) Each of the new principal areas shall have the name given to it in Schedule 4.

(4) The new principal areas set out in Part I of Schedule 4 shall be counties and those set out in Part II of that Schedule shall be county boroughs.

(5) In this Act “principal area”, in relation to Wales, means a county or county borough.

(6) The counties which were created by this Act, as originally enacted, as counties in Wales, and the districts within them, shall cease to exist on 1st April 1996 except that the preserved counties shall continue in existence (with, in some cases, modified boundaries) for certain purposes.

(7) The councils of the counties and districts mentioned in subsection (6) above shall cease to exist on 1st April 1996.

(8) The areas of the preserved counties are set out in Part III of Schedule 4 and are determined by reference to local government areas in existence immediately before the passing of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994.

(9) The Secretary of State may by order change the name by which any of the preserved counties is for the time being known.

(10) Any such order shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(11) The Welsh name of each of the new principal areas is shown in Schedule 4 immediately after its English name.]

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 20 substituted (5.7.1994) by 1994 c. 19, ss. 1(1), 66(2)(a) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2))

Principal councils W

[F2 21 Constitution of principal councils in Wales. E+W

(1) For every principal area in Wales there shall be a council consisting of a chairman and councillors.

[F3 (1A) Where a council falling within subsection (1) are operating executive arrangements which involve a mayor and cabinet executive F4 ..., the council shall consist of an elected mayor, a chairman and councillors.]

[F5 (1B) In such a case, a reference in this Act to a member of a council is a reference to—

(a) the elected mayor of the council,

(b) the chairman of the council, or

(c) a councillor of the council.]

(2) Each such council shall be a body corporate and shall have the functions given to them by this Act or otherwise.

(3) Each council for a county in Wales shall have the name of the county with the addition—

(a) in the case of their English name, of the words “County Council” or the word “Council” (as in “Cardiganshire County Council” or “Cardiganshire Council”); and

(b) in the case of their Welsh name, of the word “Cyngor” (as in “Cyngor Sir Aberteifi”).

(4) Each council for a county borough in Wales shall have the name of the county borough with the addition—

(a) in the case of their English name, of the words “County Borough Council” or the word “Council” (as in “Caerphilly County Borough Council” or “Caerphilly Council”); and

(b) in the case of their Welsh name, of the words “Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol” or the word “Cyngor” (as in “Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Caerffili” or “Cyngor Caerffili”).

(5) In the case of Abertawe, Caerdydd and Powys subsection (3)(b) above shall have effect as if it required the addition of the words “Cyngor Sir”.]

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 21 substituted (20.3.1995) by 1994 c. 19, s. 2 (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/546, art. 3, Sch.

F3 S. 21(1A) inserted (28.7.2001) by 2000 c. 22, ss. 46, 108(4), Sch. 3 para. 4(1)(2)

F4 Words in s. 21(1A) repealed (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 34(7)(a), 178(2), Sch. 4 Pt. B

F5 S. 21(1B) inserted (30.12.2007) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 74, 245, Sch. 3 para. 4(2)

Members of principal councils W

22 Chairman. E+W

(1) The chairman of a principal council shall be elected annually by the council from among the councillors.

[F6 (1A) A member of the executive of a principal council [F7 , or an assistant to the executive,] may not be elected as the chairman of the council.]

(2) The chairman shall, unless he resigns or becomes disqualified, continue in office until his successor becomes entitled to act as chairman.

(3) During his term of office the chairman shall continue to be a member of the council notwithstanding the provisions of this Act relating to the retirement of councillors.

[F8 (4) The chairman of a principal council shall have precedence in the area of that council, but not so as to affect Her Majesty’s prerogative prejudicially.]

[F9 (4A) Subsection (4) above shall have effect in relation to a principal council which are operating executive arrangements which involve a mayor and cabinet executive F10 ... as if it provided for the elected mayor of the council to have precedence in the area of that council, but this subsection shall not apply if the executive arrangements provide for it not to apply.]

F11 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F6 S. 22(1A) inserted (28.7.2001) by 2000 c. 22, ss. 46, 108(4), Sch. 3 para. 5(1)(2)

F7 Words in s. 22(1A) inserted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 6 para. 1(2); S.I. 2021/231, art. 6(t) (as substituted by S.I. 2021/1249, art. 3(2))

F8 S. 22(4) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(5), Sch. 15 para. 2 (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2

F9 S. 22(4A) inserted (28.7.2001) by 2000 c. 22, ss. 46, 108(4), Sch. 3 para. 5(1)(3)

F10 Words in s. 22(4A) repealed (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 34(7)(b), 178(2), Sch. 4 Pt. B

F11 S. 22(5) repealed (30.9.2013) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), s. 75(2)(d), Sch. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 22(1) modified (W.) (22.4.2020) by The Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Meetings) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/442), regs. 1(3), 11(2)

23 Election of chairman. W

(1) The election of the chairman shall be the first business transacted at the annual meeting of a principal council.

(2) If, apart from section 22(3) above or section 24(2) below, the person presiding at the meeting would have ceased to be a member of the council, he shall not be entitled to vote in the election except in accordance with subsection (3) below.

(3) In the case of an equality of votes the person presiding at the meeting shall give a casting vote in addition to any other vote he may have.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 23 applied (temp. from 4.5.1995 to 31.3.1996) by S.I. 1995/1042, art. 4(1)

C3 S. 23 modified (W.) (22.4.2020) by The Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Meetings) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/442), regs. 1(3), 11(3)

24 Vice-chairman. W

(1) A principal council shall appoint a member of the council to be a vice-chairman of the council.

[F12 (1A) A member of the executive of a principal council [F13 , or an assistant to the executive,] may not be appointed as the vice-chairman of the council.]

(2) The vice-chairman shall, unless he resigns or becomes disqualified, hold office until immediately after the election of a chairman at the next annual meeting of the council and during that time shall continue to be a member of the council notwithstanding the provisions of this Act relating to the retirement of councillors.

(3) Subject to any standing orders made by the council, anything authorised or required to be done by, to or before the chairman may be done by, to or before the vice-chairman.

F14 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F12 S. 24(6)(1A) inserted (28.7.2001) by 2000 c. 22, ss. 46, 108(4), Sch. 3 para. 6(1)(2)

F13 Words in s. 24(1A) inserted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 6 para. 1(2); S.I. 2021/231, art. 6(t) (as substituted by S.I. 2021/1249, art. 3(2))

F14 S. 24(4) repealed (30.9.2013) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), s. 75(2)(d), Sch. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 24 applied (temp. from 4.5.1995 to 31.3.1996) by S.I. 1995/1042, art. 4(1)

C5 S. 24(2) modified (W.) (22.4.2020) by The Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Meetings) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/442), regs. 1(3), 11(4)

[F15 24A Presiding member W

(1) A principal council may determine to have a presiding member.

(2) A presiding member is elected by the principal council from among the councillors.

(3) The principal council may determine—

(a) the functions of the presiding member, and

(b) the term of office of the member (subject to the limits in subsection (6)).

(4) The functions of the presiding member may, in particular, include any function of the chairman of the principal council in relation to its meetings and proceedings.

(5) A member of the executive of a principal council [F16 , or an assistant to the executive,] may not be elected as its presiding member.

(6) A presiding member is to continue in office until the occurrence of—

(a) the presiding member's resignation or disqualification,

(b) a successor becoming entitled to act as presiding member,

(c) the principal council determining not to have an office of presiding member, or

(d) an ordinary council election under section 26.

Textual Amendments

F15 Ss. 24A, 24B inserted (30.9.2013) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 51(2), 75(2)(d)

F16 Words in s. 24A(5) inserted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 6 para. 1(2); S.I. 2021/231, art. 6(t) (as substituted by S.I. 2021/1249, art. 3(2))

24B Deputy presiding member W

(1) The section applies where a principal council have determined to have a presiding member.

(2) The principal council must appoint a member of the council to act as deputy to the presiding member (“the deputy presiding member”).

(3) A member of the executive of a principal council [F17 , or an assistant to the executive,] may not be appointed as the deputy presiding member.

(4) A deputy presiding member is to continue in office until the occurrence of—

(a) the deputy presiding member's resignation or disqualification,

(b) a successor becoming entitled to act as deputy presiding member,

(c) the council determining not to have an office of presiding member, or

(d) an ordinary council election under section 26.

(5) A deputy presiding member may do anything authorised or required to be done by the presiding member.]

Textual Amendments

F15 Ss. 24A, 24B inserted (30.9.2013) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 51(2), 75(2)(d)

F17 Words in s. 24B(3) inserted (5.5.2022) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 6 para. 1(2); S.I. 2021/231, art. 6(t) (as substituted by S.I. 2021/1249, art. 3(2))

25 Term of office and retirement of councillors. W

(1) Councillors for a principal area shall be elected by the local government electors for that area in accordance with this Act [F18 , Part 1] of the [F19 Representation of the People Act 1983] [F20 , and Part 1 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021].

[F21 (2) For the purpose of the election of councillors, every principal area in Wales shall be divided into electoral [F22 wards], each returning such number of councillors as may be provided by an order under paragraph 2 of Schedule 5 to this Act or under or by virtue of the provisions of Part IV of this Act [F23 or Part 3 of the [F24 Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru etc. Act 2013]] [F25 , or by regulations under paragraph 9 or 10 of Schedule 1 to the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021].

(3) There shall be a separate election for each electoral [F26 ward].]

Textual Amendments

F18 Words in s. 25(1) substituted (20.3.2021) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(3)(f), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(a)(i)

F19 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2, SIF 42), s. 206, Sch. 8 para. 12

F20 Words in s. 25(1) inserted (20.3.2021) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(3)(f), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(a)(ii)

F21 S. 25(2)(3) substituted for s. 25(2) (20.3.1995) by 1994 c. 19, s. 4(1) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/546, art. 3, Sch.

F22 Word in s. 25(2) substituted (20.3.2021) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(3)(f), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(b)(i)

F23 Words in s. 25(2) inserted (30.9.2013) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), s. 75(2)(d), Sch. 1 para. 1(2)

F24 Words in s. 25(2) substituted (25.6.2024) by Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024 (asc 4), s. 25(1)(a), Sch. 1 para. 1(2)

F25 Words in s. 25(2) inserted (20.3.2021) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(3)(f), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(b)(ii)

F26 Word in s. 25(3) substituted (20.3.2021) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(3)(f), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(c)

[F27 25A Title of chairman or vice-chairman of county borough council. E+W

(1) The chairman of a county borough council is entitled to the style of “mayor” or “maer”.

(2) The vice-chairman of a county borough council is entitled to the style of “deputy mayor” or “dirprwy faer”.]

[F28 (3) This section does not apply where a county borough council are operating executive arrangements which involve a mayor and cabinet executive F29 ....]

Textual Amendments

F27 S. 25A inserted (3.4.1995) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(5), Sch. 15 para. 3 (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/852, art. 9(1), Sch. 5

F28 S. 25A(3) inserted (28.7.2001) by 2000 c. 22, ss. 46, 108(4), Sch. 3 para. 7(1)(2)

F29 Words in s. 25A(3) repealed (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 34(7)(c), 178(2), Sch. 4 Pt. B

[F30 25B Title of civic chair W

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a principal council have determined to have a presiding member under section 24A, and

(b) the chairman of the council is not entitled to the style of “mayor” or “maer”.

(2) The chairman of the council is entitled to the style of “civic chair” or “cadeirydd dinesig”.

(3) The vice-chairman of the council is entitled to the style of ”civic vice-chair” or “dirprwy gadeirydd dinesig”.]

Textual Amendments

F30 S. 25B inserted (30.9.2013) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), ss. 51(3), 75(2)(d)

[F31 26 Elections of councillors. W

(1) The ordinary elections of councillors of the new principal councils shall take place in [F32 2022] and in every [F33 fifth] year after [F32 2022].

(2) The term of office of every such councillor shall be [F34 five] years.

(3) On the fourth day after any such ordinary election—

(a) the persons who were councillors immediately before the election shall retire; and

(b) the newly elected councillors shall assume office.]

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 26 substituted (20.3.1995) by 1994 c. 19, s. 4(2) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/546, art. 3, Sch.

F32 Word in s. 26(1) substituted (W.) (6.11.2019) by The Local Authorities (Change to the Years of Ordinary Elections) (Wales) Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/1269), arts. 1(2), 3(2)

F33 Word in s. 26(1) substituted (W.) (20.3.2021) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), ss. 14(2), 175(3)(d)

F34 Word in s. 26(2) substituted (W.) (20.3.2021) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), ss. 14(3), 175(3)(d)

Communities E+W

[F35 27 Community meetings and continuation of community councils. E+W

(1) A meeting of the local government electors for a community (“a community meeting”) may be convened for the purpose of discussing community affairs and exercising any functions conferred by any enactment on such meetings.

(2) The community councils in existence on 1st April 1996 shall, subject to any provision made under this Act, continue in existence after that date.

(3) Subsection (4) below applies where—

(a) the name of a community was given only in its English form or only in its Welsh form; but

(b) there is a generally accepted alternative form of that name, or alternative name, in Welsh or (as the case may be) in English.

(4) The principal council within whose area the community lies shall, before 1st October 1997, take such steps as may be prescribed with a view to securing that there is both an English and a Welsh name for the community.]

Textual Amendments

F35 S. 27 substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 8 (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/3198, art. 3, Sch. 1

[F36 27A Power of community meeting to apply for an order establishing a community council E+W.

(1) This section sets out the conditions that must be met before an application may be made by a community meeting of a community which does not have a separate council for an order under section 27B establishing a separate council for the community.

(2) The first condition is that the community meeting has taken an effective decision to hold a poll on a proposal to establish a separate council for the community.

(3) For the purposes of the first condition a decision is only effective if not less than—

(a) 10% of the local government electors for the community, or

(b) 150 of the electors (if 10% of the electors exceeds 150 electors),

are present and voting at the community meeting.

(4) The second condition is that the poll is not held before the end of the period of 42 days beginning with the day on which the decision to hold the poll was taken.

(5) The third condition is that the poll is not held within two years of an earlier poll which resulted in a rejection of a proposal to establish a separate council for the community (that period of two years beginning with the day on which the earlier poll was held).

(6) The fourth condition is that a majority of those voting in the poll support the proposal to establish a separate council for the community.

(7) Paragraph 34 of Schedule 12 to this Act (voting at community meetings) shall have effect subject to the provisions of this section.]

Textual Amendments

F36 S. 27A inserted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 101, 178(2) (with s. 115)

[F37 27B Orders establishing separate community councils for communities E+W.

(1) This section applies where a community meeting of a community which does not have a separate council applies to the principal council within whose area it lies for an order establishing a separate council for the community.

(2) The principal council must consider whether it is satisfied that—

(a) the conditions in section 27A are met; and

(b) any relevant requirements of Schedule 12 have been met.

(3) If the council is so satisfied, the council must make the order applied for (but this is subject to subsections (4) to (6) below).

(4) The order shall make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the election of a community council in accordance with this Act and Part I of the Representation of the People Act 1983.

(5) No order shall be made so as to establish a separate community council for a community grouped under a common community council unless—

(a) the community is separated from the group, or

(b) the group is dissolved,

by the order, or by an order under section 27J or section 27L below.

(6) Where, in a case to which subsection (5) above applies, the group is not dissolved, the order under this section shall make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the alteration of the group's community council.]

Textual Amendments

F37 S. 27B inserted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 102, 178(2) (with s. 115)

[F38 27C Power of community meeting to apply for an order dissolving its separate community council E+W.

(1) This section sets out the conditions that must be met before an application may be made by a community meeting of a community which has a separate council for an order under section 27D dissolving the council.

(2) The first condition is that the community meeting has taken an effective decision to hold a poll on a proposal to dissolve the council for the community.

(3) For the purposes of the first condition a decision is only effective if not less than—

(a) 30% of the local government electors for the community, or

(b) 300 of the electors (if 30% of the electors exceeds 300 electors),

are present and voting at the community meeting.

(4) The second condition is that the poll is not held before the end of the period of 42 days beginning with the day on which the decision to hold the poll was taken.

(5) The third condition is that the poll is not held within two years of an earlier poll which resulted in a rejection of a proposal to dissolve the separate council for the community (that period of two years beginning with the day on which the earlier poll was held).

(6) The fourth condition is that at least two-thirds of those voting in the poll support the proposal to dissolve the separate council for the community.

(7) Paragraph 34 of Schedule 12 to this Act (voting at community meetings) shall have effect subject to the provisions of this section.]

Textual Amendments

F38 S. 27C inserted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 103, 178(2) (with s. 115)

[F39 27D Orders dissolving separate community councils for communities E+W.

(1) This section applies where a community meeting of a community which has a separate council applies to the principal council within whose area it lies for an order dissolving the council for the community.

(2) The principal council must consider whether it is satisfied that—

(a) the conditions in section 27C are met; and

(b) any relevant requirements of Schedule 12 have been met.

(3) If the council is so satisfied, the council must make the order applied for.]

Textual Amendments

F39 S. 27D inserted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 104, 178(2) (with s. 115)

[F40 27E Power of community meeting to apply for an order grouping its community with other communities under a common community council E+W.

(1) This section sets out the conditions that must be met before an application may be made by a community meeting for an order under section 27F grouping the community with some neighbouring community or communities which lie in the same principal area as the community, under a common community council.

(2) The first condition is that the community meeting has taken an effective decision to hold a poll on a proposal to group the community with a neighbouring community or communities which lie in the same principal area as the community, under a common community council.

(3) For the purposes of the first condition a decision is only effective if not less than—

(a) 10% of the local government electors for the community, or

(b) 150 of the electors (if 10% of the electors exceeds 150 electors),

are present and voting at the community meeting.

(4) The second condition is that the poll is not held before the end of the period of 42 days beginning with the day on which the decision to hold the poll was taken.

(5) The third condition is that the poll is not held within two years of an earlier poll which resulted in a rejection of an identical proposal to group the community with a neighbouring community or communities (that period of two years beginning with the day on which the earlier poll was held).

(6) The fourth condition is that a majority of those voting in the poll support the proposal to group the community with a neighbouring community or communities which lie in the same principal area as the community, under a common community council.

(7) The fifth condition is that the application is made jointly with the community meeting, or meetings, for the community, or communities to be grouped under the common community council.

(8) Paragraph 34 of Schedule 12 to this Act (voting at community meetings) shall have effect subject to the provisions of this section.]

Textual Amendments

F40 S. 27E inserted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 105, 178(2) (with s. 115)

[F41 27F Orders grouping a community with other communities under a common community council E+W.

(1) This section applies where a community meeting of a community applies to the principal council within whose area it lies for an order grouping the community with some neighbouring community or communities which lie in the same principal area as the community, under a common community council.

(2) The principal council must consider whether it is satisfied that—

(a) the conditions in section 27E are met; and

(b) any relevant requirements of Schedule 12 have been met.

(3) If the council is so satisfied, the council must make the order applied for (but this is subject to subsections (4) to (7) below).

(4) The order shall provide for the name of the group in both an English and a Welsh form.

(5) The order shall—

(a) make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the election, in accordance with this Act and Part I of the Representation of the People Act 1983, of separate representatives on the community council for each community or for the wards of any community, and

(b) provide for the dissolution of the separate community council of any community included in the group.

(6) The order shall make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the application to the communities included in the group of all or any of the provisions of [F42 sections 298 to 303 of the Charities Act 2011 (parochial charities)] and of any of the provisions of this Act with respect to the custody of community documents, so as to preserve the separate rights of each community.

(7) The order may provide for any necessary adaptations of this Act in relation to the group of communities.]

Textual Amendments

F41 S. 27F inserted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 106, 178(2) (with s. 115)

F42 Words in s. 27F(6) substituted (14.3.2012) by Charities Act 2011 (c. 25), s. 355, Sch. 7 para. 23 (with s. 20(2), Sch. 8)

[F43 27G Power of community meeting to apply for an order adding its community to a group of communities with a common council E+W.

(1) This section sets out the conditions that must be met before an application may be made by a community meeting for an order under section 27H adding the community to a group of communities all of which lie in the same principal area as the community and for which there is a common community council.

(2) The first condition is that the community meeting has taken an effective decision to hold a poll on a proposal to add the community to a group of communities all of which lie in the same principal area as the community and for which there is a common community council.

(3) For the purposes of the first condition a decision is only effective if not less than—

(a) 10% of the local government electors for the community, or

(b) 150 of the electors (if 10% of the electors exceeds 150 electors),

are present and voting at the community meeting.

(4) The second condition is that a majority of those voting in the poll support the proposal to add the community to a group of communities all of which lie in the same principal area as the community and for which there is a common community council.

(5) The third condition is that a community meeting of each of the communities in the group has made an effective decision to hold a poll on a proposal to consent to the community in question becoming a member of the group.

(6) For the purposes of the third condition a decision is only effective if not less than—

(a) 10% of the local government electors for the community, or

(b) 150 of the electors (if 10% of the electors exceeds 150 electors),

are present and voting at the community meeting.

(7) The fourth condition is that a majority of those voting in a poll following an effective decision for the purposes of the third condition support the proposal to consent to the community in question becoming a member of the group.

(8) The fifth condition is that none of the above polls are held within two years of an earlier poll which resulted in a rejection of an identical proposal to add the community in question to the group of communities (that period of two years beginning with the day on which the earlier poll was held).

(9) The sixth condition is that none of the above polls are held before the end of the period of 42 days beginning with the day on which the decision to hold that poll was taken.

(10) Paragraph 34 of Schedule 12 to this Act (voting at community meetings) shall have effect subject to the provisions of this section.]

Textual Amendments

F43 S. 27G inserted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 107, 178(2) (with s. 115)

[F44 27H Orders adding a community to a group of communities with a common council E+W.

(1) This section applies where a community meeting of a community applies to the principal council within whose area it lies for an order adding the community to a group of communities all of which lie in the same principal area as the community and for which there is a common community council.

(2) The principal council must consider whether is it satisfied that—

(a) the conditions in section 27G are met; and

(b) any relevant requirements of Schedule 12 have been met.

(3) If the council is so satisfied, the council must make the order applied for (but this is subject to subsections (4) to (7) below).

(4) order shall provide for the name of the group in both an English and a Welsh form.

(5) The order shall—

(a) make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the election, in accordance with this Act and Part I of the Representation of the People Act 1983, of separate representatives on the community council for the community that is added to the group or for the wards of that community, and

(b) provide for the dissolution of any separate community council for the community that is added to the group.

(6) The order shall make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the application to the communities included in the group of all or any of the provisions of [F45 sections 298 to 303 of the Charities Act 2011 (parochial charities)] and of any of the provisions of this Act with respect to the custody of community documents, so as to preserve the separate rights of each community.

(7) The order may provide for any necessary adaptations of this Act in relation to the group of communities.]

Textual Amendments

F44 S. 27H inserted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 108, 178(2) (with s. 115)

F45 Words in s. 27H(6) substituted (14.3.2012) by Charities Act 2011 (c. 25), s. 355, Sch. 7 para. 24 (with s. 20(2), Sch. 8)

[F46 27I Power of council for a group of communities to apply for an order dissolving the group E+W.

(1) This section sets out the conditions that must be met before an application may be made by a council for a group of communities to the principal council in whose area the communities lie for an order under section 27J below dissolving the group.

(2) The first condition is that a community meeting of each of the communities in the group has taken an effective decision to hold a poll on a proposal to dissolve the group.

(3) For the purposes of the first condition a decision is only effective if not less than—

(a) 30% of the local government electors for the community, or

(b) 300 of the electors (if 30% of the electors exceeds 300 electors),

are present and voting at the community meeting.

(4) The second condition is that no poll is held before the end of the period of 42 days beginning with the day on which the decision to hold the poll was taken.

(5) The third condition is that no poll is held within two years of an earlier poll which resulted in a rejection of a proposal to dissolve the group (that period of two years beginning with the day on which the earlier poll was held).

(6) The fourth condition is that at least two thirds of those voting in each poll support the proposal to dissolve the group.

(7) Paragraph 34 of Schedule 12 to this Act (voting at community meetings) shall have effect subject to the provisions of this section.]

Textual Amendments

F46 S. 27I inserted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 109, 178(2) (with s. 115)

[F47 27J Orders dissolving a group of communities E+W.

(1) This section applies where the council for a group of communities applies to the principal council within whose area the communities lie for an order dissolving the group.

(2) The principal council must consider whether is it satisfied that—

(a) the conditions in section 27I are met; and

(b) any relevant requirements of Schedule 12 have been met.

(3) If the council is so satisfied, the council must make the order applied for (but this is subject to subsection (4)).

(4) The order shall make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the election of a community council for any of the communities in the group in accordance with this Act and Part I of the Representation of the People Act 1983.]

Textual Amendments

F47 S. 27J inserted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 110, 178(2) (with s. 115)

[F48 27K Power of community meeting to apply for an order separating community from a group of communities E+W.

(1) This section sets out the conditions that must be met before an application may be made by a community meeting of a community included in a group of communities for an order under section 27L separating the community from the group.

(2) The first condition is that a community meeting of the community has taken an effective decision to hold a poll on a proposal to separate the community from its group.

(3) For the purposes of the first condition a decision is only effective if not less than—

(a) 30% of the local government electors for the community, or

(b) 300 of the electors (if 30% of the electors exceeds 300 electors),

are present and voting at the community meeting.

(4) The second condition is that the poll is not held before the end of the period of 42 days beginning with the day on which the decision to hold the poll was taken.

(5) The third condition is that the poll is not held within two years of an earlier poll which resulted in a rejection of a proposal to separate the community from its group (that period of two years beginning with the day on which the earlier poll was held).

(6) The fourth condition is that at least two-thirds of those voting in the poll support the proposal to separate the community from its group.

(7) Paragraph 34 of Schedule 12 to this Act (voting at community meetings) shall have effect subject to the provisions of this section.]

Textual Amendments

F48 S. 27K inserted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 111, 178(2) (with s. 115)

[F49 27L Orders separating a community from a group of communities E+W.

(1) This section applies where a community meeting of a community included in a group of communities applies to the principal council within whose area the community lies for an order separating the community from the group.

(2) The principal council must consider whether is it satisfied that—

(a) the conditions in section 27K are met; and

(b) any relevant requirements of Schedule 12 have been met.

(3) If the council is so satisfied, the council must make the order applied for (but this is subject to subsection (4)).

(4) The order shall make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the election of a community council for the community in accordance with this Act and Part I of the Representation of the People Act 1983.]

Textual Amendments

F49 S. 27L inserted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 112, 178(2) (with s. 115)

[F50 27M Power of Welsh Ministers to alter voting thresholds in connection with organisation of community councils E+W.

(1) The Welsh Ministers may by order amend the following provisions of this Act—

(a) section 27A(3) and (6);

(b) section 27C(3) and (6);

(c) section 27E(3) and (6);

(d) section 27G(3), (4), (6) and (7);

(e) section 27I(3) and (6);

(f) section 27K(3) and (6).

(2) That power includes power to amend provision previously made by an order under subsection (1).

(3) No order may be made under subsection (1) unless the Welsh Ministers have carried out such consultation as they consider appropriate with the following—

(a) principal councils in Wales or a body representative of such councils; and

(b) community councils in Wales or a body representative of such councils.

(4) The power of the Welsh Ministers to make an order under subsection (1) is exercisable by statutory instrument.

(5) A statutory instrument which contains an order under subsection (1) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the National Assembly for Wales.]

Textual Amendments

F50 S. 27M inserted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 113, 178(2)

F51 28 Establishment or dissolution of community councils. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F51 Ss. 28-29B repealed (11.5.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 100, 178(1), Sch. 4 Pt. E (with s. 115)

F51 29 Community councils for groups of communities. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F51 Ss. 28-29B repealed (11.5.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 100, 178(1), Sch. 4 Pt. E (with s. 115)

F51 29A Community councils for groups of communities: dissolution. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F51 Ss. 28-29B repealed (11.5.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 100, 178(1), Sch. 4 Pt. E (with s. 115)

F51 29B Community councils: applications under section 28, 29 or 29A. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F51 Ss. 28-29B repealed (11.5.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 100, 178(1), Sch. 4 Pt. E (with s. 115)

30 Restriction on community applications during and after reviews. E+W

(1) Subject to subsection (3) below, no community application shall be made in relation to any community—

F52 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F53 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F54 (ba) during the period of two years beginning with the coming into force of an order relating to the community under Part 3 of the [F55 Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru etc. Act 2013] consequent on recommendations made under that Part by the [F56 Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru]]

(c) during the two years beginning with the coming into force of an order made under this Part of this Act on a community application in relation to the community.

F57 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) The Secretary of State may, on an application made by [F58 the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru] at any time when conducting a review F59 ... [F60 under Part 3 of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru etc. Act 2013] or on an application by a [F61 principal] council at any time when conducting such a review, direct that no community application shall be made in relation to any community affected by the review until the Secretary of State further directs.

(4) Notwithstanding anything in [F62 subsection (1)] above but without prejudice to subsection (3) above, the Secretary of State may permit the making of a community application in relation to a community if requested to do so by the council of the [F63 area] in which the community is situated or by the community council (if any) or a community meeting of the community.

(5) In this section “community application” means any application [F64 referred to in section 27B, 27D, 27F, 27H, 27J or 27L] above.

Textual Amendments

F52 S. 30(1)(a) repealed (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(5)(8), Sch. 15 para. 4(a), Sch. 18 (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2

F53 S. 30(1)(b) repealed (30.9.2013) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), s. 75(2)(d), Sch. 2

F54 S. 30(1)(ba) inserted (30.9.2013) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), s. 75(2)(d), Sch. 1 para. 1(3)(a)

F55 Words in s. 30(1)(ba) substituted (25.6.2024) by Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024 (asc 4), s. 25(1)(a), Sch. 1 para. 1(3)(a)

F56 Words in s. 30(1)(ba) substituted (25.6.2024) by Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024 (asc 4), s. 25(1)(a), Sch. 1 para. 34(2)(a)

F57 S. 30(2) repealed (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(5)(8), Sch. 15 para. 4(b), Sch. 18 (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2

F58 Words in s. 30(3) substituted (25.6.2024) by Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024 (asc 4), s. 25(1)(a), Sch. 1 para. 34(2)(b)

F59 Words in s. 30(3) repealed (30.9.2013) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), s. 75(2)(d), Sch. 2

F60 Words in s. 30(3) substituted (25.6.2024) by Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024 (asc 4), s. 25(1)(a), Sch. 1 para. 1(3)(b)

F61 Word in s. 30(3) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(5), Sch. 15 para. 4(c) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2

F62 Words in s. 30(4) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(5), Sch. 15 para. 4(d) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2

F63 Word in s. 30(4) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(5), Sch. 15 para. 4(d) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2

F64 Words in s. 30(5) substituted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 114(1)(a), 178(2) (with s. 115)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 30(3)(4): power to transfer or modify functions conferred (30.11.2000 for specified purposes otherwiseprosp.) by 2000 c. 41, ss. 20(3)(a), 163(2)(3)(d) (with s. 156(6))

31 Provision supplementary to sections [F65 27A to 27L]. E+W

(1) An order made by a [F66 principal] council under section [F67 27B, 27D, 27F, 27H, 27J or 27L] above may contain such incidental, consequential, transitional or supplementary provision as may appear to the [F66 principal] council to be necessary or proper for the purposes or in consequence of the order or for giving full effect thereto, and may include provision with respect to the transfer and management or custody of property (whether real or personal) and the transfer of rights and liabilities.

(2) Where any such order is made, section [F68 44 of the [F69 Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru etc. Act 2013] is to apply as if the order were made under Part 3 of that Act.]

(3) Two copies of every such order shall be sent to the Secretary of State.

Textual Amendments

F65 Words in s. 31 heading substituted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 114(1)(b)(i), 178(2) (with s. 115)

F66 Words in s. 31(1) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(5), Sch. 15 para. 5(b) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2

F67 Words in s. 31(1) substituted (10.7.2011) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 4), ss. 114(1)(b)(ii), 178(2) (with s. 115)

F68 Words in s. 31(2) substituted (30.9.2013) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), s. 75(2)(d), Sch. 1 para. 1(4)

F69 Words in s. 31(2) substituted (25.6.2024) by Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024 (asc 4), s. 25(1)(a), Sch. 1 para. 1(4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 31 applied (5.7.1994) by 1994 c. 19, ss. 48(3), 66(2)(a) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5))

C8 S. 31(3): power to transfer or modify functions conferred (30.11.2000 for specified purposes otherwiseprosp.) by 2000 c. 41, ss. 20(3)(a), 163(2)(3)(d) (with s. 156(6))

32 Constitution of community meeting. E+W

(1) A community meeting of a community shall consist of local government electors for the community.

(2) A community meeting may authorise the person presiding and two other local government electors present at the meeting to do anything or any class of things authorised by the meeting.

(3) Any act of a community meeting may be signified by an instrument signed by the person presiding and two other local government electors present at the meeting.

[F70 33 Constitution and powers of community councils. E+W

(1) A community council shall be a body corporate consisting of the chairman and community councillors and shall have the functions given to them by this Act or otherwise.

(2) Each community council shall have the name of the community, with the addition—

(a) in English, of the words “Community Council” (as in “Dale Community Council” or “Llandrillo Community Council”); and

(b) in Welsh, of the words “Cyngor Cymuned” (as in “Cyngor Cymuned Dale” or “Cyngor Cymuned Llandrillo”).

(3) A community council need not have a common seal.

(4) Where a community council do not have a seal, any act of theirs which is required to be signified by an instrument under seal may be signified by an instrument signed and sealed by two members of the council.]

Textual Amendments

F70 S. 33 substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 13 (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/3198, art. 3, Sch. 1

[F71 33A Consultation with community councils. E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may by order designate any matter—

(a) for the purposes of subsection (2) below; or

(b) for the purposes of subsection (3) below.

(2) Where a new principal council are to consider any proposal which relates to a matter which is designated for the purposes of this subsection, the council shall—

(a) afford the relevant community councils an opportunity to make representations to them about the proposal;

(b) before making any decision in relation to the proposal, take into account any representations made to them by any relevant community council with respect to the proposal; and

(c) when they take a decision with respect to the proposal, notify without delay any relevant community council by whom any such representations have been made.

(3) If a community council have given written notice to the relevant principal council—

(a) that they wish to be consulted about a specified proposal which is to be considered by the principal council, and which relates to a matter designated for the purposes of this subsection, or

(b) that they wish to be consulted about any proposal which is to be considered by the principal council and which relates to such a matter,

the principal council shall take the steps mentioned in subsection (2) above in relation to that community council.

(4) An order under this section may—

(a) prescribe circumstances (including, in particular, the need to act with urgency) in which subsections (2) and (3) above do not apply;

(b) give the Secretary of State power, in such circumstances as may be prescribed by the order, to provide that in relation to any principal council specified by him, those subsections shall not apply or shall apply only to the extent specified by him.

(5) A contravention of the duty imposed by subsection (2) or (3) above shall not affect the validity of any decision of a principal council or of anything done in pursuance of any such decision.

(6) In this section—

• “relevant community council”, in relation to a principal council, means the council of any community which is, or group of communities which are, within the area of the principal council; and

• “relevant principal council”, in relation to any community council, means the principal council within whose area the community is, or group of communities are, situated.

(7) The power to make an order under this section shall include power—

(a) to make such incidental, consequential, transitional or supplemental provision as the Secretary of State thinks necessary or expedient; and

(b) to make different provision for different areas, including different provision for different localities and for different authorities.]

Textual Amendments

F71 S. 33A inserted (3.4.1995) by 1994 c. 19, s. 14 (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/852, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

F72 33B Principal council's response to a community poll E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F72 S. 33B omitted (5.5.2022) by virtue of Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 13 para. 2; S.I. 2021/231, art. 6(v)

F73 33C Principal council's explanation of its response to a community poll E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F73 S. 33C omitted (5.5.2022) by virtue of Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(7), Sch. 13 para. 2; S.I. 2021/231, art. 6(v)

34 Chairman and vice-chairman of community council. E+W

(1) The chairman of a community council shall be elected annually by the council from among the councillors.

(2) The election of a chairman shall be the first business transacted at the annual meeting of the community council and if, apart from subsection (8) below, the person presiding at the meeting would have ceased to be a member of the community council, he shall not be entitled to vote in the election except in accordance with subsection (3) below.

(3) In the case of an equality of votes in the election of a chairman the person presiding at the meeting shall give a casting vote in addition to any other vote he may have.

(4) The chairman shall, unless he resigns or becomes disqualified, continue in office until his successor becomes entitled to act as chairman.

F74 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) A community council may appoint a member of the council to be vice-chairman of the council.

(7) The vice-chairman shall, unless he resigns or becomes disqualified, hold office until immediately after the election of a chairman at the next annual meeting of the council.

(8) During their term of office the chairman and vice-chairman shall continue to be members of the council notwithstanding the provisions of this Act relating to the retirement of community councillors.

(9) Subject to any standing orders made by the community council, anything authorised or required to be done by, to or before the chairman may be done by, to or before the vice-chairman.

Textual Amendments

F74 S. 34(5) repealed (30.9.2013) by Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 4), s. 75(2)(d), Sch. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 S. 34 modified (W.) (22.4.2020) by The Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Meetings) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/442), regs. 1(3), 11(5)

35 Community councillors. E+W

(1) Community councillors shall be elected by the local government electors for the community in accordance with this Act and Part I of the [F75 Representation of the People Act 1983].

[F76 (2) There shall be ordinary elections of community councillors in [F77 2022] and in every [F78 fifth] year thereafter.

(2A) The term of office of the community councillors shall be [F79 five] years.

(2B) On the fourth day after any such ordinary election—

(a) the persons who were councillors immediately before the election shall retire; and

(b) the newly elected councillors shall assume office.]

(3) Where a community is not divided into community wards there shall be one election of community councillors for the whole community.

(4) Where a community is divided into community wards there shall be a separate election of community councillors for each ward.

Textual Amendments

F75 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2, SIF 42), s. 206, Sch. 8 para. 12

F76 S. 35(2)(2A)(2B) substituted for s. 35(2) (3.4.1995) by 1994 c. 19, s. 15 (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/852, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

F77 Word in s. 35(2) substituted (W.) (6.11.2019) by The Local Authorities (Change to the Years of Ordinary Elections) (Wales) Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/1269), arts. 1(2), 3(3)

F78 Word in s. 35(2) substituted (W.) (20.3.2021) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), ss. 15(2), 175(3)(d)

F79 Word in s. 35(2A) substituted (W.) (20.3.2021) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), ss. 15(3), 175(3)(d)

F80 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F80 S. 36 repealed by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1989 (c. 43), s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. IV

Miscellaneous W

[F81 37 Establishment of principal councils in Wales. W

Schedule 5 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the establishment of principal councils in Wales and connected matters.]

Textual Amendments

F81 S. 37 substituted (20.3.1995) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(5), Sch. 15 para. 6 (with ss. 54(6)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/546, art. 3, Sch.

38 Extent of Part II. W

This Part of this Act shall extend to Wales only.