MS, Cabinet Secretary for
Housing and Local Government: I am pleased to announce the
publication of the report from the Democratic Health Task and
Finish Group. This comprehensive report represents a
significant step forward in our understanding of the current
state of democratic health within our community and town
councils.
In April 2023, the then-Minister for Finance and Local Government
asked the group to identify options for actions that could be
taken by community and town councils, sector representative
bodies and Government to:
- Improve awareness and engagement between communities and
their community councils, and
- Increase the number, and diversity, of candidates standing
for election to community and town councils.
The Group, chaired by Shereen Wiliams MBE, Chief Executive of the
Democracy and Boundary Commission, has gathered and reviewed a
comprehensive range of evidence. I thank the Group for their
dedication and hard work. Their efforts have been instrumental in
ensuring we have a thorough and well-rounded perspective. The
report presents a challenging picture and provides two clear
paths for securing robust, representative and effective community
governance.
I would also like to thank the members of the public, third
sector organisations, community and town councils and principal
councils who contributed evidence. Their contributions were
invaluable in shaping the findings and options.
The Local Government and Housing Committee is now leading an
inquiry into the role, governance and accountability of the
community and town council sector. This inquiry has just begun
and I expect this report to form part of the evidence for their
work.
I look forward to considering the outcome of their review
alongside this report.
