Agenda and minutes

To receive any declaration of interest from any Member or Officer in respect of any item of business.

None received.

To submit for confirmation, the draft minutes of the meetings of the Committee held on the following dates:-

·      16 March 2021

·      18 May 2021

The minutes of the meetings held on the following dates were confirmed as correct:-

•  16 March 2021

•  18 May 2021

To submit a report by the Head of Democratic Services.

The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has considered diversity in local government, and has agreed to encourage every Council to adopt a Diversity Declaration as part of the commitment by local authorities to promote diversity, prior to the 2022 elections.

The Head of Democratic Service reported that a working group was established to gather evidence of under-representation in democracy.  The group presented its findings in a report to the WLGA Council at its meeting on 5 March 2021.  The report acknowledges that people from various backgrounds are encouraged to stand for election, and a national campaign is planned to address this. 

The Head of Democratic Services reported that the Council supports a Diversity Declaration, which is consistent with the Authority’s strategic aims to reflect the local community.  It was noted that the Council is hoping to increase the number of women, young people, disabled people and people from ethnic minority groups who  stand for election.

Following the WLGA Council meeting in March this year, local Councils have been  requested to adopt a Diversity Declaration and prepare an action plan. 

The Committee noted that allowances paid to Elected Members are insufficient to encourage young people, and those of working age to stand for election.  Members also reiterated the importance of encouraging people of varying age groups, backgrounds and experience to be nominated for election.  

A Member requested that it be noted that comments made in today’s meeting on Members’ allowances be mentioned when the matter is before Council.  It was noted that an action plan will be presented to the next meeting of the Democratic Services Committee to support the Declaration.

RESOLVED:-

•  To recommend that full Council adopts the draft Diversity Declaration

    in its September meeting, and

•  That delegated authority be given to the Democratic Services

    Committee to agree an action plan in its next meeting.