The Welsh Local Government Association and One Voice Wales have signed a formal agreement outlining how they can work together to support local democracy and improve public services in Wales.
At a national level, One Voice Wales and the WLGA work together to encourage partnership working and the sharing of best practice between local councils.
The Memorandum of Understanding reflects the principles of partnership that feature in the local agreements already signed between many Welsh local authorities and their counterpart community and town councils, and establishes a framework for how One Voice Wales and the WLGA can continue to work closely together in the future.
Councillor Bob Wellington (Torfaen), Leader of the WLGA said:
“This agreement will ensure that local authorities continue their long-track record of working in constructively partnership with their community and town councils. The pressures being placed on Wales’ local public services are significant, and within this hugely challenging environment the relationship between local authorities and their town and communities councils is a vital one.”
Cllr Mair Stephens, Chair of One Voice Wales:
“The role of town and community councils is growing in importance in Wales, with recent legislation having already set a framework for the delegation of a range of new powers. Many local authorities in Wales are discussing how some local services could be delegated to local community and town councils, and this agreement establishes a framework that will allow us to develop a joined up and effective response to the challenging and rapidly changing public sector environment that we now find ourselves operating within.”
