What is a Community or Town Council?

What is a Community Council?

Community Councils (sometimes called Town Councils) are the first tier of local government in Wales. They provide grassroots services to their communities and represent their communities in many ways. The equivalent body in England is a Parish Council.  

They are made up of Councillors who are independently elected. They raise their own finances through a precept, which is a sum added to the Council Tax bills in the communities they represent. They are supported by a chief officer or “Clerk.” Larger Councils may also employ additional staff. 

The communities they serve range from small rural settlements to large towns. Their expenditure plans vary accordingly. They prepare budges, arrange events, respond to planning applications and support their communities in many different ways. They are subject to a range of external controls, through bodies such as Audit Wales. 

Community Councils often enjoy a relationship with County Councils and work in partnership, but they are independent of them. 

There is little significant difference between a Community Council and a Town Council.  Town Councils tend to exist in larger towns. They are presided over by a Mayor, whereas Community Councils have a Chairman. Community and Town Councils have the same rights, responsibilities and powers. 

There are 735 Community and Town Councils in Wales, representing this tier of government closest to the people. They cover approximately 94% of the land area and 70% of the population of Wales. The majority of Community and Town Councils are members of One Voice Wales, the representational body for Community and Town Councils in Wales. 

Modern Councils were created by the Local Government Act 1972. They have therefore been in existence in their current form for over 50 years. Councils have embraced many changes during this time, such as changes in health and safety law, new ethical arrangements, the growth of the Welsh language, the development of the internet, remote working and the impact of climate change. They own land and buildings, work alongside community partners and support and encourage community groups. 

Their powers stem from Acts of Parliament which apply across England and Wales, or from Welsh Government. In Wales, local government is devolved to the Senedd, which oversees the work of Community and Town Councils, though the Councils remain independent. 

Council meetings are open to the public. The press and public can and do attend. Why not pop along to a meeting of your local Council? They would be pleased to welcome you!