Laura Sharman 30 August 2018

Welsh local councils accused of operating in 'secretive ways'

Local councils in Wales have been accused of being 'secretive and anti-democratic' after research revealed not all provide electronic access to minutes and meetings.

Research by the Welsh Conservatives found 10% of community councils do not have websites, while two-thirds do not have access to Facebook or Twitter.

It also found only a third of those with their own website have the option of translating their pages into Welsh or English.

Shadow local government secretary, Janet Finch-Saunders, said: 'To have such a large amount of community and town councils which are in charge of public money and make decisions on behalf of society operating in such secretive ways is disgraceful and, simply put, anti-democratic.

'If Wales truly is a democratic nation, then this "behind closed doors culture" cannot be tolerated.'

Community councils are required to publish information and notices electronically under the Local Government (Democracy) Act 2013.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

West Northamptonshire Council
£188,576 - £201,902 (pay award pending)
Join us for a rare opportunity to lead one of the UK’s newest and most ambitious councils Northamptonshire
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Durham Cares Sufficiency Delivery Lead

Durham County Council
£44,075 - £48,226 Grade 12
Do you want your work to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in our care?   This is a brilliant opportunity to join a new Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Durham Cares - Care Resource Specialist

Durham County Council
£38,220 - £41,771 Grade 10
Do you want your work to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in our care?   This is a brilliant opportunity to join a new Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Waste Project Officer

Durham County Council
£32,597 - £36,363
The strategic waste management team have an opening for a Waste Project Officer. If you are interested in community engagement, are an excellent commu Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Policy Officer

Durham County Council
Career Grade 7 to 9 - Grade 7 £30,024 - £33,699 / Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363 / Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152
We are seeking a motivated and analytical Policy Officer to support the design, delivery, and evaluation of key policy and strategy documents relating Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner