How community councils work?

Community Councils are the focal point for discussions on local matters with local people, partner organisations, community groups and others. The Community Council represents the interests of the whole community equally. Local interest and discussion influence the Council in its decision making and policy development. The Council responds to consultation papers from other organisations reflecting the interests of our community
The Community Council is formally represented on other organisations in the Community and elsewhere, for instance the Governing Body of the Primary School.
There is also a requirement for Community Councils to produce an annual financial statement and maintain an adequate and effective system of internal audit of their accounting systems and control systems.
Benches throughout our community have been provided by the Community Council as well as notice boards. The Community Council looks after issues such as planning, community safety, street lighting, playing fields, and other community specific matters.
Support is given financially, practically and personally to many local groups and organisations.
The Community Council is Custodial Trustee of the Memorial Hall.

Who can attend community council meetings?

Community council meetings are open to everyone, whether they live, work, or have an interest in the Community Council area.
The public have the right to attend meetings and observe how the Council operates, however on occasions sensitive issues may require the public to be excluded during discussion of that topic.
Public participation is encouraged; however this does not mean that the public have a right to take part in the debate. Members of the public may be invited, at the discretion of the Chair, to ask questions or express their views. They may do so also if and when the Council agree to adjourn the meeting or break for that purpose.

How do I raise an issue at my Community Council?

There are several ways that an item can be raised by a member of the public.

• By letter or email to the Clerk.
• By contacting a Councillor.

Normally correspondence should be received 24 hours prior to a meeting.
Important, non-urgent issues raised may be held over as an agenda item for the next meeting.

Frequency of Meetings

Meetings are normally held on the first Tuesday of each month in the Memorial Hall, Llanfechain, at 7.30pm, except for August, when there is no meeting. Changes are usually posted on the website/noticeboard.
 
How are agendas set?

The Chair has the responsibility to agree and set the agenda with the assistance of the Clerk. Community Councils are also obliged to consider specific matters, such as planning applications and they may need to respond to other business that has been determined elsewhere. Many issues originating in the local community are within the remit of the Community Council. Issues outside the remit of the Community Council are referred to the appropriate body. The agenda is published and exhibited a minimum of 4 days prior to the meeting.

Who runs the community council meetings?

The Chair is in charge of meetings; his post is recognised by law and must be respected. It is his responsibility to manage the meeting by introducing agenda items and inviting members to speak. Decisions are made by the currently elected members present at the meeting.

What are the political differences between the community councils?

There is no requirement for political proportionality. Community councils are made up of Councillors, whatever their political party.

What is the relationship between Community Councils and the County Council?

Some responsibilities have been passed to Community Councils. The County Council’s constitution has been amended to allow Community Councils to operate and these changes are set out in such a way as to make it clear where authority rests.
Safeguards are put in place to ensure that Community Councils operate within the rules and to maintain accountability.
They can take action to improve the quality of life for local people and their environment by working closely with the County Council and its councillors. The County Councillor responsible for Llanfechain normally attends Community Council meetings and acts as a conduit for information between the Councils.
We are consulted by the County Council and the Wales Assembly Government on a variety of issues and consider how these issues will affect our community.

Currently the members of the Community Council are as follows :-