Vale of Glamorgan Council
Cyngor Bro Morgannwg
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Agenda Item No. 6

 

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

 

Cabinet Meeting: 16 July, 2018

 

Report of the Electoral Registration Officer

 

Community Review - Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council and Penllyn Community Council

 

Purpose of the Report

  1. To seek Cabinet's endorsement of the Electoral Registration Officer's (ERO) final proposal of no change in respect of the community review of the boundary between Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council and Penllyn Community Council.

Recommendations

  1. T H A T Cabinet considers and endorses the Electoral Registration Officer's final proposal as set out in Appendix A to this report.
  1. T H A T the Electoral Registration Officer be authorised to report to Council in line with Recommendation 1 above the final proposal of no change to the community boundary between Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council and Penllyn Community Council. 

Reasons for the Recommendations

  1. To inform and seek approval of Cabinet on the final proposal of the ERO.
  2. In line with the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013.

Background

  1. A request was received from the Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council ("the Town Council") for a review to be undertaken of the community boundary between Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council and Penllyn Community Council.
  2. The request highlighted that the Town Council considered that the planned development on the land north west of Cowbridge (known as Darren Farm) would impact on community services provided by the Town Council and  there was a concern that the Town Council would not benefit from an increased precept.  The Town Council therefore requested a community boundary review of its boundary with Penllyn Community Council.
  3. Consequently, Cabinet received a report at its meeting on 18 September 2017 when it resolved (in part):

"(1) THAT delegated authority be granted to the Electoral Registration Officer to conduct a review of the community boundary between Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council and Penllyn Community Council in accordance with the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013.

 (minute no.C71)

  1. The ERO's initial proposal of no change was approved by Cabinet on 5 February 2018. (minute no. C213)

Relevant Issues and Options

  1. In line with the terms of reference for the review:
  • The review was brought  to the attention of the mandatory consultees and such other persons the ERO considered likely to be interested in the review;
  • The ERO consulted the mandatory consultees on the intended procedure and methodology for the review;
  • The ERO conducted investigations as considered appropriate;
  • The ERO after the initial consultation prepared a report containing the proposal for no change and the reasons for this proposal which was subject to wider consultation in line with statutory requirements.
  • The review has been published electronically and continues to be available for public inspection. 
  • Copies of the report were sent to the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales and the mandatory consultees and a response will be provided to all representatives who took part in the review to date.
  • No further submissions were received during the second stage of the consultation.
  • Appendix A is the ERO's final proposal of no change to the community boundary between the Town Council and Penllyn Community Council.

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

  1. The publishing and administrative costs of the review will be met from the Electoral Registration Services existing budget. 

Sustainability and Climate Change Implications

  1. There are no direct implications arising from this report.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

  1. Section 25 of the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 places the Council under a legal duty to conduct a review of community boundaries in its area of its own initiative, or at the request of a community council in its area or a community meeting in its area.

Crime and Disorder Implications

  1. There are no direct implications arising from this report.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

  1. There are no direct implications arising from this report.

Corporate/Service Objectives

  1. Electoral Registration has links to the following corporate priority:

'Citizens of the Vale of Glamorgan can easily access efficiently managed services that are focused around their needs, have confidence in how decisions are made and are proud to live in the Vale.'

Policy Framework and Budget

  1. This report is a matter for Executive decision by Cabinet.  A report detailing the outcome of the review will be presented to Council in due course for consideration and approval. 

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

  1. Consultation has taken place as part of the review with the relevant ward Councillors.

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

  1. Corporate Performance and Resources

Background Papers

Letter received from Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales dated 21 January 2016

Contact Officer

Rebecca Light (Electoral Services Manager, Legal Services)

Officers Consulted

Rob Thomas (Managing Director)

Responsible Officer:

Debbie Marles (Electoral Registration Officer)