The Vale of Glamorgan Council

Council Meeting: 26 September, 2018

Report of the Electoral Registration Officer

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

Purpose of the Report

To seek Council'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.

Recommendation

T H A T Council considers and endorses the Electoral Registration Officer's final proposal of no change as set out in Appendix A to this report.

Reasons for the Recommendation

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

Background

The Council has a duty under s31 of the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 ("the Act") to conduct a review of the electoral arrangements for a community in its area either of its own initiative or at the request of the community council for the community.
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.
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.
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.

(2) THAT the terms of reference of the review attached at Appendix B to thus report be approved."

(Minute no.C71)

Appendix C summaries the submissions received during the initial consultation which have been taken into account by the ERO together with the application from the Town Council referred to in paragraph 3 of this report.
The ERO's initial proposal of no change was approved by Cabinet on 5 February 2018. (Minute no. C213)
No further representations were made during the second stage of the consultation.
The ERO's final proposal of no change was approved by Cabinet on 16 July 2018 (Minute no. C362).

Relevant Issues and Options

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.

The Town Clerk subsequently submitted further comments on 6th August 2018 to which they were advised on 9th August that the closing date for submissions for the second phase of the consultation was 27 April 2018. Appendices D and E refer. Clarification has also been given to the Town Clerk that the Leader and Councillor Jarvie following the September 2017 Cabinet Meeting solely indicated that they were in agreement for the Community Review taking place, with associated delegated authority being granted to the ERO.

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

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

Sustainability and Climate Change Implications

There are no direct implications arising from this report.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

Section 25 of the Act 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

There are no direct implications arising from this report.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

There are no direct implications arising from this report.

Corporate/Service Objectives

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

This report is for consideration and approval by Council (if deemed appropriate).

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

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

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

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)