26 November 2021The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales has conducted an electoral review of town and community councils in Monmouthshire. Reviews are conducted periodically by the commission, the last review of the area was performed in 1996.
The commission’s recommendations and subsequent Monmouthshire (Communities) Order 2021 will result in changes to all but one of the 33 community areas in Monmouthshire. These changes will take effect from the date of the next Local Government elections in May 2022.
Some of these changes are significant structural changes resulting in dissolution, creation or amalgamation of community areas:-
- Three communities, and their community councils, are to be dissolved – Gwehelog Fawr, Llangattock-Vibon-Avel and Llantilio Crossenny
- Two communities, and community councils, are to be created – to be named Skenfrith and Whitecastle
- Four communities, and their community councils, are to be amalgamated to make two new communities with community councils – community of Llangwm to be combined with the community of Llantrisant Fawr to form community of Llantrisant Fawr; and community of Llanhennock to be combined with community of Llangybi to form community of Llangybi
A further 25 communities in Monmouthshire will see changes to their external boundaries. The changes range from gaining or losing a whole community ward, to gaining or losing a handful of properties or less.
Mark Galbraith, SLCC’s Wales Policy Liaison Officer, attended a meeting with Monmouthshire clerks on Wednesday 24 November to discuss the impact of the Monmouthshire order further. The meeting was hosted by Monmouthshire County Council staff and included participation from Welsh Government representatives; Audit Wales and One Voice Wales (OVW).
Click here to view the guide document produced by Welsh Government to assist clerks in managing assets, budgets and other important key considerations throughout this process.
We understand that this may cause concern for members in Monmouthshire, and SLCC advisors and mentors will therefore be available to offer appropriate support and advice to clerks who would like to reach out. If you have any queries please email [email protected] or call 0845 450 6156. The advice line and email is open for members from 9am – 5.30pm, Monday – Friday.
SLCC will keep members up to date as the situation progresses.
