Agenda item

Proposed by:             Councillor Graham Thomas

Seconded by:            Councillor Joel Williams

1)    This Council notes that there are six community Councils in Cardiff, namely:

·         Lisvane Community Council,

·         Old St Mellons Community Council,

·         Pentyrch Community Council,

·         Radyr & Morganstown Community Council,

·         St Fagans Community Council

·         Tongwynlais Community Council.

2)    This Council recognises the hard work carried out by the members and officials of these Community Councils and notes that many of the participants are volunteers. Without the efforts of Community Councils, a number of local amenities would close and events in these communities would not happen. However, vacancies can sometimes be difficult to fill and there can be a lack of candidates at Community Council elections, risking a democratic deficit.

3)    This Council also notes that historically over many years, channels of communication between Community Councils and Cardiff Council have been weak or non-existent. This includes notifications to the Community Councils of works proposed on the highway or Community Council involvement in planning applications and a say in best use of any Section 106 monies.

4)    This Council calls on the Cabinet to, in conjunction with the Community Councils, consider how links could be improved and strengthened. The Cabinet may wish to consider:

(i)            If there are areas where services could combine (eg: either the Community Council or Cardiff Council undertaking grass cutting in an area).

(ii)          Introducing a single point of contact for Community Councils.

(iii)         How the Community Council Charter can be further embedded within Cardiff Council and how awareness of it can be increased.

(iv)         Regular liaison between key officials and Community Councils, with those periodically attending Community Council meetings.

(v)          How the role of Community Councils in making representation on planning applications and section 106 agreements can be enhanced.

The Cabinet should bring forward a report within six months.