Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021

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Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021
Act of Senedd Cymru
Royal Badge of Wales (2008).svg
Senedd Cymru
Long title An Act of Senedd Cymru to make provision about local government; local government finance; local government elections; electoral registration and electoral administration; and for connected purposes.
Introduced by Julie James MS, Minister for Housing and Local Government
Status: Current legislation
History of passage through the Senedd
Text of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.

The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 is an act of Senedd Cymru which made several reforms to local government and elections in Wales.

Provisions

The legislation allows job sharing for cabinet posts including council leader. [1]

Foreign nationals legally resident in Wales and council employees became allowed to stand for local government elections in Wales. [1] The act allowed 16 and 17 year olds to vote in local government elections in Wales. [2]

The act makes provision for council meetings to be held online. [3] This superseded regulations made during the COVID-19 pandemic. [4]

The legislation introduces a petition scheme. [1]

Councils became required to publish guides on their work written in "ordinary language". [1]

Each council can choose which electoral system to use out of either first past the post or single transferable vote. [5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Council reform plan to 'deliver better public services for everyone'". BBC News. 24 December 2019. Archived from the original on 28 December 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  2. ↑ "Votes at 16: Major electoral changes planned for Wales". BBC News. 18 November 2019. Archived from the original on 19 October 2023. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  3. ↑ Fouzder, Monidipa (21 August 2024). "Local government lawyers reignite campaign for virtual meetings". Law Society Gazette. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  4. ↑ Evans, Richard (14 October 2021). "Public access denied at council standards committee after meetings held in private during pandemic". North Wales Live. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  5. ↑ Morris, Steven (18 November 2019). "Welsh bill would allow 16- and 17-year olds to vote in local elections". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 18 November 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
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