Local government

Guidance and services

• Cost of Living Support Scheme: guide for local authorities
  Advice on how local authorities can manage the cost of living support scheme.
• Business rates (non-domestic rates) data collection final figures: guidance 2022 to 2023
  Guidance for local authorities on how to calculate and submit their final final non-domestic rating contribution (NDR3).
• Remote attendance at council meetings: guidance
  Advice on the arrangements council members can make for remote attendance at council meetings.
• Local government investments: guidance
  Advice for local authorities on management and accounting of investments.
• Connecting with your local community
  A communications guide for Welsh Community and Town Councillors and their Clerks.
• Diversity in democracy: employers supporting communities leaflet
  Advice for a business on how to support employees that carry out public duties.
• Borrowing approvals: guidance for community and town councils
  Advice for community and town councils on how to borrow money to buy capital items.
• Model byelaws
  Guidance for local authorities about creating and revoking byelaws.
• Local Government and Elections (Wales) Bill
  The Local Government Elections (Wales) Bill will reform and strengthen local government and improve electoral arrangements.
• Charging for discretionary services: guidance for local authorities
  Advice for local authorities on when and how they can ask for payment for services.
• Local authorities: code of recommended practice
  Guidance on the types of services and support that local authorities must provide.
• Business rates (non-domestic rates) data collection final figures: return form 2019 to 2020
  Local authorities must complete this form (NDR3) to submit their final non-domestic rates contribution.
• Improving local authorities and town councils
  Guidance on the regulations to help develop and strengthen the role of local authorities and community councils.
• Non domestic rates billing information: privacy notice
  This privacy notice explains which information we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it.
• Local authority electoral boundary reviews
  In Wales, a process has been under way over the last four years to look at the electoral wards for the 22 principal local authorities.
• Diversity in democracy: an introduction to councils and councillors
  Explains what a council does and how to become a councillor.
• Local authority reserves: guidance for elected members and chief finance officers
  Advice on the type of reserves held by local authorities and recommendations to improve how they manage them.
• Emergency financial assistance (Bellwin) scheme for local authorities
  Guidance on when and how we can make emergency financial help available to public bodies.
• Community and town council expenditure limit: 2020 to 2021
  Spending limits for community and town councils for the 2020 to 2021 financial year.
• Corporate Joint Committee: statutory guidance summary
  Explains the core principles and values around how Corporate Joint Committees should operate.
• Pay accountability in local government
  Guidance on what to include in local authority annual pay policy statements.
• Intimate piercing: guidance for local authority enforcement officers
  Advice to help local authorities and the police enforce the law on intimate piercing.
• Find your local authority
  Find the website for your local authority.
• Community and town councils
  Guidance on what community and town councils do and how to get involved in their work.
• Flexible use of capital receipts: capital directions guidance
  Explains how some capital funds can be used for revenue projects.
• Playing field disposal: guidance
  Advice to help local authorities follow regulations that relate to the disposal of playing fields.
• Accounts and audit regulations 2014: guidance
  Advice for public bodies on changes to the accounts and audit regulations.
• Business rates (non-domestic rates) data collection final figures: return form 2022 to 2023
  Local authorities must complete this form (NDR3) to submit their final non-domestic rates contribution.
• Local government support and intervention protocol
  Sets out when and how we will intervene to provide support to local authorities.
• Returning officer survey: privacy notice
  This privacy notice sets out how we will use the information collected through the survey on resource need for the May 2021 elections.
• Community and town council expenditure limit 2019 to 2020
  Letter advising community and town councils of their spending limits for the 2019 to 2020 financial year.
• Payments to elected members
  Information about the allowed payments to elected members of principal councils, national park authorities, fire and rescue authorities, and community and town councils.
• Local Government Partnership scheme
  Explains the aims and objectives of the scheme.
• Capital finance regulations: guidance
  Advice for local authorities on changes to the capital finance system.
• Toilets for public use: guidance for local authorities
  Guidance to help local authorities produce a local toilet strategy for their area.
• Find toilets open to the public
  A map of toilets identified by local authorities as available for public use.
• Map of toilets: guidance for local authorities
  How to submit your toilet location data from your local toilet strategy.
• Local government measure 2011: guidance
  Guidance for local authorities on regulations to help strengthen local democracy.
• Borrowing approvals: application form for community and town councils
  Complete this form to apply for money to buy capital items for your community and town council.
• Absence from local authority meetings: guidance
  Explains when members of local authorities can miss meetings for family reasons.
• Absence from local authority meetings: family absence
  Statutory Guidance made under Section 30 of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011.
• Local authority multi location meetings: interim guidance
  Interim guidance to support the provision of multi-location meetings for relevant authorities.
• Minimum revenue provision
  Advice for local authorities on how to calculate minimum revenue provision.
• Child burial and cremations: information for local authorities and families
  Details of the support available for families that have lost a child.
• Reforming local government finance: annual updates
  Reports outlining progress on reviewing the local government finance framework.
• Power to promote well-being: guidance for local authorities
  Advice on the powers local government can use to promote or improve economic, social or environmental well-being.
• Performance and governance of local authorities: statutory guidance
  Guidance to help local authorities meet their duties under Part 6, Chapter 1, of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.
• Business rates (non-domestic rates) data collection provisional figures: return form 2023 to 2024
  Local authorities must complete this form (NDR1) to submit their provisional non-domestic rates contribution.
• Access to information: guidance for community and town councils
  Advice on the information that community and town councils must make available on their websites.
• Wales programme for improvement: local Government (part 1)
  Explains what local and national park authorities must do as part of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009.
• Staff Transfers (Pensions) Direction 2012
  Pension regulations that apply to improvement authorities and community councils.
• Simplifying application processes for local authority administered benefits: best practice toolkit
  The toolkit supports local authorities to simplify their welfare benefit processes.
• Diversity in democracy: mentoring handbook for councillors
  Guidance for councillors on how to mentor people standing for local government elections.
• The local election survey: guidance
  Advice to help local authorities follow the regulations on surveys of election candidates.
• Pay accountability within local government
  What to include in local authority annual pay policy statements.
• The good councillor’s guide: for Community and Town Councillors
  A guide to help Community and Town Councillors fulfil their duties.
• The prudential framework for capital finance: guidance
  Advice for local authorities on how to use the prudential framework for capital finance.
• Business rates (non-domestic rates) data collection provisional figures: guidance 2023 to 2024
  Guidance for local authorities on how to calculate and submit their provisional non-domestic rating contribution (NDR1).
• The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021: Statutory Guidance for Community and Town Councils
  Guidance to help community and town councils meet their duties under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.
• Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales: statutory guidance for the remuneration of chief executives
  Updated guidance to the Panel to reflect the recent changes that have been made to section 143A .
• Democratic engagement grant
  A grant to encourage and support people in engaging with the democratic process.
• Democratic engagement grant: application forms
  Additional guidance and application forms to apply for the grant scheme.
• Estate co-location and land transfer protocol
  Guidance for the disposal, transfer, shared use and co-occupation of land and property assets between publicly funded bodies in Wales.
• Homes for Ukraine: advice and guidance for local authorities
  Advice on how public bodies can support the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

• Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
  Policy and strategy
  The Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales is responsible for determining the level of payments to elected members of councils, national park authorities and fire and rescue authorities in Wales.
• Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales: annual report 2022 to 2023
  Report
  Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
  Sets the range and level of payments for the financial year 2022 to 2023.
• Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales: annual report 2021 to 2022
  Report
  Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
  Sets the range and level of payments for the financial year 2021 to 2022.
• Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales: draft annual report 2021 to 2022
  Report
  Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
  Sets the range and maximum level of allowances payable for the financial year 2021 to 2022.
• Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales: annual report 2020 to 2021
  Report
  Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
  Sets the range and level of payments for the financial year 2020 to 2021.
• Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales: annual report 2019 to 2020
  Report
  Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
  Sets the range and level of payments for the financial year 2019 to 2020.
• Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales: annual report 2018 to 2019
  Report
  Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
  Sets the range and maximum level of allowances payable for the financial year 2018/19
• Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales: annual report 2016 to 2017
  Report
  Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
  Sets the range and maximum level of allowances payable for the financial year 2016/17
• Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales: 10 year review
  Report
  Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
  Independent review of how the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales is currently run.
• Working Group on Local Government
  Policy and strategy
  The Working Group on Local Government is where Welsh Government and local government talk about change and agree what to do.
• Guidance For County And County Borough Councils In Wales On Executive And Alternative Arrangements 2006 (2006 No. 56)
  Legislation
  This Guidance provides local authorities in Wales with assistance on the content and operation of constitutional structures for political management. It replaces the "Guidance for County and County Borough Councils in Wales on Executive Arrangements" that was issued in September 2002. This legislation is being made under section 38 of the Local Government Act 2000.
• The National Assembly for Wales Referendum (Assembly Act Provisions) (Counting Officers' Accounts) Regulations 2010 (2010 No.47)
  Legislation
  These regulations make provision about the form of accounts that counting officers must prepare in order to recover services and expenses incurred in relation to the March referendum. The Regulations also make provision about the time within which such accounts are to be submitted and how the accounts and supporting documentation (e.g. receipts) are to be submitted.
• Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011: review of reforms
  Report
  Research report on the impact of the measure for elected members and support staff.
• Diversity in local government: report
  Report
  Recommendations from an expert group on how to improve diversity in local government.
• The Local Government (Coronavirus) (Postponement of Elections) (Wales) Regulations 2020
  Legislation
  These Regulations postpone certain by-elections which were due to be held during the period from 16 March 2020 to 31 January 2021.
• Partnership Council for Wales
  Policy and strategy
  The Partnership Council for Wales encourages joint working between Welsh Government and local government.
• Workforce Partnership Council
  Policy and strategy
  The Workforce Partnership Council (WPC) is a tripartite social partnership structure of the trade unions, employers and Welsh Government covering the devolved public services in Wales and the forum for cross-public services workforce matters.
• Workforce Partnership Council agreement: partnership and managing change
  Report
  Workforce Partnership Council
  How employers and trade unions can work in partnership and manage change.
• Workforce Partnership Council: acceptable use of non-guaranteed hours arrangements
  Report
  Workforce Partnership Council
  Explains how employers and trade unions can work together to manage non-guaranteed hours.
• Workforce Partnership Council: gender pay gap and senior pay ratio
  Report
  Workforce Partnership Council
  How public authorities record information on pay and whether it is accessible.
• Workforce Partnership Council: workforce mobility within Public Services
  Report
  Workforce Partnership Council
  The report outlines what workforce mobility in Wales looks like within public services.
• Review of community and town councils
  Report
  Independent report making recommendations on the future of community and town councils.
• Local authority reserves and unsupported borrowing
  Report
  Research report on how local government bodies borrow money and use their reserves.
• Report on increasing the use of Welsh in local government
  Report
  Recommendations made by a working group on how to increase the use of the Welsh language within local government.
• The County Borough of Blaenau Gwent (Electoral Pilot Scheme) Order 2022
  Legislation
  This order sets out the rules that will apply to the local government elections taking place within the County Borough of Blaenau Gwent. The ordinary day of election is the 5 May 2022.
• The County Borough of Bridgend (Electoral Pilot Scheme) Order 2022
  Legislation
  This order sets out the rules that will apply to the local government elections taking place within the County Borough of Bridgend. The ordinary day of election is the 5 May 2022.
• The County Borough of Caerphilly (Electoral Pilot Scheme) Order 2022
  Legislation
  This order sets out the rules that will apply to the local government elections taking place within the County Borough of Caerphilly. The ordinary day of election is the 5 May 2022.
• The County Borough of Torfaen (Electoral Pilot Scheme) Order 2022
  Legislation
  This order sets out the rules that will apply to the local government elections taking place within the County Borough of Torfaen. The ordinary day of election is the 5 May 2022.
• Administrative costs in local authorities: review
  Report
  Report on how to improve the performance of administrative functions in local authorities.
• Evidence and research on council tax and Non-Domestic rates
  Policy and strategy
  Evidence and research we have brought together on council tax and Non-Domestic rates in Wales.
• Voluntary mergers of local authorities: invitation
  Policy and strategy
  In 2015 we invited local authorities to submit merger proposals.
• Finance Sub-group
  Policy and strategy
  The Finance Sub-group advises on local government finance matters with nominated representatives.
• Distribution Sub-group
  Policy and strategy
  The Distribution Sub-group advises on how much revenue funding each local authority receives.
• Review of leadership, governance, strategy and capacity: Powys County Council
  Report
  Independent assessment on how the Council can improve as an organisation.
• Report on increasing the use of Welsh in local government: Welsh Government response
  Report
  What we plan to do in response to recommendations made to increase the use of the Welsh language in local government.
• Dealing with alleged misconduct of senior officials in local government (Oldham review)
  Report
  Review to find out if procedures to deal with alleged misconduct of senior officials remain fit for purpose.
• Local Government Partnership scheme: annual report 2017 to 2018
  Report
  Summary on the progress of the scheme and how we have worked with local government.
• Local authority reserves: 2020 to 2021
  Policy and strategy
  A summary of funds held by local authorities at the end of the 2020 and 2021 financial year.
• Code of recommended practice for local authority publicity
  Legislation
  Local authorities produce a range of publicity and promotional materials. This includes radio, television, digital media and print. The aim of the Code is to ensure the correct use of public funds for publicity.
• Voter registration: behavioural insights
  Report
  Report on a study to increase voter registration rates.
• Local elections rules: integrated impact assessment
  Impact assessment
  An assessment of the changes to the rules governing local government elections.
• Local Government Ethical Standards framework: review
  Report
  Independent review on the Ethical Standards framework being fit for purpose.
• Reforming local government finance in Wales: summary of findings
  Report
  A summary of findings report on the reforming local government finance programme.
• Welsh local authority financial indicators for 2018 to 2019
  Report
  Comparative statistics on the financial performance of Welsh local authorities.
• The Representation of the People (Electoral Register Publication Date) (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020
  Legislation
  Amends the publication date by which the revised local government electoral register in Wales is published to February 2021.
• The Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Meetings) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
  Legislation
  These Regulations amend the Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Meetings) (Wales) Regulations 2020
• The Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Meetings) (Wales) Regulations 2020
  Legislation
  These Regulations make provision in relation to local authority meetings, and the publication of and access to certain local authority documents.
• Recommendation on the arrangements for an interim chief executive
  Report
  Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
  Recommendation from the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales about on the arrangements for an interim chief executive at Swansea Council.
• Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales: draft annual report 2023 to 2024
  Report
  Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
  Sets the range and level of payments for the financial year 2023 to 2024.
• Valuing local democracy
  Report
  Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
  An article on the value of local democracy.
• Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales: annual report 2023 to 2024
  Report
  Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
  Sets the range and level of payments for the financial year 2023 to 2024.
• Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales meeting: 10 February 2023
  Meeting
  Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
  Summary of the minutes of the meeting held on 10 February 2023.
• Welsh Authorities Staff Transfers (Pensions) Directions 2022
  Legislation
  Direction under section 101 of the Local Government Act 2003, the Welsh Authorities Staff Transfers (Pensions) Directions 2022.