Rebecca Evans MS, Minister for Finance and Local Government
In February we published our consultation outlining draft rules for local government (principal council) elections using the single transferable vote system.
The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (“the 2021 Act”) enables principal councils to opt to hold future elections using the STV system. These provisions came into effect from 6 May 2022.
The consultation sought views on the Local Elections (Principal Areas) (Single Transferable Vote) (Wales) Rules 2023 (the draft STV Rules), which outline how an election using the STV system would operate.
We received 32 responses, and we are grateful to every individual and stakeholder organisation that shared their views on our ambition to improve democratic health. Today we have published a summary of the responses and now set out the next steps to deliver this Government’s commitment to allow local authorities in Wales the flexibility to choose their preferred electoral system.
Respondents expressed broad support for the draft STV Rules and there were several helpful comments and suggestions from respondents. We will make some changes to the draft Rules to take account of this feedback.
For example, we will improve the clarity and accessibility of the text in ballot papers and other forms, taking account of some of the helpful suggestions. Additionally, we will work with the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders on further guidance to support the implementation of the STV Rules.
The deadline for local authorities to decide to adopt STV for the 2027 local elections is 15 November 2024. It is intended that the Rules should come into force in autumn 2023.