Part VA (Wales) / LGA 1972 + Wales Act 2021

Sunshine Score

Agenda & Notice Requirements

Online posting: Required

Agenda must be open to inspection 3 clear days before the meeting (s. 100B). Welsh councils must publish agendas on their websites before the meeting where practicable (Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021).

Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — Items not on the agenda may be discussed if the chairman considers the item urgent and so states (s. 100B(4)).

Public Participation

No statutory right for members of the public to speak. Attendance rights only. Public speaking arrangements set by each council's standing orders.

Virtual Meetings

Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 authorised Welsh principal councils to make arrangements for remote attendance by members, including for quorum purposes. This was a permanent statutory change, not a COVID emergency measure.

Closed Sessions

Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances

Permitted Categories

• Information Relating To Any Individual
• Information Likely To Reveal The Identity Of An Individual
• Financial Or Business Affairs Of Any Particular Person (Including The Authority)
• Labour Relations Matters (Negotiations, Consultations, Proposals)
• Information Subject To Legal Professional Privilege
• Information Which, If Disclosed, Would Reveal That The Authority Proposes To Give A Notice Or Order To Any Person
• Prevention, Investigation Or Prosecution Of Crime
• Information Obtained By The Authority In The Exercise Of Its Statutory Inspection Functions
• Any Action Taken Or To Be Taken In Connection With National Security
• The Identity Of A Protected Informant

Meeting Minutes

Online posting: Required

Content requirements: Minutes must be drawn up and signed. Welsh principal councils are required to publish minutes online under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.

Recording & Broadcast

Enforcement

Accessibility & Language Access

Language access: Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 requires Welsh language services. Welsh councils must ensure Welsh speakers can participate fully in meetings without being disadvantaged.

Sources & References

• Full text of law →
• Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007 →
• Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 →
• Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 →