Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee

Local Government and Elections (Wales) Bill – summary of main points from the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales

Corporate Joint Committees:

• Another layer of collaboration
• How does this link to PSBs and other partnership groupings? (see our letter to Julie James sent this morning)
• • In particular how will their objectives link back to PSBs and PBs well-being objectives? We need reassurance that there will be integration, and of the consequences for our Office – will we monitor and assess their progress too?
• Complex governance arrangements, need to make sure they are clear
• Functions – only some functions - might be beneficial to review the list to see if other functions should be added to be most efficient at this level
• Need leadership from WG to avoid creating an even more complicated system which could prevent participation

Diversity and Participation:

• Overall good (broadcasting, access to documents, plain language) but missed some opportunities to integrate with our Act – talk about participation not involvement, need to be able to be involved before decision is made, etc.

Performance:

• Self-assessment and peer review welcome – strong evidence on the benefit of such practices
• The test for performance must include WBFGA (progress towards goals, meeting objectives and using 5 ways of working)
• Value for money guidance also needs to be aligned to the Act
• Review panels need to be fully aware of the Act, my advice and monitoring and assessing need to be taken into account by the panel
• Our self-reflexion tool can be used as includes both self-assessment and peer review
• Ministers interventions should also take account of my advice and assessments
• Governance and Audit Committees will have overview so they need full understanding of the Act (will need proper resourcing and support).