Posted on: Thursday 8 June 2023
Residents are being asked to take part in a review of community boundaries and electoral arrangement for community councils.
There are six community councils in Torfaen, covering Blaenavon, Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon, Cwmbran, Henllys, Ponthir and Pontypool.
The community review will help to inform the size, structure and composition of community councils in the future to ensure they reflect the nature of local communities and neighbourhoods. The review must be done every 10 years.
Caroline Genever-Jones, Torfaen Council's Elections and Business Manager, said: "Community councils play an important part in public life. As well as helping to maintain local assets, they also help to give communities a sense of identity.
"This review considers which communities they cover, as well as those they don't, so it is important local residents get the chance to have their say."
Community councils were established under the Local Government Act 1972 and replaced the previous system of parish councils. They receive funding via a precept to council tax and they help to maintain local amenities, including village halls, playing fields, open spaces and seats.
To help with the review, a short public survey has been compiled, alongside maps of the boundary areas of the different community councils. To take part, visit the Get Involved Torfaen site. Alternatively, you can send your comments to voting@torfaen.gov.uk.
The consultation ends on Wednesday 30 August.