Ceredigion County Councillors have agreed on a declaration which will aim to ensure diversity in democracy as we look ahead to the local elections in May 2022.
The declaration by the Welsh Local Government Association was approved during a Council meeting held virtually on Thursday 23 September 2021.
It was noted that the barriers facing people from becoming Councillors include time commitment and meeting times; political and organisational cultures; child care and other care commitments; public criticism and online abuse; remuneration and impact on employment; and lack of diverse role models.
In order to address these matters, Ceredigion County Council has committed to promote diversity within the organisation and has implemented actions on a local level.
These actions include creating a guide for potential applicants; engage with 16 and 17 year olds and foreign nationals to encourage them to register to vote; enable hybrid meetings to be held; broadcast meetings or enable people to join them remotely; review meeting times; ensure access to the Council’s Counselling Service; and introduce a Members Induction programme following the Elections in May.
Councillor Ellen ap Gwyn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, said: “Ensuring diversity in local democracy is vital to the fabric and identity of the county. We are pleased to have agreement to the diversity declaration from the Welsh Local Government Association, and have already put measures in place to alleviate any barriers facing people from becoming elected members. Ensuring a diversity of voices is vital to maintaining a healthy and prosperous democracy in Ceredigion.”
The diversity declaration coincides with Ceredigion County Council’s Strategic Equality Plan for 2020-24 called ‘A Fair and Equal Ceredigion’.
23/09/2021