Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council set to become an 'eligible council'

It is likely that town councillors will declare that Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council is an eligible council for the purposes of a new law - the general power of competence.

A report to town councillors, which will be heard at their meeting on the 26th September 2022, recommends that the town council declare itself an 'eligible council' for the purposes of the general power of competence.

The general power of competence which is a new power introduced in Wales allows the town council to do 'anything which an individual may do' without having to rely on a specific power.

The power, which has existed in England since 2011 will allow the town council to be more innovative and run new services, including the power to raise money by charging and trading for commerical purposes.

To be able to use this new power, the town council must each year reaffirm that it is eligible to meet the general power of competence. It is also required to meet three criteria which include having two-thirds of members elected, a clerk with a relevant qualification and two unqualified audits.

It is likely that town councillors will declare themselves eligible, which is thought to be the first town council in Powys to do so.