Title

LEGISLATION

Wales considers PR for local elections

Councils could be allowed to introduce proportional representation for local elections under new proposals unveiled by the Welsh Government.

Councils could be allowed to introduce proportional representation for local elections under new proposals unveiled by the Welsh Government.

The consultation on electoral reform in Wales also includes plans to allow 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote in council elections.

Other proposals include introducing electronic voting, allowing voting at other places other than polling stations and giving foreign citizens normally resident in Wales the right to vote.

‘We want to make it easier to vote and easier to be entitled to vote', said local government secretary Mark Drakeford.

‘There's no reason why 16 and 17 year olds can marry, pay taxes and join the army but can't vote in our elections. 

‘There's no reason why, in the 21st century, we can carry out all sorts of daily transactions online but can't, as of yet, vote online.

‘That's why we're setting out a number of different ideas to modernise the electoral system and putting out a call for the public to share their ideas with us too.'

Mr Drakeford also announced details of a Local Government Bill that would lead to mandatory regional working between Wales' 22 councils on areas such as economic development and strategic transport.

Councils would also be required to work regionally on other services like education improvement, social services, additional learning needs and other aspects of land use planning.

 

LEGISLATION

Putting prevention first

By Matthew Ashton | 09 April 2026

Prof Matthew Ashton says investing in our communities and places, and delivering on the promise of prevention, are key to reversing the rising levels of illn...

LEGISLATION

Holding the LGR line?

By Ann McGauran | 09 April 2026

Will reorganisation be delivered ahead of the General Election, and to what extent is the Government’s need to shore up political capital driving decisions o...

LEGISLATION

From market town to modern destination: Barnsley's bold rebirth

By Matt O'Neill | 08 April 2026

Barnsley's transformation model offers a quiet reminder that resilience in town centres comes from more than new buildings, says Matt O'Neill.

LEGISLATION

Shaping places that work for everyone

By Ann McGauran | 08 April 2026

Key Cities and architecture practice We Made That have set out five Rights to Place to ensure equitable distribution of resources, services and opportunities...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman