News
Pioneering legislation paves the way for enhanced voter accessibility in Wales
IN what is being described as a bold stride towards fortifying the democratic process in Wales, the Welsh Government has unveiled a transformative bill on Monday, 2nd October, set to overhaul the approach to voter registration and candidate support in forthcoming elections.
The Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Bill: Navigating Modern Electoral Procedures
This pioneering legislation seeks to modernise local government and Senedd election processes and manifests the Welsh Government’s commitment to instating automatic voter registration throughout Wales. This aspiration will be initially tested through a series of pilot programmes.
Local authorities will engage in multiple trials, exploring optimal methods of data collection—including utilising existing data—to reinforce automatic registration.
Under present laws, voter registration is mandatory; however, the forthcoming proposals necessitate local governments to proactively register individuals on the local government register, nullifying the need for manual applications. This initiative is anticipated to simplify the voting process, particularly for youth and new residents in Wales.
Advocating for Inclusivity: Financial Support for Disabled Candidates
Moreover, the legislation mandates the establishment of a fund designed to assist disabled individuals running in Welsh elections, covering supplementary costs such as mobility equipment and communication software. This directive comes on the heels of a successful prototype of such a fund, implemented during the Senedd elections in May 2021 and local government elections in May 2022.
Democratising Information: The Launch of a Comprehensive Online Platform
Another cornerstone of the bill is the creation of an online platform by the Welsh Ministers, curated to provide extensive information about Welsh elections for voters. This initiative ensures that comprehensive data regarding elections and candidates is easily accessible to all.
Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution, Mick Antoniw, articulated: “The reforms embodied in this bill signify the substantial advancements we have championed in consolidating Welsh democracy in recent years, including the enfranchisement of 16 and 17-year-olds, and qualifying foreign nationals. We aim to implement these changes for the pivotal devolved and local elections in 2026 and 2027, propelling us towards realising our extended vision for electoral reform.
“This initiative is fundamentally about facilitating effortless participation in democracy for all. Our strategies for eliminating barriers starkly contrast with those of the UK Government, which has, through the imposition of photo ID requirements, negated the democratic rights of some voters in recent English local elections.”
Jess Blair, Director of Electoral Reform Society Cymru, commented: “Today’s legislation introduced by the Welsh Government heralds the ushering in of a 21st-century democracy in Wales. It’s commendable that Ministers are strategising to enhance voting accessibility, dismantling barriers many encounter.
“Transitioning to Automatic Voter Registration negates obstacles for newly enfranchised voters. We anticipate this will foster enhanced data sharing between services, eliminating the inconvenience of address updates following relocations. This adjustment aligns Wales with global leaders in democracy, who seamlessly integrate voters into the registration process.
“We also applaud the introduction of a unified voter information platform. Consolidating resources related to democracy in Wales into a singular portal will undoubtedly streamline access for voters, who currently navigate through disparate resources.”
Crime
Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order
AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.
On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.
The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.
The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.
News
Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.
The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.
The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.
Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.
“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”
Crime
Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire
ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.
Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.
Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.
Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference: 24000446140
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
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