The proposed National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Local Government) Order 2009 : fourth report of session 2009-10, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence

The proposed "National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Local Government) Order 2009" is the twelfth Legislative Competence Order on which the Welsh Affairs Committee has reported.

The Order will give the Assembly powers in respect of the structures and work of local government in Wales at all levels.

The Welsh Assembly Government has requested this power because it wishes to develop and strengthen the role of community councils and councillors in Wales.

The proposed Order will allow the Welsh Assembly Government to fulfill its commitment to seek legislation to address issues identified in the 2003 'Aberystwyth Report'.

The Committee agrees that a clear need for the proposed LCO has been identified and is consistent with the Government's commitment to build up the capacity of town and community councils.

The proposed Order is drafted in broad and accessible terms with the minimum of exceptions and interpretation. The Committee is concerned, however, that there are now many terms used to describe the various tiers of local government in Wales and agree with the suggestions put forward that the Minister should speedily undertake a review of terminology relating to local government.

Specifically the term 'community' is cited as having various meanings dependent on context.

Furthermore, given that there have already been several LCO proposals identified in terms of local government, to call this the National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Local Government) Order introduces the potential for confusion.

A title such as "National Assembly for Wale (Legislative Competence) (Community Councils) Order" or similar is suggested.