At yesterday’s meeting of the Full Council (2 July), members of Cyngor Gwynedd adopted a Diversity in Democracy Statement, as well as implementing a work programme to achieve it.
Cyngor Gwynedd has been supportive of promoting diversity in democracy for several years and adopted the original Diversity in Democracy Statement in October 2021. Since then, several positive steps have been taken to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to stand in elections.
By adopting the update to the statement, Cyngor Gwynedd commits to:
- Provide a clear public commitment to improving diversity in democracy
- Demonstrate an open and welcoming culture to all, promoting the highest standards of behaviour and conduct
- Promote actions as a Diverse Council ahead of the 2027 local elections
- Demonstrate a commitment to a duty of care for Councillors
- Consider how to provide flexibility in council business by reviewing our practical arrangements
- Continue to encourage all members to accept the allowances and salaries to which they are entitled, particularly any reimbursement for costs of care, so that all members receive fair remuneration for their work and that the role of member is not limited to those who can afford it.
- Work towards ensuring that councillors from under-represented groups are represented whenever possible in high profile, high influence roles.
Councillor Llio Elenid Owen, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, said:
With the Wales Local Government elections looming in May 2027, it is timely to review our statement that promotes diversity in democracy.
It is important that representation that reflects the society we live in in Gwynedd is encouraged to stand in elections. I encourage Gwynedd residents from all backgrounds to go for it."
A copy of the Statement and the work programme can be found on Cyngor Gwynedd's website: Cyngor Gwynedd Diversity Statement.