Written question WQ83989

The Welsh Government does not provide general guidance to local government on consultation processes.

The Welsh Government would expect local authorities, like other public bodies, to adhere to the numerous duties around consultation which are aligned with a wide range of legislation including, but not limited to, the Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015 (where the Future Generations Commissioner has provided guidance on Involvement); the Equality Act 2010; and the Public Sector Equality Duty. The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 includes duties around encouraging public participation and Welsh Government is currently developing guidance on meeting those requirements. General guidance for local authorities will be further supplemented by the Democracy Handbook currently under development.

There will also be specific guidance on the requirement to consult which is aligned with particular policy areas, such as consultation on planning matters.

The Welsh Local Government Association advises authorities on a range of matters, including consultation processes, and previously produced a ‘Law of Consultation’ guide, which is currently being revised, to be reissued early 2022. This will include an appendix of all relevant statutory requirements for local authorities to consult, involve and engage.

There is also a wider exercise underway to refresh and update open access resources on engagement and involvement, such as the National Principles for Public Engagement. This is being undertaken as a partnership between the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, the Future Generations Commissioner, Co-production Network Wales, Welsh Government’s Third Sector Unit, One Voice Wales and the Citizens Advice Bureau. The aim of this work is to improve coherence, avoid duplication and help achieve a common understanding of effective engagement and involvement practices.