Eluned Parrott;11. Will the Minister make a statement on the accessibility of local authority meetings? OAQ(4)0417(LG)
Janet Finch-Saunders;Alongside local authorities, of course, community councils play a vital role in local democracy and enable local communities to play a role in determining how their services are carried out. However, I do receive complaints—it must be said that they are from across Wales—that not all community councils are enabling local residents to get easy access to council meetings. Many are not aware because, as Rhun AM mentioned, agendas and minutes are often not available online. I was under the impression that you had awarded £500 to be given to community councils to enable them to set up websites. Again, how are you monitoring that that money is being used for its purpose? What steps are you taking to ensure that those who pay the precept for a community council feel that they can access all the business that goes on within their local community council?
Lesley Griffiths;The Member is quite right: we did provide £500 for each town and community council to set up a website and you will have heard me say, in my answer to Peter Black, that I will write to him clarifying how many have actually set up a website and I am very happy to write to you too.