What steps is the Government taking to encourage local authorities to exercise their new powers to introduce the Single Transferrable Vote by the deadline of 15 November 2024, which is required if changes are to be implemented by the next local government elections in 2027?
The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 gave principal councils in Wales the option to choose between ‘first past the post’ and Single Transferable Vote (STV) systems for principal council elections. All 22 principal councils in Wales will continue to use the first past the post system unless they decide to change in accordance with the procedure set out in the 2021 Act.
I can confirm that both Gwynedd and Powys County Council have voted to consult locally on the option of moving to STV.
As a government, we are neutral on councils’ electoral systems. To support informed choice, we recently brought in to force the Local Elections (Principal Areas) (Single Transferable Vote) (Wales) Rules 2023 that give certainty and clarity on the running of an election using STV. It is now for Local Authorities to decide.
Officials will continue to work closely with the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders on guidance to support Councils in understanding and implementing the Rules. We will continue to raise awareness through regular engagement with the WLGA and councils.