Description of organisation
The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru is responsible for reviewing and defining the boundaries of local government areas and Senedd constituencies in Wales. From 1st April 2025 it will have responsibility for determining the remuneration framework for members of the principal councils, town and community councillors, fire and rescue authorities, national park authorities and corporate joint committees across Wales. It is also responsible for co-ordinating Welsh elections, through the Electoral Management Board (EMB).
The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru is an independent Welsh Government Sponsored Body whose statutory duties are set out in the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013.
Role description
- Oversee the delivery of Local Government Electoral Boundary Reviews, including one Member taking a Lead Commissioner role for each review.
- Oversee the delivery of Senedd Boundary Reviews.
- Co-ordinate the running of devolved elections in Wales, through the provision of advice and guidance to Returning Officers and Electoral Registration Officers (as part of the Electoral Management Board).
- Ensure effective consultation and engagement on proposals in accordance with the Commission’s Communication and Engagement strategy, ensuring feedback is used to support continuous learning and improvement.
- Analyse and interpret information and make effective use of evidence to support panel decision making across all the Commission’s functions.Determine the level of payments to elected and co-opted members of Unitary Councils, Town and Community Councils, National Park Authorities and Fire and Rescue Authorities (from 1st April 2025).
Appointment type or extension
The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government has appointed Bethan Williams Price for a first term from 15 October 2024 to 14 October 2028 and Karen Jones for a first term from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2028 to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru.
The role is remunerated at £282 per day or £141 per half day.
This appointment was made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
Political activity
All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.
Both Bethan Williams Price and Karen Jones declared no political activity within the last 5 years.
