Government in Wales

WalesGovernment

Unitary Authorities
Local authorities are described by the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 as "principal councils", and their areas as "principal areas".

Councillors are elected for a term of four years. All persons over aged 18 or over are eligible to vote.

Under the Act, each council formed for a county is allocated the respective English and Welsh descriptions of County Council/Cyngor Sir, each council formed for a County Borough is allocated the respective descriptions of County Borough Council / Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol; in all cases the shorter alternative forms Council / Cyngor can be used.

Wales is divided into 22 of these unitary authorities, 11 of which are defined as counties and 11 as county boroughs:

Each council is responsible for the provision of all local government services, including:


 * education
 * social work
 * environmental protection
 * local highways

Community Councils
Within these areas there are also elected Community Councils to which responsibility for specific aspects of the application of local policy may be devolved.