200.The pattern of elections to local authorities varies across England and Wales. Some local councils have ‘all out’ elections once every four years, whilst others elect a third of their members in each of three years out of four—commonly known as annual elections. The timing of these electoral cycles also varies depending on the type of local authority.
201.In the White Paper, Modern Local Government: In Touch with the People(11), the Government proposed to build on this well-established system and introduce a form of annual accountability through the ballot box for all local authorities. The White Paper proposed that elections by thirds should become the standard pattern for all unitary councils, including London boroughs. In two-tier areas, the Government proposed a pattern in which both the district councils and county councils would elect by halves in alternate years.
202.The Welsh White Paper, Modernising Local Government in Wales: Local Voices(12), proposed giving the NAW a power to determine the frequency of elections for principal councils. The White Paper also proposed a power for the NAW to rationalise the timing of electoral cycles for all local authorities in Wales.
Introduction Background