Service
Partnerships and Community Engagement
Community and Town Councils are at the frontline, closer to residents than anyone else, and your role is vital during these challenging times. With rising costs of food, energy, and housing, many households across Wales are struggling. In 2024, 34% of people reported difficulty affording everyday essentials.
But you don’t have to do it alone. When councils engage deeply with their communities and work in partnership with voluntary organisations, local authorities, faith groups, schools, and businesses, real change becomes possible. This joined-up approach unlocks vital funding, extends your reach, and delivers lasting, sustainable solutions.
Meaningful consultation ensures that local voices shape the services and decisions that affect them most. In times like these, collaboration and engagement aren’t just good practice—they are essential. They’re the difference between surviving and thriving. With strong leadership, councils can turn hardship into hope—and help build a stronger, fairer, and more resilient Wales for all.
Resources for Councils
- Guide to Working with Partners – How to collaborate with other organisations effectively.
- Guide to Effective Community Consultation – Strategies for engaging residents and hearing every voice.
- Guide to Older People Engagement & Services – Tailored support for the most vulnerable.
- Guide to Youth Engagement and Services – Effective strategies to consult with younger residents.
- Organising a Community Event
- Guide to Community Transport
- Guide to Warm Hubs
- Guide to Digital Inclusion and Support
- Guide to Tackling Food Poverty
Signposting Support – Where to Direct Residents
- Welsh Government Cost of Living Support Hub – information on support and advice to help with the increased cost of living
- Care & Repair Cymru – Help for older people to live independently and safely
- Digital Communities Wales – Free digital inclusion training
- Volunteering Wales – Promote or find volunteer opportunities
- Age Cymru Benefits Advice – Support with benefits and entitlements
What Councils Can do
- Warm Hubs & Community Spaces – Provide warmth, hot meals, social interaction, and support
- Food Initiatives – Set up foodbanks, pantries, or community fridges in partnership with local stores
- Financial Advice & Signposting – Connect residents with CVCs, Citizens Advice, or benefit support
- Support for Older People – Run befriending services, digital help sessions, or community transport
- Events with Purpose – Host low-cost or free community events that also offer practical support
Funding and Potential Information
- National Lottery Awards for All Wales – support for communities on what matters, including cost of living.
- Warm Hubs Fund (Welsh Government) – to support community spaces and warm hubs.
- NFU Mutual Agency Giving Fund – funds small local charities delivering essential community services.
- Democratic Engagement Grant – Funds organisations to boost democratic engagement.
Council Legislation and Powers
- Power to create committees (including co-opted members) to deliver services – Local Government Act 1972
- Power to engage and consult residents on local priorities – Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011
- Power to fund and support recreational and community initiatives – Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, s19
- Power to provide land for community gardening and growing – Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908
The legal powers and justifications available to councils can differ based on their specific circumstances. For tailored advice and guidance, councils are encouraged to contact their One Voice Wales Development Officer.
[email protected]
Get in Touch
Want to get involved, share a project, or ask for support? We’re here to help.
Email: [email protected]
Join the Conversation: Cost of Living Crisis Forum – Facebook Group