Community and Town Councils are an elected tier of local government and are corporate bodies, each with a legal existence of its own quite separate from that of its members. Councils have been granted powers by Parliament including the right to raise money through taxation (the precept) and a range of powers to spend public money.

Issues that concern community councils include planning, community safety, housing, allotments, cemeteries, playing fields, rights of way, community centres/village halls, war memorials, litter and seats and shelters. The annual spending of community councils can range from under £1,000 to £.5 million.

There are some 740 community councils in Wales with over 8,000 councillors who must be over 21 years of age and appointed by election, co-option or by unopposed return.

In Newport there are 14 community councils in the suburban and rural areas of the City. Some are quite large e.g. Rogerstone and some quite small e.g. Michaelston-y-Fedw. Each Community Council appoints a Chairman and a Clerk. Contact details for all Community Council Clerks are available on this site.

• View related links