As we look ahead to welcoming delegates to the Welsh Local Government Association’s (WLGA) annual conference in Llandudno in a few weeks, it is impossible to ignore the parlous state of democracy.
In recent times, politics has been increasingly characterised by polarisation, uncertainty and crisis. Headlines are dominated by resurgent authoritarianism, geopolitical conflict and budgetary woes.
Yet it is in times such as these that local democracy emerges as a foundation of stability, accountability and practical governance.
A democratically elected local government sits at the frontline of public service delivery.
Councils play a vital role in shaping our communities, responding to local needs, and delivering services that people rely on every day. They occupy a governance level which is most closely – and directly – linked, and accountable to, our communities.
This is where potholes are filled, social care is provided, schools are funded, housing is allocated, and decisions are made about green spaces, transport, and public safety.
These are not abstract policy debates – they are the tangible elements of daily life for our residents. And therein lies the power of our councils.
But of course, we don’t operate in a vacuum.
The relationship between central and local governments is vital to ensure that our residents’, communities’ and businesses’ needs are met.
In Wales, we have long had a strong, constructive relationship with the Welsh Government, based on the principle of social partnership, which has led to better outcomes for our communities.
In the same vein, we have welcomed a step change in the new UK Government’s attitude towards the public sector that we will look forward to building on in the future.
Nevertheless, we know that local government across the UK faces myriad challenges of its own, not least the social care funding crisis and ever-shrinking council budgets, responding to the impacts of climate change, and meeting the increasing needs of an ageing population.
None of these issues can be solved alone, and will require a concerted effort co-designed by local, devolved and UK governments.
The Prime Minister has rightly identified the need for democratic renewal. Investing in strong, autonomous local councils is a necessity to continue to deliver for residents and to seek to curb the cynicism that has besieged our politics for far too long.
As politics becomes more complex and contested, local government remains one of the few spaces where pragmatic, responsive, and participatory politics is still possible.
It may not capture international headlines, but it holds something rarer – the trust and engagement of real people in real places.
And in a time of global disorder, that may be democracy’s most valuable asset.
- The WLGA’s annual conference – the biggest event in the Welsh local government calendar – will take place in person at Venue Cymru (Llandudno) on 18 and 19 June. Almost one year on from the UK general election and with less than a year to go until the Senedd election in spring 2026, delegates will hear from leading politicians from local and national governments, and representatives from academia, business and the third sector. To find out more and book your place, please visit www.wlga.wales/wlga-annual-conference-2025