Local Government (Wales) Act 2015

20 Consultation and investigation

(1) In conducting an initial review, the Commission must conduct the investigations considered appropriate by the Commission.

(2) After carrying out the investigations under subsection (1), the Commission must prepare a report containing—

(a) the proposals which it considers appropriate for the electoral arrangements for the proposed principal area and any proposals which it may consider appropriate for relevant consequential changes, and

(b) details of the review it conducted.

(3) The Commission must—

(a) publish the report on a website,

(b) secure that the report is available for inspection (without charge) at the offices of the principal local authorities whose principal areas are to be merged into the proposed principal area for the duration of the period for representations,

(c) send copies of the report to the Welsh Ministers and the mandatory consultees,

(d) inform any persons considered appropriate by the Commission how to obtain a copy of the report, and

(e) invite representations and notify the Welsh Ministers, the mandatory consultees and any persons considered appropriate by the Commission of the period for representations.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3) “the period for representations” is a period of not less than 6, nor more than 12, weeks (as determined by the Commission) beginning no earlier than one week after notice of the period is given.