9(1)Section 390 (constitution of advisory councils) is amended as follows.
(2)In subsection (1), after “local authority” insert “in England”.
(3)After subsection (1) insert—
“(1A)A local authority in Wales shall constitute a standing advisory council on Religion, Values and Ethics for the purposes mentioned in section 391(1A).”
(4)In subsection (2), for “The council” substitute “A council constituted under subsection (1) or (1A)”.
(5)In subsection (3), for “The council” substitute “A council constituted under subsection (1) or (1A)”.
(6)In subsection (4)—
(a)in paragraph (a), before “a group” insert “in the case of an area in England,”;
(b)after paragraph (a) insert—
“(aa)in the case of an area in Wales, a group of persons to represent—
(i)Christian denominations and other religions and denominations of such religions, and
(ii)non-religious philosophical convictions;”.
(7)In subsection (6), after “appointed” insert “by a local authority in England”.
(8)After subsection (6) insert—
“(6A)A local authority in Wales, in appointing persons to a representative group under subsection (4)(aa), must take all reasonable steps to secure the outcome referred to in subsection (6B).
(6B)The outcome is that the number of members appointed to the group to represent a religion, denomination or non-religious philosophical conviction shall, so far as is consistent with the efficient discharge of the group’s functions, reflect broadly the proportionate strength of that religion, denomination or non-religious philosophical conviction in the area.”
(9)After subsection (7) insert—
“(8)In exercising functions under this section, a local authority in Wales must have regard to any guidance given by the Welsh Ministers.
(9)In this section, “non-religious philosophical conviction” has the same meaning as in section 375A(3).”