AN application by a town and community councillor to take a seat at the Powys Public Service Board (PSB) was unsuccessful, for now.

The umbrella organisation for most Town and Community Councils in Wales, One Voice Wales’ Maldwyn Area Committee, had nominated Trefeglwys Community Councillor, Derrick Pugh, to be their representative on the PSB for Montgomeryshire.

Cllr Pugh had notified the PSB of this intention and the application was discussed at the board meeting on Thursday, September 19.

Powys Council Leader, Cllr Rosemarie Harris, who chairs the PSB, said: “What do we think of this?

“Members of one voice Wales were happy to nominate him.”

Other members asked about similar representation from South or mid Powys?

Powys County Council head of communications and transformation, Emma Palmer, said: “We have not gone out and asked for extra members of the board.

“We have been approached and the request has been made by this individual to represent that sector.”

Chairman of PAVO, (Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations) the Rev Ian Charlesworth, said: “It would seem to me the credibility would depend on a communication system across the whole of county for every area to decide whether he’s the person.

“Some town and community council representation across the county could be very useful.”

Mid Wales Head of Operations for Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said: “I thought we did not want permanent representatives from this group unless they could speak on behalf of all of them, but we wanted to engage with them.”

Mr Cox pointed out that there was an upcoming meeting with representatives from town and community council and he believed this was the “first step” to find out if they wanted to work with the PSB.

It was decided to hold further discussions.

Under the terms of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 community councils with a turnover of more than  £200,OOO per year must take all reasonable steps in their areas towards meeting the local objectives, including the well being plan.

In Powys there are five community councils that are known to meet this threshold: Brecon, Machynlleth, Newtown, Welshpool and Ystradgynlais.

PSBs have been set up in Wales under the 2015 Well Being of Future Generations Act.

They are made up of representatives from the local authority, health board, fire and rescue authority and Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

The idea is that PSBs are supposed to improve joint working across all public services in each local authority area in Wales.

In Powys the future well being plan is called “Towards 2040” and it has four identified objectives:

People will experience a stable and thriving economy.

People will enjoy a sustainable and productive environment.

People will be healthy, socially motivated and responsible.

People will be connected by strong communities and a vibrant culture.