TOWN and Community Councils in Powys, with a turnover of £200,000 and more, could be invited to an annual conference with the Public Service Board (PSB).

The Powys PSB will be meeting on Thursday and will discuss this proposal.

The report in front of the board, says: “Under the terms of the act, community councils with a turnover of more than  £200,OOO per year must take all reasonable steps in its areas towards meeting the local objectives, including the well being plan.

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

The report states that the calculation is based on the precept information that is added on top of the Council Tax bill.

Other town/community councils in Powys could have assets and income taking them over the £200,000 threshold.

The report adds: “Meetings have been held with several of these councils however this has been on an ad hoc basis.

“Community councils have identified a lack of interaction and engagement with the PSB and its work.

“It is proposed that the PSB agrees to an annual meeting, or conference, with community councils.

“Specifically with those caught by the Act but potentially extending the invitation to all community councils.

“Extending an invitation to all councils would ensure that those meeting the threshold, but which have not been identified, would be included.

“An annual meeting would enable to community councils to engage with the PSB, better understand its work and contribute to the objectives.

The report adds that the PSB wants to develop a relationship with town/community councils and that their work would help delivering the “Towards 2040” vision.

If agreed the conference could take place in the autumn.

According to the report, costs and staffing could be “kept to a minimum” if it were held on the same day as a normal meeting.”

The  four identified objectives in “Towards 2040” Vision for Powys future well-being plan are:

• People in Powys will experience a stable and thriving economy

• People in Powys will enjoy a sustainable and productive environment

• People in Powys will be healthy, socially motivated and responsible

• People in Powys will be connected by strong communities and a vibrant culture

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

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

Representatives of the Police, Welsh Government and Volunteer Groups could also be invited to be part of meetings.

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