Local and Central Government - The town has seen many changes since the creation of the Penarth Local Board in 1875. In 1895 Penarth Urban District Council and Glamorgan County Council became responsible for local government services up to 1974. With its ‘claimed powers’ the Urban District Council was identified with most of the everyday services in the town, operating from the Council Offices in Albert Road and West House in Stanwell Road. In 1974 South Glamorgan County Council, Vale of Glamorgan Borough Council and Penarth Town Council came into being and in April 1996 a second re-organisation saw both the County and Borough Councils disappear to be replaced by the Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council. With headquarters in Barry the new authority exercises all the functions and responsibilities of the former Borough and County Councils with the Town Council operating from West House at the most local level.
In parliamentary terms Penarth has been switched between various constituencies over the years. Despite the town's affiliation with the Vale of Glamorgan the parliamentary seat is that of Cardiff South and Penarth. In 1999 the National Assembly for Wales came into being under the devolved government arrangements and there is a local Assembly Member for Cardiff South and Penarth and four regional members representing South Wales Central, within which Penarth lies. At European level four elected representatives represent the Wales Region in the European Parliament.
PENARTH TOWN COUNCIL
The Town Council provides various services in its own right, complementing those of the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the current set-up has provided opportunities for a closer say and partnership working in the provision of some. Being ‘local’ the Town Council is well placed to perform an important representational role by presenting the local viewpoint to various bodies whose actions might affect the town. Town Councillors and officers are able to provide assistance and advice to the public seeking help and guidance at a local level and the Council Offices are open to the public Monday - Friday 8.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. (4.30 p.m. Friday).
Amongst the Town Council’s responsibilities are the Paget Rooms - a Grade11 listed building used for shows, concerts, dances, receptions, exhibitions etc. and the Kymin – a meeting place for clubs and organisations which is used also for receptions, exhibitions, parties etc. The spacious grounds are laid out for public walks and leisure purposes including barbecue hire. The Town Council also administers Penarth Cemetery and is responsible for four leisure garden (allotment) sites, two being private. Open space provision includes Pembroke Terrace Amenity and Play Area and St. Augustine’s Triangle and the Council is responsible also for the Rotary Clock on the town centre roundabout as well as the Council Offices and grounds at West House which provides accommodation for various public bodies and organisations including Penarth C.A.B.
Community involvement includes the organisation of the annual Penarth Summer Festival, Christmas Festivities and street decorations together with Town Twinning. The Town Council exercises a strong representational role in relation to planning applications and more general planning issues and seeks to play a part in improving the local environment and amenities of the town e.g. the provision of floral displays and public seating.
