Original by Laura Sharman, LocalGov - https://www.localgov.co.uk/Welsh-local-councils-accused-of-operating-in…

Local councils in Wales have been accused of being 'secretive and anti-democratic' after research revealed not all provide electronic access to minutes and meetings.

Research by the Welsh Conservatives found 10% of community councils do not have websites, while two-thirds do not have access to Facebook or Twitter.

It also found only a third of those with their own website have the option of translating their pages into Welsh or English.

Shadow local government secretary, Janet Finch-Saunders, said: 'To have such a large amount of community and town councils which are in charge of public money and make decisions on behalf of society operating in such secretive ways is disgraceful and, simply put, anti-democratic.

'If Wales truly is a democratic nation, then this "behind closed doors culture" cannot be tolerated.'

Community councils are required to publish information and notices electronically under the Local Government (Democracy) Act 2013.