Bridgend Town Council is one of four Town Councils and sixteen Community Councils in the County Borough of Bridgend on the southern coastal belt of the Principality. The population of the immediate town is approximately 15,000, distributed over three wards; Morfa, Oldcastle and Newcastle. Bridgend Town Council is an elected body of 19 councillors. Business discussed at a Town Council meeting is primarily of local Bridgend Town importance – but sometimes can include discussions on issues which are at regional or national importance. Meetings are open to the public and press who are entitled to record and report on anything that may be said in debate. The Town Council is consulted by the County Borough Council regarding matters within the Town Council area, in particular; planning applications. Members of the council sit on numerous charitable committees and various School Governing Bodies. The Council’s affairs are administered by an appointed Town Clerk, with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor elected by the town councillors each year.