The Vale of Glamorgan Council serves one of Wales’ most diverse local authority areas. It contains areas that are attractive, vibrant and thriving. Much of the county is characterised by rolling countryside, coastal communities, seaside resorts, busy market towns and rural villages. The area also benefits from good road and rail links and Cardiff Airport, the national airport for Wales. The area’s distinctive and unique character is one which the Council is working hard to protect and where possible enhance. There are however areas of poverty and deprivation and the Council is working with local communities and other partners to ensure that the needs of different communities are understood and are met, so that all citizens can look forward to a bright future. Elected members and staff are proud to serve our local communities and work with them to promote the Vale of Glamorgan and its many attributes, whilst at the same time maintaining priority local services. The Council provides a wide range of services including schools, waste management, social care and planning, and elected members and staff work together to ensure services are provided to a high standard and meet the needs of our customers. The Vale of Glamorgan Council has 47 elected members or Councillors, each representing an electoral division, or ward. The Council is led by the Leader and Cabinet, a body of seven Councillors that makes key decisions about policy and budget. The Council's Chief Officers are divided into Directors, Heads of Service and Operational Managers. As service managers they make recommendations to, and are held accountable by the Cabinet.