Newport City Council’s plan to update its constitution could be outsourced to consultants.

A scrutiny committee heard the council constitution needs modernising, and it is expected a new version could be in place in three years’ time.

Head of law Mike Wallbank told the committee consultants could be brought in to take charge of the project, but that option would involve extra costs.

Committee chairman Cllr Mark Howells questioned whether decision-makers had offered to “make money available” for consultants.

“We haven’t identified where that money’s coming from – [that’s] the next stage in the process,” replied Mr Wallbank.

A council report describes the constitution as requiring “updating and modernising”, with several policies that could be incorporated.

“Various proposals have been put forward and at this stage, the council needs to reach a consensus regarding how to move forward with this item,” the report noted.

At the meeting, Cllr Ray Mogford urged officers to “address” the project, which is currently expected to be completed by the end of March 2029.