New proposals to slash the number of councils in Wales
THE number of councils in Wales will be cut to as few as 10 under “radical” plans put up for consultation this week.
The Welsh Government has announced its latest plans to streamline the number of councils.
Public services cabinet secretary Alun Davies is the third minister to look at changes to the structure of Wales’ 22 councils following Leighton Andrews and Mark Drakeford.
The proposal published on Tuesday includes the option of the following councils merging together:
Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil;
Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire;
Newport and Caerphilly;
Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff;
Anglesey and Gwynedd;
Conwy and Denbighshire;
Flintshire and Wrexham; Powys; Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire;
Swansea and Neath Port Talbot
The average population of the new areas would be just over 311,000.
Mr Davies laid out three ways that councils could be reorganised to be better run.
The options laid out by the cabinet secretary are between voluntary mergers, a phased approach or a comprehensive merger programme.
Mr Davies says that there should be fewer, larger authorities.
The consultation document reads: “The Welsh Government believes that it is time to seriously examine creating fewer, larger local authorities. We have considered other alternatives, such as a long-term boundary review, two-tier local authorities, creating combined authorities or taking some services out of local control, as well as continued voluntary regional working.”
But he says it has to be more than just changing the size and number of councils.
“Creating new stronger, more sustainable local authorities, supported by appropriate regional delivery, will build on the advantages of our current system while addressing the challenges it faces”.
A Green Paper consultation lays out the proposals.
Mr Davies said: “I believe in public service and the fundamental role local government plays in communities across Wales.
“Wales needs strong, effective, empowered local authorities which can weather continued austerity and build local democratic structures fit for future generations. I do not believe that our local authorities, as currently constituted, can fully play this role; and I am not alone.
“Councils have been clear that services are wearing down to the point of collapse and there is a general acceptance that things cannot carry on as they are and a general acknowledgement that more money, even if it were available, would not solve the problem.
“I also know local government has made real efforts to change, adapt and invest for the future but I also understand that in the face of UK Government cuts, there are limited options to ensuring the future sustainability of local services. Unless we do something radical in response to these challenges we all recognise, the role of local government will increasingly be one of managed decline.
“The next step must be game-changing. I believe there are many in local government who understand this and I am committed to working with them to secure change.
“I have already announced proposals to increase participation and improve the democratic process for everyone in Wales, today I am launching a consultation on further re-invigorating the local government landscape.”
He said: “I recognise there are a number of challenges in creating larger, stronger authorities; but these challenges are not insurmountable. If we do proceed with one of the options for creating larger authorities in the future, we will provide early practical support to local authorities.”
The proposals contained in the Green Paper would be delivered in combination with offering further powers and freedoms to local government, proposals to reinvigorate local democracy, increase transparency, provide more effective scrutiny and better support for elected members.
This would form part of a broader approach which includes strengthened regional working in key areas.