Councillor’s defence of merger plan is rebuffed

A COUNCILLOR has come out in favour of cutting the number of councils in Wales, after saying his local authority is “too small”.

The comments by Merthyr Tydfil Independent councillor Tony Rogers come as the council considers its reponse to the Welsh Government’s planned local government shake-up.

The move would see Wales’ 22 local authorities cut to just 10.

Under the proposal, Merthyr Tydfil Council would merge with Rhondda Cynon Taf and Bridgend councils.

Cllr Rogers called on the council to back the Welsh Government’s plan, but this was defeated by 29 votes to two.

He said: “It is time that we changed. We should become 10 or even eight local authorities.

“We are too small. We don’t get enough money. We have got to join up. I would be prepared to vote for it.”

He said that having 22 local authorities was “absolutely ridiculous” and that he has never agreed with it and will always vote for 10 authorities.

But there was not much agreement among his colleagues at a council meeting this week.

Council leader Kevin O’Neill said there was nothing of any benefit in the proposals.

He added: “We see no purpose of gain for the people of Merthyr Tydfil.

“We favour working in consultation and collaboration when appropriate.

“Forced mergers would see Merthyr Tydfil end up at the back of the queue.”

Labour councillor Clive Jones described the proposals as “absolutely farcical”.

He said: “We need this happening like we need a hole in the head.

“I don’t know anyone in local government that is dying to do this at the moment.”

He said that collaboration was already happening on various levels.

“I have never believed that the bigger you are the better you are.

“The fact that we’ve survived this era proves that Merthyr Tydfil can operate on its own. I want to see us funded properly.”

Lisa Mytton, deputy leader of the Independent-run council, said: “We are one of the best authorities. We should be really proud of that.

“We have all got Merthyr Tydfil at heart. “It is about growing Merthyr Tydfil. “Let’s not get sucked under by RCT and Bridgend.”

Labour councillor David Isaac said: “People in RCT are jealous of what we have. We need to stay local.”

On Wednesday, Merthyr Tydfil councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of voicing their opposition to the proposed reforms.