Ten Welsh councils have agreed to work together to develop a “combined authority” that could make key decisions for the South East Wales region on economic development, transport and planning.
The ten Welsh councils, which includes Caerphilly, will now look to discuss the proposal further with Welsh Government and other bodies.
The new authority body is not intended to affect Welsh Government plans to merge Welsh councils.
While there have been numerous announcements on the establishment of similar combined authorities in England over recent months, this will be the first example of the approach being taken in Wales.
On behalf of all council leaders in South East Wales, Cllr Bob Wellington CBE, Leader of Torfaen and the Welsh Local Government Association said: “The debate on the form and function of local government is moving rapidly in Wales, and this agreement demonstrates how local councils are exploring innovative new ways of doing business that will offer communities a settled and lasting outcome that is fit for purpose now and into the future.
“Whatever the final shape and number of councils in Wales once Welsh Government merger plans come to fruition, the new councils will still need to work closely together to improve the effectiveness of public services. The development of a combined authority will not create a new or ‘extra’ organisation. It will create a clear decision making structure that will allow councils to deliver at a strategic regional level, while also ensuring local communities retain a strong role in shaping their sense of place and the services they receive.
“This is an important development and one we have been working towards for some time. It complements the work of the Cardiff Capital City Region Board, meets the aspirations of the Welsh Government and it will deliver on the shared commitment we all have as council leaders to deliver for the communities of South East Wales.
“There is much work left to do, and we look forward to discussing the proposal further with Welsh Government and our wider regional partners. If successful, the proposal will bring regional collaboration to previously un-reached levels, and will mark a significant evolution of local government’s role in Wales.”
The ten councils are Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan.