An “open and constructive dialogue” is key to ensuring that any future legislation to merge Wales’ local authorities is successful, according to a National Assembly committee.
The Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee has been considering the draft Local Government Wales Bill which, if passed, could lead to a reduction in the number of authorities in Wales from the current 22 to either eight or nine.
The committee acknowledged that the Minister for Public Services, Leighton Andrews AM, is keen to progress with the mergers, not least to end the uncertainty faced by local government and in particular, council staff.
While the committee also recognised the potential for savings to be made as a result of mergers in the medium to long-term, it is concerned about the ability of authorities to meet the upfront cost of mergers.
Christine Chapman AM, Chair of the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee, said: “The committee heard evidence to suggest that some form of structural change is necessary within local government.
“We have considered the Minister’s proposals contained in the draft Bill which, if taken forward, will dramatically change the structure of local government in Wales. It is therefore important that the Welsh Government continues to engage in open and constructive dialogue to ensure that these changes are workable, enduring and robust.”
The Welsh Government’s consultation on the draft Bill recently closed and the Minister will be making a statement on progress before the end of this Assembly. Any decision on legislation will be made by the next Assembly.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has previously said it will resist any merger and that it wants to “stand alone”.