The latest set of proposals for local government reform in Wales have been called “an unnecessary distraction” by the leader of Caerphilly council.
The possible shake-up, announced by the Welsh Government in March, could see the number of local authorities reduced from 22 to 10.
The latest plans propose that Caerphilly council merges with Newport City Council.
Caerphilly council leader Councillor David Poole said: “The new green paper is the latest instalment in the ever-changing discussion about the future of the 22 local authorities and, to be quite frank, I believe this debate is an unnecessary distraction.
“I’m sure all members in this chamber agree that our future focus needs to be on protecting services in the face of an increased financial pressure.
“The latest plans suggest that Caerphilly and Newport councils should merge, but I’m sure it will come as no surprise that there is no support in either council for this suggested way forward.
“My priority is serving the residents of this county and I believe we are big enough, strong enough and resilient enough to stand on our own.
“As you know, Caerphilly council will be providing an official response to the consultation over the coming weeks.”
Three proposals are currently under review.
They propose either voluntary mergers or that some would take place in 2022 and others in 2026, or all mergers being enforced to take place at the same time during 2022.
The other proposed merger in Gwent could see Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire and Torfaen become one authority area.
Outside Gwent, the proposals could see the following mergers: Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan; Bridgend with Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff; Swansea with Port Talbot; Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire; Flintshire and Wrexham; Conwy and Denbighshire; Anglesey and Gwynedd.
Powys would stay as one single authority area.
I am not surprised that Caerphilly council is against the mergers and reforms, after all thr recent dodgy dealings at Caerphilly Council, they are worried of what will come to light. All budgets will be checked before had and any so called mistakes will come to light in all departments. The meger will also weed out the lazy amoung the councils from councillors all the way down to surpervisors. On the down side of a merger it will probably be the workers at the bottom will suffer with job loss, while the mangers stay in place. In my eyes we need a full public enquiry into the dealings of our council.
I don’t think a merger will be beneficial to either Caerphilly or Newport as whichever way you cut the financial cake it can only be detrimental to both authorities,consequently I also believe job losses will be inevitable.
Like you,I can see why Caerphilly are opposed to any merger – their
mis-management and appalling record will be exposed for all to see.
I am not against mergers, in fact I see this as inevitable at some time in future. What I am against is a merger with Newport. Caerffili and Newport have a different history and different needs. Any merger would mean the lion’s share of money would go to Newport.
My own view is that we should go back to a system based the preserved counties. Caerffili is, and has been for centuries, a Glamorganshire town and I would welcome a new Glamorgan County Council which would have real financial clout where economies of scale could mean a better service coupled with real savings for council tax payers.
I am sure you are right that Newport would get the lion’s share of money and I agree that eventually mergers will be forced on all local authorities.
I think a lot of people would prefer to see a new Glamorgan County Council, but I fear that the Government will not go down that route.
Well get this done ASAP.