Laura Sharman 27 January 2015

Council merger plans rejected by minister

Plans for six councils in Wales to merge have been rejected by minister for public services, Leighton Andrews.

Following the publication of the Williams Commission – which called for the number of councils to be reduced from 22 to 12 – Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Vale of Glamorgan Council, Conwy and Denbighshire had put forward voluntary merger proposals.

However, Mr Andrews said while he was impressed by the councils’ ‘willingness to help shape their futures’, the expressions of interest did not set out a ‘compelling’ enough vision for a new authority.

He said: ‘While there were some positive aspects to each Expression of Interest, the Prospectus was clear on what would be required. This included the need for both applicant authorities to set out a compelling vision for the new authority and to provide assurance that post merger arrangements would reduce complexity and increase coherence and coterminosity of public services.’

He also expressed concern the councils would be unable to develop ‘comprehensive’ merger proposals by 30 June 2015.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Technical Support Officer

Wyre Borough Council
Grade 5 £25,992 – £27,711
This is a really exciting time to join Wyre Council, with a new Leader and Chief Executive leading our next chapter. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27934.00 - £35344.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,934 up to £35,344 Per Annum (includes allowance) equal to £14.48 to £18.32 Per HourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Years Keyworker

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
Want to make a difference for children with special educational needs in Greenwich? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Early Years Area SENCo

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£39,855 - £42,324
Have you got extensive experience in working within Early Years, with a clear understanding of child development Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Young Persons Substance Misuse Service Pathfinder

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Are you looking to change the lives of young people? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner