Council leaders in Wales have urged ministers to engage in ‘a new and open dialogue’ over plans for a radical shake up of local government.

The Welsh Government this week published a white paper on the future of local government, which sets out proposals to reduce the number of authorities through mergers from 22 to 12.

Too many questions remain unanswered around how this will affect council funding and future devolved powers, according to the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA).

‘Fundamental questions remain about the future of local democracy in Wales,’ it said, adding that ‘proper engagement’ was needed between local government and ministers to move the debate forward.

The white paper follows a review led by Sir Paul Williams, which in January recommended councils be merged to leave a maximum of 12 local authorities.

The WLGA said it was unclear how the latest proposals ‘significantly develop those already contained in the Williams report’.

Cllr Bob Wellington, leader of the WLGA said: ‘The First Minister’s announcement and the local government white paper still leaves many questions unanswered and many unknowns for local government in Wales. With the leaders of the 22 authorities, I intend to meet with the First Minister at the earliest opportunity to discuss the way forward on these many important issues.’

Local government minister Lesley Griffiths said she would be seeking council views on the white paper, which is open to consultation until 1 October.

‘We want local authorities which are designed for the 21st century so this white paper is about reform in every sense of the word,’ she said.

‘Merging local authorities is part of this, but changing the way councils make decisions, improving how they connect with their communities and developing how they scrutinise and improve their own performance are as important to achieve better services and outcomes for the people of Wales.

‘Local authorities must be open, transparent and respond to the voices in their communities. They should be striving to improve their performance at all times, not just when inspectors are at the door. In too many cases, the performance of services is not good enough.’