Jamie Hailstone 02 December 2014

Councils fail to agree voluntary mergers

Just six of the 22 local authorities in Wales have submitted voluntary merger plans in time for the government's deadline.

The Welsh minister for public services, Leighton Andrews, confirmed the Government received only three bids by the deadline – Conwy CC and Denbighshire CC, Bridgend CC and the Vale of Glamorgan CC, and Torfaen CC and Blaenau Gwent CC.

The deadline for voluntary expressions of interest to merger was 28 November, following the publication of the Williams Commission report earlier this year, which recommended merging the 22 councils into 10, 11 or 12 unitary authorities.

Mr Andrews said: ‘By engaging in this process, they recognise the opportunity voluntary mergers offer them to be at the vanguard of shaping the future role of local government in Wales.’

The Welsh Government had also received a letter from Swansea City Council and Neath Port Talbot CC, indicating they are willing to explore the possibility of merging.

The minister said he would be writing to the respective councils in the New Year, setting out his views on the bids.

Several other councils rejected the idea of merging with neighbouring authorities altogether or failed to find a suitable partner.

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