Austin Macauley 07 October 2014

Welsh council considers merger options

Rhondda Cynon Taf is to investigate the pros and cons of merging with neighbouring authorities.

The council said its response to the Welsh Government’s consultation on voluntary mergers must be based on a strong business case.

The Williams review of local government in Wales, published earlier this year, recommended a merger of Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil councils.

Council leader Andrew Morgan said that while the local authority already jointly delivered a number of services with Merthyr, it did not necessarily mean merger was the right option.

‘For us to take the right approach in the best interests of Rhondda Cynon Taf, its services and our residents, we must undertake a detailed assessment of what our options are,’ said Cllr Morgan.

‘Only after assessing what is possible and what the potential benefits may be both financially and for services can we provide an informed response to the Welsh Government.

‘We may wish to argue that an authority the size of Rhondda Cynon Taf could feasibly argue to stand alone when you consider the economies of scale we already achieve when compared to neighbouring authorities, but we cannot strongly defend our position if we have not explored what opportunities there may be.’

He said the council would discuss options with other local authorities before submitting a response.

‘It may be that another one of our neighbouring authorities may, and I stress only may, offer a better result from consideration of a merger.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner