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

Practice Supervisor

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 per annum, pro rata
The service very much promotes flexible working with the ability to work remotely from other bases, as well as working from home Richmond, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Practice Supervisor

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 per annum, pro rata
The service very much promotes flexible working with the ability to work remotely from other bases, as well as working from home Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Legal Assistant Litigation

Durham County Council
£30,024 to £33,699 p.a. (Grade 7)
The Council’s Regulatory & Enforcement team is expanding and is looking to appoint a legal assistant to support and enhance its litigation work.   WHA Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Customer Services Assistants

Durham County Council
£24,790 to £25,992 p.a. (Grade 4)
A vacancy has arisen within Transactional and Customer Services for two  Customer Services Assistant working full time, 37 hours per week. Your primar Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Litigation Lawyer

Durham County Council
£47,181 to £51,356 p.a. (Grade 13)
The Council’s Regulatory & Enforcement team is expanding and is looking to appoint a lawyer to support and enhance its litigation work.   WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner