27.01.15
Welsh council merger plans rejected
Voluntary merger proposals by six Welsh councils have been rejected by Leighton Andrews, the public services minister.
Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen, Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan, and Conwy and Denbighshire, had suggested pairing up in response to an appeal for voluntary mergers, following the Williams Commission that called for the country’s 22 councils to be cut by half.
But, despite appealing for voluntary mergers, Andrews said that he doesn’t think any of the expressions of interest received “sufficiently meets” the Welsh government’s criteria.
In a statement he said: “I am disappointed to report that on the basis of this assessment I am not persuaded that any one of these Expressions of Interest sufficiently meets the criteria for moving ahead to prepare a full Voluntary Merger Proposal.”
However, he did welcome the leadership shown by the political leaders of each of the authorities concerned, and their “willingness to help shape their futures”.
Following the decision, Cllr Neil Moore, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “The interests of our residents have been our primary concern and this is why I am deeply saddened by the decision of Welsh government.
“In light of today’s announcement we will be considering what options are now left available to the Vale of Glamorgan and how the needs of our residents can be best met.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]