By Richard Johnstone | 26 September 2014
Local government in Wales will be reformed by April 2018, according to a timeline set out by Welsh public services minister Leighton Andrews.
In a speech to the Welsh Assembly on Tuesday, Andrews also called on councils to develop their own plans to cut their numbers.
He told AMs that ‘fundamental change’ was needed to create modern and effective local government following the recommendations of the Commission on Public Service Governance and Delivery.
The commission’s report, which was published last April, was sobering and provided a compelling case for mergers, Andrews said.
‘In addition, we know the problems facing local authorities in Wales are likely to be compounded by the worsening financial situation and increased demand for services.’
As a result, the country cannot continue to operate with 22 local authorities, he said. If councils themselves could not agree plans for reform, the government could impose a reduction.
‘There will be change, voluntary or not, and I am offering a unique opportunity to those who are willing. I hope they seize this opportunity since those who agree to merge voluntarily will determine their own future and will not face elections until May 2018.’
Andrews said that he would set out plans for additional funding to incentivise voluntary mergers after the Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2015/16, which is expected next week.
‘Local authorities who wish to end uncertainty for their staff and the wider public should urgently consider how best they can come together with neighbouring authorities to deliver services on a more strategic basis.
‘I value frontline local authority services and the thousands of public service workers who deliver those services. Later this year will bring forward proposals for a staff commission to help them during the transition.’
