Welsh councils reject reform plans

More councils have voiced opposition to the Welsh Government’s proposal to cut their number from 22 to ten (LTT 30 Mar & 08 Jun). Under the proposals, Conwy County Borough Council would merge with Denbighshire. But Conwy says: “We believe that this is the worst of times to be contemplating the reorganisation of local authorities in Wales. We have an uncertain political and financial climate due to Brexit. We have in prospect an imminent change in leadership in Welsh Government. We have the parliamentary review into the integration of health and social care and the emerging collaborative role for local government in the development of primary and community care.” The Green Paper proposes that Monmouthshire should merge with Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent. But Monmouthshire says this would set back the regionalisation agenda, such as the Cardiff capital city region deal, “where we have been making great strides”.