WLGA to offer alternative vision on public services reform

The Welsh Local Government Association is to approach the First Minister for an urgent discussion about delivering alternative proposals to the shake-up recommended last month by an independent commission.

Amongst a range of recommendations, the Commission on Public Service Governance and Delivery chaired by Sir Paul Williams called for the 22 existing local authorities in Wales to be merged into between 10 and 12 larger councils.

In a statement backed by the leaders of the WLGA’s Labour, Plaid, Independent and Conservative groups, the Association said the approach to the First Minister would “test the parameters” of alternative proposals to the Willaims Commission’s recommendations.

“This proposal from the WLGA has the full support from the Leader of every Welsh council,” it said.

“We accept that change will occur. But we will fully explore an alternative set of proposals which are pragmatic, examine existing boundaries and set out a properly costed detailed financial analysis, which is not contained in the Commission’s Report.”

The WLGA said it would, together with its local authorities, immediately set up a task force to carry out this task and produce an analysis on public services reform.