Julie James, Minister for Housing and Local Government
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Further to my written statement of 27 June, which confirmed my intention to provide Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (the Council) with formal support under section 28 of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009, I am now in a position to clarify the details of the support which will be delivered to the Council.
As you are aware the support package provided to the Council will be phased and I am pleased to confirm that I have appointed two experienced advisers to deliver the first phase of support on my behalf.
I have appointed Mr John Gilbert, an experienced and well respected local authority Chief Executive, as my external adviser to undertake an initial scoping review of the Council. The review will be a rapid review and will scope the main challenges facing the Council. At the end of the review, Mr Gilbert will provide a report setting out his findings which will be used to identify immediate actions and also inform the next phase of the support package.
In addition, Ms Kate Allsop an experienced political leader, has been appointed as my political adviser. I have appointed Ms Allsop to provide expertise and work with the political members to develop and strengthen working relationships. At the end of the initial phase of the support, Ms Allsop will also provide a report setting out her findings.
My officials are currently finalising the details of the advisers’ appointments and it is hoped they will be able to commence their roles at the earliest opportunity.