What consideration has the Welsh Government given to a potential voluntary merger of all local authorities in North Wales?
None.
The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 provides for two or more local authorities to make an application to Welsh Government to consider a merger. No representations have been made to date.
Before making an application for merger, local authorities must undertake a consultation, including with local people.
The 2021 Act also provided for the establishment of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committees to support regional collaboration between all local authorities in that region. It is for councils to come forward with proposals for additional functions to be exercised in this way.