18 Jun 2018
The voice of housing professionals must be at the heart of local authority merger discussions
'Weighing the options' focuses on the impact proposed local authority mergers could have on housing delivery in Wales. The findings demonstrate the range of opinions from those who feel reforms will have a negative impact on the services they deliver to those who feel transformation is needed.
The report found that:
- Communication was a consistent theme with many respondents feeling discussions about the mergers were dominated by political disagreements and that the full impact of potential merger had not been considered and they were in the dark about what would happen to their jobs and the communities they work in.
- over 50% highlighted concerns about losing touch with local needs and accountability.
- the highest number of respondent (32%) selected that their preferred option would be no merger - the next highest was voluntary merger, selected by 26%
- the positive outcomes of merger were identified, these included more opportunities to share best practice, share resources, expert staff and provide communities with more housing options.
Catherine May | manager of Tyfu Tai Cymru
Our report shows how important it is that housing professionals working within local authorities have a clear voice in shaping how the proposed changes could impact housing delivery in their area. Whilst there are clearly fears over how the proposals could work in practice there are also some great ideas about how to improve the delivery of the housing function. It is vital that Welsh Government ministers take swift action to have an open dialogue with housing professionals and ensure their expertise and insight play a positive role as discussions progress.
Matt Dicks | director at CIH Cymru
We’re calling today for the Welsh government and local authorities to take swift action to ensure the voice of housing professionals is fully considered in these merger discussions. It is crucial that as a first step, the Minister for Housing & Regeneration and the Cabinet secretary for Local government and Public services come together to hear the views of these professionals and consider how the proposals can benefit from their insight.
