Independent group refuse full control in Merthyr

6.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 6th Apr 2009

Battle-lines in Merthyr council have been drawn over the most unlikely of issues - a change to the constitution, which outlines the way the council is governed. Lib Dems, Labour and one independent are on one side and the independent group are on the other.

Lib Dem group leader Kevin O'Connor proposed changing the way the council runs - by giving more control to the largest group. The move was supported by Labour, but was blocked by the Independent group.

Councillor Kevin O'Connor said, "Merthyr council is using an outdated system which the vast majority of council's have rejected. We wanted to change to a system known as the Leader and Cabinet model, which almost all other councils use. It is much easier for the public to understand and makes the whole council process a lot more transparent.

"The Independent group gave no explanation as to why they favour the current system and I am very disappointed that they have refused to seize this opportunity to take full control of and responsibility for the running of the council."

Kevin O'Connor added, "They are happy to use the present system as an excuse why things can't be done, but they shy away from changing it as well."

The Lib Dems and Labour worked together to propose modernising the council. The current system forces all groups to work in committees and makes it very difficult for any group to take executive control. The system has been widely criticised and is being phased out in England. Only three of Wales' 22 councils use it.

Amy Kitcher, Lib Dem spokesperson for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney added, "This was never about who is in charge or who gets what jobs. Its about making Merthyr Council a modern fit-for-purpose operation. We want to see waste and inefficiency cut out of this council. And we want clear accountability to the public. These things will never happen while the two Independent groups force councillors to work in such an outdated system."