Rhondda and Merthyr councils merger 'might not save money'

A south Wales council has said it will not merge voluntarily with a neighbouring authority because it might not save money.

Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) said initially it would only join forces with Merthyr Tydfil if it was in its best interests.

Ministers want the number of councils in Wales to drop from 22 to 10 or 12 following a recommendation by the Williams Commission.

A voluntary merger between Caerphilly council and Merthyr is possible.

But RCT decided on Thursday it would not continue with a voluntary merger with Merthyr.

"What we need to look at is the services," said could leader Andrew Morgan.

"When you start looking at it service by service, we don't know if a merger with Merthyr Tydfil would save us any money."

He said the Williams Commission "was about jigsaw pieces on the map".

Mr Morgan added there was a possibility RCT could share some "back office functions" with Cardiff council.