Section 169 – Procedure applicable to an amalgamation order
209.Requires that an amalgamation order will be subject to the Assembly’s super‑affirmative resolution procedure. The section sets out each step in the procedure.
210.Once the Welsh Ministers have announced that they propose to amalgamate two or three local authorities, they must consult on their proposals. The consultees must include: the county and county borough councils for the areas to be amalgamated; the community and town councils in the areas concerned; and such other persons as are likely to be affected by the proposals.
211.Following the consultation, if the Welsh Ministers wish to proceed with the proposals, they must lay before the Assembly a document which provides an explanation for the proposals, gives details of the consultation and presents a draft order giving effect to the proposals.
212.The document has to lay before the Assembly for no less than 60 days – during which time anyone with an interest in the proposals may make representations and Assembly committees may take up the opportunity to call in the proposals for consideration.
213.The final draft order may then be laid before the Assembly, accompanied by a statement which sets out what representations have been received since the first draft order was laid and what changes, if any, have been made in the final draft order.
214.The final draft order must be approved by the Assembly, by simple majority of those AMs voting.