LOCAL Government Minister Leighton Andrews was at County Hall this week to discuss the future of the authority – along with all others across Wales – following the publication of a White Paper set to shake up the system.

Pembrokeshire County Council has made headlines for all the wrong reasons lately and Mr Andrews was clear that the use of a Porsche by controversial former chief executive Bryn Parry-Jones was not acceptable.

“I have said publically I think it was scandalous that Pembrokeshire was prepared to provide a Porsche for its chief executive. I think it demonstrates that councils in Wales still have to get a grip on pay offs and perks that are provided for senior officers.

“It is probably the most extreme example in Wales that we have seen.

“I’m please that the Independent Remuneration Panel told the council to restrict the salary of the new chief executive and subsequently Pembrokeshire Council backed down and reduced the starting salary.

“Finding a new chief executive can be part of the process of changing the culture,” he said.

Reducing the number of local authorities is one of the most discussed aspects of Local Authority shake ups is a possible merger of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion on the cards but the process will be a long one said Mr Andrews, with County Hall save for the time being.

“The process will take until 2019/2020 to complete,” he added.

Asked about council leader Cllr Jamie Adams’ recent comment that he would “eat his hat” if mergers were imminent Mr Andrews said Cllr Adams had written to him suggesting Pembrokeshire was “very open to the prospect of mergers”.

“I’m expecting to have a very positive and constructive discussion with him,” added Mr Andrews.

Referring to the Williams Commission report Mr Andrews added: “One suggestion is a merger of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion and another of the suggestions is a return to Dyfed with Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. I’m happy to explore those discussions and see what the balance of feeling is.”

Other proposals include a reduction in the number of elected members and fixed term limits for councillors, especially those in senior positions.

It is also proposed to have a greater number of women and members of ethnic minorities, potentially with co-opted members, on council Cabinets.