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Business leaders wants number of Welsh councils cut Business leaders want number of Welsh councils cut
(34 minutes later)
A "ridiculous" number of Welsh councils is damaging economic development, business leaders have told MPs.A "ridiculous" number of Welsh councils is damaging economic development, business leaders have told MPs.
The Institute of Directors (IoD) said the current 22 councils should be cut to just five.The Institute of Directors (IoD) said the current 22 councils should be cut to just five.
Chairman Huw Roberts said fewer councillors could be counter-balanced by an increase in the number of AMs.Chairman Huw Roberts said fewer councillors could be counter-balanced by an increase in the number of AMs.
The Welsh government is expected to reveal plans for fewer councils soon - after an independent commission said numbers should be roughly halved.The Welsh government is expected to reveal plans for fewer councils soon - after an independent commission said numbers should be roughly halved.
Mr Roberts told the Welsh affairs committee at Westminster: "Looking at the size of Wales and 21st Century management style, we are absolutely convinced that five would be the right number.Mr Roberts told the Welsh affairs committee at Westminster: "Looking at the size of Wales and 21st Century management style, we are absolutely convinced that five would be the right number.
"With five authorities you could have five top class sections looking at economic development."With five authorities you could have five top class sections looking at economic development.
"To have 22 scattered across Wales, which have to have 22 bosses, 22 deputies and 22 of all the rest of it, in no one place will there be enough strength or effectiveness so it is yet another area where the ridiculous number of local authorities in Wales is damaging.""To have 22 scattered across Wales, which have to have 22 bosses, 22 deputies and 22 of all the rest of it, in no one place will there be enough strength or effectiveness so it is yet another area where the ridiculous number of local authorities in Wales is damaging."
Mr Roberts added: "We are not arguing for more elected members. We are arguing for better ones in the right place."Mr Roberts added: "We are not arguing for more elected members. We are arguing for better ones in the right place."
'Frustrating''Frustrating'
The MPs are holding an inquiry into the promotion of Wales overseas.The MPs are holding an inquiry into the promotion of Wales overseas.
Financier Michael Carrick, who is involved in the proposed Circuit of Wales race track project, near Ebbw Vale, said some UK government departments, including the Treasury, do not have Wales on the map.Financier Michael Carrick, who is involved in the proposed Circuit of Wales race track project, near Ebbw Vale, said some UK government departments, including the Treasury, do not have Wales on the map.
He said he went to China with Welsh government officials who were unable to speak Chinese, and described the trip as "frustrating".He said he went to China with Welsh government officials who were unable to speak Chinese, and described the trip as "frustrating".
The IoD wants a new "arms length" body to bring together Welsh government functions that promote Wales.The IoD wants a new "arms length" body to bring together Welsh government functions that promote Wales.
The Welsh Local Government Association, which represents councils, has been asked to comment. It has previously said it should be more involved in the reorganisation debate.The Welsh Local Government Association, which represents councils, has been asked to comment. It has previously said it should be more involved in the reorganisation debate.