THE number of Welsh councils could be cut in the future after First Minister Carwyn Jones announced a review of Local Government in the country.
Mr Jones said in a statement: "Since public sector budgets are likely to continue to tighten, and demand pressures grow, there is a clear need to examine how services can be sustained and standards of performance raised, so that people in Wales can continue to receive and influence the public services they need and value."
The review will be carried out by the Commission on Public Service Governance and Delivery and will be chaired by former Welsh NHS chief executive Sir Paul Williams. It will also include representatives of the main political parties and local government.
Any large reorganisation before the next assembly election in 2016 has been ruled out.