Blaenau Gwent Council could see its number of councillors reduced by nine, under a proposal announced today.
Tredegar, Ebbw Vale and Six Bells could all lose borough councillors if the plans announced by the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission For Wales are approved.
Under the changes, the borough would see the number of elected officials drop from 42 to 33.
It would also see the number of electoral wards fall from 16 to 14.
This would be achieved by merging wards including Abertillery and Six Bells.
On Wednesday the commission published its final recommendations for the future electoral arrangements for Blaenau Gwent and submitted them to Welsh Government ministers.
The Welsh Government and ministers will now decide how to proceed during a six week objection period.
If formally approved the new arrangements will be implemented from 2022.
In the final report, Cwm was named as the area with the greatest under-representation.
Six Bells currently has the greatest over-representation in the borough.
The people who run their own public toilets to keep their towns alive
Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, Cllr Nigel Daniels said:
“We are often being told by residents during public engagement events that they believe we have too many councillors here in Blaenau Gwent, however as we have responded previously any decision to review or change those arrangements is not within the Council’s remit.
"We were consulted over potential reforms and following a very positive dialogue with members, we took on board the feedback from residents and were pleased to put forward cross party support and recommendations for a reduction in the numbers of elected members and wards that almost mirrored the final proposal.
"The Electoral Commission has acknowledged this positive response. Whilst we are supportive of a reduction in councillors, it is important that we acknowledge the dedication and hard work from our members who work tirelessly for the good of their communities here in Blaenau Gwent.”
