Federation & “Our Deal” – Bold Vision or Risk Without Governance?

As your Independent Councillor for Ebbw Vale South, I’ve been taking a close look at the council’s latest plans for transformation — the Federation & Our Deal programme.

This initiative has been presented as a way to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing public services: rising demand, shrinking budgets, and increasing dissatisfaction from residents who feel let down.

The ambition is bold — and parts of it deserve recognition. But ambition without proper governance and accountability carries real risks for Blaenau Gwent.

🌍 What’s Being Proposed?

The Federation model is about collaboration across councils. It means:

• Creating joint leadership and pooled financial resources.

• Modernising technology, data, and systems.

• Focusing on prevention and early help instead of costly crisis responses.

• Building an empowered workforce through cultural change (“Rebel Culture”).

The companion programme, “Our Deal”, sets out the values:

Tackling inequality.

• Empowering residents and communities to shape services.

• Driving fairness, transparency, and resilience.

On paper, it’s a progressive approach — a step change from outdated, siloed models of running services.

⚠️ Where I See the Gaps

Despite the vision, the proposals don’t yet answer key governance questions that other federated models (schools, NHS integrated care systems, shared services) always tackle.

• Joining: What happens if new councils or organisations want to come into the Federation?

• Leaving: What happens if an existing member chooses to exit?

• Disputes: How do we resolve conflicts over money, priorities, or policies?

• Fairness: How do we guarantee Blaenau Gwent isn’t short-changed in pooled budgets?

Without clear rules, the Federation risks stumbling at the first serious challenge. That’s not good enough when public services are already under such strain.

✅ How To Fix It

For this vision to work, we need more than bold words — we need a solid foundation of governance. That means:

1. Publishing a Federation Charter that sets the rules for entry, exit, disputes, and financial safeguards.

2. Scenario testing the Federation against future shocks (political change, budget crises, service breakdowns).

3. Independent review from Welsh Government or WLGA to benchmark governance against other models.

4. Transparency for residents — setting out how success will be measured locally and how communities can hold the Federation accountable.

Strong vision must be matched with strong oversight.

🙋 My Commitment

As your Councillor for Ebbw Vale South, my golden rule will always apply:

“Is it right for Ebbw Vale South? Is it right for Blaenau Gwent?

I see real potential in the Federation & Our Deal approach. But I will not support any model that risks wasting money, creating confusion, or weakening accountability.

Residents deserve more than vision — they deserve clarity, safeguards, and fairness. That’s the standard I will continue to press for in every debate and decision.

With integrity and independence,
Jonathan Millard
Independent Councillor — Ebbw Vale South