The plan to merge Perth councils will finally go away this week.

The Governor's orders that would have forced metropolitan councils to merge through boundary changes will be formally rescinded on Friday.

The shambolic process was ditched after locals rejected three different council amalgamations this year.

It ended Premier Colin Barnett's six-year attempt to reform local government in Perth, but he had left the Governor's orders in place.

Councils have now been successful in urging the government to rescind the orders and end the uncertainty for ratepayers and staff.

Some are now preparing a claim for reimbursement of reform-related costs, through the West Australian Local Government Association.

A number of local governments say while they do not want to be officially married, they would seek ways to cooperate with neighbouring regions to deliver services at lower cost.