Similarly in Somerset there are proposals for a unitary authority for the county - or possibly two dividing east and west which are fairly different in character.
The key proposition is that by merging smaller authorities cost savings will be generated by getting rid of unnecessary duplication, giving clarity to who does what, and being able to better negotiate larger contracts with suppliers for waste and other services.
The negatives (perhaps) is that power is removed from locally elected councillors. This can mean local people have less control over that which affects them locally and personally. Existing councillors will be reduced in number which may leave them somewhat unhappy.
My personal view is that local councils do not generally have the depth of skills to run things effectively, and often tend towards the politically safe rather than progressive in terms of actions and policies. Certainly in Somerset there have been numerous good ideas, plans, aspirations etc etc - but a substantial failure to turn many of them into any sort of timely reality.
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Unitary Authorities in England new
Unitary Authorities in England new
