Headlines, PublicNet: 8 June, 2007
PLANS TO PRIORITISE COUNCIL RESTRUCTURING SCHEMES OUT TO CONSULTATION
The Government has made it clear it will prioritise councils’ applications for unitary authority status, which are currently under review, on the basis of which are most cost effective and likely to lead to cuts in council tax. Local Government Minister Phil Woolas has begun consultations on measures designed to ensure any restructuring schemes deliver the maximum improvements in services under sound fiscal rules.
Consulations are underway on sixteen proposals from thirteen areas of England, which were selected for further investigation after an initial assessment against strict criteria. These required the plans to be affordable and to provide stronger leadership as well as improving public services and empowering local communities. They also had to show they had a broad cross section of support.
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