Plans to deliver stronger, more streamlined local government have taken a step forward as the government issues feedback to local authorities on their interim plans for reorganisation.
By merging councils into single units, local government reorganisation will stop needless duplication, unlock crucial efficiency savings and ensure residents know exactly who is responsible for issues in their areas.
All councils have now received feedback on their interim plans. Included in the feedback – a summary of which was published today and includes answers to key questions raised by councils – is a reiteration that a population size of 500,000 for new unitary councils is a guiding principle, not a strict target.
The government recognises the need for flexibility when ensuring local communities get the best value for money from their public services. Reorganisation is part of a wider project to fix the foundations of local government and shift power out of Whitehall to improve outcomes for communities.
Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution Jim McMahon OBE MP said:
“We are shifting power out of Whitehall and delivering strong, sustainable unitary councils, capable of leading their communities, shaping neighbourhoods and improving outcomes for local residents as part of our Plan for Change.
“The funding and feedback we are providing to councils undergoing reorganisation underlines our commitment to work in partnership with local government, ensuring new authorities deliver the efficiency and accountability our communities deserve.”
Councils will now work on preparing and submitting their final plans for reorganisation.
The government has also announced how the 21 areas delivering reorganisation will be allocated funding to support development of their final plans.
All 21 of England’s two-tier areas – which are set to undergo reorganisation – will receive a total of £7.6m to aid the development of final proposals.
Each of the 21 areas will receive a development contribution at a flat rate of £135,000, plus an additional 20p per person based on the latest ONS population estimates.
The government has also confirmed it has received proposals for new unitary government in Surrey.
Developing proposals and preparing for reorganisation is demanding and the government is committed to working with every area to deliver on its ambitious programme, ensuring reorganisation is successful and delivers the high-quality public services residents deserve as part of the Plan for Change.
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