Communities Secretary John Denham has set out what steps he intends to take in deciding whether any proposals for unitary local government in Devon, Norfolk and Suffolk should be implemented.
In a letter to Devon, Norfolk and Suffolk councils the Secretary of State's intended decision making process has been set out to assist those who may wish to make representations to him about these matters.
Last year, following decisions not to implement original proposals for unitary local government for Exeter, Ipswich and Norwich at that time, the Secretary of State asked the Boundary Committee to provide advice on whether there could be alternative unitary proposals for Devon, Norfolk and Suffolk. The deadline for that advice is 15 July 2009.
Following the receipt of any advice, the Government will begin its decision making process based on the following:
* From 15 July to 18 September 2009 there will be an opportunity for anyone to submit representations to the Secretary of State on any of the unitary proposals put forward for Devon, Norfolk and Suffolk, including those original proposals submitted by Exeter City Council, Ipswich Borough Council and Norwich City Council.
* The Secretary of State intends to take his statutory decisions by mid October 2009. The Secretary of State may request further information or advice from the Boundary Committee or consider making modifications to any proposal before final decisions are taken. This could mean decisions may not be taken until later in the autumn.
* Should a decision be taken to implement any proposals for unitary local government, the Secretary of State intends to lay the necessary Parliamentary Orders around the end of the year.
* This would mean that any new unitary council, if approved by Parliament, could be established by 1 April 2011.
John Denham said:
"The people and communities of Devon, Norfolk and Suffolk deserve the highest possible levels of local service delivery and the local leadership that is needed to promote their prosperity.
"As we build for an economic recovery, it is essential that councils deliver high quality local services that provide real value for money, strong local leadership and genuine local involvement in decisions.
"Subject to any advice provided by the independent Boundary Committee, we will consider whether there are appropriate unitary structures that can deliver these real benefits in the counties of Devon, Norfolk and Suffolk."