Speaking at the County Councils Network conference in Cornwall this week, Mr Woolas said: ‘During the period of the pathfinders – about five to six years – there will be no other change, so we don't have perpetual upheaval.'

The recent White Paper invited bids for unitary status with a deadline of 25 January, and final confirmation by next summer. Pathfinder bids for enhanced two-tier working are also being invited, and the DCLG has stressed that it expects more joint working.