The Treasury blocked more ambitious plans for a greater number of unitaries, says ex-local government minister, Nick Raynsford.
Writing in The MJ this week, he says: ‘The reason why the numbers have been so tightly restricted is not a reflection of any analysis of the scope for positive transition to unitary status.
‘On the contrary, it appears to have been prompted by Treasury concerns about the short-term costs associated with reorganisation.'
Mr Raynsford says the case for unitary local government ‘is compelling and unstoppable', and should have been carried out swiftly.
He believes long-term savings will far outweight short-term costs, and believes ‘the issue is unlikely to be put to bed by the current round of unitary bids.'

Read the full article here.