As the political parties work out the final details of their manifestos, they are likely to be tempted to propose schemes of structural reorganisation for local government. Local government should urge them not to be seduced by the temptation to reorganise

Ministers and would-be ministers are tempted by the often illusory hopes of reorganisation. It appears to provide them with the option of a change that can be introduced quickly and implemented within one or two years, well within the lifetime of a Parliament.