Whitehall to battle over unitary plans

摘要

A Whitehall battle is set to erupt amid calls for further local government reorganisations, The MJ has learned this week. The DCLG has rejected outright any moves to switch to a unitary structure, arguing the expense and disruption will take councils' eyes off the ball during this crucial time. Its comments come as a report into economic growth by Lord Heseltine, due to be published next week, is expected to call for local government restructuring. The Tory peer - who twice held the post of environment secretary when the department controlled local government - is expected to include a recommendation in his report for councils to 'pursue a path towards unitary status'.