A date has now been set for the High Court showdown between the Government and the three councils opposing the unitary shake-up. The judicial review brought by Shrewsbury and Atcham BC, with Congleton and Harrogate BCs, will be take place on 12 and 13 September. Mr Justice King said last week it was ‘arguable' that Ruth Kelly lacked the power to create the new authorities, and gave the go ahead for a full judicial review. Norwich City Council has submitted an improved bid to the DCLG which, it claims, will recoup transitionary costs in 2.6 years and not 4.4 years, as previously claimed. ‘We must have one of the strongest financial cases now among the bidders,' said chief executive, Laura McGillivray. ‘It puts us in a strong position.' Congleton BC has welcomed an Ipsos MORI poll in Cheshire which found that 52% of respondents wanted to keep the present two-tier system. ‘The Ipsos MORI survey was impartial and has given us a clear view that people don't want their money wasted on huge upheaval and huge transitional costs,' said Congleton's deputy leader, David Brown. The district bid for two unitaries in Northumberland has been bolstered by a poll conducted by ICM Research, where 68% favoured the two-authority option. Blyth Valley BC leader Dave Stephens said the poll ‘sends a clear message from the people of Northumberland that they do not want a one council option'. Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce has backed the county council's unitary bid. ‘Businesses need a single point of contact to get things done,' said chamber chief executive, Richard Lacy. And the Devon county branch of Unison has written to Ms Kelly objecting to Exeter City Council's unitary bid.
