Finance advisers have submitted their views on the affordability of three unitary proposals to the Boundary Committee. The consultants analysed 16 authorities across Devon, Norfolk and Suffolk to compile the reports, which make up one strand of evidence which will be considered by the committee before it gives advice to the secretary of state. A spokesperson said: ‘It is important to note that the conclusions in the financial consultants' report are not, automatically, the committee's conclusions in relation to this criterion. The committee will evaluate the financial consultants' report and arrive at its own assessment of affordability.' But those fighting for the creation of the North Haven unitary in Suffolk, for example, have said the analysis provides ‘official confirmation' that the move passed ‘strict financial tests.' In 2004, the Electoral Commission was directed by the deputy prime minister to carry out local government reviews recommending unitary authorities in the North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber regions.