Durham CC leader, Simon Henig, has defended a decision to call the new unitary authority Durham County Council. Members of the county's cabinet have recommended the name after a lengthy consultation found that 55% of those who responded did not think a change of name was necessary. The decision has been criticised by opposition Liberal Democrat councillors, but Cllr Henig insisted: ‘I believe it is in accord with public opinion generally, which is keen to minimise the costs of reorganisation.' The ‘blueprint proposals' will now go to a meeting of the full council on 1 October, together with plans to set up a network of 14 area action partnership which will each have budget iof £250,000 for local improvement schemes.