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For some councils, last week's unitary announcement was an early Christmas present. But for others, it was a case of, ‘Oh no. Not socks again'. While authorities such as Durham CC and Wiltshire CC rejoiced at the news they would be re-structuring into single-tier councils, there was disappointment for others. The decision to refer Ipswich BC and Exeter City Council's bids to the Boundary Committee took many by surprise, and news that the Government needs more time to look at Cheshire will mean even more uncertainty in that county. ‘The whole process has been like waiting for a train that never comes,' says LGA chair, ‘The whole process has been like waiting for a train that never comes,' says LGA chair, Sir Simon Milton. ‘There is a danger that in Exeter, Devon, Ipswich, Suffolk, Bedfordshire and Cheshire, the continuing period of waiting for a decision will force councils to focus on structural and process issues, rather than being able to get on with the job of delivering the best services for local people at the lowest cost for the taxpayer.' Shadow local government spokesman, Eric Pickles, says the news that only five unitaries will be created at this stage is a ‘humiliating climb down', which ‘shows how flawed and badly thought out this reorganisation is'. Exeter City Council's leader, Peter Edwards, says the authority is urgently seeking a meeting with ministers over the decision. And chief executive, Philip Bostock, adds: ‘We are obviously frustrated by this. We passionately believe in a unitary authority. ‘We are, however, confident of overcoming this further obstacle in reaching the goal that so many in Exeter support.' Exeter's disappointment is shared by Ipswich BC council leader, Liz Harsant, who adds: ‘We have not got all the details yet, but the principle of a unitary Ipswich still stands and we are pleased about that.' Devon CC leader, Brian Greenslade, says the council is ‘relieved that the Government has recognised that Exeter City Council's proposal for a unitary authority was deeply flawed and could not have worked within the narrow confines of the city boundaries'. The news that a decision about Cheshire will be made at a later date was met with disappointment by some of the districts. Ellesmere Port and Neston BC leader, Justin Madders, who is chair of the people and places leaders' group, which is spearheading the two-unitary bid, says: ‘We are urging the Government to make its decision as soon as possible. ‘This delay creates more uncertainty, and the longer it goes on, the harder it will be for all parties to focus positively on delivering the new authority. Elsewhere in the country, there was jubilation from those counties which had been given the green light for their proposals. ‘We are delighted with this decision which we believe will bring the best for the people of Wiltshire,' said Wiltshire CC leader, Jane Scott. ‘One council will bring simplicity, clarity and value for money. This will strip away layers of red tape and get the services and decision-making closer to the people.' Leader of Northumberland CC, Peter Hillman, was equally delighted. ‘I am extremely optimistic for the future,' he says. ‘Especially after witnessing the teamwork, hard work and devotion to improving services from officers from both county and district councils.' Durham CC leader, Albert Nugent, adds that the news ‘enables us to continue working with the district councils to implement the unitary proposal and ensure we deliver better and cost-effective services for local communities and people'. Commenting on the Government's unitary plans, Mr Healey says: ‘These proposals have proved, under rigorous assessment, that they can create flagship councils improving services and opportunities for local people, and bringing potential savings for council taxpayers.' And there's more. The deadline for Bedfordshire CC, Mid Bedfordshire DC and South Bedfordshire DC to submit unitary plans for the rest of the county, excluding Bedford BC, is 17 December and a decision is expected in the new year. Mayor of Bedford, Frank Branston, comments: ‘We are the last man standing among the district unitaries. We have met all the Government's tests, and we are working positively with both Mid Bedfordshire and South Bedfordshire DCs to ensure their bid for central Bedfordshire meets all of those tests and is complementary to our proposals.' The new year will see the long-awaited appeal by Congleton BC against the reorganisation drive on 28 and 29 January.

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WHITEHALL

The perfect gift for Christmas?

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