Sir John Banham has outlined cash saving that could be found if councils go for unitary status. Writing in The Independent newspaper, Sir John said ‘savings of £1.25bn a year could be generated', if councils shifted to unitary authorities. In addition, the move would also give back counties control over the economic development of their area, as well as control of the local post office network. Sir John headed up the Local Government Commission 10 years ago which looked at abolishing districts in favour of a county unitary system.
