The interim feedback we received about local government reorganisation states: ‘Effective collaboration between all councils will be crucial. We would encourage you to continue to build strong relationships and agree ways of working.' In the same letter it says: ‘Each council can submit a single proposal.'

Vagueness is a catalyst for conflict – opaqueness of criteria leads to multiple reinterpretations of what we are attempting to achieve, which in turn, will create multiple proposals for ministerial review.