East Dorset District Council does not back ‘super councils’ proposals

East Dorset District Council’s decision was reached at a full council meeting on 31 January, leaving only three of the nine councils left to vote. (See table below).

Leader of East Dorset District Council, Cllr Spencer Flower said: “Members voted against the recommendations to support the case for change for local government in Dorset. Changes to the structure of local government in Dorset would present an historic opportunity to transform our services at a time when budgets are being cut and our priority must be protecting frontline services.

“Whilst the majority of members of this council may not support the case for change, if other councils in Dorset choose to make a submission to the Secretary of State, the final decision regarding local government reorganisation will not be ours to make. It is now vital that East Dorset continues to engage in this process to ensure we get the best possible outcome for our residents.”

All councils in Dorset are considering the report during January. Only once each council has reached a decision will those councils who agree to change be able to submit a proposal to the Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, Sajid Javid MP.

This would formally request the proposed change is approved by Parliament.

The Secretary of State has the power to impose change on an area if he thinks there is a strong case and benefits.

If those councils who agree, decide to proceed and the Secretary of State approves the request, Orders would be considered by Parliament during 2017/18, after which Implementation Executives would be appointed, to determine the structure, budget and service delivery models of each new council. The new councils would ‘go live’ in April 2019.

The dates and decisions of each council are as follows: