Barton pondering councils shake-up

DECISION IS LOOMING FOR LEADER OF COUNTY AUTHORITY

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

REFORM UK's new Nottinghamshire leadership says it is trying to get "up to speed" on a major local government shake-up, on which they may need to make a decision next month.

Nottinghamshire County Council's Reform leader says he and his new councillors are meeting every two weeks to discuss the issue and accept that the local government reorganisation programme is "going to happen".

The Government is abolishing councils throughout the county to save money and make local government easier to understand.

New councils are set to be created in the place of Nottinghamshire's nine current authorities.

Options could include an expanded council covering Nottingham and surrounding areas. The leaders of all councils have been meeting regularly since the plans came out last December and, after the May 1 county council election, Councillor Mick Barton will be in those talks instead of his Conservative predecessor Sam Smith.