Which option is best for our county in 'One Derbyshire, Two Councils' reorganisation?

THE views of more than 7,000 people are to be considered in the historic "One Derbyshire, Two Councils" plan after they took part in consultations on the biggest proposed changes to local government in more than 50 years.

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The Labour Government's Local Government Reorganisation White Paper proposals include setting up single, unitary authorities across England with an elected mayor in counties, by merging or scrapping councils in two-tier authority areas like Derbyshire that operate county, and then district and borough councils.

Derbyshire's eight district and borough councils, and Derby City Council have jointly proposed implementing two new separate north and south unitary councils for the county which has been separately echoed by Derbyshire County Council.

But the final form either of their proposals may take is yet to be finalised before it is presented to the Government as an option for consideration.

The county's eight district and borough councils and Derby City Council revealed that over 7,000 people took part in their consultation survey which ran for six weeks until August 10, while Derbyshire County Council has been running its own consultation with a deadline that ended yesterday.

A spokesperson for the districts, boroughs and city said: "Thank you to everyone who has shared their views on our options for the future of local council services in Derbyshire.