There are plans in many counties to introduce new unitary authorities and new Strategic authorities, such as 'Mayoral Combined Authorities'. We think local residents must be provided with information about what these changes entail and be given an opportunity to vote on them.

We feel the government has not given local residents a comprehensive insight into how these new bodies/ posts will be elected and by whom. Will it be by proportional representation, for example? What powers will they have compared to the current local government bodies? Does the mayor have the final say on planning disputes, health issues and transport issues? We think it is important that local residents are given comprehensive information, the chance to debate and a final vote on such major changes.