Twenty-six English councils have applied to become unitary authorities as part of the government’s drive to improve efficiency in two-tier areas, local government secretary Ruth Kelly has confirmed.

Welcoming the proposals, the minister championed the scope for improved efficiency and stronger leadership that unitary status would afford certain councils, adding that such authorities could provide better value for money and potentially lower council tax.

The government invited councils across England to submit consolidation plans in October last year, after accepting that two-tier systems often led to confusion among residents, with overlapping services and inefficiencies that undermined local leadership.

Ms Kelly expects all two-tier areas to pursue efficiency gains in the long-term and hopes that these initial unitary applications will serve as pathfinders.

“I am pleased to see that these local authorities are keen to improve the services they offer to their communities and welcome the debate which the invitation has generated across the country on this issue,” said the local government secretary.

“Our goal has always been to ensure that the services on offer to our communities are responsive, effective and efficient.”

As part of processing and considering the applications, Communities and Local Government will establish a new working group formed of representatives of public service unions and the Local Government Association, which will assess the practical impact of such plans.

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