The programme’s survey showed a consistent view amongst senior officers that the greater the number of councils, and the smaller the population of those authorities, the lower the perceived benefits. This was particularly stark in relation to benefits such as improved integration of key services; achieving better service outcomes and service delivery; the delivery of financial savings; and crucially, putting in a place a stronger platform for service transformation in the future.
Across nearly all questions in the programme’s survey to senior officers, respondents consistently rated scenarios with a lower number of unitary authorities as more beneficial than those with a greater number. This suggests a strong belief that consolidating governance into a small number of unitary councils could lead to clearer accountability, better integration of services, and more strategic alignment.
Figure 2: How significant do you believe the following potential benefits are from LGR on people-based services in your area? For each of the potential number of unitary authorities, please score the level of potential benefit. Please only answer four or five unitary councils if the total population of the area involved in the reorganisation within your area is above 1 million. (A positive % represents a beneficial score).
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