Council leaders call for meeting over merger plans

District and borough council leaders across Derbyshire have penned a letter to the government calling for clarity over fears they could be merged to form a large unitary authority.

It follows calls from Derbyshire County Council leader Barry Lewis, who wants to be considered among the early tranche of authorities that could be merged as part of plans to reorganise local government in England.

But council leaders across the county have criticised Lewis for "announcing his position without first engaging other leaders".

Steve Flitter, the leader of Derbyshire Dales District Council, told the BBC: "Local people should be dealing with local issues and this is not going to help that whatsoever."

Changes would mean that district and borough councils are scrapped in favour of larger regional authorities like those overseen by mayors.

The plan being put forward by Lewis, the Conservative leader of the county council, to ministers would see Derbyshire merge with districts and boroughs to establish a single-tier authority covering county boundaries, with Derby City Council maintaining its existing boundaries.

It is understood all of the county's eight district and borough councils have signed a letter requesting an urgent meeting with the minister for local government and devolution, Jim McMahon.

The leaders said it was "vital we fully understand the implications of any potential changes" before "engaging in constructive discussions" with both councillor Lewis and the city council.

Lewis told the BBC he was "acting decisively" and providing "clear leadership".

Flitter, the Liberal Democrat leader of Derbyshire Dales District Council, said he disagreed with Lewis's stance but acknowledged change was on the cards.

"It's best that all the district councils stick together and come up with a solid plan - because although I don't believe in unitary authorities, they are a sure thing now and will be with us in the next few years," he said.

"We don't think this is the best situation and solution for Derbyshire but [district and borough council leaders] will come up with an alternative plan.

"We need a way forward that benefits the communities and not the political scene."

Flitter said he "wasn't surprised" by Lewis's comments because it was a "political gesture", and added the introduction of an East Midlands County Combined Authority mayor means "creating a tier of local government and taking another away".

Chris Emmas-Williams, the Labour leader of Amber Valley Borough Council, is also one of council leaders urging a meeting with the minister.

"It is vital that we fully understand the implications of any potential changes before engaging in constructive discussions with both councillor Lewis and the leader of Derby City Council," he said.

"For a decision as momentous as reorganising local government after five decades, it is essential to proceed with care, gathering all the necessary evidence and learning from the experiences of other regions.

"This must be a process driven by informed dialogue and collaboration, not haste."

Lewis previously said he remained committed to dialogue with neighbouring leaders of districts and boroughs.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: "As part of the biggest transfer of power from Westminster, we want to better support councils that want to move to simpler structures that make sense for their areas and where that better meets the needs of local people.

"Councils have said that these reforms will strengthen local leadership, boost local accountability and save taxpayers' money which can be reinvested into vital public services."

Lewis has been contacted for further comment.

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