Councillors back merger proposal

Councillors in Shropshire have provisionally agreed to merge all six authorities in the county.

County councillors are the latest to back the money-saving proposal which would replace the county council and the five district and borough councils.

It is claimed that one authority would save council tax payers at least £36m in the first four years of operation.

The government has asked councils to submit ideas for improving the way they are run in two-tier areas.

Last week, South Shropshire District Council voted to support the bid and Oswestry Borough Council is also in agreement, in principle, and will consider it again on 21 November.

A spokesman for the county council said there are concerns that having more than one type of council in an area, often delivering similar services, leads to confusion, duplication and inefficiency.

Malcolm Pate, leader of Shropshire County Council, said: "I think we stand today on the brink of a new era of local government in Shropshire."