Dan Peters 19 April 2018

Bucks residents back two unitaries

Two out of three Buckinghamshire residents support a two-unitary option for the county, according to a newly-published telephone survey.

The Buckinghamshire CC-commissioned survey found only 45% backed a single unitary, the option that local government secretary Sajid Javid recently said he was ‘minded to’ support.

In a joint statement, the leaders of the four district councils – Neil Blake, Isobel Darby, Nick Naylor and Katrina Wood, said: ‘Despite having to wait several months, these findings very much match what we are hearing on the ground from residents – that there is more support for two new unitary councils than for one.

‘For many, a single unitary will be too distant, and there is a big question mark over the quality of services that would be provided and whether the savings claimed can actually be delivered.

‘Given that we’re facing the biggest changes to local services in Buckinghamshire for 40 years it’s extremely disappointing that such strong evidence, carried out by a reliable company, has not been shared with the public before now.

‘We sincerely hope it’s been sent to the secretary of state before he makes a final decision that will affect residents for decades to come.’

The survey, which was carried out by Opinion Research Services (ORS), spoke to a random sample of 1,000 residents across the county.

ORS said: ‘The survey data, once weighted, is broadly representative of the entire population of Buckinghamshire and the results thus provide a statistically reliable estimate of the views of the county’s residents.’

Buckinghamshire CC leader, Martin Tett, said: 'All of the research was supplied to the Government prior to its 'minded to' decision to support a new single unitary based on the boundaries of Buckinghamshire.

'The secretary of state was exceptionally clear in his statement that creating two small unitaries was not a viable model for this area.

'They would be too small and would lack financial sustainability.

'Our proposal with a greater level of savings and efficiencies plus a commitment to devolution to local parishes and town councils is a proven model in local government and offered the best approach.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker- Family Support and Safeguarding - Witney

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the Family Support and Safeguarding Workbook modules, and a strengths-bas Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner