Corby BC has called for the creation of new unitary authorities to be pushed back, claiming there is not enough time to reorganise Northamptonshire’s public services.

In August Northamptonshire’s eight councils voted to replace themselves with two unitary authorities by 2020, prompted by the county council’s financial crisis.  

Labour-run Corby was the only council to vote against the proposal, and has now called for the creation of the unitary authorities to be delayed until 2023 with a phased transition of services until then.

Council leader Tom Beattie said in order to achieve a ‘successful reorganisation of this scale’ the proposed unitary date should be extended.  

‘We have always been clear that we do not support the unitary proposals. We believe there are benefits from current and future joint working arrangements that can be achieved without unitarisation,’ Mr Beattie said.

‘That being said if this is what is decided by the Secretary of State we will of course continue to work with other Northamptonshire local authorities to ensure that our residents get the best possible outcome and service that they deserve,’ he said.

Corby councillors will vote on their response to the government’s current consultation on the unitary plan at a full council meeting on 16 January.