Revamp of authorities

The letters pages have been full of comment and criticism on the proposal to replace the current two-tier system of local government with one council for Shropshire.

The critics have been very clear about what they think is wrong with a strong, single council for this county.

Some of the criticism has been thoughtful, some has been, frankly, misleading and much must be quite dull for the average reader.

However, now that we have listened to the case against one council, residents have got the right to ask, isn't it about time the critics told us what their option is for improving services and keeping council tax low?

Rest assured we can't stand still. The Government has made it very clear that we need to look at the options for improving services locally. That is entirely right; council taxpayers should have the best services possible for their money and should be clear about who is delivering these services.

If we can't or don't go unitary then we will have to "enhance" the two-tier system in some way.

That means making sure that the five district/boroughs and the county council do even more than they are doing now to deliver better and cheaper services, probably by delivering joint services and sharing the back office support functions.

If councils can't or won't make these savings, then the Government will do it for them by withdrawing the equivalent in support grant.

So, critics of one council for Shropshire, let us have your plans.

Liz Parsons, Shrewsbury