RESIDENTS are to get their say at last on whether the nine cash-strapped councils across Dorset should merge into just two single tier, all purpose authorities.

The public consultation process launches on Tuesday and it will take place simultaneously across all nine council areas over the next eight weeks.

The consultation was set in motion at Upton House in Poole by a number of chief executives including Tony Williams of Bournemouth, Andrew Flockhart of Poole, David McIntosh of Christchurch and Dorset’s Debbie Ward.

There were no politicians at the launch.

And before it even gets underway, critics have described the process as flawed.

Others say the outcome of the consultation is already a ‘done deal’ because two of the four options are not viable and the consultation papers clearly single out one particular option as being preferable.

There is no option for a one council for the whole of Dorset. The consultation documents, drawn up by political leaders says it is “not appropriate” to consider this.

The business case for change will not be ready until November.

Any restructure will mean far fewer than the current 330 councillors across Dorset and it will spark a political scramble for seats.

There would also be fewer council staff in senior management, HR, IT, legal and finance.

There would be two chief executives instead of six

The shake up of the council structure could create a ‘super unitary’ of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

The consultation outlines four options for the public to consider. They are:

  • No change to the current nine council arrangements
  • Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and East Dorset (and a rural unitary of North Dorset, West Dorset, Purbeck, Weymouth and Portland and Dorset County Council)
  • Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch (and a rural unitary of East Dorset, North Dorset, West Dorset, Purbeck, Weymouth and Portland and Dorset County Council)
  • Bournemouth and Poole (and a rural unitary of Christchurch, East Dorset, North Dorset, West Dorset, Purbeck, Weymouth and Portland and Dorset County Council)

However the consultation documents say option 2b is “the most financially beneficial” and claims that it “potentially provides the most effective and efficient way to deliver services in the future.”

They also say that option 1 (no change) “puts public services we know the public want at significant risk. Many services would need to be cut.”

Option 2a is likely to present “significant challenges” to the rural unitary. Without the finances from East Dorset, it is unlikely to be financially viable.

The leaders of Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and East Dorset unveiled merger plans last summer after months of talks which took place without the knowledge of the other councils. Ian Monks the leader of East Dorset had since quit.

The politicians say that falling grants from central government, financial constraints, increased pressure on services and the devolution agenda means the current nine-council structure is no longer viable.

Mr Williams said that the nine will face a combined deficit of £30.4m by 2025 if nothing is done.

For more information or to complete the online questionnaire, please visit reshapingyourcouncils.uk

How can you give your views? 

THE consultation which is being run by private firm Opinion Research Services includes:

  • A household postal survey, but only 20,000 homes are being contacted
  • Online survey for residents and businesses at reshaping-your-councils.uk and at libraries
  • 40 roadshows at places like supermarkets and community events
  • Meetings with residents’ groups, parish and town councils, businesses and voluntary groups
  • Consultation runs from August 30 to October 25

What happens then?

  • December: the nine council leaders will consider the options
  • January: All councils will vote on their final approach
  • February: Proposal submitted to government if decision is taken to go to two council structure.

Reform in numbers

  • Number of principal councils currently in Dorset - nine
  • Proposed number - two unitaries

Dorset County Council 420,600 residents, 45 councillors

Bournemouth 194,500 residents, 54 councillors

Poole 150,600 residents 42 councillors

Christchurch 49,100 residents, 24 councillors

East Dorset 88,700 residents, 29 councillors

Purbeck 46,200 residents 25 councillors

North Dorset 70,700 residents 33 councillors

Weymouth and Portland 65,200 36 councillors

West Dorset 100,700 residents 42 councillors

Money spent by all nine; £920m a year

Cuts in government grant since 2010/11; £142m

Savings made the councils: £200m

Savings still to be made: £82m

Total deficit by 2025 (councils claim) if no change to structure; £30.4m