'WE want all councils to agree on reorganisation': that's the message from the leader of Bournemouth council as intensive discussions begin this week across Dorset.

Council leader John Beesley was answering a question in full council from former mayor Stephen Chappell over the potential local authority restructure.

Speaking to councillors last week, honorary alderman Cllr Chappell asked: "If it becomes apparent that there is no general consensus, is the leader of the council able to confirm that there is a contingency plan in place?

"That is to say that if one or more authorities block the reshaping agenda, will Bournemouth Council invite the Secretary of State to use his powers under the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016 to impose a solution to devolution based on the evidence contained in the eagerly awaited business plan?

"Or will the reshaping agenda be quietly shelved with local authorities continuing to explore other ways to avoid cuts?"

Responding, Cllr Beesley said the questions were "a little premature".

"The leaders of all nine Dorset councils are planning to meet on December 15 once all the evidence has been fully digested", he said.

"The aim is for consensus with a recommendation for consideration by each council in its own right.

"Obviously we do not know the outcome of the meeting on December 15 nor the position that each sovereign council across Dorset will take."

He was able to confirm that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Marcus Jones, had said that the action taken by councils in Dorset "is exactly what councils should be doing."

Quoting from the statement made by the MP in the House of Commons, Cllr Beesley said the government wanted to see evidence that any proposal submitted offered a better local service, greater value for money and stronger leadership as well as offering significant savings and a more sustainable financial structure.

He added: "I am very encouraged by that approach from government. They will not instigate this process. It has to come from the councils.

"We have only just finished the consultation process which was lengthy and vigorous and comprehensive and as such we need to take note of it as leaders and then as each individual council.

He added: "We are committed to this process and we will see it through."