EAST Dorset District Council's cabinet backed plans for a merger on Wednesday night.
Councillors are being asked to decide if their council should unite with North Dorset, Purbeck, West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland and the services provided in those areas by Dorset County Council.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole would also form a unitary under the proposals.
Councillor Barbara Manuel told the meeting: "Residents back services.
"We are looking to transform services. We would be foolish to reject this opportunity."
Council leader Spencer Flower said: "We should make a recommendation to the full council as we are an executive and need to show a degree of leadership."
Cllr Robin Cook said that while the cabinet cannot decide the outcome, it would be "inappropriate" for members not to recommend that it be debated by the full council.
The cabinet resolved to recommend full council approve the plans.
The next full council meeting takes place on Monday, January 30 at the council offices in Furzehill.
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