EAST Dorset District Council has become the first of the county’s nine authorities to reject the super council proposal.

Echoing the decision of members back in December 2015 to rule out taking part in negotiations on local government reorganisation - a decision reversed last spring - the authority voted with 12 in favour and 17 against the plans at a meeting this evening (Monday).

The recommendation was for East Dorset to join five other authorities in one new unitary body, while Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole joined another.

Thus far all other councils have backed this scheme, although Bournemouth, Christchurch and Purbeck are due to make a decision tomorrow.

Despite warnings from those in favour of the plans, such as those of leader Spencer Flower who said the debate had been a “mix of realism and wishful thinking”, many members expressed concern that East Dorset taxpayers would be forced to fund budget shortfalls in other areas.

Councillor Sarah Burns said: “People are concerned about the lack of representation they are going to get.

“They are concerned about the high level of council tax they currently pay and would have to pay while other members of this supposed new unitary pay less.”

Cllr Steve Lugg said: “These processes have not been open and transparent, they have not been fair and reasonable.” He said “in the real world”, “95 per cent” of residents opposed unitary plans.

Supporting the recommendation, Cllr Robin Cook said fellow members exhibited an “I’m alright Jack” approach, saying the county council’s financial situation was a more pressing concern.

“We pay the bulk of our council tax to that upper tier authority to give us most of the services we consume or will be consuming."

Several councillors also condemned the consultation exercise carried out late last year, with Cllr Burns saying it was “absolutely appalling” and Cllr Alex Clarke said it was like “a series of questions you ask when you want to sell someone double glazing”.

The effect of the decision on the super council proposals will depend partly on tomorrow’s meetings.

The final decision will be made by the government.