A DECISION on ‘super council’ plans may not take place until after county council elections on May 4.

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid is due to make a decision on the proposal to reform Dorset’s nine councils into just two unitary authorities. Six councils have backed the scheme, but Christchurch, East Dorset and Purbeck are opposed.

Purdah begins today - the period in the run up to an election in which councils are prohibited from public discussion of political issues - and Christchurch MP Christopher Chope said this would delay any decision.

“The county council is in purdah and won’t be able to comment on the decision,” he said. “It would make it very difficult, purdah is very strict.”

Mr Chope, who opposes the scheme, said a decision might be further delayed due to the government prioritising Brexit planning and negotiations.

“An enormous amount of parliamentary time is being spent in preparing legislation and statutory instruments in connection with leaving the European Union,” he said.

“It doesn’t mean nothing else can be done. The government will be looking at things in terms of its priorities.

“In the context of a very contentious proposal in Dorset, one hopes they won’t think it is top priority.”

The MP said he was not concerned that the government might make a rushed decision on the scheme to get it out of the way. “The Secretary of State has said if he makes any decision it will be preliminary,” he said.

Earlier this month Christchurch council announced a referendum will take place in the borough to ask residents whether they wish to merge with Bournemouth and Poole as proposed, or to seek an alternative arrangement.

The council already shares work and staff with East Dorset District Council, and it has been suggested Purbeck could be joined in a similar fashion.

Mr Chope said a delay in the government’s could benefit those looking for alternatives.

“This certainly means the outcome of the referendum will be before any final decision from the government,” he said. “The referendum will provide useful evidence.

“I genuinely think the government will have been impressed by the strength of feeling from the three councils saying no.”