PLANS are being recommended for Bournemouth and Poole councils to effectively merge into one administrative structure, with or without a restructure approval from the government.

Cabinet meetings at both authorities will consider the development of a single officer structure for all services.

A report drawn up by Andrew Flockhart, chief executive of Borough of Poole, and the managing director of Bournemouth, Jane Portman, says the move is driven by the need to save significant amounts of money and attempt to protect frontline services.

But the move may mean any plans to include Christchurch in a conurbation-wide, single tier, all purpose council may not be feasible. Ironically the proposal for Bournemouth and Poole is similar to the arrangements that have been in place at Christchurch and East Dorset for the past three years. There is a single officer structure under the leadership of chief executive, David McIntosh, but there are still two separately elected political entities.

The report, which goes to Poole cabinet on Tuesday and Bournemouth the following week, does not address the sale of council offices but says each council will keep its sovereignty.

All nine local authorities in Dorset are awaiting a decision from the government on plans to merge into two.

It was expected in March but was delayed by the general election.

The outcome of the June 8 poll has added uncertainty.

Some observers, including Christchurch MP Chris Chope who has led opposition to the borough going in with Bournemouth, believe the government has little time or inclination to worry about much other than Brexit.

The report says: “The overall aim is to protect and improve the quality and efficiency of council services across Bournemouth and Poole.

“The principle means of achieving this is to put in place a single delivery organisation with an integrated team of managers and staff delivering services to the 340,000 residents, 10,000 plus businesses and over eight million visitors across the two areas. In order to protect frontline services, insofar as possible, a stronger partnership is necessary.”

As reported last month, a voluntary redundancy scheme is underway at both councils.

The Echo understands that initials talks have taken place at both councillor and officer level exploring the possibility of Christchurch linking up with New Forest District Council.

Members of East Dorset council meet on Monday to discuss the next steps in reorganisation.