COUNCIL leaders have hailed an "historic day" for local government in Dorset after the Parliamentary process to create two new authorities was completed.

Legislation to dissolve the existing nine Dorset councils passed in both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday.

This means that two new unitary authorities will operate from April 2019 – Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council, and Dorset Council.

The county’s nine current councils will cease to exist on March 31, 2019.

Eight of the nine authorities involved in the merger consented to the reform.

In a joint statement, the leaders of these councils said: “This is an historic day for local government in our county, and we are exceptionally proud to have reached this significant milestone.

“People recognised that Dorset is made up of a distinct and established conurbation and a defined county area, each with its own differing needs and priorities."

Christchurch Borough Council remains the sole authority implicated by the merger that is in opposition to the changes.

Both new councils will serve around 400,000 residents.

Now legislation has been approved by Parliament the final order will be made, two shadow authorities – one for each new council area - will be formed with the first meetings for both taking place within the next two weeks.

The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole shadow authority is made up of 125 seats, filled by all existing 120 councillors from the preceding authorities including five councillors who are both borough and county councillors for Christchurch.