COUNCILLORS will be setting out the criteria to judge 'super council' options at a meeting tomorrow.

The agenda for the scrutiny and policy review committee of Christchurch council charges members with determining the factors by which the "possible unitary options" will be assessed as being "in the best interests of its residents and businesses".

Last week the authority cancelled a debate which aimed to ensure its powers were enhanced and "dignity" preserved whatever option is chosen, although proposer Cllr David Jones said the motion would be put forward again in future.

In December last year, after Christchurch council had agreed to join the county's other authorities in investigating possible unitary combinations, the scrutiny committee declared itself concerned about "the lack of evidence or discussion on the non-tangible costs and benefits of such reorganisation".

The report prepared for tomorrow's (APR 28) meeting identifies the principle criteria which those weighing super council options in the balance should consider.

These are listed as the delivery of services - particularly heath and social care, housing, highways and transport and planning - protection of a sense of place and identity, economic prosperity and "local control by local people".

Under housing, the report states that being included within a unitary authority with Bournemouth and Poole would allow Christchurch residents access to their council housing stock.

Under the 'sense of place and identity' heading the report says: "There is concern that this identity (the history of the borough dating back to 1297) would be diluted if the current council became part of a larger one.

"Whatever future arrangements may transpire the town of Christchurch would retain its recognised identity as it is now."

All Dorset's local authorities have agreed to discuss super council proposals and have resolved that some degree of transformation in local government is necessary.

Plans include a single unitary authority for the whole county or the formation of separate unitary authorities - with one consisting of Bournemouth and Poole with Christchurch and/or East Dorset potentially included.

A public consultation on the unitary options is due to take place in July and August this year, with a proposal submitted to the Department for Communities and Local Government in the spring of 2017.