I AM writing in response to John Probert (Letters, March 14) regarding combined authorities being established across England, most notably in Manchester.

Locally, Dorset would be amongst the first of these which combine the unitary authority and county district functions in the areas of strategic transport and economic development.

The main purpose is to be able to make strategic decisions which promote jobs and growth across political boundaries – a good local example is the transport infrastructure necessary to enable the expansion of the Bournemouth Airport business park.

The intended outcome is for all Dorset councils to be committed to working with the Local Enterprise Partnership and the Government in making long term decisions for the local economy, attracting significant Government funding along the way.

I should be pleased to meet Mr Probert and his colleagues and explain the background, as well as the consultation process which invites people to engage with Dorset local authorities.

A useful website address is www.dorsetforyou.com/prosperous-dorset

The overarching aim is to ensure that the process leads to greater efficiency and that Dorset continues to punch above its weight for Government investment.

There is absolutely no desire nor requirement to impose a further layer of bureaucracy and cost on hard-pressed local tax payers.

CLLR JOHN BEESLEY, Leader of Bournemouth Borough Council