DETAILS over plans for council tax in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole unitary authority will be released by the communities secretary "as soon as practicable".

James Brokenshire MP is currently considering the preferences outlined on council tax harmonisation from the two Dorset shadow authorities.

The subject has proved divisive among residents, councillors and MPs across the conurbation.

After dropping its legal challenge to the merger, Mayor of Christchurch Lesley Dedman said Christchurch Borough Council would push against current council tax proposals.

Christchurch MP Sir Christopher Chope, who campaigned against Local Government Reorganisation, asked Mr Brokenshire what date the Government plans to announce its decision on council tax in Dorset.

Parliamentary under-secretary Rishi Sunak said: "The Secretary of State is currently considering the local preferences on council tax harmonisation that have been received from shadow authorities responsible for setting council taxes in 2019-20, including those views from the Shadow Dorset Council and the Shadow Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

"He intends, as soon as practicable, to reach a preliminary view on the approach to be adopted, and on which he will invite any further comments from the shadow authorities before taking a final decision and making any new secondary legislation."