LOCAL authorities must still offer the same services under government plans to abolish dozens of district councils, Unison insisted today.

Ministers will produce an English devolution white paper outlining plans to end the two-tier system of local government and replace it with larger unitary authorities.

The proposals are reportedly aimed at saving about £3 billion over five years with Essex, Kent, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk among the counties set to be restructured.

Unison head of local government Mike Short said: “Councils provide essential services to communities across England.

“Reducing the complexity of the way these are delivered to better suit local needs can be a positive step.

“But it’s vital there’s no reduction in the services offered if the abolition of any authorities is being considered.

“Those left after any reorganisation must also be staffed properly. 

“Councils have already absorbed billions of pounds in cuts over the past decade and a half.

“Any changes planned must recognise and reward the employees who carry out this vital work.”

A Momentum spokesperson added: “These proposals don’t deal with the core issues affecting local government — 14 years of cuts and exposure to predatory social care providers and landlords.

“Until these are addressed, reforms like these will simply rearrange the deckchairs.”

England’s 21 county councils have powers including over transport and social care.

The 164 district councils sitting below them are responsible for rubbish collection and day-to-day planning permission.

Local government minister Jim McMahon said in September that having an elected mayor in all English regions is “part of our system going forward.”

The proposal has received a mixed response from councils and is not expected to affect county council elections in May 2025.

The District Councils’ Network warned the proposals would damage local democratic accountability and prioritise “drawing different lines on maps” over reform to public services such as social care.

Local Government Association chairwoman Louise Gittins said that the group wanted “every area of England to be able to secure a devolution deal that works for them, their local economies, and their residents.”

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “No decisions have been taken on council reorganisation.

“Our priority is to focus on the transfer of power from Westminster and work with councils to create structures that make sense for their local areas and work effectively for local people.”