An independent study into scrapping the council system in Bucks has been published today - and favours a two or three unitary council instead of a single unitary council.

Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern, South Bucks and Wycombe District Councils commissioned Deloitte to carry out an "open and independent" review to find the best option for the future of local government in June this year. 

The report, which was made public today, concludes that a two-unitary council model - one for Aylesbury Vale and one for Chiltern, South Bucks and Wycombe District Councils - or a three-unitary council, made up of the existing boundaries of Aylesbury Vale, Wycombe District and the combined boundaries of Chiltern and South Bucks Districts, would be the best options. 

The study says either of these options would provide the "greatest opportunity to transform local government and achieve long-term financial and operational sustainability". 

Engagement with stakeholders is the next step and the four district leaders have asked to meet with Bucks County Council leader Martin Tett, next week.

Cllr Tett has previously vocalised his support for a single unitary council. 

Councillor Katrina Wood, WDC leader, said: “The four district councils commissioned the report from Deloitte to look at long-term solutions.

"We have approached this with no pre-set agenda, remaining open-minded about what the recommendations may be.

"What’s important is doing the right thing for the people of Buckinghamshire. We agree that the local government system which has served us well for many years may need an overhaul.

"We are up for that challenge, and are taking a broad view of the wider opportunities for change."

Buckinghamshire is currently a two-tier local authority area.

This means some services are the responsibility of Bucks County Council such as social care, highways and education, and others are delivered by the four district councils such as housing, planning, leisure and waste collection.

View the full report here.