This week Wycombe MP Steve Baker writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers:

Local government in Buckinghamshire is facing the biggest change since 1974 with the announcement earlier this week by the Secretary of State for Communities that he is minded to replace the five existing councils with a new single council for our area.

This is not a case of the county taking over the districts, but of one completely new council being created. 

All the existing local authorities agree the current two-tier system has to change, but the discussion is centred on whether there should be one unitary authority or two.

Sometimes there are tensions in the current two tiered approach. For example, the district is responsible for housing and planning but the county provides roads, schools and social services.

Having one council would give clear accountability and people will know who is responsible for the providing the local services they receive.

The Secretary of State is hopeful his announcement will bring all interested parties to work together to find agreement on the way forward. There are many things to be considered before this agreement can be reached.

We must be concerned for loyal public servants currently employed in local government, although I am confident most would find work in any newly-created authority.

I know people in High Wycombe and the surrounding parishes will want reassurance public services will be rooted within their communities and respond to local concerns.

Decisions which uniquely affect Wycombe should be taken by Wycombe residents and representatives. 

I am aware of one idea to give councillors devolved funding and decision-making powers so they can set the spending priorities for their own locality.

We must also not forget assets which Wycombe District Council has carefully built-up over many years belonging to the people of Wycombe.

If a decision is made to go ahead with a unitary authority, these reserves must be used primarily for local people and projects and not dispersed across the county.

The mayoralty is cherished by local people, and we must preserve this tradition going back many centuries.

Any proposals for a parish or town council must demonstrate how such a body will be representative and provide value-for-money services.

I anticipate any decision on the unparished area of High Wycombe would be taken by the new unitary authority if and when it is created but I will be writing to the Secretary of State with a recommendation.

Anyone who wishes to make further representations to the Secretary of State can submit these by May 25.

The final decision will be subject to Parliamentary approval.