Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Two other district councils are joining forces with WWDC.
Further to my web posting item dated 12 August, Salisbury and Kennet Councils have announced that they have decided join WWDC in a joint legal challenge.

Graham Payne, Leader of WWDC said: "I am pleased that both Salisbury and Kennet councils will be joining us in fighting the Secretary of State's decision.

Wiltshire County Council's bid to become a unitary authority did not meet the Secretary of State's own criteria, which is why the decision makes no sense. We believe the government did not have the power to invite unitary bids in the first place and that the whole process is illegal.

There is no local support for this damaging reorganisation, which was one of the stated criteria. 78 percent of people were opposed to this and 47% percent of the County Council's own councillors.

Their financial case is also flawed, with the projected savings being no better than those already on track to be delivered through improved partnership working."

It is anticipated the three Wiltshire councils will launch the judicial review within the next few weeks.