Regional government and any future elected assembly would be drawing power from Whitehall and the Quangos, not from local authorities, who would remain the frontline service providers.

Keen not to be seen to be creating just another level of government, moves towards regional government would see the formation of unitary authorities across the entire region.

On the triggering of a referendum, the Boundary Committee would undertake a review (with existing unitaries unaffected). If the results of any referendum is ‘no’ local government reorganisation would not take place.

The trigger for a referendum remains vague, and in effect it remains entirely up to the government. Many different groups, including Parish and Town Councils, local authorities, local community and business groups can, of course, make their individual views known to the Minister.

Other key points from the white paper include:

• The elected assembly will have between 25-35 Members, elected by proportional representation.
• Their scope or responsibility will include a strategic view of economic development and regeneration, spatial development, housing, transport, skills and culture.
• Funding will be drawn mainly from a central government grant, although an elected assembly will be able to levy 5p per week through a Council Tax precept.
• Regional assemblies (in their current unelected form) will draw greater powers from government regardless of a referendum.