Warwick and Leamington MP wants consultation on unitary authority

Such a proposal could see the two tiers of county and district councils in Warwickshire merge into one, delivering all services, whilst at the same time giving greater power to town and parish councils.

Mr White believes that a unitary authority would strengthen democracy through the greater clarity brought about by a single point of contact for local government.

He says that would also allow other services such as police, health or probation to deal with one council, enabling greater efficiency of public services and be a far more effective way for residents to communicate with local government.

Mr White estimates that such a move could save between £12m and £17m annually, depending on the chosen new model.

And he claims that such savings would have no impact on local services, but would mean that frontline services would be better protected.

Mr White, who has previously expressed support for a unitary authority, said: “I see a wide range of benefits to our area and I urge local authorities to launch a consultation to better understand the efficiencies that can be created, not least through cutting the cost of politics. “I am also keen to gauge public opinion and would be interested to hear from local residents.”