A BUSINESS campaign group has welcomed the plans to see all the district councils of Bucks replaced with a single unitary authority.

The chairman of Buckinghamshire Business First, expressed his approval regarding the recent government announcement that it was ‘minded’ to proceed with a change to a unitary authority.

Alex Pratt OBE said: “Buckinghamshire deserves all the good government we can afford, and our business community wholeheartedly supports efficient local government and public services. Buckinghamshire Business First look forward to working alongside all of our local authority partners in supporting a smooth transition to the new unitary arrangements.”

A 2014 report by professional services firm Ernst and Young, that was commissioned by BBF, suggested that £20.7 million a year could be saved by doing away with the district councils, with a potential five-year net saving of over £58 million.

Mr Pratt said: “Buckinghamshire Business First will work constructively to bring the collective business voice in Bucks to bear, in support of the creation of a new local government arrangement that helps better power our local economy and support our community.”