Two councils propose forming unitary authority

The leader of Crawley Borough Council, Michael Jones, says there are economic benefits to forming a unitary council with Reigate & Banstead Borough Council

Two council leaders in the South East have written to the government to propose that their authorities combine.

Councillor Michael Jones, leader of Crawley Borough Council and councillor Richard Biggs, leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, want to form a new unitary council.

The proposal will help "maximise the economic growth" of the area, the letter said.

During a full council meeting on Wednesday, Mr Jones said: "We want to ensure this town is as well-positioned as possible in whatever arrangements are to follow."

Mr Jones said a response was expected at the end of April, with options expected to be laid out for the full council to discuss in July, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

He added the council was still working with other Sussex authorities on unitary proposals within the county.

In the letter, Mr Jones and Mr Biggs wrote: "We do not believe the current Surrey and West Sussex county boundary provides a sensible geography to maximise the economic growth potential of the successful Gatwick Diamond economic area – with Gatwick Airport at its heart."