What major change was proposed to the structure of local government?

The proposal to create more unitaries reflects a significant change in the structure of local government. Unitary authorities consolidate all local government functions into a single tier, eliminating the need for a two-tier system that includes both county and district councils. This change aims to streamline governance, reduce bureaucratic overlap, and improve efficiency in local administration.

Creating more unitaries can lead to more cohesive and integrated services, making it easier for residents to access the support they need. This approach is often seen as a response to the challenges posed by complex local governance structures, which can sometimes result in confusion and inefficiency in service delivery.

In contrast, the other options imply a reduction in local governance or potential centralization that would not promote the local representation and tailored governance that unitaries are designed to enhance.