The future of governance in Warwickshire could be revealed today (Monday, 16 December) when the government releases a white paper.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is due to launch the paper in a speech to regional mayors, local government and business leaders where she is expected to describe the plans as a "turning point".

The plan is aimed at ending 'two tier' governance where there are district and county councils, with Warwickshire an area where there could be significant change.

Warwickshire County Council has already spoken about the idea of merging with the five district and borough counties in the region. The five borough and district councils have already shown resistance to this - with the aborted merger of Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils originally aimed at resisting a unitary authority for Warwickshire.

Though the idea of the paper is to slim down governance, it has been suggested the government may provide for new strategic planning powers for regional mayors with the "ability to guide infrastructure and development projects across areas."

Ms Rayner has previewed the plan by saying: "It's a plan for putting more money in people's pockets, putting politics back in the service of working people and a plan for stability, investment and reform, not chaos, austerity and decline, that will deliver a decade of national renewal.

"Reforms in this white paper will have a significant impact on every council and community. While our members are – and always have been – open to change, we remain clear that local government reorganisation should be a matter for councils and local areas to decide."