What significant change occurred in English local governance after 1990?

The significant change in English local governance after 1990 was the formation of unitary authorities through mergers. This restructuring was part of a broader effort to streamline local administration and improve efficiency and accountability in local government. Unitary authorities were created by merging district and county councils in certain areas, leading to a single-tier system of local government. This model aims to simplify governance for residents and provide more cohesive decision-making capabilities.

The creation of unitary authorities was a response to challenges faced by two-tier systems, in which residents often navigated between various councils for different services and responsibilities. Merging councils into unitary authorities helps to clarify governance structures and enhance service delivery by reducing administrative overlaps and confusion.

Other options, such as the introduction of parish councils or the establishment of metropolitan districts, do not capture the primary local governance shift post-1990, as these developments occurred earlier or did not reflect the significant restructuring witnessed in certain areas during this period. The increase in council member numbers does not represent a fundamental change in the structure or function of local governance itself, but rather a detail related to the composition of councils that doesn’t encapsulate the broader reform initiatives of that time.