Which council type is formed by merging a county council with multiple district councils?

The formation of a unitary authority occurs when a county council merges with multiple district councils, streamlining local governance by integrating the responsibilities and services of both types of authorities into a single council structure. This model aims to simplify administration and enhance efficiency by eliminating the overlaps and duplication often found in services provided by separate councils.

Unitary authorities typically take on the full range of local government functions, such as education, transport, planning, and social services, which were previously managed by both the county and district councils. This arrangement can lead to clearer accountability and decision-making, as residents only need to engage with one council for their local governance needs.

In contrast, metropolitan districts are established in large urban areas and do not necessarily involve merging with district councils, while hybrid and combined authorities do not specifically refer to the amalgamation of a county and multiple district councils in the same way.