25 years ago

Scottish Secretary Ian Lang has unveiled proposals for all-purpose local authorities which could save the taxpayer up to £200 million a year. It looks likely that Tayside will disappear in the shake-up, Fife seems secure and, says Mr Lang, all four of Scotland’s cities have strong claims to become unitary authorities. Mr Lang refused to say where the Scottish Office might prefer to see any future boundaries drawn. A consultation exercise on the proposed council reform is already under way.