Plans to a create a 'super council' in Nottinghamshire have been sensationally shelved.

Councillor Kay Cutts, the Conservative leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, had put forward a business case to radically change the political landscape in Nottinghamshire.

She wanted to create one or two huge authorities to pool resources in a bid to save millions of pounds.

However, a statement released by Councillor Cutts said she accepted her views weren't universally supported and she was pausing the plans.

A vote was due to take place on December 13 to decide if the plans could go ahead.

The controversial bid to create a new council had come under fire from opposition parties.

Councillor Cutts said: "Everyone knows I believe that the current system of local government is unsustainable. Our outline Business Case supports my view that there is a better way to plan and deliver services for local people who pay for them out of their taxes.

"However, I accept that my view is not universally supported. After meeting with district council leaders and chief executives and after much reflection, I have decided to withdraw the outline business case from Thursday’s county council meeting.

"We had a productive meeting with leaders and chief executives of district councils last week and they are willing to work with us on the delivery of local services but we all need more time to consider and discuss the potential options.

"I have listened to all the voices on my own and opposition benches and decided to pause and take more time to reflect.

"Nonetheless there is no simple solution to the significant financial challenges we face and savings will still have to be made to close the funding gap. We will need to consider radical solutions and not just look at back office functions.

"I believe in the interests of Nottinghamshire residents councils should consider options such as:

  • Harmonising bin collections for economies of scale
  • One organisation providing Trading Standards and Environmental Health services across the County
  • Housing provision to ensure it meets the needs of a growing elderly and disabled population
  • Whether councils could merge."

"Every effort will be made to protect those who rely on council services but all other spending will have to be seriously considered in both the shorter and longer term.

"I know I can rely on colleagues from all sides to help find the way through the current financial situation, which is not of this council’s making, in the interests of the people we were all elected to serve.

"A further update report will be brought to policy committee in due course."

The council has spent £120,000 on the first phase of the consultation.