Democracy is being sidelined with the local electorate being deprived of any democratic opportunity to give their verdict on a major reorganisation that will have far-reaching repercussions for the destiny of thousands of English towns and villages."

Chapman-Allen said it made "no sense" to give councils the chance to sidestep the local electorate before reorganisation proposals have been published "and when no one can tell whether this is something that residents would want".

He continued: "This could lead to an unprecedented gap of six or seven years between elections, undermining democracy.

"Instead, we need a proper debate on how best we can reform local public services to enhance them and make them more accountable to every citizen and community."