Simon Watts: Local Government Minister on the plans for council reform, amalgamation

The Government is focusing council reform efforts on those who are willing to amalgamate.  It will be looking at 18 proposals put forward under its Head Start programme.  Local Government Minister Simon Watts says work will start now, and they'll make final decisions early next year.   He told Mike Hosking the plans for those who haven't participated will come later down the track.  Watts says there will be a back stop for them, but work won't start on those until next year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.