10. Adding local government reorganisation to the referendum question as an 'afterthought' has created further problems, confusion and uncertainty.

Local Government reorganisation has further complicated the arguments with the 'Second Question' in the referendum for the two tier county / district authorities asking what type of unitary authority the voters want, should a Yes vote be achieved; and there is concern from residents about services and costs.

Local government reorganisations have never saved money, whatever the politicians say. Independent research shows that it leads to massive one-off costs. The council tax in Scotland rose by 17% the year after unitary authorities were created. Are residents in the North East willing to pay this? There are also very serious concerns from council employees because of job uncertainty with the local government reorganisation.

Will there be redundancies? Will there be relocations of some employees due to the closure of council offices, and will employees have to relocate their families and face personal upheaval and hardship? Will residents have to travel long distances to visit council offices?

Unison, the main union for public sector employees is in favour of elected regional government, and has actively funded the Yes Campaign with members' subscriptions yet has produced no data or studies to reassure those very members. One has to ask the question as to whether they are acting in their members' interests or in the interests of Unison's hierarchy.