Big changes in local government throughout the north of England have been unveiled ahead of three devolution referendums on regional government expected early in November.

The Boundary Committee was asked to present voters in Cumbria, Lancashire, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Cheshire and Lancashire with options for unitary, or single-tier local government.

Suggestions include either keeping the counties with enhanced powers - or breaking them up to create super districts which would assume county functions such as education, highways and social services.