// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Council leaders wary of radical plan to redraw Scotland's local government map
The future of Scotland's 32 council system hangs in the balance
Council leaders have been voicing their concerns about proposals for the biggest shake up of local government in 30 years.
Some have warned Scottish government plans to potentially streamline the number of authorities from 32 to six will not save money.
Others have questioned the potential impact on rural parts and the "absurd" timeline.
Under proposals for a new two-tier system, external, the regional bodies would focus on major issues such as education and economic growth.
Between 120 and 160 community authorities would also be created, contributing to local issues such as licensing and town centre improvements.
Scotland's 32 councils could be cut to six under government plan
The changes, which would fundamentally reshape a system that has existed since 1996, have now been shared with Holyrood's committees and council umbrella body Cosla ahead of a public consultation.
The Scottish government argues that some of these councils are too large to be truly local but too small to be strategic.
For almost 20 years there has been talk of councils working together more closely to share overheads and cut duplication - for instance sharing responsibility for road maintenance or back office functions.