2009 Changes
Wiltshire's previous "two tier" system of local government was typical of English shire counties, with the area it covered being sub-divided (since the separation of Swindon) into four local government districts. However, the Department for Communities and Local Government announced on 25 July 2007 that with effect from 1 April 2009 Wiltshire would be served by a new unitary authority, replacing the county council and the four district councils.
As Wiltshire County Council was designated as a "continuing authority", its 48 outgoing county councillors remained in office until the 4 June 2009 elections, whereas district councillors ceased to hold office on 31 March 2009.
Read more about this topic: Wiltshire County Council