City of York Council could be set to expand under controversial proposals for a regional "mini-parliament" covering Yorkshire and the Humber.

The Boundary Committee has been asked to draw up proposals for replacing North Yorkshire County Council and local district councils if voters back plans for a regional assembly.

Committee director Archie Gall said possibilities could include changes to the York boundary to make the council bigger.

It would take responsibility for households currently under the control of the county council and neighbouring district councils, he explained.

The committee began its review on June 18, the day after Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott announced Yorkshire and Humber would hold a referendum on setting up a regional assembly.

Under government legislation, a "yes" vote would force the abolition of the two-tier council structure in North Yorkshire to make way for the assembly.

It would be replaced by one or more unitary councils, with responsibility for education and social services, as well as housing and rubbish collection.

Coun John Weighell, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said that while he was against plans for a regional assembly, he was not opposed to the idea of scrapping the two-tier structure in North Yorkshire.

He said: "I have always been in favour of single tier local government. But any unitary authorities need to be in large units to deliver services effectively."

Expanding York, which already has these powers, is one option under consideration. Alternatives are likely to include a unitary council covering all of North Yorkshire apart from York or two or more smaller unitary authorities.

The deputy leader of City of York Council, Andrew Waller, said he felt it was premature to discuss boundaries.

Mr Prescott is expected to announce a final decision in May after local consultation.

The leader of Selby District Council, Coun Mark Crane, said he was worried that if Selby District Council was abolished Selby could become lost in a large York or North Yorkshire unitary authority.

Updated: 11:15 Monday, June 30, 2003