AN AMBITIOUS blueprint to radically overhaul and improve council services for residents, businesses and visitors across Worcestershire was approved by Wychavon District Council last Wednesday (November 19).
Councillors overwhelmingly backed submitting the ‘Transforming Worcestershire Plan’ as Wychavon’s preferred local government reorganisation proposal which would see two new unitary councils created covering north and south, each separately running all services in its area.
The proposal means replacing the current six district councils as well as Worcestershire County Council.
It delivers on the clear message from the summer’s Shape Worcestershire consultation, which revealed people wanted their local council to continue to focus on local needs, remain close to communities and be responsive.
Overall, 62.5 per cent of people who expressed a preferred option for local government reorganisation during the engagement backed the two council plan.
57 per cent of Wychavon residents supported the South Worcestershire Council option.
Bromsgrove District, Malvern Hills District, Worcester City, Redditch Borough and Wychavon councils have jointly developed the plan, which builds on their track record of shared services to deliver lasting financial sustainability snd improved outcomes for people living in the area.
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon, said: “We did not ask for this change, as we value Wychavon and what we do for our area. But as the Government is imposing this change, it is our duty to ensure we get the right outcome for our residents.
“During the extensive public engagement the district councils carried out, people were clear they felt one Worcestershire Council would be too large, remote, bureaucratic, risk inefficiency and lead to weaker community engagement.
“They also told us the two-council model would be the least disruptive, more reflective of local identities and priorities and allow for collaboration on county-wide services while delivering more effectively at a local level.
“We’ve listened to that feedback and developed a proposal that works for people, is powered by place, and is built for the future. Together with colleagues across the five districts, we’ll be urging the Government to seize the opportunity we are presenting to them.”
Change will be delivered through a variety of measure that include shifting public services from crisis response to a prevention-focused approach and providing young people with better access to skills and jobs.
Both new councils would collaborate where it makes sense on parts of adult social care and children’s services. They would, however, deliver key services separately to focus on local needs and unlock opportunities for improved outcomes.
The plan is estimated to deliver about £9 million of ongoing savings a year. While this is less than the estimated £21 million a year under the alternative one council option being put forward by Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council, the transformation of services could deliver extra savings over time and be more sustainable.
Cllr Paul Middlebrough, Wychavon’s executive board member for local government reorganisation, added: “Transforming Worcestershire isn’t a case created by consultants but rather developed from the views of residents, businesses, community groups and town and parish councillors.
“It’s a proposal endorsed by community preference and not an academic study. It ensures local views are at the forefront of decision-making.”
Plans for local government reorganisation in Worcestershire will be submitted to the Government by November 28, which will hold a formal consultation on the proposals in the new year.
A final decision expected by July 2026.
Read the proposal in full at www.wychavon.gov.uk/lgr.
