WORCESTERSHIRE will be split into two unitary authorities, the government has confirmed.
Last year, councils across the country submitted proposals for how local government should be structured.
The government plans to reorganise the authorities so district and county councils, of which Worcestershire has seven, will be replaced with larger, unitary councils.
The changes are aimed at creating a simpler, more sustainable local government structure.
It is hoped it will improve access to services for residents, help councils withstand financial shocks, support the local economy and save taxpayers cash.
Worcestershire County Council campaigned alongside Wyre Forest District to keep Worcestershire as one council, saying it would retain the current and long-established county boundary to keep services together.
However, the remaining councils, Redditch Borough, Bromsgrove District, Malvern Hills District, Wychavon District and Worcester City believed separating into a North and South authority would be better for residents, saying the current system did not serve the north of the county.
Redditch Borough will now be joined with Bromsgrove District and Wyre Forest District to make a North Worcestershire council with Wychavon District, Malvern Hills District and Worcester City will join to become a South Worcestershire council.
Worcestershire County Council deputy leader Adam Kent, who campaigned rigorously for One Worcestershire, has slammed the decision, describing it as ‘terrible news’.
He said: “This is a horrendous decision in my mind from the Labour Government and is a kick in the teeth for our county.
“Inevitably it will mean higher council tax for residents in both the North and South of Worcestershire.
“Divide and rule seems to be the focus of this government.”
Joint council leaders’ statement
The seven leaders of Worcestershire’s councils have issued a joint statement.
These included Coun May (Bromsgrove), Coun Matt Dormer (Redditch), Coun Richard Morris (Wychavon), Coun Marcus Hart (Wyre Forest), Coun Lynne Denham (Worcester), Coun John Gallagher (Malvern) and Coun Matt Jenkins (Worcestershire).
They said: “The debate is now over and we have a clear direction from the Government. Today, we come together to express our commitment to work collectively to make these new arrangements a success for residents, businesses and communities across the county.
“The decision also provides important clarity for staff across our councils, allowing us to fully focus on planning and delivering an effective transition without any negative impact on the services residents currently receive.
“Throughout this process, there have been strongly held and sincerely expressed views about the future structure of local government in Worcestershire. We recognise councils and residents have approached this debate from different perspectives.
“Now, moving forward, our shared priority will be ensuring every part of Worcestershire is properly represented and local voices continue to shape the decisions which must be made by April 2028.
“Above all, we are united in our determination to deliver high-quality, financially sustainable, transformed services that meet the needs of our communities both now and in the future.
“This is a moment of enormous change that will create exciting new opportunities but also great challenge. We will seize these with renewed purpose as we work together to build a strong and sustainable future for the people of Worcestershire.”
* What do you think? Do you think two unitary – north and south – councils will work better for local democracy? Or would you prefer a One Worcestershire Council? Email: [email protected],uk with your views.
