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A public consultation has been launched over proposals for changes to councils across Worcestershire as part of the biggest shake-up of local government in more than 50 years.
The Government is requiring 21 areas of England to restructure their system of local government before 2029.
There are two parts to the Government’s proposed changes:
Local Government Reorganisation: where the Government is looking to replace Bromsgrove District, Malvern Hills District, Redditch Borough, Worcester City, Worcestershire County, Wychavon District and Wyre Forest District Councils with fewer councils.
Devolution: where the Government is looking to transfer powers and funding to new Strategic Authorities (also called Combined Authorities) that cover a number of new council areas and are responsible for large projects such as transport, infrastructure, and economic development.
Many of the District Councils are supporting the creation of two unitary councils. The current County Council is supporting the creation of one single unitary authority for the entire area.
Please go to the relevant websites below to find out more.
Parish councils in Worcestershire have been taking part in the consultation regarding Devolution. Severn Stoke and Croome d'Abitot Parish Council has responded to support the creation of two unitary councils. Discussion has been taking place in relation to concerns arising from the proposed reorganisation and how this may affect Parish Councils. These included highways issues, planning, flooding and the lengthsman scheme. It may in future be beneficial for parish councils to work together in a cluster to ensure strong representation at unitary level. More will be posted here once the final decision on the unitary structure has been made by Central Government.
Malvern Hills District Council website for Devolution:
Local Government Reorganisation - Malvern Hills District Council
Worcestershire County Council website for Devolution:
Local government reorganisation and devolution | Worcestershire County Council
As of 16/07/2026
Unitary Decision for Worcestershire
North and South Unitary is the decision
The seven leaders of Worcestershire’s councils have issued a joint statement.
“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.”
The decision means from 1 April 2028, the seven existing county, city, borough and district councils will be abolished and replaced by:
- North Worcestershire Council: covering the areas currently served by Bromsgrove District, Redditch Borough and Wyre Forest District Councils.
- South Worcestershire Council: covering Malvern Hills District, Worcester City and Wychavon District Councils.