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