Five Worcestershire Councils Submit Two-unitary Proposal

A landmark proposal to reshape local government in Worcestershire has been formally submitted to the Government, following approval by five local councils.

The document, Transforming Worcestershire: Local government that works for people, powered by place and built for the future, sets out a bold vision for creating two new unitary authorities for the north and south of the area.

Bromsgrove District, Malvern Hills District, Redditch Borough, Worcester City, and Wychavon District councils worked together to develop the detailed proposal, supported by consultants KPMG and Mutual Ventures.

It responds to the Government’s request for councils to outline how they believe local government in their area should be reorganised into single-tier authorities.

In a covering letter, sent to the Government last week (Nov 27) and co-signed by all five council leaders, the councils highlight that the proposal is not just a name change, but aims to unlock real and lasting change, delivering better outcomes for residents, businesses, and public sector partners - in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a strong, sustainable future for Worcestershire through collaboration and innovation.

The plan reflects extensive engagement, including the Shape Worcestershire survey, where 62.5% of respondents who expressed a preference supported a two-council model.

The proposal would see a North Worcestershire authority covering Bromsgrove, Redditch, and Wyre Forest, and a South Worcestershire authority covering Malvern Hills, Worcester City, and Wychavon. Certain services, such as elements of social care, would continue across both authorities where beneficial.

Key priorities include shifting services from crisis response to prevention, empowering communities by keeping decision-making local, and driving long-term financial sustainability. The councils also highlight that their proposal is the only one based on public feedback and designed to avoid the democratic deficit feared under a single unitary model.

Cllr Karen May, Leader of Bromsgrove District Council, said: “This is not about putting a new badge on the door, this is about the real and lasting change the Government’s decision will make for us all. Our proposal for that delivers transformation in Worcestershire, not just rebranding, building on our proven track record of doing things differently to create a strong, sustainable future for both north and south.”

Cllr John Gallagher, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Collaboration is at the heart of this plan. It’s the only plan that has been informed by the views of

residents from right across Worcestershire. We’ve listened to residents and partners to ensure every part of Worcestershire can thrive while preserving the identities that matter to local communities.”

Cllr Sharon Harvey, Leader of Redditch Borough Council, said: “Our residents have told us that local government must stay close to the people. This proposal avoids the problem of losing local voices under one single unitary by keeping local decision-making where it belongs: rooted within communities.”

Cllr Lynn Denham, Leader of Worcester City Council, said: “This is a massive opportunity to shift important services from crisis response to prevention, reshaping support so people get help earlier and communities thrive.

“We’re focused on improving outcomes that will reduce demand and in turn, reduce costs.”

Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “Nobody wants or asked for this change and it’s sad that a high-performing and much-valued council like Wychavon is going to disappear.

“But if we have to have change then the choice is a clear one - a rebranded status quo, or our proposal for a renewed, resilient local government, working for people and powered by place.

“We’ve listened to residents and built a plan that reflects their priorities. We now urge the Government to embrace this once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

The Government is reviewing the proposal as part of its Local Government Reorganisation programme, with initial decisions expected in 2026.

A consultation to gather evidence from named consultees and other stakeholders will follow, at which time input from local residents and businesses will also be welcomed and considered.

An alternative proposal for a single unitary council for Worcestershire has also been submitted by Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council. For the full document, letter, and more information, visit redditchbc.gov.uk/Transforming-Worcs