Redditch backs North-South council reorganisation

Redditch Borough councillors have voted to further develop proposals for two unitary councils, one for the North and one for the South, in a reorganised Worcestershire.

The decision, made at the council’s meeting last night (September 4), comes as the Government prepares to reorganise local government by replacing district and county councils with single-tier ‘unitary’ authorities that deliver all local services.

Worcestershire’s seven councils, six districts and one county, have until November 28 to submit their preferred reorganisation models. A formal Government consultation will follow in early 2026, with a final decision expected later that year.

Councillors considered two options: a single council for all of Worcestershire, or two councils for the North and South, which could see some services run across both. To assess the pros and cons, five councils including Redditch commissioned consultancy Mutual Ventures for an objective, evidence-based appraisal, which explored factors including costs, population distribution, economy, democracy, and local identity.

Councillors also reviewed feedback from June’s ‘Shape Worcestershire’ public engagement. Among Redditch respondents who expressed a preference, 75% favoured a two-council model, while 25% supported a single council.

The vote means that Redditch will now work with other councils favouring the two-council model to develop and approve a final submission to the Government ahead of the November deadline.

Council Leader Cllr Sharon Harvey said: “This is a once in 50 years opportunity to shape our future. It has to be right. Redditch needs a localised approach to public services - a single council across Worcestershire hasn’t worked, and won’t. Redditch is an urban borough in a rural county, with distinct needs.

“Thank you to everyone who took part in the Shape Worcestershire survey. It showed many residents’ lack of confidence in a one-Worcestershire model, and we agree. This will ultimately be a Government decision, but they are listening, and we are giving our backing to a council that’s more rooted in and responsive to its communities.”

The full options appraisal, commissioned by Bromsgrove District, Malvern Hills District, Redditch Borough, Worcester City, and Wychavon District councils. It is available on the council’s website alongside other information considered at the September 4 meeting.

For the Shape Worcestershire survey results and more information, visit www.shapeworcestershire.org.