Redditch to submit proposal for two unitary authorities

Last night (Monday Nov 17) a proposal to create a north unitary council to run services, where every community flourishes – alongside another for the south of Worcestershire – was agreed by Redditch Borough councillors.

Members voted overwhelmingly in favour of submitting the document, ‘Transforming Worcestershire: Local government that works for people, powered by place and built for the future’, to the Government, by November 28th.

The 158-page document has been put together in collaboration with Bromsgrove District, Malvern Hills District, Wychavon District, and Worcester City councils, who will also be taking it to their chambers over the next couple of weeks, and consultants KPMG and Mutual Ventures.

It sets out a two-council proposal for Worcestershire – the areas of Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest to the north, and Malvern, Worcester and Wychavon in the south – with some services, like elements of social care, run across the whole area.

It’s designed to avoid significant service disruption whilst delivering transformational change based on the needs of local people. It contains a bold vision for the future of local government in Worcestershire:

“We’re shaping a thriving Worcestershire, north and south, where every community flourishes and public satisfaction drives everything we do.

“Through bold local leadership and the power of devolution, we’ll unlock opportunity, remove barriers, and deliver services that truly reflect the needs of our people and places.

“By creating two dynamic councils rooted in local identity, we’ll build vibrant, sustainable communities where residents and partners can grow, connect, and succeed.

“This is our commitment: a local and responsive Worcestershire, driven by what works best for each unique area.”

Redditch Borough Council was the first of the five collaborating authorities to vote on the proposal.

Council Leader Cllr Sharon Harvey said: “All five of the councils have worked really well together to develop this exciting shared vision which puts our residents at its heart. We have come together through true collaboration to demonstrate to government why two unitary councils is right for Worcestershire, in order to ensure we meet the needs of our communities.”

The proposal has been compiled in response to the government’s requirement for Local Government Reorganisation, that is due to bring in major changes to local councils from April 2028.

It is stated in the proposal that the case for two unitary councils:

• Reflects the clear preference of key stakeholders in Worcestershire.
• Drives long-term financial sustainability through a focus on outcomes.
• Keeps decision making local and close to communities.
• Unlocks a relational approach to working with local partners.
• Reflects the unique geographies and local identities of North and South Worcestershire.
• Enables tailored economic and place strategies to unlock growth.
• Unlocks devolution through balance and flexibility.
• Maximises the opportunity to transform service delivery models.
• Reflects balanced needs and enables targeted local delivery.
• Supports a fairer and more proportionate approach to council tax harmonisation.

Cllr Harvey added: “Throughout the whole process we have considered genuine engagement and feedback from our residents, customers, stakeholders, councillors and partners to create this north and south proposal. We have genuinely listened and will continue to do as we move along the process of local government reorganisation.”

The final submission comes after the five authorities considered an objective, evidence-based appraisal, which explored factors including costs, population distribution, economy, democracy, and local identity, back in September.

It has been developed following June’s ‘Shape Worcestershire’ public engagement exercise, which saw 62.5% of respondents who stated a preference favouring a two-council model. In response, the five councils agreed to work together to submit a proposal based on that option.

A separate alternative proposal, which would create a single unitary council for the whole of Worcestershire, is also due to be submitted to the government by Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council.

The two unitary council proposal for Worcestershire is available to read on the agenda of last night’s livestreamed meeting.

More info: Reshape Worcestershire: Local Government Reorganisation