Local Government Reorganisation: Shape Worcestershire

Background

Major changes are planned 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.

Latest

The Council is currently working with Malvern, Redditch and Wychavon District Councils and Worcester City, alongside consultants KPMG and Mutual Ventures, to put together a proposal document. This will be considered by Bromsgrove District Council on Nov 19^th before being submitted to Government on November 24^th.

What’s Happened So Far

Earlier this month Bromsgrove District Council considered a business case put together by Mutual Ventures. Councillors decided two authorities was their preferred option to govern Worcestershire as part of Local Government Reorganisation. One for the north of the County and one for the south.

In June, together with other borough, city and district councils across Worcestershire we carried out public engagement for residents to have their say on their preferred option.

The results from the survey can be found here Shape Worcestershire: Reorganising your local councils together