Consultation To Shape The Future Of Worcestershire is Launched

Residents, stakeholders and businesses in Bromsgrove are being invited to share their views on how councils across Worcestershire should be organised in the future.

The Government has today (5 February) launched a consultation asking people, businesses and local organisations for their opinions on two proposals that will reshape the way council services are delivered across the county.

The two proposals were submitted in November 2025 following an invitation from Government to set out ideas for how services currently delivered separately by the County Council and district authorities could instead be provided by one or more unitary councils.

One of the plans – ‘Transforming Worcestershire’ – backed by Bromsgrove District, Redditch Borough, Malvern Hills District, Worcester City and Wychavon District councils, is to create two unitary councils.

Under this model, one authority would serve the north of the county - Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest - while another would cover the south including Malvern Hills, Worcester and Wychavon.

Key priorities for this proposal include shifting services from crisis response to prevention, empowering communities by keeping decision-making local, and driving long-term financial sustainability.

Bromsgrove District Council Leader Cllr Karen May said: “This is an important time for local government and now is the time to make a difference.

“We need the views from the people whose lives our services touch every day to make sure the right decision is made for our District.

“So please share your views and help to shape the future of Worcestershire.”

An alternative proposal for a single unitary council for Worcestershire has also been submitted by Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council. ‘One Worcestershire’ would bring all services under one authority, replacing the county and district councils.

Government is set to announce its final decision on Local Government Reorganisation in July this year. Elections for a new shadow council – or councils – would then take place in May 2027, ready for the new arrangements to come into effect on 1 April 2028.

The consultation will run until March 26. Paper copies of both proposals and the consultation are available at local libraries across the District where staff will also help you to access these online.

You can view both documents, at www.transformingworcestershire.co.uk and the Government consultation is here Local government reorganisation in Worcestershire - GOV.UK