Council agrees two unitary proposal

Last night 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 Bromsgrove District councillors.

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

The 158-page document has been put together in collaboration with Redditch Borough, Malvern Hills District, Wychavon District, and Worcester City councils, who will take it, or have already taken it, to their own chambers, 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 includes 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.”

Bromsgrove District Council follows Redditch Borough Council and Malvern Hills District Council to now have voted on the proposal.

Council Leader Karen May said: “Working in collaboration we have met tight deadlines to produce a robust and realistic proposal which genuinely takes into account and reflects the needs of our local areas and residents.

“We believe we have created a proposal which takes into account the unique identities and geographies of our County and demonstrates that two unitary councils, a north and a south, is the right solution for Worcestershire and its people.”

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 May added: “We have not only engaged with our communities on how they see the future of Worcestershire, but we listened and so created this proposal for north and south unitary councils to operate in our county.

“Throughout the whole process we have considered genuine engagement and feedback from our residents, customers, stakeholder 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 for 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