County Council reveals help for future single unitary council

Following publication of the English Devolution White Paper in December 2024, the Government set out its intention to maneuver all areas with two tiers of native authorities to a single tier, a course of often known as native authorities reorganisation.

In line with the Government’s timescale, Warwickshire County Council submitted an interim proposal in March 2025. Since then, the general public have been requested to present their suggestions on bringing council companies collectively and their views contributed to the event of a remaining proposal which was debated by County Councillors at Tuesday’s assembly of County Council.

Councillor George Finch, Leader of Warwickshire County Council stated: “This marks an essential milestone for Warwickshire, and I’m happy that the end result of the County Council assembly has resulted in help for a single-unitary council for Warwickshire.

“After cautious consideration and a radical evaluation of the proof, I firmly imagine {that a} single unitary council is the most effective mannequin for Warwickshire. It provides the strongest monetary basis, ensures constant and high-quality companies for all residents, and empowers our communities by extra localised decision-making in communities.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for simpler, more sustainable, local government structures and while Local Government Reorganisation is not optional, my priority is to get the best deal for Warwickshire that will improve value for money for council taxpayers, and a single unitary is the way to do this.”

The Council additionally recognised the significance of city and parish councils in preserving native identification and supported the institution of such councils the place they don’t at the moment exist.  

The Council additionally accepted that full constituent membership of the West Midlands Combined Authority can be the most effective association for any new unitary authority in Warwickshire.

A remaining proposal shall be thought-about for approval by Cabinet on 6 November, previous to submission to the Government by 28 November. It is predicted that at the least 4 of the 5 district and borough councils will submit a separate proposal for 2 unitaries in keeping with earlier selections by their Councils. The Government will then resolve which mannequin of unitary native authorities will apply to Warwickshire, with a choice anticipated by Summer 2026. The Government has stated it would perform a public session on its most popular possibility, which is predicted to happen in early 2026.

Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/lgr for updates on the progress of Local Government Reorganisation in Warwickshire.