Local government reorganisation

By Richard Walters

Speak now or wait another 50 years!

Have you ever had an issue about bin collections, potholes or wanted an extension on your house and not known which ‘council’ to go to? The Government published its English Devolution White Paper in December 2024 with the clear intention to create ‘unitary authorities’ to replace two-tier models of district and county councils. This is probably the largest reform in local government we’ve seen in Shipston since 1974, when Stour Rural District Council was abolished.

What does that mean for us in Shipston?
In short, it is likely that Stratford District Council and Warwickshire County Council will be abolished in favour of a single authority covering all aspects currently administered by the two separate authorities, with a proposed start date of April 2028. Town and parish councils like Shipston Town Council will remain under
new proposals, but the relationship between them and the future authority is currently unclear.

What does the new authority look like?
We don’t currently know. Warwickshire District Councils and the County Council have all been asked to input on what they think is best. The two options presented are for a single unitary authority for Warwickshire, or for two authorities: one in the north and one in the south of the county. Now the Government has launched
a public consultation so everyone in the county has a chance to put their thoughts directly to them.

How can I participate?
The consultation is open until Thursday, 26th March. If you would like to share your views on Local Government
Reorganisation in Warwickshire, you can find the proposals online and provide your feedback through the online survey https://consult.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment-
reorganisation/warwickshire/.

Alternatively, paper copies will be available from the main Warwickshire County Council office reception areas, libraries operated by Warwickshire County Council, and council operated museums. Paper copies can also be requested by calling 01926 410410 and responses can then be submitted by email to lgrconsultationresponse@communities.gov.uk or posted to: LGR Consultation, Fry Building 2NE, Ministry of
Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF.