THE PROPOSAL to create a north unitary council to run services, alongside another for the south of Worcestershire was agreed by Worcester City Council.
Members voted overwhelmingly in favour at the full council meeting on Tuesday (November 25) of submitting the document to the Government on Friday (November 28).
The 158-page document has been put together in collaboration with Bromsgrove District, Malvern Hills District, Wychavon District, and Worcester City councils.
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.
The plan is estimated to deliver about £9 million of ongoing savings a year.
While this is less than the estimated £21million a year under the alternative one council option being put forward by Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council, the transformation of services could deliver extra savings over time and be more sustainable.
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.
Councillor Lynn Denham, Leader of Worcester City Council, said: “I am delighted that the plan has been supported by Worcester city councillors, because this is the only option for local government reorganisation in Worcestershire that has been developed by listening to what local people and partners want.
“We’ve listened to their feedback and we’ve developed a plan that reflects their desires to have services provided at a local level, not a one-size-fits-all approach for the whole county.”
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.
