The Government is imposing local council reform on Worcestershire.
The largest reorganisation of local government in Worcestershire in over 50 years will see all six of the county's District Councils, along with the County Council, abolished. The Government has decided that, in its place two unitary authorities will be created: one in the north and one in the south of the county.
The north Worcestershire unitary authority will provide all of the services you currently receive from Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Council.
By splitting our county in two, the Government has opened the door to the risk of Bromsgrove and the Villages being consumed by Birmingham.
This decision risks complexity and bureaucracy increasing for residents who are dependent on what will be cross-border services and at greater cost to the taxpayer.
This decision has not been made in the best interests of local residents. It’s locked residents into higher council tax bills. We’ll be paying more for less. That's why I fought for One Worcestershire unitary authority which would have streamlined services, reduced waste and duplication and ultimately saved council taxpayers’ money.
The Government’s decision-making is also inconsistent. They’ve approved one unitary authority for Gloucestershire, which has a similar population size to Worcestershire, yet they’ve decided to split our county in two.
Worcestershire has a distinct identity, and it's a travesty to see our historic county split in two, putting Bromsgrove and the Villages at risk of becoming an extension of Birmingham.
