Bradley has thanked local residents for completing his survey on local government reorganisation, with the results showing 87% of residents support a One Worcestershire unitary authority.
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. In its place either One Worcestershire unitary authority will be formed, or two unitary authorities will be created: one in the north and one in the south of the County.
The unitary authority will provide all of the services you currently receive from Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Council.
Bradley has been consistent in his belief that One Worcestershire unitary authority will streamline services, reduce waste and duplication and ultimately save council taxpayers’ money.
However, to gather the views of his constituents, he conducted a survey to ensure that they could have your say.
Here are the results of the survey:
- 87.5% of respondents said that they want One Worcestershire unitary authority to be formed.
- 86% of respondents agreed that a North Worcestershire unitary council could risk Bromsgrove and the Villages becoming an extension of Birmingham.
- 86% of respondents agreed that council reorganisation should streamline services, reduce costs, and cut waste and bureaucracy.
In terms of what happens next, the Government’s consultation on local government reorganisation in Worcestershire closed last month and we now await the Government’s decision.
If the Government proceeds with either a One Worcestershire option or a north/south split, the Government has said it would expect new unitary councils to take on full council roles from April 2028, with transitional arrangements in 2027-28 to support a smooth implementation.
Bradley said:
"Thank you to everyone who completed my survey and for strengthening my hand in the fight to keep Worcestershire together and to stop Bromsgrove and the Villages from becoming an extension of Birmingham. Worcestershire has a distinct identity, and it would be a travesty to see our historic county split in two.
"I’ve been consistent in my belief that One Worcestershire unitary authority will streamline services, reduce waste and duplication and ultimately save council taxpayers’ money.
"Whilst we wait for the Government to make a final decision, I will be using every opportunity there is in the House of Commons to continue fighting for a One Worcestershire unitary authority."
