The government has today (5 February) launched a public consultation to gather views from partners and residents on how local government is organised and structured.
The seven-week consultation follows the government’s previous announcement that it intends to end all remaining two-tier local government arrangements across the country. This is part of wider plans for devolution and giving more powers to local areas.
Last year, Worcestershire County Council and the county’s six district, borough and city councils were invited to submit proposals for a new structure of local government. Services to residents and businesses are currently delivered by Worcestershire County Council alongside Bromsgrove, Malvern Hills, Redditch, Worcester City, Wychavon and Wyre Forest councils.
Worcestershire County Council, working with Wyre Forest District Council, put forward a proposal for One Worcestershire - a single unitary authority for the whole county. This would bring all local government services under one council, replacing the existing county and district councils. Those in favour of One Worcestershire say this would provide clearer accountability, stronger financial sustainability and simpler services for residents. The proposal is backed by a range of local partners, including organisations from health, emergency services, business and the voluntary sector, most of which already operate on a county wide level
An alternative proposal is also being consulted on by the government. This has been submitted jointly by Bromsgrove District, Redditch Borough, Malvern Hills District, Worcester City and Wychavon councils and would create two new unitary authorities: one covering the north of the county and one covering the south.
Councillor Joanne Monk, Leader of Worcestershire County Council, said: “This is a good opportunity for people across Worcestershire to have their say to government on how local services are delivered in the future. The County Council supports the One Worcestershire proposal because a single unitary council offers less disruption for residents, provides greater financial sustainability, better value for money and easier access to services.
“I encourage all those who want their voice heard by government to look at both options and share their views during the consultation.”
The government consultation will run until Thursday 26 March, with responses accepted online.
For more details, including links to the two proposals, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/local-government-reorganisation-in-worcestershire
For more information on the One Worcestershire proposal, please visit: https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/LGR
For those with no online access, visit your local libraries for support.
A final decision is expected in early summer 2026. Elections for a new ‘shadow’ authority or authorities are planned for May 2027, with existing councils continuing to operate until the new council or councils are due to go live on 1 April 2028.
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