Local councils could be scrapped for single authority
THE future of local councils is under threat as potential reform of the political system could see them abolished and decision-making handed to a single authority covering the whole of Warwickshire.
The county council is currently looking at whether there is a business case for a single unitary council to serve the whole county.
Councillor Izzi Seccombe, the leader at Shire Hall, confirmed the government has asked all councils across the country to look at potential reform.
It could potentially see councils such as Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Stratfordon-avon District Council and Warwick District Council abolished.
But Cllr Seccombe stressed no decisions have yet been made.
She said work is now about to start to look at what structures would best serve the population and local councils and their voters will be included in any consultation.
In a statement, Cllr June Tandy, leader of the Nuneaton and Bedworth Labour group, said getting rid of the borough council “would mean the destruction of local democracy and decision making”.
She added: “Nuneaton and Bedworth have always been the poor relations where Warwickshire County Council are concerned and we, as a Labour group, do not want our towns and our local people to be ruled by councillors who live in other areas of Warwickshire.”
Cllr Seccombe stressed it is very early in the process and no decisions have been made.
“In September, government will publish a White Paper on Local Government Reform and Devolution,” her statement reads.
“We expect this to be ambitious and far-reaching, linked to recovery from Covid and the government’s original agenda around levelling up of the economy and building stronger communities.
“All councils are thinking through what this might mean for their communities, and some have started to discuss ways they might work more closely in the future.
“To ensure we are well prepared for the White Paper Warwickshire County Council’s Cabinet has asked the Chief Executive to look at all of the potential options.
“We have initiated work to look at whether there is a business case for a new single unitary council for Warwickshire, and also to identify possible alternative options working in partnership with the county’s district and borough councils.”
The statement goes on: “We want to be transparent about this, and to take the opportunities that we expect the White Paper to offer, to create a better future for residents and communities in Warwickshire.
“We do know that the status quo is not a realistic option given the government’s desire for change.
“This work is just beginning. No decisions have been made, and we are committed to engaging fully with district and borough councils.
“We are simply wanting to achieve the best future for the people of Warwickshire, including improving local decision-making whist at the same time being as efficient and effective as possible.”