URL: https://committee.worcester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=230

Decision Maker: Extra Ordinary Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Council has given careful consideration to the Secretary of State’s letter dated 5 February 2025, which invites Worcester City Council to make proposals for local government reorganisation to create a new unitary authority. This is in support of the Government’s ambitions for transfer of powers in the English Devolution White Paper; The Council notes the Government’s timetable for submission of an interim plan by 21 March and for a full submission by 28 November 2025; The Council notes that the Secretary of State’s letter, and the English Devolution White Paper, make it clear that Worcester City Council is entitled to be an equal partner in any negotiations with other local authorities and in the development of submissions back to Government; The Council instructs officers, in consultation with the Political Group Leaders and other Members who may wish to join a working group, to develop an interim plan for consideration by Council in March. The interim plan should respond to the Secretary of State’s criteria for the submission of proposals and the creation of unitary authorities; and The Council agrees that for Worcester, it is essential that the interim plan, and ongoing negotiations with partners, address the following matters: 1.   Devolution and reorganisation: The case for more powers and opportunities for Worcester.   Local government reform must bring government closer to communities, not result in remote administrations. It must restore Worcester City’s influence as the economic and cultural heart of the area.   The City is a major regional hub for business, education and tourism. We have numerous examples of how the City’s ambitions have been thwarted by being excluded from regional opportunities. Strategic solutions on matters such as transport and waste are urgently needed and expected by our residents.   Seconded by: Councillor Riaz   2.   Sensible geographies and existing synergies, at both unitary and strategic authority level.   The preferred option is for a South Worcestershire unitary council and this must be given serious consideration by Government. It is the obvious choice for our area. Our local government reorganisation history bears witness to this. This is the correct geography. It builds on the strength of our partnerships with the other South Worcestershire district councils and our strategic planning policy, the South Worcestershire Development Plan, which is crucial for housing delivery and sustainable economic growth.   A South Worcestershire unitary authority would also be an excellent building block for a strategic authority. We will explore relationships with our neighbouring authority areas, including north Worcestershire, Herefordshire, north Gloucestershire and south Warwickshire.   Seconded by: Councillor Stephen   3.   Worcester’s role in making the case to Government and our commitment to collaboration and our expectations of partners.   Our Council values collaboration, openness and transparency, and civilised debate. We have an up-to-date democratic mandate following elections. We know that we are elected to represent everyone in the city and we have a responsibility to bring communities together.   We are open to exploring governance models which balance efficiency and representation. Likewise, we expect our partners to work in a collaborative and transparent fashion, to share our values and our ambitions for our residents and businesses, which are clearly set out in our cross-party City Plan. We must consult with our residents on these major changes before a submission is made in November 2025.   Seconded by: Councillor Holmes   4.   Safeguarding Worcester’s identity (past and present) and the voice of local communities.   We value the closeness and local knowledge that our councillors have of their communities, and we know that local people rely on their councillors. This applies to ward councillors across the whole city and our parish councillors too.   We know how hard councillors have to work to keep communities engaged in services. Worcester’s identity is precious. Our city has been a seat of democracy for over 400 years, with Royal Charters recognising Worcester City for hundreds more years. The civic identity, the Guildhall and the Mayor must be safeguarded within any larger authority.   Seconded by: Councillor Amos   5.   Improving the quality-of-service delivery and financial sustainability for the people of Worcester.   The opportunities to improve service delivery are obvious to us and we can build on our successful track record of working with neighbouring authorities. Health inequalities and housing needs are better addressed across a wider area, outside of our current district boundaries.   The need to improve social care is an opportunity for organising things differently. Inclusive place-based, people-focussed services would only serve to increase the health and wellbeing of our population. We have sound financial administration, and we have been able to make choices about investing in popular community assets including culture, play and leisure.   Seconded by: Councillor Agar      

Date of Decision: February 11, 2025