URL: https://committee.worcester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=272

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee received an information report from the Corporate Director – Economic Development, Planning and Governance. The purpose of the report was to highlight those local governance issues which the Council should pay attention to, and be proactive in designing solutions and recommendations for, alongside the submission to Government of the Council’s reorganisation proposals.   For the purposes of this report, “local governance” covered the following:   ·        Community level engagement in local decision-making ·        City status and Royal Charter rights including Charter Trustees ·        Mayoral functions ·        The Guildhall ·        Parish/Town Councils.   The Corporate Director summarised the main points. There was a lengthy discussion by Members on the topics listed above, and a variety of comments were made. Officers responded to the points raised.   Members were reminded that the Government has stipulated all unitary councils must be operated on executive arrangements, rather than a committee system. Whilst neighbourhood governance is recognised in the Bill, the principles behind this have yet to be announced. Area Committees will not be a replacement for the Council’s current governance arrangements.   The Corporate Director made reference to an LGIU paper produced in July relating to Area Committees and offered to share this with Members.   The Managing Director advised that in early 2026, after the Council’s proposal has been submitted, there will be a Government stakeholder consultation and it will be important to highlight as part of the consultation those issues which are important to this Council, including charter trustee arrangements, the continuation of the Mayoral role and future ownership and status of the Guildhall.   RESOLVED: That the Committee agree to note the implications that local government reorganisation will have on particular issues of local governance that are of interest to Worcester City Council.

Date of Decision: September 16, 2025