DIVISION remains in Warwickshire over local government reorganisation after two different proposals were officially submitted to the Government to decide the county’s political future.
Warwickshire County Council has officially filed its support for a single unitary council for the whole county.
Rugby Borough Council (RBC) has also indicated its support for the single council model, with bases in all major towns.
But a two-unitary proposal – splitting Warwickshire into north and south councils – is favoured by Stratford District Council (SDC), Warwick District Council (WDC), Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and North Warwickshire Borough Council.
The submissions follow the Government’s invitation to bring forward options for Local Government Reorganisation.
RBC leader Coun Michael Moran said: “A north/south split is the end of the county as we know it. A globally renowned county with a proud history would be lost in an instant.
“The single Warwickshire unitary offers the best option for long-term financial sustainability, the clearest structure for protecting essential services, and the most coherent and resilient model for the county.
“I believe residents and businesses will see the benefit of having a single Council responsible for everything from collecting bins to managing roads, running schools and providing housing and adult social care. The links to local healthcare, public transport and the Police will also be a lot clearer.”
The WCC proposal for a single unitary authority received the support of the full council in October.
WCC leader Coun George Finch explained: “A single unitary offers the strongest financial foundation, ensures consistent and high-quality services for all residents, and empowers local decision-making keeping us rooted in the places we serve. And we are confident that it is the only option which meets all six Government criteria for LGR.
“A single unitary council for Warwickshire provides a single, consistent vision for the county, helping us to deliver stronger communities, better services and real value for money.”
An independent survey found nearly three-quarters of residents back the creation of the two council model.
Under the proposal, the new councils would be North Warwickshire Unitary, made up of the existing North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth and Rugby borough councils, and the South Warwickshire Unitary would include the existing Stratford and Warwick councils.
SDC leader Coun Susan Juned said: “Maintaining a local link to all our communities is extremely important. Public service and engagement must remain at the heart of local government, and this proposal ensures that principle is upheld.
“The two-unitary approach reflects the distinct identities of north and south Warwickshire while providing the scale and resilience needed for strong, sustainable services.”
WDC leader Coun Ian Davison said: “The two unitary model respects the real identities between north and south Warwickshire while ensuring both areas have the scale, resilience and strategic capacity to deliver excellent services.”
The Government will make the final decision which will be implemented in April 2028.
