Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution

The way local government works is changing. Find out all up-to-date information about Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution and what this means for Stratford-on-Avon District.

What is Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation?

On the 16 December 2024, Central Government published the English Devolution White Paper. The White Paper sets out the government's plans to widen and deepen devolution across England, providing mayors with unprecedented powers and funding and hardwiring them into the way government works.

Devolution: Devolution will provide greater freedoms and flexibilities at a local level, meaning councils can work more effectively to improve public services for their area. The result will be more effective, better targeted public services, greater growth and stronger partnerships between public, private and community leaders in local areas.

Local government reorganisation: LGR will replace borough/district/city and county councils with fewer councils. The Government wants every part of England to have a Mayoral Strategic Authority (also known as a Combined Authority). They believe this is the best way to deliver change and drive economic growth across the country.

These authorities would get extra powers and money from the Government to make bolder decisions about things like:

• Where housing is provided
• Local job creation
• Training opportunities and skills development
• Improved transport links
• Bus and train provision

How does this impact Stratford-on-Avon District?

On 5 February 2025, Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, wrote to all councils in two-tier areas and small neighbouring unitary authorities to formally invite proposals for local government reorganisation (LGR).

Stratford-on-Avon District Council, alongside the other Warwickshire district and borough councils, submitted an Interim Plan on the 21 March 2025, which identified two options for local government reorganisation in Warwickshire. These are:

• One unitary authority for the whole of Warwickshire.

OR

• Two unitary councils in Warwickshire, these being made up as follows: 1) one comprising the districts of North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth and Rugby and 2) the other comprising the districts of Stratford on Avon and Warwick.

What happens next?

On Monday 7 July 2025, The Cabinet will decide on its preferred option for local government reorganisation in Warwickshire (one of the above). Which will then be recommended to Full Council at the meeting on Monday 14 July, to be used as the basis for engagement and consultation.

Following this, the preferred option will go out for public consultation.

On Monday 17 November 2025, Council will finalise its proposal ready for formal submission to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 28 November 2025.

Timeline

We will continue to keep you updated on devolution and local government reorganisation and will continue to deliver essential services across Stratford-on-Avon District.