Councils need to be local and backed by fair funding
December 2025
The 28th November was the official deadline for responses to be made to the Government on the preferred choice of Stratford-on-Avon District Council to the Government’s local government reorganisation proposals.
The District Council has worked with four other district and borough councils in Warwickshire and we agreed that our preferred choice was for two unitary councils, one for the North and one for the South. We agreed this was the best way to reflect the identities of our communities whilst continuing to deliver responsive public services. We now wait for Westminster to make the final decision.
Local Government has become used to continual change and challenges in recent years, but these changes will be the biggest set of reforms in my lifetime. Not only will the distinction between the County and District Council disappear, another layer of government, the mayoral strategic authority will be extended.
As we move forward, we now need clarity on the differing roles, responsibilities and financing of all these layers of government. We need Government to acknowledge, and properly finance, local councils on a multi-year, outcomes-based basis so that local services can be assured and delivered. We have long-term challenges to address. Stability is required to be able to plan ahead.
Most councils in England are spending less today than in 2010 -11, with per capita spending down by even more. A fair, sustainable and reliable funding system would enable local government to be more resilient and find local solutions.
We are already beginning to develop the District Council budget for next year. But, as we do so, we are still waiting to hear from the Government on the financial settlement for next year. This is not expected until a day or two before the Christmas break.
In the next two years we are going to have to plan for the new council and the future beyond. The proximity of new smaller unitary councils to their communities means they must be equipped to lead where they can make a real difference. However, the reality seems to be that decision-making powers seem to be moving away from local areas. As an example, in the next year, the District Council will have some tough decisions to make as new planning reforms are accelerated by Government. I am seriously worried about some of the proposals in draft planning legislation that will further reduce local decision-making by communities, councillors and councils.
We have real challenges ahead as we form the new councils and these are not confined to finance alone. We have to bring together disparate services and responsibilities including social services, planning, transport, environmental health, libraries, museums, education, leisure services, climate change and environmental work, waste collections and recycling, housing and homelessness services and much more, as well as continuing vital work with our voluntary sector, health services and community services. In the years to come we will need clarity as well as legislative and financial stability from Government to enable local government that works well for today, tomorrow and for many years ahead.
Local government is to be valued. It has weathered many storms before and will do so again.
Can I take this opportunity to send everyone my Season’s Greetings. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And thank you for all that you do in our communities.
