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
| Date |
Action |
| 6 February 2025 |
Statutory invitation received from Government to submit unitary proposals |
| 17 March 2025 |
Councillors agreed the approach for the interim plan to be submitted to Government |
| 21 March 2025 |
Interim Plan on Local Government Reorganisation proposal submitted to Government |
| 28 November 2025 |
Submit full Local Government Reorganisation proposal |
| May 2027 |
Proposed elections (Shadow authorities) |
| April 2028 |
Vesting day for new unitary councils |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Councils in Warwickshire will this affect?
This is relevant to Warwickshire County Council and the five district and borough councils in the county (North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Stratford District Council and Warwick District Council).
What changes are being proposed and what is my local authority calling for?
The council is working with local partners and other councils in Warwickshire to respond to the Government invitation received on 6 February 2025.
The Government has invited councils in Warwickshire to consider proposals for changing how local government is structured. Currently, services are delivered through a two-tier system, with:
- Warwickshire County Council providing countywide services such as social care, highways, and education.
- Five District and Borough Councils delivering local services such as planning, housing, and waste collection.
While no decision has been made, reorganisation could mean replacing the two-tier system with one or more unitary councils, which would be responsible for all local government services in their areas.
What will this mean for local services?
During the process our focus remains on delivering essential services across the local authority. The aim of any reorganisation would be to improve services and make them more efficient. However, the impact would depend on the model chosen. We are committed to ensuring that key services continue to meet local needs.
Will my council tax change?
It is too early to say what impact LGR would have on council tax. However, any proposals will need to consider the financial implications, including how services are funded and whether council tax levels would need to be harmonised across different areas.
How will this impact Warwickshire's Town and Parish Councils?
The White Paper acknowledges that people value the role of governance at the community scale and that can be a concern when local government is reorganised. The White Paper sets out that the Government wants to see stronger community arrangements when reorganisation happens in the way councils engage at a neighbourhood or area level. The Government has stated it will also rewire the relationship between town and parish councils and principal local authorities, strengthening expectations on engagement and community voice.
What will this mean for businesses?
Businesses may benefit from streamlined services, such as licensing, planning, and business support, under a unitary authority. There could also be a more consistent approach to economic development across Warwickshire.
What is a unitary authority?
Unitary authorities are a single tier of local government responsible for all local services in an area. They may cover a whole county, part of a county or a large town or city.
Why is this reorganisation happening?
The English Devolution White Paper is the Government's statement of their plans to devolve power from Westminster to local areas and reform local government. This includes a wide range of proposals on devolution but also wider plans for local government reorganisation.
The Government position is clear that devolution is a key part of their ambition to build an economy that works for everyone. They see the White Paper as a route to a completely new way of governing - a generational project.
The Government's invitation asks councils in two-tier areas to explore whether local government could be made simpler and more efficient. This process is about ensuring that councils deliver high-quality services, provide value for money, and remain responsive to local needs.
