On Monday 7 July, Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet will be discussing a report which could help define the future of Local Government in Warwickshire.
All of Warwickshire's District and Borough Councils along with Warwickshire County Council would be affected by the plans suggested in the English Devolution White Paper, which is the Government's statement of its plans to devolve power from Westminster to local areas and reform local government.
The District Council is being asked to determine which option under local government reform is its preference. To assist them, the District Council will be considering a report by audit and assurance specialists, Deloitte, which was carried out on behalf of Stratford-on-Avon District Council alongside the other Warwickshire District and Borough Councils.
This includes a wide range of proposals on devolution, but also wider plans for Local Government Reorganisation.
The Deloitte report evaluation the two proposals which were identified by Council in the "interim plan" in March, these being:
- Option 1 - Single unitary model: A single unitary council based on the existing geography of the five Borough and District Councils and the County Council.
- Option 2 - Two-unitary model: A two-unitary council model as follows:
- (1) Based on the existing boundaries of North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, and part of Warwickshire County Council
- (2) Based on the existing boundaries of Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Warwick District Council and part of Warwickshire County Council.
Deloitte have evaluated these options against the 6 criteria to be used by government in determining future structures and have concludes that a two-unitary model emerges as the most advantageous structure for Warwickshire.
It says it would: "Effectively balance the preservation of local identities with the need for efficient and responsive governance.
"This model holds significant potential for recognizing and respecting the distinct identities that characterise the county acknowledges the existing cultural and economic disparities and allows for tailored policies and initiatives.
"This localised approach fosters a stronger sense of local ownership and belonging.
"Furthermore, two smaller unitary authorities would be closer to the communities they serve, facilitating a greater understanding of local issues and providing more accessible channels for citizen engagement.
"This proximity fosters a heightened sense of accountability to local needs and priorities."
The report will be discussed at Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet meeting on Monday 7 July, before making recommendations of the Council's preferred option for local government reorganisation to Full Council at the meeting on Monday 14 July, which will then be used as the basis for engagement and consultation.
All the other authorities in Warwickshire will now work through their own democratic process to determine the option that is supported locally, with the option to be refined over the summer.
The District Council will continue to work closely with regional partners to ensure that the devolution process is implemented effectively and that the benefits of this new governance model are felt across Stratford-on-Avon District.
A dedicated webpage for Local Government Reorganisation has been created, which includes a Frequently Asked Questions section and a timeline for Local Government Reorganisation in Warwickshire - Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution | Stratford-on-Avon District Council
The District Council's Cabinet and Full Council will be asked to make a final decision in November 2025.
Background information
What is Local Government Reorganisation?
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is the process in which the structure and responsibilities of local authorities are reconfigured.
The English Devolution White Paper also sets out that new, larger unitary authorities will replace district, borough and county councils.
Given 60% of the country already has Strategic Authorities (mayoral authorities) and unitary councils, it is seeking to reorganise local government in areas that still have county and districts - replacing them with unitary councils, which deliver all the services.
The Local Government Reorganisation Interim Plan for Warwickshire was discussed at Council on Monday 17 March and submitted on 21 March 2025. A webcast recording of the meeting is available here.
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 |
