Stratford-on-Avon District Council endorses two-unitary model for Warwickshire's future governance

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has, today Monday 17 November, formally endorsed a proposal for the creation of two new unitary authorities in Warwickshire, marking a significant step in reshaping local government across the county.

Following an invitation from the Government to submit proposals for local government reorganisation, the District Council has approved a comprehensive business case, developed in partnership with Deloitte, Peopletoo, and Opinion Research Services (ORS), that supports the establishment of:

• North Warwickshire Unitary Authority: comprising North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council, and Rugby Borough Council.
• South Warwickshire Unitary Authority: comprising Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Warwick District Council.

This two-unitary model was selected over a single-county unitary alternative after extensive public engagement, stakeholder consultation, and financial and service delivery analysis.

The proposal will now be submitted to the Government by the statutory deadline of 28 November 2025.

The District Council's decision follows a robust engagement process that received over 2,300 responses, with 73% of respondents county-wide and 78% in Stratford-on-Avon District expressing support for the two-unitary model.

The proposal aligns with the Government's six criteria for reorganisation, including efficiency, service quality, and community engagement. Independent analysis by Peopletoo and the District Council Network (DCN) further supports the model, highlighting that smaller unitary authorities can deliver better outcomes and financial sustainability.  

The two-unitary approach is projected to generate £83.9 million in savings over three years, with additional long-term benefits through targeted service transformation.

The proposed structure aims to bring decision-making closer to communities, improve service delivery, and reflect the distinct identities and needs of North and South Warwickshire. It also keeps future strategic authority options open, including the potential for a standalone Warwickshire Strategic Authority.

In the event that the Government decision for local government reorganisation in Warwickshire is for a single unitary authority, Stratford-on-Avon District Council does not support this being established as a "continuing authority".

Councillor Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "This proposal represents a bold and balanced vision for Warwickshire's future. It is rooted in evidence, shaped by public input, and designed to deliver better services, stronger local identity, and financial resilience."

Next Steps

Pending approval by other participating councils, the submission will be sent to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

If accepted, the new unitary authorities would operate in shadow form from May 2027, with full implementation by April 2028.