What’s happening?

Central government “REQUIRES” all remaining non unitary council areas to adopt a unitary council structure thereby removing the County – District distinction – Thus Worcestershire County Council and Wychavon and the other district councils will cease to exist being replaced by one (or two …see below) Unitary Council.

Assets and services currently owned/ delivered by the existing councils will be reviewed fir continuance by the new Unitary Authority – core services being taken, on though there is no certainty that specific assets or specific support will be continued.

It was made clear that this is happening – discussions are not about IF it happens but HOW it happens.

Timescales are for final proposals to go back to government by November this year and for the new structures to be in operation by 1^st April 2028

Options for Worcestershire

Two alternative options are being considered for Worcestershire

1. A single Unitary Authority covering the whole county (population between 600,00 and 700,000
2. Two Unitary Authorities (Worcestershire North and Worcestershire South) each about 300,000-320,000

The single option is considered to be the most cost efficient – though intuitively lumps the more rural south of the county with the more urban Redditch, Bromsgrove, Kidderminster. Stourport areas 

These are the only options on the table.

Engagement

The current “Shape Worcestershire” engagement – (care was taken not to call it a consultation) is seeking views on these options, though there is no clear evidence and little clarity of the benefits or costs of either proposal.  It is also recognised that it is being rushed (closes 29^th JUNE). Input will “be considered” by the joint councils in reaching a decision over the One or Two Unitary options.

Action for the community
We encourage everyone to respond to the “engagement” (https://shapeworcestershire.org/ …… ) – to express their views.
If you take a financial view – the Single option may be your preference

If you feel the decision making should stay closer to communities, or that the interests of Urban vs Rural areas are likely to conflict – then the North and South options may be your reference

Actions for the Parish Council

Parish and town councils are being advised that they should identify local assets and services which may be at risk of losing support of the new authsority. This might include County or District owned or operated facilities/ amenities from buildings, to parks, clubs etc.  Once identified they should be considered for their importance and value to communities and where important – Parish and Town councils are being asked to consider applying to take them into local control (some funding may be available). In this way they can be protected for the future though it will be important to accurately consider financial costs.
 
The take on of assets and upkeep is more important for town councils than parishes however for Bishampton and Throckmorton consideration needs to be given to amenities like:

• Mowing of verges and maintenance of culverts and drains (the future of the Lengthsman scheme is uncertain)
• Footpaths – the warden scheme is currently supported by Worcestershire County as is the funding of maintenance
• Support for Shorthorn Wood and the Nature reserve
• Street furniture and facilities

It was also mentioned that it is unlikely that the Wychavon support grant which supplements the precept will be continued which should be noted in budgets.

Potential Impact - Finance

Little evidence could be provided concerning the benefits of the move to unitary other than potential cost savings to the public purse.
It was noted however that the general experience when the move to unitary has been completed has been deterioration or loss of services and amenity combined with significant increases in local precepts. 

Potential Impact – Representation

We currently have a District Councillor and a share of a County Councillor

Post reorganisation we will have a single unitary councillor who will be responsible for two to three times as many parishes – meaning access to  and workload for the unitary councillors will be massively increased and thus their ability to progress local issues vastly reduced. 

Personal viewpoint

For what it ‘s worth – the sad reality appeared to be that those involved from Wychavon were trying to put a brave and positive spin on something which they did not truly embrace.

Without any evidence of compelling benefits it seems to be driven simply by taking cost out, not by improving or maintaining service to communities.

The larger the Unitary Authority the greater the potential economies of scale – but the smaller will be the influence and access to resources available to small communities.