WORCESTERSHIRE will be split into two unitary authorities, the Government is expected to announce today.
The Observer understands the official confirmation of the decision to support the two new unitary council-option will be made this afternoon in Parliament.
The plan will see two new unitary councils created covering north and south, each running all services in its area and replacing the current six district councils as well as Worcestershire County Council from April 1, 2028.
After a public consultation exercise, Wychavon District Council backed the north/south option last November whilst the county council favoured the one council plan.
The reasoning behind these changes is to create a simpler, more sustainable local government structure.
The aim is to improve access to services for residents, help councils withstand financial shocks, support the local economy and save taxpayers cash.
Worcestershire County Council campaigned alongside Wyre Forest District to keep Worcestershire as one council, saying it would retain the current and long-established county boundary to keep services together.
The remaining councils of Redditch Borough, Bromsgrove District, Malvern Hills District, Wychavon District and Worcester City believed separating into a north and south authority would be better for residents, saying the current system did not serve the north of the county.
The deputy leader of Worcestershire County Council Adam Kent (Conservative), who campaigned vigorously for One Worcestershire option has already criticised the decision, posting on social media that it is terrible news.
“This is a horrendous decision in my mind from the Labour Government and is a kick in the teeth for our county.
“Inevitably it will mean higher council tax for residents in both the North and South of Worcestershire.
“Divide and rule seems to be the focus of this government.”
At the time of submitting its preferred option the ‘Transforming Worcestershire Plan’, on November 28, the leader of Wychavon, Coun Richard Morris, said: “We did not ask for this change, as we value Wychavon and what we do for our area.
“But as the Government is imposing this change, it is our duty to ensure we get the right outcome for our residents.
“During the extensive public engagement the district councils carried out, people were clear they felt one Worcestershire Council would be too large, remote, bureaucratic, risk inefficiency and lead to weaker community engagement.
“They also told us the two-council model would be the least disruptive, more reflective of local identities and priorities and allow for collaboration on county-wide services while delivering more effectively at a local level.
“We’ve listened to that feedback and developed a proposal that works for people, is powered by place, and is built for the future.
“Together with colleagues across the five districts, we’ll be urging the Government to seize the opportunity we are presenting to them.”
