COUNCILS in Warwickshire have formally submitted their proposal to Government for the creation of two new unitary councils for the county.
The two-unitary proposal is supported by Stratford District Council, Warwick District Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and North Warwickshire Borough Council.
The proposal has strong public support and is backed cross-party by five of Warwickshire’s six MPs. Warwickshire County Council has however voted in favour of a single unitary council for the whole county.
The submission follows the Government’s invitation to bring forward options for Local Government Reorganisation. Extensive analysis and engagement with residents, partners and local organisations has led the councils to conclude that a two unitary model best reflects the diverse identities, priorities and economies across Warwickshire.
An independent survey carried out by ORS found that 73 per cent of residents support the creation of two unitary councils rather than just one new council. Under the proposal, the new councils would be North Warwickshire Unitary – North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and Rugby Borough Council, and South Warwickshire Unitary – Stratford District Council and Warwick District Council.
The proposal sets out how the two unitary councils would strengthen local identity and democratic accountability, remain close to communities and enable more responsive public services. It also highlights clear alignment with existing public service footprints, including NHS partnerships and policing, which already operate on a north and south split.
Both new authorities would continue to work closely with the West Midlands Combined Authority. Warwickshire councils already collaborate with the Combined Authority on transport, regeneration and economic development, and the mayor has recognised the benefits of a model that reflects the county’s two distinct areas.
SDC leader Coun Susan Juned said: “Maintaining a local link to all our communities is extremely important. Public service and engagement must remain at the heart of local government, and this proposal ensures that principle is upheld.
“Our councils have worked together in a constructive and forward-thinking way to identify a model that delivers the best outcomes for residents. The two-unitary approach reflects the distinct identities of north and south Warwickshire while providing the scale and resilience needed for strong, sustainable services.
“It is a future-focused solution backed by public, political and parliamentary support, and we are pleased to submit it to Government as part of the national programme for local government reform.”
WDC leader Coun Ian Davison added: “Our councils have worked constructively and collaboratively to identify the option that delivers the best outcomes for our communities. The two unitary model respects the real identities between north and south Warwickshire while ensuring both areas have the scale, resilience and strategic capacity to deliver excellent services.”
