Have Your Say on the Future of Local Government in Worcestershire
News release issued:
Residents across Worcestershire are being invited to share their views on how local government should be organised in the future.
A Government consultation opened today (Thursday 5 February), asking people, businesses and local organisations for their opinions on two proposals that will reshape the way council services are delivered across the county.
The statutory consultation is available to complete online, with paper copies also being made available in council customer service centres and Worcestershire libraries.
In February 2025, the county, district, borough and city councils in Worcestershire received an invitation from the Government to submit proposals for a new structure of local government. At present, services are delivered by both the county council and the six district, borough and city councils.
Wyre Forest District Council’s preferred option is for a single unitary council for the whole of Worcestershire bringing all services under one authority.
The other option is to create two unitary councils. Under this model, one authority would serve the north of the county (Wyre Forest, Bromsgrove and Redditch) while another would cover the south (Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon).
Both proposals aim to simplify decision‑making and improve efficiency but offer different approaches to delivering public services.
Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council, said:
“This will be the biggest change to local government in Worcestershire for 50 years. It’s a significant decision that will shape how our councils work for many years to come, and it’s important that as many people as possible have their say.
“Both proposals have been carefully developed. Wyre Forest District Council has chosen to support the One Worcestershire model because we believe it offers stronger accountability, better financial sustainability and less disruption for residents. We encourage everyone to look at both options and share their views with the Government during the consultation period.”
He added:
“This is your chance to help decide how your local services are delivered in the future.”
A final decision from the Government is expected in July 2026. Elections for a new ‘shadow’ authority – or authorities – would then take place in May 2027, ahead of the new arrangements coming into effect on 1 April 2028.
The Government consultation will run until Thursday 26 March, and residents can respond online, by email or using a paper survey. Anyone without online access can visit their local library for support.