Wychavon approves two council plan
An ambitious blueprint to radically improve council services and outcomes for residents, businesses and visitors across Worcestershire has been approved by Wychavon.
Councillors overwhelmingly backed submitting the Transforming Worcestershire Plan to the Government as Wychavon’s Local Government reorganisation proposal at a Special Council Meeting on Wednesday (19 November).
Transforming Worcestershire would see two new unitary councils created - one covering North Worcestershire and one covering South Worcestershire - each running all services in its area. They would replace the current six district councils and Worcestershire County Council.
The plan delivers on the clear message from the public from this summer’s Shape Worcestershire engagement, which revealed people wanted their local council to continue to be focused on local needs, close to communities and responsive. Overall, 62.5% of people who expressed a preferred option for local government reorganisation during the engagement backed the two council plan. 57% of Wychavon residents supported the option for a South Worcestershire Council.
Bromsgrove District, Malvern Hills District, Worcester City, Redditch Borough and Wychavon councils have jointly developed the plan, which builds on their successful track record of shared services to deliver lasting financial sustainability, improved outcomes and unlock future opportunities.
Transformation will be delivered through:
- Shifting public services from crisis response to a prevention-focused approach.
- Driving long-term financial sustainability through a focus on outcomes.
- Creating communities that feel more connected and empowered by keeping decision-making close to them.
- Delivering local services that respond faster to everyday issues.
- Reshaping support for vulnerable adults so they can live healthier, happier and safer lives.
- New approaches to supporting children and families that enable them to stay together.
- Providing young people with better access to skills and jobs.
- Housing provision that doesn’t just provide shelter but supports healthier lives.
- Economic strategies tailored to the needs of people and businesses in local areas, to unlock growth.
Key strategic functions like strategic highways, public health and waste disposal would continue to be delivered as county-wide functions. Both councils would collaborate where it makes sense on parts of adult social care and children’s services However, they would deliver key services separately to focus on local needs and unlock opportunities for improved outcomes.
The plan is estimated to deliver about £9 million of ongoing savings a year. While this is less than the estimated £21 million a year under the alternative one council option being put forward by Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council, the transformation of services could deliver extra savings over time and be more sustainable.
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon, 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.”
Cllr Paul Middlebrough, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Local Government Reorganisation, added: “Transforming Worcestershire isn’t a case created by consultants but rather developed from the views of residents, businesses, community groups and town and parish councillors. It’s a proposal endorsed by community preference and not an academic study. It ensures local views are at the forefront of decision-making.”
Plans for local government reorganisation in Worcestershire will be submitted by 28 November 2025. The Government will hold a formal consultation on the proposals in the new year, with a final decision expected by July 2026.