Redditch Borough Council requests postponed elections in May
Proposal follows Local Government reorganisation plans
Redditch Borough Council has decided to ask the Government to postpone elections scheduled for May 2026.
The decision was made during an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council following a letter from the Government that invited feedback from 63 councils, including Redditch, involved in Local Government Reorganisation plans.
If approved, the change would affect nine council seats due for election in May. These councillors would potentially only serve part of their term under existing plans.
The Council Leader, Sharon Harvey, explained the reasoning behind the request.
"We are the only Council in Worcestershire to elect our Members in thirds. The election to a council which will no longer exist in two years, will cost £192,000, money which will be ploughed back into our Borough."
"Not holding the elections will allow us to get on with Transforming Worcestershire."
"That is why we are asking the Secretary of State to consider the postponement of May’s elections so we can deliver our part in securing an effective and efficient unitary Council for our residents."
The Government will make the final decision regarding the request.
Read more: 'Protest' as Redditch council discusses cancelling 2026 election
The Council's submission comes ahead of the Government’s deadline, which ends at midnight on 15th January 2026.
Redditch Borough Council has previously submitted its proposals for Local Government Reorganisation to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Under its plan, Worcestershire would be split into two unitary authorities.
The northern authority would include Bromsgrove, Redditch, and Wyre Forest, while the southern authority would cover Malvern Hills, Worcester City, and Wychavon.
An alternative proposal submitted by Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council involves establishing a single unitary authority to cover the entire county.