Worcester to consider proposal for new unitary council
Some services, including social care, would operate countywide
A major shake-up of how local services are run in Worcestershire is edging closer, as Worcester City Council prepares to vote on plans to create a new South Worcestershire unitary authority.
The proposal, titled "Transforming Worcestershire: Local government that works for people, powered by place and built for the future", sets out a vision for creating two new councils: one for South Worcestershire (Malvern Hills, Worcester and Wychavon) and one for North Worcestershire (Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest).
Some services, including social care, would operate countywide.
Councillors in Worcester will decide on Tuesday 25 November whether to submit the 158-page document to the Government ahead of the 28 November deadline.
Bromsgrove, Redditch, Malvern Hills and Wychavon councils are taking the proposal to their own councillors over the coming weeks.
A bold new model for the county
The document outlines a vision for a “thriving Worcestershire” built on stronger local identity, devolved powers and more responsive services.
The aim is to create councils that reflect the needs of distinct communities in the north and south of the county while unlocking economic opportunities across both.
Worcester City Council Leader Cllr Lynn Denham said: "The five district councils have worked together really well to develop this shared vision, with cross-party support. Each Leader will be presenting this to their council colleagues before the end of the month.
"We’ve got an exciting vision to truly transform local government in Worcestershire, putting our residents at the heart of the services we provide to them.”
The proposal comes in response to the Government’s requirement for Local Government Reorganisation, which is expected to introduce major structural changes from April 2028.
Why two councils?
The case for creating North and South Worcestershire unitary authorities includes aims to:
- Reflect strong feedback from local stakeholders
- Ensure long-term financial sustainability
- Keep decision-making close to communities
- Support better partnership working across public services
- Respect the different identities and geographies of the north and south
- Enable tailored economic and place-based strategies
- Provide a platform for devolved powers
- Modernise service delivery and improve outcomes
- Create a fairer route to council tax harmonisation
The submission follows an evidence-based appraisal in September, which examined costs, population, economy, democracy and local identity.
Public feedback has also shaped the plans — during June’s Shape Worcestershire engagement exercise, 62.5% of respondents favoured a two-council model.
Alternative model also on the table
Worcestershire County Council is preparing its own proposal, which would establish a single unitary authority for the entire county.
Both proposals will be submitted to the Government, which will make the final decision on the future structure of local government in Worcestershire.