Worcestershire council leader urged to challenge decision on unitary authorities

Worcestershire County Council is facing calls from Reform UK councillor Nik Price to challenge the government’s decision to divide the county into two separate unitary authorities.

Cllr Price plans to bring up the issue in next week’s full council meeting, urging council leader Matt Jenkins to explore a judicial review after ministers declined the council’s preferred plan for a single unitary authority encompassing the whole county.

This move follows the government’s announcement in July that Councils for the north and south of Worcestershire would be established from 2028. Despite this decision, Cllr Price and several councillors maintain a preference for a unified approach across the county.

During the upcoming meeting, Cllr Price says he will advocate for urgent legal advice on the matter, urging action to contest the decision through potential judicial review. He intends to press that the current plan could cause fragmentation of essential countywide services, such as children's services, adult social care, SEND provision, and highway support for vulnerable residents.

Despite these challenges, leaders from Worcestershire's councils issued a joint statement following the ministerial decision in July, stating their commitment to making the new arrangements beneficial for residents, businesses, and communities across the county.

The creation of these new unitary councils will begin with elections to 'shadow authorities' slated for May 2027.

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