Local government shake-up sparks backlash with plan to suspend May elections

Plans have been unveiled for the most significant reform of local government in 50 years which could lead to the abolition of six councils across Warwickshire.  

The changes were outlined in the Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024. They aim to streamline governance, cut costs, and improve efficiency.  

Warwickshire currently operates under a two-tier local government system.  

This consists of five district councils – North Warwickshire, Rugby, Warwick, Stratford-on-Avon, and Nuneaton and Bedworth – under a single county council, Warwickshire, which oversees the district councils.  

Warwickshire County Council has now applied to the Government to create a unitary authority. 

The council leaders urged Seccombe not to request the deferral of the May 2025 elections

Local councils have expressed mixed feelings regarding the proposed reforms, particularly the potential postponement of the May 2025 local elections.  

Responding to the proposal, the leaders of North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Stratford-on-Avon, and Warwick councils wrote a letter to Warwickshire County Council Leader, Councillor Izzi Seccombe.  

The letter highlighted concerns over the rushed process and lack of consultation.  

The council leaders urged Seccombe not to request the deferral of the May 2025 elections.  

Instead, they called for “meaningful, collaborative, and constructive discussions” among councils in Warwickshire to carefully consider all available options for local government reform. 

Seccombe submitted her proposal to create a single unitary authority for the county. This would take over all services currently managed by the existing six councils.  

The proposal also includes a request to defer the May 2025 elections to allow for the restructuring and the formation of a unitary authority. 

While council leaders acknowledge the potential benefits of devolution they caution against rushing the process.  

“I won’t be getting pushed into it by county.” 

Cllr Chris Watkins, Nuneaton and Bedworth Labour Leader

Chris Watkins, Labour leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, expressed interest in looking at other options. He stated: “I won’t be getting pushed into it by county.” 

He added that he would write to the government in opposition to this. 

Local leaders emphasise the need to fully consider the impact of these reforms on residents, businesses, and staff before moving forward with such significant changes.  

As the Government now decides on the way forward, the debate between speed and inclusivity will shape not only the future of the governance of Warwickshire but also set a precedent for other counties.