Warwickshire business leader says big question remains as Local Government Reorganisation 'unpaused'

Business leaders in Warwickshire have welcomed the decision to move forward with local government reorganisation in the county – but say one big question remains unresolved.

North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council all responded to the Government’s announcement about local government reorganisation in Warwickshire.  

In a joint statement, they said: “We note that the Government is minded to restart local government reorganisation in Warwickshire on the basis of two new unitary councils: one covering North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, and Rugby, and one covering Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick.  

“Councils across Warwickshire have held different views on the best structure for local government. We remain committed to working together constructively and responsibly now that the Government has confirmed the way forward.  

“Our shared priority is to protect the services residents, businesses and communities rely on. We will also support our staff and make sure the move to the new councils is planned carefully.  

“We now need clear information from the Government about the timetable, funding and next steps.  We do know that the new unitary councils will be in place from April 2029.  We will work closely with the Government, our partners, staff and councillors to secure the best possible future for local services across Warwickshire.”  

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It wasn’t clear how long the pause was going to last so we welcome the fact that the Government has made a quick decision to move forward in Warwickshire.

“It’s fair to say there have been differing views on the Local Government Reorganisation but nobody wanted to be in limbo for months or years so it is good to have some certainty.

“We’ll work really closely with all of the local authorities to ensure that the business view is heard throughout the process at what is a hugely important time for our regional economy.

“But one big question does still remain. In the Chancellor’s Budget there were further announcements about devolution and how new powers – including fiscal measures – will now come to mayors.

“With Warwickshire still not part of a mayoral area what happens in the county? Does it miss out on this opportunity?

“It’s a question that needs to be answered and resolved to ensure that the Government achieves its aim of growth in every postcode.”