Two unitary councils covering north and south Worcestershire will replace the county’s existing authorities in 2028.
Ministers rejected an alternative plan to have one unitary council for the whole county.
The decision follows government consultation and consideration of the two proposals submitted for reorganisation in Worcestershire.
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COUNTY COUNCIL: Matt Jenkins and other leaders now have less than two years to prepare for the change, which will take place in April 2028 (Image: Phil Wilkinson-Jones/LDRS)
In a joint statement, the seven leaders of Worcestershire’s councils said: “The debate is now over and we have a clear direction from the Government.
“Today, we come together to express our commitment to work collectively to make these new arrangements a success for residents, businesses, and communities across the county.
“The decision also provides important clarity for staff across our councils, allowing us to fully focus on planning and delivering an effective transition without any negative impact on the services residents currently receive.
“Throughout this process, there have been strongly held and sincerely expressed views about the future structure of local government in Worcestershire.
“We recognise councils and residents have approached this debate from different perspectives.”
The seven leaders—Karen May of Bromsgrove, John Gallagher of Malvern Hills, Redditch’s Matt Dormer, Worcester’s Lynn Denham, Worcestershire leader Matt Jenkins, Richard Morris of Wychavon, and Marcus Hart of Wyre Forest—said the priority is now ensuring every part of Worcestershire will be properly represented.
“Above all, we are united in our determination to deliver high-quality, financially sustainable, transformed services that meet the needs of our communities both now and in the future,” they said.
“This is a moment of enormous change that will create exciting new opportunities but also great challenge.
“We will seize these with renewed purpose as we work together to build a strong and sustainable future for the people of Worcestershire.”
Elections to so-called ‘shadow authorities’, which will set up the new unitary councils, are expected to take place in May 2027.
