The government’s reasons for splitting Worcestershire into two unitary councils have been revealed.
Ministers say two councils will better reflect the ‘industrial north’ and ‘rural south’ of the county.
It was announced yesterday (Thursday, July 16) that two new authorities covering the north and south of the county will replace Worcestershire County Council and the six existing districts in April 2028.
The Worcester, Wychavon and Malvern Hills districts will make up the south, with Wyre Forest, Bromsgrove and Redditch becoming north Worcestershire.
OPTIONS: Adam Kent says the government is “clearly” considering different devolution deals for north and south Worcestershire (Image: Supplied)
An alternative plan for one unitary council representing the whole of Worcestershire was rejected by ministers.
Local government secretary Steve Reed explained his reasoning in a letter to council leaders.
He said: “The two councils have been shaped to align to different geographies between the more urban, industrial north and more rural, service-based south.
“It will enable services, partnerships and economic strategies to be better tailored to the distinct needs of each area.”
READ MORE: Splitting Worcestershire in two ‘a disaster for residents’
Mr Reed said while both new councils will have populations below the government’s initial target for unitary councils of 500,000, “that figure has always been a guiding principle, not a fixed threshold.”
He also said the two councils would provide “flexibility for devolution,” briefly looking ahead at possibilities for a strategic authority.
“Given that a range of potential devolution options are still being considered for the area, this flexibility is important,” said Mr Reed.
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Former Worcestershire cabinet member Mike Rouse said this is a “clear hint (using ministerial jargon) that the north of Worcestershire will be absorbed into Birmingham as part of future devolution plans.”
Deputy council leader Adam Kent said: “Clearly they are considering different devolution options for the north than the south.”
He told BBC Hereford and Worcester it would lead to “massive tax hikes for residents” because the county council’s four highest areas of spend – adult social care, children’s social care, home to school transport and highways – will all have to be split in two.
Councillor Kent dismissed the two unitaries sharing services such as social care and highways as a solution, saying: “What’s the point? It’s 90 percent of the money!”