Local Government Reorganisation in Warwickshire

The council is working with local partners and other councils in the county to respond to the Government invitation received on 6 February 2025.

The Government has invited councils in the county to consider proposals for changing how local government is structured. Currently, services are delivered through a two-tier system, with:

• the county council providing services such as adult and children's social care and highways
• five District and Borough councils delivering services such as planning, housing, and waste collection

While no decision has been made, reorganisation could mean replacing all of these councils with one or more new unitary councils, which would be responsible for all local government services in their areas.

What will this mean for local services?

During the process our focus remains on delivering essential services across the local authority. The aim of any reorganisation would be to improve services and make them more efficient. However, the impact would depend on the model chosen. We are committed to ensuring that key services continue to meet local needs.

Will my council tax change?

It is too early to say what impact reorganisation would have on council tax. However, any proposals will need to consider the financial implications, including how services are funded and whether council tax levels would need to be harmonised across council areas.

This is an outline of the timeline provided by the Government in the white paper. It includes proposed and confirmed dates. Further dates will be confirmed as we receive updates.

Can I have my say?

We are committed to involving residents in developing future proposals and will carry out a public consultation as the process develops. We will also seek the views of local organisations and businesses.

The second part of the Government’s planned changes to local government is devolution.

What is devolution?

Devolution means giving more power and control to local areas instead of having everything decided by the Government in London.

What is the Government planning?

The Government wants every part of England to have a Mayoral Strategic Authority (also known as a Combined Authority). They believe this is the best way to deliver change and drive economic growth across the country.

Mayoral Strategic Authorities would be made up of more than one unitary council and operating across a larger area. The Government would prefer them to be led by a local mayor like in the West Midlands or Manchester.

These authorities would get extra powers and money from the Government to make bolder decisions about things like:

• Where housing is provided
• Local job creation
• Training opportunities and skills development
• Improved transport links
• Bus and train provision

What will devolution look like for Rugby?

Conversations are still ongoing about what devolution will look like in Rugby. The first step towards this devolution is deciding the reorganisation of councils within the county. 

It could be possible to join with other councils in the county or in neighbouring counties. It is also possible that new councils may wish to become part of the existing West Midlands Combined Authority.

The timetable for devolution is not yet known. It could happen at the same time as elections to the new council(s) in May 2027 or it could happen at a later date.

Any proposed new council structures as part of local government reorganisation, need to help deliver or “unlock” devolution.