What’s happening?
In December 2024, the UK Government published the English Devolution White Paper, setting out a plan to simplify governance by stripping away the current two-tier structures and devolving more power to local areas. Warwickshire County Council has responded by developing proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), aiming to enhance service delivery via streamlined, local government bodies.
What’s being proposed for Warwickshire?
There are two options under consideration on the table, and your voice is vital in shaping which future structure Warwickshire chooses.
Option 1: A Single Warwickshire Unitary Authority
- One council would replace the County Council and all five district/borough councils.
- Services such as education, highways, planning, housing, and waste would be delivered by one authority for the whole county.
- Supporters argue this would streamline services, cut duplication, and strengthen Warwickshire’s voice at regional and national level.
- Concerns include a risk that decision-making could feel distant from smaller communities such as Beaudesert & Henley-in-Arden.
Option 2: Two Unitary Authorities
- Warwickshire would be divided into two new councils:
- North Warwickshire, Nuneaton & Bedworth, and Rugby
- Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick
- This would reduce the number of councils but keep decision-making closer to communities in South Warwickshire.
- Supporters highlight local identity and tailored priorities.
- Critics worry this may create uneven resources and potentially weaker overall influence compared with a single county-wide council.
What It Means for Beaudesert & Henley-in-Arden?
Both options would abolish Stratford-on-Avon District Council, meaning local services would be run by either a county-wide unitary or a South Warwickshire authority.
Key impacts:
- Neighbourhood Plan: Our Joint Neighbourhood Plan would remain a legal planning document, but the way it is implemented may differ depending on which authority takes charge.
- Local Representation: The single-unitary model could feel more remote, while the two-unitary model may better reflect South Warwickshire priorities.
- Services & Investment: Education, transport, housing, and health strategies could shift in focus depending on which option is chosen.
Have your say
The decision between one Warwickshire-wide council or two South/North councils will shape the way our community is governed for a generation and Warwickshire County Council is keen to have your input.
Please take a few minutes to complete the below questionnaire and make sure your voice is heard in shaping how our local services are delivered and Beaudesert & Henley-in-Arden is represented in years to come.