BROMSGROVE’S MP has gone against his local council in plans for the future of local authorities as he ‘fights to keep Worcestershire together’.
Bradley Thomas held a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday during which he backed a single unitary authority to be formed for the whole of Worcestershire.
He claimed the stakes could not be higher and expressed fears North Worcestershire could become an extension of Birmingham if the county was split into a north and a south unitary authority.
The proposal to create a north unitary council to run services, alongside another for the south of Worcestershire, was backed overwhelmingly by Bromsgrove District Council last year.
In his speech, Mr Thomas said the required aims of the new council organisation were to ensure financial sustainability, good value for money, high‑quality services and an ambition of continued improvement and that the only viable option for Worcestershire is a single unitary authority.
He said: “The reorganisation of Worcestershire Councils represents a defining moment for our county, one that offers either the opportunity to deliver better value for money to residents or, conversely, the risk of seeing parts of the county pushed involuntarily into becoming an extension of an urban city.
“The stakes could not be higher. We need a single, united structure which provides the clarity, efficiency, and strategic strength necessary to meet the challenges that lie ahead.”
Most district and borough councils, including Bromsgrove, Redditch, Wychavon and Malvern, along with Worcester City Council, have put forward a proposal for two unitary authorities with only Wyre Forest District and Worcestershire County councils agreeing with Mr Thomas.
Bromsgrove District Council leader, Coun Karen May, said at the time of the two unitary authorities proposal being submitted: “We believe we have created a proposal which takes into account the unique identities and geographies of our County and demonstrates that two unitary councils, a north and a south, is the right solution for Worcestershire and its people.
“We have not only engaged with our communities on how they see the future of Worcestershire, but we listened and so created this proposal for north and south unitary councils to operate in our county.”
She added feedback to create the north south proposal came after engagement and feedback from our residents, customers, stakeholder and partners.
