The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has provided an update on its review of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
Jim McMahon, Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth, met with the leaders of all seven councils in Worcestershire. He stated that he was minded to proceed with the previous decision made in July 2026 to replace the county's current councils with two new unitary authorities serving the North and South of Worcestershire.
The Minster said there would be a period for interested parties to be invited to make respresentations,with a final decision expected to be announced before Christmas.
If approved, there will be a new LGR timetable for Worcestershire, with Shadow Authority elections held in May 2028 and the two new councils taking up their duties on 1 April 2029 (know as "Vesting Day").
In response, the seven Leaders of Worcestershire's existing councils ahve issued this joint statement:
“The meeting with the Minister today, following Government’s review of Local Government Reorganisation, has given us some clarity around the decision taken in July, for a two unitary authority for Worcestershire, which is effectively unchanged.
“Government is minded to implement a North and a South Worcestershire by April 2029 however we won’t get confirmation of this until before Christmas.
“While this does not provide full certainty immediately, the Government reaffirming their original decision in July, along with our preparatory work, puts us in a strong position to respond to the Government’s decision.
“We now look forward to moving forward and remain committed to continuing to provide services to our residents while focussing on delivering the best possible outcomes for our communities across Worcestershire.”
Cllr Karen May, Leader of Bromsgrove District Council
Cllr John Gallagher, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council
Cllr Matt Dormer, Leader of Redditch Borough Council
Cllr Lynn Denham, Leader of Worcester City Council
Cllr Matt Jenkins, Leader of Worcestershire County Council
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon District Council
Cllr Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council
