NEWS: Malvern Hills councillors vote in favour of submitting two-unitary council proposal to Government
Malvern Hills councillors have given the green light for an ambitious proposal for two councils to deliver services across Worcestershire to be submitted to Government this month.
On Tuesday (18 November), members voted in favour of submitting the proposal ‘Transforming Worcestershire’ to Government by 28 November.
This sets out the vision for two new unitary councils to be created – one covering North Worcestershire and one South Worcestershire – running all services in their area. They would replace the current six district councils and Worcestershire County Council.
The proposal aims to radically improve council services and outcomes for residents, businesses and visitors across the county.
The document has been put together in collaboration with Bromsgrove, Redditch, Wychavon, and Worcester councils, who will also be taking it to the chamber in the next couple of weeks.
It has been developed following June’s ‘Shape Worcestershire’ public engagement exercise, which saw 62.5 per cent of respondents favouring a two-council model. In response, the five councils agreed to work together to submit a proposal for that option.
The final submission comes after the five authorities considered an objective, evidence-based appraisal, which explored factors including costs, population distribution, economy, democracy, and local identity, back in September.
The proposal has been complied in response to the Government’s requirement for Local Government Reorganisation, that is due to bring in major changes to local councils from April 2028.
The reasons behind the proposal for two unitary councils includes that it:
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Reflects the clear preference of key stakeholders in Worcestershire.
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Drives long-term financial sustainability through a focus on outcomes.
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Keeps decision making local and close to communities.
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Unlocks a relational approach to working with local partners.
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Reflects the unique geographies and local identities of North and South Worcestershire.
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Enables tailored economic and place strategies to unlock growth.
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Unlocks devolution through balance and flexibility.
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Maximises the opportunity to transform service delivery models.
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Reflects balanced needs and enable targeted local delivery.
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Supports a fairer and more proportionate approach to council tax harmonisation.
A separate alternative proposal, which would create a single unitary council for the whole of Worcestershire is also due to be submitted to the Government by Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council.
Cllr John Gallagher, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “The five district councils have all worked co-operatively together and with cross-party support to develop our shared vision. It is a bold and transformative proposal in response to Government's intention to reorganise local government. It sets out a two-council structure which considers the different identities of north and south Worcestershire. The proposal has been shaped and supported by resident and stakeholder engagement. It captures the feedback from residents and the individual needs of local communities in each area. Each of the five councils will be considering the proposal through this week and into next week. This is an exciting opportunity for us to present our vision which has our residents at the heart”.
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/LGR to read more about the proposal.
Published: 19 November 2025