Residents are being invited to share their views on how councils across Worcestershire should be run in the future.
The UK Government launched a consultation today (5 February) asking people, businesses and local organisations for their opinions on two proposals that will reshape the way council services are delivered across the county.
The statutory consultation is available to complete online at the Government website with paper copies also being made available in libraries across the county.
The two proposals were submitted in November 2025 following an invitation from Government.
One of the plans- Transforming Worcestershire- proposed jointly by Bromsgrove District, Redditch Borough, Malvern Hills District, Worcester City and Wychavon District councils, is to create two unitary councils.
Under this model, one authority would serve the north of the county (Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest), while another would cover the south (Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon).
Key priorities for this proposal include shifting services from crisis response to prevention, empowering communities by keeping decision-making local, and driving long-term financial sustainability. The councils also highlight that their proposal is the only one based on public feedback.
More information about this proposal is available at www.transformingworcestershire.co.uk.
An alternative proposal for a single unitary council for Worcestershire has also been submitted by Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council. This would bring all services under one authority, replacing the county and district councils.
A final decision from the Government is expected in July 2026. Elections for a new ‘shadow’ authority – or authorities – would then take place in May 2027, ahead of the new arrangements coming into effect on 1 April 2028.
Cllr John Gallagher, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We would encourage every resident across the Malvern Hills District to have their say in this important consultation. From benefits to bin collections, the outcome will affect how our councils will deliver the essential services everyone relies on. Our bold and transformative proposal sets out a two-council structure which considers the different identities of north and south Worcestershire. Our proposal is the only one based on public feedback and we’ve listened to the feedback from residents, businesses and public bodies to ensure every part of Worcestershire can thrive while preserving these identities, as well as recognising the individual needs of our local communities”.
The Government consultation will run for seven weeks until the deadline on Thursday, 26 March 2026.
Take part in the Local Government Reorganisation consultation (or by email). Printed copies of the two proposals and the consultation questionnaire will be made available at local libraries.
Pictured: Cllr John Gallagher, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, with the Transforming Worcestershire plan.
Date published: 5 February 2026