COUNCILLORS from Wyre Forest have overwhelmingly backed the One Worcestershire proposal as part of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
At a special meeting of Wyre Forest District Council held last Wednesday, members voted in favour of having just one unitary authority, going forward. The other option was to have two unitary authorities – a North Worcestershire one – which would include Wyre Forest, Bromsgrove and Redditch – and a South Worcestershire one. That would encompass Worcester City, Wychavon and Malvern Hills.
Under Government requirements for Local Government Reorganisation, Wyre Forest, the five other district, borough, and city councils and Worcestershire County Council will be abolished on April 1, 2028.
The new-look council(s) would be responsible for delivering all the services in its area.
Councillors said they considered the single unitary authority to be more cost-effective and less disruptive than creating two separate councils.
They added it also avoided the additional expense and complexity of dividing key services such as children’s services and adult social care.
Both cases are expected to be submitted to the Government by Friday, November 28, 2025.
Wyre Forest supporting One Worestershire, however, finds itself in the minority – the only other one to back the same model is Worcestershire County Council.
The other authorities – Bromsgrove District, Redditch Borough, Worcester City, Malvern Hills District and Wychavon District all back having two unitary authorities – one for the north and one for the south.
Following the vote, Wyre Forest District Council leader, Coun Marcus Hart, said: “We didn’t ask for Local Government reorganisation, and we don’t want it. It is being imposed on us by the Government.
“If it is going ahead, we want the best deal for Wyre Forest residents. By supporting the One Worcestershire proposal, we are prioritising stronger accountability, better financial sustainability and less disruption for our residents.
“This decision by the council reflects our commitment to shaping a future that works for everyone across the county.
“The final decision on which option is implemented will rest with the Government and Parliament, following a period of formal consultation that the Government is expected to undertake in early 2026.”
People can visit: wyreforestdc.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcasts to watch the recording of the special council meeting.
Residents can also go to the council’s Local Government Reorganisation page: wyreforestdc.gov.uk/lgr to download the One Worcestershire proposal.
- WHAT do you think? Should Wyre Forest be put into a One Worcestershire Council? Or should there be a North Worcestershire and a South Worcestershire one? Which do you think will get residents the best deal for local services and taxpayers’ money? Email your views to: [email protected] with your views.
