Local Government Reorganisation

Debate between Lord Faulkner of Worcester and Baroness Taylor of Stevenage

Tuesday 21st July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)]

First of all, I do not think that they will be far-distant unitary councillors. In my experience, councillors have a great connection with their local area and they will continue to do so. I will answer the noble Baroness’s question in two ways. There is still a process where people can apply to have a parish or town council for their area. That process remains in place. If people wish to set up a town or parish council, they can do so. The other thing that is coming through very shortly from the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act is the neighbourhood governance process. The details of that will be set before the House very shortly, so we can debate that as well.

[Lord Faulkner of Worcester (Lab)]

My Lords, can my noble friend confirm that, possibly unlike in some other areas, the proposals for Worcestershire for two unitary authorities geographically divided by north and south have come from the councils themselves? The seven district councils have worked together to produce the two-authority model, which has survived changes in political leadership and been approved by councils of very different political complexions. I hope there will be the possibility at some stage to explain why that is the right decision. The Secretary of State’s letter says the proposal

“will allow each council to shape housing and economic strategies around its own area, including local issues such as land supply, affordability, regeneration, workforce needs and business strengths”.

Those are the reasons why local people and local councils in Worcestershire are supporting it, and I am delighted that that is what the Government have decided.