Proposals for a new South Warwickshire District Council

Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Warwick District Council have agreed to formally submit a request to the Secretary of State at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to create a South Warwickshire District Council.

Following a Full Council meeting on Monday 13th December, Cllr Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "This is a major historic decision on the future of local government in South Warwickshire. By taking this major strategic decision we are demonstrating our desire to control our own destiny. We believe this is the best decision for the benefit of our residents.”

"The COVID pandemic has had an enormous impact on our communities and the Council. This proposal to create a South Warwickshire District Council together with Warwick gives us the opportunity to safeguard our services into the future as well as helping us respond to any new challenges coming down the line. There is already considerable synergy between the two Councils and, over time, the savings in costs will be substantial with significant benefits to residents from integration.”

"I'm sure our decision will have national significance and will provide a benchmark for other authorities looking to merge. The first crucial decision has been made, but the journey continues and there will be a lot of hard work ahead as it will be another two years before the new Council comes into existence if agreed and approved."

At Warwick District Council, Councillors approved the same recommendations with 23 members of the Council voting for the recommendations, 12 voting against and there were five abstentions. In terms of next steps, the formal submission document: 'Proposal for a new South Warwickshire District Council', prepared jointly by both Councils, will be sent to Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.