Plans move forward to merge councils into ‘super-district’ by 2024

Stratford and Warwick councils could be merged into a ‘super-district’ covering South Warwickshire by 2024.

A major factor of proposals to “create a single statutory South Warwickshire Council covering all of the activities currently carried out by Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Warwick District Council by 2024” is to cut costs.

A report by Deloitte, commissioned by the councils, says that “there is a strong strategic, economic, financial and operational case for the merging of the two councils”.

Cllr Andrew Day, leader of Warwick District Council, said: “Out of crisis often comes opportunity. Our two councils have much in common and working together we’ve been able to respond positively to the pandemic.

“The local Recovery Plan will be strengthened if councillors decide to take this historic step, giving an opportunity to improve local government services across South Warwickshire, generating greater value for our residents and taxpayers.”

The Deloitte report will be presented to Warwick District Council’s executive on Thursday 11 February before final recommendations go to full council on Wednesday 24 February.

Cllr Tony Jefferson, leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on our communities and the Council. The Deloitte report clearly identifies that there are significant benefits from our two authorities continuing to integrate; without this there would be even more very challenging decisions required from both authorities.

“Without doubt, this is one of the most significant issues in the history of the district council.”

Stratford-on- Avon District Council will be discussing the report at its cabinet meeting on Tuesday 9 February before going before its full council on Monday 22 February.

If councillors back the proposals, £100,000 to be budgeted to support the merger.

The councils say the reasons for the merger include:

Recognised that the sense of place between the two authorities needs to be maintained

Louder voice sub-regionally for residents and stakeholders

Financial pressures from COVID and reductions in Government Support

To help retain as many valuable services as possible

Work has also started on the production of joint local plan and a joint procurement process has started for a joint refuse and recycling contract.