Plans for LGR in Worcestershire

Councils could submit:

• A joint plan on behalf of all councils
• A plan developed by different combinations of councils
• A plan as an individual council

The Government set six key criteria proposals would be considered against. All proposals for reorganisation must:

1. Establish a single-tier of local government for the whole area.
2. Be of the right size to achieve efficiencies, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks.
3. Prioritise the delivery of high quality and sustainable public services to citizens.
4. Show how councils in the area have sought to work together in coming to a view that meets local needs and is informed by local views.
5. Show how new unitary structures support devolution arrangements.
6. Enable stronger community engagement and deliver genuine opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment.

During June 2025, Bromsgrove District, Malvern Hills District, Redditch Borough, Worcester City, Wychavon District and Wyre Forest District Councils held a public engagement exercise called Shape Worcestershire.

More than 4,200 people and organisations took part in the survey and focus groups held across the county.
Responses were gathered from residents, community and voluntary organisations, businesses, town and parish councils, and other key partners.

The results revealed.

• 48%     backed creating two unitary councils
• 29%     supported one unitary council for the county
• 19%     didn’t support any reorganisation of local councils in Worcestershire

When only responses from those who expressed a preference are considered the figure support the two unitary council option rises to XX%.

You can read the Shape Worcestershire engagement analysis here [LINK]

In September 2025 councillors from five of the district councils – Bromsgrove, Malvern Hills, Redditch, Worcester and Wychavon – voted overwhelmingly to fully develop the two council option. Feedback from the engagement was crucial to developing the proposal to ensure it was responding to local needs as well as meeting the Government’s six criteria.

Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council had already expressed a preference for a one council solution and chose to develop this.

At the end of November 2025 two plans for Local Government Reorganisation for Worcestershire were submitted to the Government.

They are:

Transforming Worcestershire: this involves creating two unitary councils - a North Worcestershire Council and a South Worcestershire Council - to run all services for their part of the county. This is the option put forward by us, Bromsgrove District, Malvern Hills District, Redditch Borough and Worcester City Councils.

You can click or tap the buttons below to read the Transforming Worcestershire Plan in full and our covering letter to the Government.

One Worcestershire: this would create a single unitary council to run all services for the county. It is being proposed by Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest. This website contains information about the Transforming Worcestershire proposal. To find out more about the One Worcestershire LGR proposal please visit Worcestershire County Council’s website.

The Transforming Worcestershire Plan has been backed by an overwhelming majority of councillors in Bromsgrove District, Malvern Hills District, Redditch Borough, Worcester City and Wychavon.

The Transforming Worcestershire plan is focused on unlocking real and lasting change that will deliver truly better outcomes for our residents, businesses, and public sector partners.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to use the five councils’ proven track record of doing things differently through shared services, to build a strong, sustainable future for everyone in Worcestershire.

We will do this through creating two new unitary councils to deliver all services in a set area. These will replace the current six district councils and Worcestershire County Council.

• A North Worcestershire Council (including the areas covered currently by Bromsgrove District, Redditch Borough and Wyre Forest District Councils).
• A South Worcestershire Council (including the areas currently covered by Malvern Hills District, Wychavon and Worcester City Councils).

We will deliver this change through:

• Shifting public services from crisis response to a prevention-focused approach.
• Driving long-term financial sustainability through a focus on outcomes.
• Creating communities that feel more connected and empowered by keeping decision-making close to them.
• Delivering local services that respond faster to everyday issues.
• Reshaping support for vulnerable adults so they can live healthier, happier and safer lives.
• New approaches to supporting children and families, enabling them to stay together.
• Providing young people with better access to skills and jobs.
• Housing provision that doesn’t just provide shelter but supports healthier lives.
• Economic strategies tailored to the needs of people and businesses in local areas, to unlock growth.

Our vision is to shape a thriving Worcestershire, north and south, where every community flourishes and public satisfaction drives everything we do.

Through bold local leadership and the power of devolution, we’ll unlock opportunity, remove barriers, and deliver services that truly reflect the needs of our people and places.

By creating two dynamic councils rooted in local identity, we’ll build vibrant, sustainable communities where residents and partners can grow, connect, and succeed.

We are committed to creating a local and responsive Worcestershire, driven by what works best for each unique area.