Government Announces Pause to Local Government Reorganisation
The Government has announced a pause to the Local Government Reorganisation process. We are currently reviewing the details of this announcement and what it may mean for North Warwickshire. We will continue to work with our partners and will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
North Warwickshire Borough Council reacts with fury to Government decision to 'pause' Local Government Reorganisation
North Warwickshire Borough Council's Leader has reacted with fury to the Government's announcement that the reorganisation of Councils in Warwickshire is to be 'paused' for an unspecified amount of time.
Local Government Reorganisation in North Warwickshire
Local Government Reorganisation is a process led by central Government to simplify how councils operate, with the aim of improving services, reducing duplication, and delivering better value for money. This may involve changes to Council structures, responsibilities, and the way services are delivered across the area.
This page will keep you up to date with the latest developments, explain what the changes mean for you.
We’re committed to keeping residents, businesses, and partners informed every step of the way.
Joint statement from the six councils in Warwickshire on Local Government Reorganisation
North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council have responded to the Government’s decision to create two unitary councils for Warwickshire.
Under the decision, one unitary council will cover the north of Warwickshire, including North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, and Rugby. A second unitary council will cover the south of Warwickshire, including Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick.
The six councils said: “We note the Government’s decision to create two unitary councils for Warwickshire.
“We recognise that councils across Warwickshire have held different views on the best structure for local government in the county.
“All six councils have a history of working well together and have been praised by Government for being an area where cooperation is high. We remain committed to continuing to work together constructively and responsibly as we move into the next stage of this process.
“Our shared priority is to make sure residents, businesses and communities continue to receive the services they rely on, and that the move to the new councils is managed carefully and in the best interests of Warwickshire.
“There is now important work to do. We will work closely with Government, partners, our staff and councillors to support a smooth transition and to help shape the best possible future for local services.”
What will happen in Warwickshire?
On 16 July 2026, the Government confirmed plans to simplify local government in Warwickshire. From 1 April 2028, instead of separate county, district and borough councils, all local services will be provided by two new unitary authorities North Warwickshire Council and South Warwickshire Council:
- If you live in North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth and Rugby you will be part of North Warwickshire Council.
- If you live in Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick, you will be part of South Warwickshire Council.
- Warwickshire County Council services will be disaggregated between North Warwickshire and South Warwickshire Councils.
Timeline
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6th February 2025 | Statutory invitation received from Government to submit unitary proposals |
| 21st March 2025 | Submit interim Local Government Reorganisation proposal |
| 1st May 2025 | Warwickshire County Council Elections |
| 16th July 2025 | Council decide preferred option for Warwickshire following report from Deloitte |
| 28th November 2025 | Submit full Local Government Reorganisation proposal |
| Feb/March 2026 | Local Government Reorganisation Consultation |
| 16th July 2026 | Local Government Reorganisation decision |
| 6th May 2027 | Elections (Shadow Authorities) |
| 31st March 2028 | Last day for North Warwickshire Borough Council |
| 1st April 2028 | First day of the new North Warwickshire Council and South Warwickshire Council (Vesting Day) |
We will continue to keep you updated on devolution and Local Government Reorganisation and will continue to deliver essential services across North Warwickshire.