This follows the central government’s proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) over the next three to four years, which would see the abolition of two tiered Councils in England. This decision will now provide the basis for the District Council's engagement with the public and stakeholders over the coming months.

Warwick District Council, in partnership with all District and Borough Councils in Warwickshire, commissioned Deloitte to conduct an initial evaluation of the Government's criteria for LGR. This analysis has informed the Council's decision-making process and will support the development of a formal proposal to be submitted to the Government in November 2025.
The options considered included:

• A single unitary authority for Warwickshire based on the current county boundary.
• A two unitary model dividing the county into North and South Warwickshire.
• Alternative configurations using existing District and Borough boundaries.

Following a detailed discussion, the District Council agreed to put forward a two unitary model for public consultation. This groups the borough areas of North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth and Rugby in the north, and districts of Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon in the south.

Cllr Ian Davison, Leader of Warwick District Council said: "This is a pivotal decision which will help shape the future of local government in Warwickshire. We strongly believe that a two unitary structure will best serve the distinct needs of those living and working in South Warwickshire. Creating two unitary authorities could facilitate transformational change of child and adult social care which is probably the biggest issue in local government. This would include opportunities to improve prevention and working with small, local providers of social care.”

Cllr Chris King, deputy Leader added: “It is now important that members of the public, businesses and stakeholders have an opportunity to engage in this process to ensure that their voices are heard.”

Details of the engagement and how to get involved will be published early August, the results of which will inform the Council's final position on LGR, ahead of the formal submission to the Government by 28 November.