The Warwickshire County Council met on Tuesday 14 October 2025 to discuss the significant reorganisation of local government within the county. Councillors debated and ultimately voted to recommend a single unitary council for Warwickshire as the optimum model for local governance, alongside supporting the establishment of town and parish councils and accepting full constituent membership of the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Local Government Reorganisation in Warwickshire

The council debated the future structure of local government in Warwickshire, considering proposals for either a single unitary council or two unitary councils (one for the north and one for the south). The overwhelming consensus, reflected in the council's recommendations, was in favour of a single unitary authority.

Arguments for a single unitary council, championed by Councillor George Finch, Leader of the Council, highlighted significant financial benefits, estimating potential savings of £57 million over five years. This model was presented as the most effective way to ensure consistent service delivery across the entire county, preventing a postcode lottery and providing a stronger financial footing. Councillor Finch stated, The county is stronger together. Stronger financially, stronger economically and stronger culturally with a legacy that will outlive us all. ¹ The financial analysis, detailed in Appendix 2 of the public reports pack, indicated that a single unitary authority would deliver three times higher recurring annual net benefits compared to a two-unitary model, with significantly lower transition costs and a much shorter payback period. It also highlighted a projected structural deficit for a northern unitary authority under a two-council model, which would disproportionately affect areas with the highest needs. Councillor Stephen Shaw, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, emphasised that a single unitary would ease financial pressures across Warwickshire by £57.1m over five years, whereas a two-unitary model would worsen the financial position by £11m.

Concerns were raised by some councillors, notably Councillor George Cowcher of the Liberal Democrats, who argued for a two-unitary model to better reflect the distinct identities and needs of the north and south of the county. He expressed worries about the financial fairness of a single model, stating, the north needs money from the south to survive. That is terribly unfair altogether. ² Councillor Cowcher also questioned the suitability of joining the West Midlands Combined Authority, suggesting it might prejudice Warwickshire's electorate and lead to development being pushed into the county.

However, the majority of councillors supported the single unitary model, citing the overwhelming financial evidence and the need for a unified approach to services such as adult social care, children's services, and highways. Councillor Dale Bridgewater, Portfolio Holder for Fire and Rescue and Community Safety, argued that a single council would protect the integrity of services like the Fire and Rescue service, ensuring a county-wide strategy. Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, echoed this, stating that splitting services would be extremely expensive and take years to perform properly.

The council also voted to support the establishment of town and parish councils, endorsing their role in preserving local identity and devolving powers where there is an appetite. Motion one, supporting town and parish councils, was carried unanimously.

Furthermore, the council recommended accepting full constituent membership of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) as the best arrangement for any new unitary authority or authorities in Warwickshire to meet the government's requirement for full devolution. Councillor Adrian Warwick, Leader of the Conservative Group, supported this, stating that the Conservatives had always felt that our future financially lies with the West Midlands combined authority. ³

The council ultimately passed Motion 3, recommending a single unitary council for Warwickshire as the optimum model for local governance.