Revolutionizing Worcestershire: A Potential £20 Million Annual Savings from Council Restructuring

A recent report by PwC reveals that abolishing Worcestershire’s seven councils in favor of a single authority could yield annual savings surpassing £20 million. This study presents two proposals: merging all councils into one, or splitting the county into two separate councils for the north and south, the latter projected to save only £4.3 million a year. Currently, Worcestershire operates under a two-tier system with a county council and six district councils managing various local services.

The political landscape is contentious, with mixed opinions among council leaders. Some, like Simon Geraghty, head of the Conservative county council, advocate for a unified approach, arguing it would create a more efficient government structure. In contrast, leaders from Worcester City and Malvern Hills councils are pushing for the alternative of a dual system, citing concerns about funding and local autonomy.

The report outlines potential start dates for any newly structured councils, with initiatives possibly beginning as early as April 2028, following elections in May 2027. While consolidating into one council involves one-time costs estimated at £11.9 million, creating two new councils would incur higher initial costs of £16.9 million. PwC warns that both new councils would encounter their own financial hurdles, including demographic challenges that could disproportionately affect services in poorer areas.

Despite the promise of savings, some council members question whether essential services would face funding cuts. The deadline for submitting proposals to the government is fast approaching, but any productive discussions may be delayed due to forthcoming county council elections.