Category Archives: News

Consultation on Local Government Reorganisation

The government has launched a consultation to invite residents, businesses, and key stakeholders, to have their say as part of the consultation on what Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) should look like in Warwickshire.

Currently, Warwickshire has two-tiers of local government, Warwickshire County Council as one tier and five District and Borough Councils – North Warwickshire Borough, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough, Rugby Borough, Stratford and Warwick District Councils as the second tier.

Local government reorganisation (LGR) is planned for Warwickshire because central government has set out a national policy to reorganise the current two-tier system of local government in England to one tier, and Warwickshire is one of the areas affected by that policy.

In line with the Local Authority Publicity Code, the councils are not promoting or advocating for any option within the consultation. The consultation is being led by Government, which is seeking views on the options that have been put forward.

The Government is only consulting on whether residents would prefer one unitary council for Warwickshire, or separate north and south unitary councils.

How to take part

If you would like to share your views on Local Government Reorganisation in Warwickshire, the easiest way to take part is to provide your feedback through the online survey .

The consultation is open from Thursday, 5 February, until Thursday, 26 March.

Alternatively, paper copies are available from:

  • Main council office reception areas
  • Libraries operated by Warwickshire County Council
  • Council-operated Museums
  • Paper copies can also be requested by calling 01926 410 410

Your responses to the questions can then be submitted by email to lgrconsultationresponse@communities.gov.uk .

Written responses can also be sent to: LGR Consultation, Fry Building 2NE, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF

If completing a paper copy of the consultation form, please make it clear which consultation you are responding to.

Statement on behalf of all Council leaders in Warwickshire:

“Back in November 2025 we submitted each councils’ preferred options to Government. The Government is now looking to consult with the public and stakeholders to help them to make the final decision on LGR for Warwickshire.

“We hope you will take some time to share your views and help Government to understand what is important to you and how the reorganisation might impact you.  We expect to hear the final decision later in the year and will update you further then.

“We would like to collectively thank all residents, businesses, and stakeholders across Warwickshire for supporting the process so far, as we now move towards the final stage of reorganisation of your local councils.”

Local Government White Paper for Warwickshire

The English Devolution White Paper  published on 16 December 2024, outlined the Government’s ambition for devolution and local government reform in Warwickshire.

It includes plans to establish unitary councils in existing two-tier areas and invited councils to develop proposals for local government reorganisation.

The White Paper aims to ensure that decisions are made closer to local people, communities, and businesses, and it sets out the criteria for devolution deals. The White Paper is a significant step towards a new way of governing in England.

Timeline for reorganisation

Each council in Warwickshire had to submit its full proposal for LGR to government by 28 November 2025 for its consideration.

The proposed vesting day for new unitary authority or authorities in Warwickshire is set for April 2028.

SDC Consultation on Council Tax Premium for Second Homes

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is currently running a consultation on a proposal to introduce a Council Tax premium on second homes across the District. Further information and access to the on-line survey is available via the following links:

Stratford-on-Avon District Council launches consultation on second homes council tax premium | Stratford-on-Avon District Council

Council Tax Premiums on Second Homes Consultation | Stratford-on-Avon District Council

The consultation will remain open until Monday 2 February, and responses will help to shape the final decision.

Christmas Tree Collection from SDC

Real Christmas Trees Collections🎄✨

SDC are collecting real Christmas trees from 9th January to 23rd January 2026 inclusive, and you don’t need to have a garden waste permit subscription. Please ensure that all lights and decorations have been removed from the tree. Any tree that is over 5ft tall must be cut in half.

If you’re subscribed to the garden waste service, you can chop it up and put it in your green bin.

Local New Year’s Eve Celebrations

With Christmas now gone and the end of 2025 fast approaching, here’s a list of local pubs and what they’re doing for New Year’s Eve (if they’ve advertised) in case you’re still looking for somewhere to ring in the New Year… and lots are FREE ENTRY!

  • Yew Tree, Avon Dassett – free entry, band 10pm-1am
  • Antelope, Lighthorne – free bar entry, band
  • Butchers Arms, Bishops Itchington – free entry, country disco and karaoke 8pm onwards
  • Falcon, Warmington – pre-book, entry for drinks £15 including glass of fizz, entry for 3 course meal £79.95 including glass of fizz
  • Great Western – free entry 11am to 4pm, pre-booked entry for 7 course meal with glass of fizz and entertainment for £80 from 7pm
  • Green Man, Mollington – free entry, disco and 70s fancy dress
  • Lost Pug, Northend – free entry, band 9pm onwards
  • Malt Shovel, Gaydon – £5 entry per person including hot and cold food, DJ, Fancy Dress, cocktails, open 9pm until 2am
  • Merrie Lion, Fenny Compton – free entry, party and glam rock fancy dress disco from 8pm
  • Plough, Warmington – free entry, DJ and buffet

(Info correct at time of posting)

WRCC Ceases Trading

Warwickshire Rural Communities Council, a charity to support local rural communities, which was founded in 1937, has announced that it has ceased trading with immediate effect.

The Board of Trustees made the following statement:

It is with deep regret that we inform you that WRCC has ceased trading with immediate effect due to significant financial pressures.
As a result, all Community Transport bookings, including those scheduled throughout December and into early 2026, have been cancelled. We understand the disruption and disappointment this will cause, and we offer our sincere apologies to everyone who relies on our service.
A formal notice has been posted on our website, which explains that our immediate thoughts are now with our dedicated staff who have sadly lost their jobs so close to Christmas. You can read the full statement here: WRCC ANNOUNCEMENT – WRCC.
We are truly sorry for the impact this closure will have on our service users and the communities we have been proud to serve.
Thank you for your understanding and support over the years.

There will be job losses and the closure of services such as community transport, warm hubs, support for village halls and local housing initiatives.