Latest news with #unitaryauthorities
BBC News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Kent and Medway councils get feedback on reorganisation plans
Local government reorganisation plans will recognise Kent's importance as the UK's "gateway to Europe", councils involved in the process Council and Kent County Council (KCC) said they had received government feedback on their plans which would see the county's councils replaced with unitary authorities said Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government officials had "acknowledged the positive partnership work… to shape high-quality and sustainable services that best respond the needs of residents and provide better value for money".Detailed plans for the major local government overhaul, the biggest of its kind for 50 years, must be submitted by 28 November. Under the plans, two-tier authorities such as KCC, and district and borough councils would be replaced by unitary authorities which would take on all local government plans aim to simplify local services and make efficiencies, but some have argued they distance power away from the local feedback on the plans provided to the councils is to be published later this January, Kent applied to be included in the fast-track scheme for the government plans, but was unsuccessful, according to the Local Democracy Reporting fast-track scheme would have seen the reorganisation as well as the creation of a Kent-wide mayor with powers, including transportation and policing.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Surrey County Council approves reorganisation plans
Surrey council reorganisation plans approved 11 minutes ago Share Save Jack Fiehn BBC Surrey, political reporter Share Save Getty Images The government is expected to make a decision by the end of 2025 A plan to reorganise councils in Surrey into two unitary authorities has been approved by the county council. Surrey County Council (SCC), supported by Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council, is proposing that two new councils are created, with one in the east and another in the west. Epsom & Ewell, Guildford, Reigate & Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking borough councils and Tandridge District Council are backing a plan for three new authorities. The government has given councils a deadline of Friday to submit their proposals. The leader of Surrey County Council says a two unitary east/west model is the best option. At a cabinet meeting, the Conservative leader of SCC, Tim Oliver, said the decision had been based on evidence. "At the end of the day, this is not – and should not be – looked at through a political lens," he said. "This is about what is in the best interest for residents… how can we establish unitaries that are going to be financially secure going forward." The proposal for two councils has Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Runnymede, Woking, Guildford and Waverley in the west authority; and Elmbridge, Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge in the east. 'Much more balanced' The leader of the Residents' Association and Independents Group, Catherine Powell said the plan for the west of Surrey "cannot be financially sustainable". "It will include all three areas with the highest need for children's services and the three areas with the lowest council tax band base, which also happen to be the same three areas with the highest levels of debt," she said. "The three unitary option is much more balanced." At a full meeting of SCC on Wednesday, Liberal Democrat, Labour and Green Party councillors also said they were opposed to two unitary councils. In the plan for three authorities, Surrey Heath, Woking, Guildford and Waverley would be in the west; Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge would be in the east; and Runnymede, Spelthorne and Elmbridge would be in the north. Mr Oliver said he felt the issue of the debt owed by councils across Surrey, particularly in Woking, had been "almost weaponised" and that there continue to be conversations with the government. Ministers are expected to make a decision on the final proposals by the end of 2025. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
