John Caldwell's take on 'One or Two Unitary Councils?'

Why I believe a Two-Tier Worcestershire is the Path to True Local Representation
 

The debate over the future of local government structures in Worcestershire is far from a simple numbers game.
While the allure of a single, unified authority often centres on theoretical cost savings, we must ask ourselves: at what price comes efficiency?

For Worcestershire, the answer is clear: a single authority risks eroding local identity, stifling community engagement, and creating a political imbalance that has long favoured one part of our diverse county over another. It's time to seriously consider a North/South division, tailored to the unique needs and identities of our communities.
 

Let's look at the facts:
The northern towns of Bromsgrove, Redditch, and Kidderminster represent a distinct demographic and economic reality within Worcestershire.
These are densely populated areas, actively fostering commuter residency, drawing heavily from Birmingham, Sandwell, and the Black Country.
Their local plans, like Wyre Forest’s, are explicitly designed with this urban overflow in mind.

These three towns alone account for approximately 37% of Worcestershire’s population—more than double that of Worcester City—yet they currently wield almost half the seats on the county council. This disproportionate influence has, in the past, allowed northern interests to dictate policy, often to the detriment, and frankly, ignorance, of their more rural neighbours.
 

In stark contrast, the remaining towns of Worcestershire—which would form the 'South'—share a fundamentally different character. These are predominantly rural areas, with visitor and farming economies.
They are bound by shared waterways like the Severn and Avon (and their tributaries), and their rich biodiversity and ecosystems define their way of life.
Crucially, these southern towns have a far better understanding of each other's needs, facing similar challenges and opportunities.

A critical modification to any North/South split must involve the inclusion of Stourport-on-Severn and Bewdley (and their surrounding villages) within the 'Southern' authority.

Demographically, socially, and economically, these towns are far more aligned with the South.
To transfer them to a 'Northern' authority, as part of a soon to be defunct Wyre Forest, would be a destructive act, jeopardizing their distinctive identities.
There are even natural geographical barriers – like the stretch of land between Stourport and Kidderminster defined by nature reserves, fishing pools, and SSSIs – that make this division not just logical, but organically sound.

The argument for a single authority often hinges on achieving a population target. However, HM Government has indicated that lower values are acceptable if they make sense based on other criteria.
Retention of local character and true representation must be paramount consideration among these criteria.
 

A two-authority system would unlock significant benefits for both regions. The North could consolidate its efforts, pursuing shared aims and strategies that resonate with its urban and commuter-focused communities. Simultaneously, the South could be truly responsive to its rural needs, free from the constant struggle to make urban-centric policymakers understand their diametrically opposed perspectives. Elected members and senior leaders in both new authorities could develop a closer, more holistic understanding of their electorates, focusing expertise where it's most needed.
 

And what about practicality? We already have existing assets.
Bromsgrove and Redditch already share services and chambers. Wyre Forest has a suitable building.
In the South, Wychavon's chamber is regularly used for county meetings, and Malvern's offices could be repurposed. These established infrastructures mean that new HQs and satellite facilities could be made fit for purpose without incurring excessive costs.

The choice is clear: do we continue with a system that has proven to create imbalance and alienate communities, or do we embrace a pragmatic solution that truly empowers local voices?

A North/South division isn't just about drawing lines on a map; it's about fostering genuine local identity, ensuring equitable representation, and allowing both parts of Worcestershire to thrive on their own distinct terms.