South Warwickshire council will be best for residents

“I’m personally delighted the distinctiveness of South Warwickshire has been recognised by the government in its reorganisation plans for our area. It’s the outcome all of my Liberal Democrat colleagues on Stratford-on-Avon District Council wanted because we know it’s in the best interests of our residents,” said Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council Cllr Susan Juned.

Speaking last week after the government’s decision to make South Warwickshire one of the new ‘unitary’ local authorities, the Liberal Democrat Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council insisted: “It’s great news because the decision recognises the distinct rural nature of our area and all of the challenges that brings.

“Having a South Warwickshire Council gives us the opportunity to do things differently,” Cllr Juned added. “The predominantly industrial and urban parts to the north of the county have different issues for their development and will be handled by their own unitary council.

“Now South Warwickshire can take full control of its own destiny.

“We can support our rural communities with better transport and with measures to help with loneliness and isolation, while also introducing new policies that give more support to our agricultural sector.

“At the same time, our area has some of the most advanced software and automotive companies in the world as well as one of the country’s leading universities for promoting high-tech start-up businesses. We can now help these businesses in a way that would not be possible with a ‘one-size-fits-all approach’ by a single, countywide unitary council.”

Cllr Juned highlighted that a unitary South Warwickshire Council would have the opportunity to better serve residents often confused by the artificial boundaries between the services provided by District Councils and the County Council.

“All aspects of planning will now be handled by the same authority. Planners will be in full control of decisions about roads as well as houses,” she said, adding that this should improve outcomes for residents. “Parking will also be administered under the same roof: gone will be the days of the county council running on-street parking and the district council looking after car parks.”

Under current plans, there will be ‘shadow’ elections for the new South Warwickshire Council in May 2027. Warwickshire’s County and District Councils will continue to provide their existing services until 31 st March 2028, with the new South Warwickshire Council taking over the next day.