What happens next?

All councils in Warwickshire have been asked to respond to government in November on what we would like the future unitary arrangements to be.

The councils are in the process of gathering evidence to help us make our decision. At this point North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council, Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Warwick District Council all prefer the option of two unitary councils, one in the north and one in the south.

To help the councils make our final decision we really want to understand the views of our residents, businesses and partners. Our questionnaire will give you the opportunity to share your views, and help us to make the right decision for everyone in Warwickshire.

The government is expected to make a final decision in 2026, with new unitary authorities in place by 2028.

Timeline

Date	Action
6 February 2025	Statutory invitation received from Government to submit unitary proposals
17 March 2025	Councillors agreed the approach for the interim plan to be submitted to Government
21 March 2025	Interim Plan on Local Government Reorganisation proposal submitted to Government
3 June 2025	Response from Government on Interim Plan
14 July 2025	Council decide preferred option for Warwickshire following report from Deloitte
7 August 2025	Launch of public engagement with preferred option
5 November 2025	Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Extraordinary Meeting)
10 November 2025	The Cabinet (Extraordinary Meeting)
17 November 2025	The Council (Extraordinary Meeting)
28 November 2025	Submit full Local Government Reorganisation proposal
Spring 2026	Statutory Government public consultation on LGR options for Warwickshire
May 2027	Proposed elections (Shadow authorities)
April 2028	Vesting day for new unitary councils