On 16 December 2024, central government published a White Paper on the topic of devolution – the de-centralisation of government power to local or regional authorities.

The White Paper proposed the creation of more Mayoral Strategic Authorities in areas that don't currently have one – like Warwickshire.

This approach means that additional power is given to the local communities who know their areas best, giving them more control over decision making and implementation of services.

The government also outlined plans to create more unitary councils to simplify and streamline local government.

How this impacts Warwick district

At present, Warwickshire has a two-tier council system, with 5 district and borough councils and a county council. As a result, different services are currently delivered by the district and boroughs councils, and the county council.
The government expects all two-tier areas to reorganise in the coming years, and has confirmed that Warwickshire will be in the later phase of the programme to do so.

If Warwickshire were to move to a unitary model, the county and district and borough councils would all dissolve and a new unitary council or councils would deliver all the services.

We could also see a new Strategic Authority created, led by a new Mayor. This could cover the whole of Warwickshire, or Warwickshire could join together with neighbouring councils with a Mayor sitting across a larger geography.

Next steps

As Warwickshire is in the second wave of reorganisation and devolution, it is likely that elections for any new unitary councils would take place in 2027, with a Mayoral election in 2028.

There are potentially a number of ways to go about local government reorganisation and government is asking all interested parties, including all councils in Warwickshire, to develop an interim business case for reorganisation. These initial business cases were submitted in March, and a full business case will be submitted in November 2025. We will therefore examine all options properly over the coming months, in collaboration with partners across the county, to deliver the very best outcome for our residents and businesses.

Throughout this process, our vital work supporting residents will continue - services will be delivered and we will still be here for those who need us most.

We will keep you updated on progress for any devolution and local government reorganisation plans.