The aim is to bring everyone together to share their understanding and aspirations for the Government White Paper for Devolution, issued in December. The County Council and neighbouring District and Borough Councils have since shared their separate responses to it but have not collaborated in an open forum.

The Chairman of the Council has invited The Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, the Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Leaders of the neighbouring District and Borough Councils, the two MPs for Warwick District, Representatives from Town & Parish Councils and the Parish Meeting, and welcomes attendance from residents of the district.

The Chairman of the Council has led on the arrangements for this additional meeting with the support of all five Political Group Leaders.

The Chairman of the Council, Cllr Rob Margrave says: “This is the biggest reorganisation proposed for local government in 50 years, and we believe our residents, businesses and local organisations deserve to be involved right from the beginning, to share their views with us to help enable our views as a Council. There is no benefit in discussing this behind closed doors, we want the community to be part of the conversation, so that we can bring them along on this journey with us.

“There is a great deal of information and speculation out there and this meeting will provide a platform for those attending to share their aspirations for devolution and enable councillors to understand the local impact of the Government White Paper. Group Leaders fully support this work, and we hope this will provide a sound basis for collaboration and working towards a satisfactory solution.”

Public attendance at the meeting is on a first come first served basis. Up to 10 members of the Public can speak and they must register to speak by 12 noon on 29 January 2025.

If more than 10 applications are received, the speakers will be drawn from ballot and all registered parties will be notified on 29 January 2025. Members of the public who wish to register to speak at this Council meeting, should contact Committee Services at committee@warwickdc.gov.uk or telephone at 01926 456114 as soon as possible.

The meeting will be recorded for viewing afterwards and all written submissions will be available on the website.

Meeting agenda

Letter to the community from the Chairman of Warwick District Council

Dear residents,

I write to you on behalf of Warwick District Council to ensure you are aware of the meeting of Warwick District Council at 6.00pm on 30 January 2025 in the Council Chamber, at Shire Hall, Warwick.

The Council wishes to receive representations on the impact on Warwick District of the English Devolution White Paper, and to aid this Council in forming its views on the proposals.

I have invited the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, the Leader of Warwickshire County Council, the Leaders of the other District and Borough Councils in Warwickshire, the MPs for Warwick District and Town and Parish Councils (and Parish meeting) within Warwick District. All of whom have been offered the opportunity to address the meeting as well.

As members of the wider community of Warwick District, I want to offer the wider public the opportunity to address Council on this. With the significant number of speakers invited, I have agreed to allow up to 10 Members of the Public to speak (who need to register to speak by 12 noon on 29 January 2025). If more than 10 apply to speak, the speakers will be drawn from ballot and all registered parties will be notified on 29 January 2025.

Please note, even if you do not wish to speak but wish to attend the meeting, you should register to do so prior to the meeting by contacting Committee Services at 01926 456114 or committee@warwickdc.gov.uk as the room has a maximum capacity that cannot be exceeded.

For your information, I have enclosed a copy of the agenda which has been published today and I look forward to hearing from you by 12noon on 29 January 2025.