Council split 'worse deal for the north of county'
BBCPlans to create two new unitary councils in Worcestershire would disadvantage the north of the county when compared to the south - with greater pressures on its services, higher needs from the public and less council tax to pay for it.
That is according to a letter from the government, which also admitted having one larger council for the whole of Worcestershire offered a "stronger overall" financial case.
It comes just days after ministers agreed to progress plans for a north-south split, which is expected to go ahead in 2029.
It has led to some councillors calling for major services like highways and social care to be shared, if the two-authority solution is finalised.
Ministers have endorsed the north-south split for Worcestershire on the basis both areas have different economic priorities and service needs, with the letter stating that the two-authority solution would "create councils closer to their communities".
It also says the split would offer "greater flexibility", more local representation and allow the councils to "respond better to the different needs of the north and south".
It suggests both options are better financially than the existing arrangement, where the county has six district authorities under the upper-tier Worcestershire County Council, which is mired in debt and facing a £98m blackhole next year.
But it also admitted the north faces "greater pressures" in making it work, citing a "weaker income base" from fewer higher-rate taxpayers and a "higher need" for services.
Its contents have prompted a new debate over the mammoth task ahead, which is the biggest local government shake-up in Worcestershire since 1974.
Kent added: "The government's plan to split Worcestershire into two councils is the wrong decision, and the letter shows it.
"On the test that matters most, efficiency and financial strength, the letter admits that a single council performs better - it saves the most money, keeps adults' and children's services together as a whole, and avoids carving up £725m of debt between two new councils."
He added: "This is still a provisional decision - ministers say they are open to changing it, and they should."
Some council leaders in north Worcestershire said they would be pushing for larger services to be shared between both areas.
Councillor Matt Dormer, leader of Redditch Borough Council, said: "Financially, the only way it will work is with shared services.
"I'm a strong advocate for sharing things - you'll have to share highways, you'll have to share adults' and children's services.
"There's no point in employing two directors for these types of services when you can just employ one across Worcestershire.
"To me it's the only way to do it. We know there'll be greater pressures on north Worcestershire, most definitely, and for me that is a concern."
'Both areas would have a greater voice'
The government's letter, in supporting the north-south split, said there was "clear evidence" the public's views had been sought in the process, citing a survey of 4,000 people where "roughly two-thirds preferred two councils."
It also stated that both areas would have a "greater voice" when it comes to future devolution, and "give residents greater influence over decisions and services".
Local government minister Jim McMahon, who sent the letter, has already said he is "minded to" finalise the two council solution for Worcestershire, subject to one final representation period that was announced on 26 October, and will last for a minimum of three weeks.
Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
