Local elections go ahead amid devolution delay

The government has rejected proposals to delay county council elections in Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

Both areas applied to scrap their current system of county and district councils in January under plans by the government to streamline services.

To allow for the changes to take place, elections set to take place in May could have been postponed.

However, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner told MPs neither area had been included in a shortlist of six selected for fast-track devolution.

Elections will be delayed in East and West Sussex, Essex and Thurrock, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Suffolk and Surrey. Another 24 authorities will go to the polls as planned.

Warwickshire and Worcestershire were among those applying to be part of the first wave of the scheme, which the government says will inject more money into local services by getting rid of two-tier council systems.

Despite the delay in some areas, Rayner repeated the government's call for unitary councils right across England by the end of the parliament.

Legal invitations will now be sent out to all remaining two-tier areas, instructing them to submit proposals for new authorities.

"Councillors of all types, including district councillors, tell me the two-tier system isn't working," she said.

"So alongside our wider reform, this government is committed to making simpler, more efficient and clearer structures so that residents can access good public services without eye-watering price tags."

The local government secretary also reaffirmed the government commitment to pursue "more devolution across the West Midlands".

MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, Rachel Taylor, asked Rayner to set out a timeline for when her area will benefit from the scheme bringing "investment, growth and better transport".

The deputy prime minister said she understands some areas will be "disappointed" after being left out of the priority scheme.

But said the government will "continue to be committed" to reforming local government.

Dan Boatright-Greene, from the Worcestershire Liberal Democrat group, thanked locals who spoke out against the plans to delay local elections.

"The Liberal Democrats are looking forward to continuing speaking to residents, helping them when needed and making sure their views are heard as we move towards a new structure for local government in the near future," he said.

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