The English Devolution White Paper was published on Monday 16 December and it set out in detail the Government’s policy to move areas with two tiers of local government to a single tier within the term of this parliament – that’s 21 remaining county areas, of which Warwickshire is one.
What is Devolution?
In England, devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government. It is important because it ensures that decisions are made closer to local people, communities and businesses.
Through the white paper the Government aims to establish devolution deals for all areas in England.
In March 2024 Warwickshire County Council become one of only four councils to secure a Level 2 Devolution Deal (the Deal). The Deal included the transfer of three key sets of functions and funds:
- responsibility of allocating Adult Skills Fund delivering 19+ further education and skills provision from August 2026 onwards;
- planning and delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund from April 2025 onwards; and
- devolution of Homes England compulsory land assembly/purchase powers to be concurrently held with and exercisable by Homes England.
What is LGR?
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is the process in which the structure and responsibilities of local authorities are reconfigured. The Government has set out plans to move away from the current two-tier system of district and county councils in England. This is relevant to Warwickshire County Council and the five District and Borough councils in the county (Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Stratford District Council, and Warwick District Council).
The Government has indicated that for most areas this will mean creating councils with a population of 500,000 or more, but there may be exceptions to ensure new structures make sense for an area, including for devolution, and decisions will be on a case-by-case basis.
You can see the full set of criteria, in the section towards the end of the Letter of invitation.
What are the various layers or tiers of local government?
In Warwickshire, democratic representation and responsibilities for delivering services are split across a range of councils. These are sometimes referred to as tiers of local government.
1. Parish and town councils
The first tier is that of parish and town councils. These councils may maintain local amenities such as recreational areas, footpaths and cemeteries, organise events or operate public conveniences. Parts of Warwickshire, but not all, are covered by this tier.
2. District/ borough councils
The second tier is that of district/borough councils. These organisations deliver services such as housing, environmental health, planning, waste collection, licensing and elections. Warwickshire has five district/borough councils, which collectively cover the whole county. They are Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Stratford District Council, and Warwick District Council.
3. County councils
The third tier is that of county councils. These organisations deliver services such as adults and children’s services, highways and transport, waste disposal, libraries, public health, fire and rescue and trading standards. Warwickshire County Council covers all of Warwickshire.
4. Combined or strategic authorities
The fourth tier is that of combined authorities. A combined – or strategic – authority is a legal body that enables a group of two or more councils to collaborate and take collective decisions across council boundaries.
They cover issues that require strategic oversight of the entire region and have responsibilities, and funding, to deliver economic development, strategic planning and transport, adult education, local growth plans and other functions.
In mayoral strategic authorities, mayors will have significant powers over housing and planning, including the ability to develop and propose the spatial development strategy for their areas, working alongside other members of the strategic authority.
Warwickshire County Council is currently a non-constituent member of the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Where can I find out more?
English Devolution White Paper. Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth
The English Devolution White Paper sets out the Government's agenda to increase and expand devolution across all parts of England. In addition, it also sets out proposals to take forward Local Government reorganisation particularly in areas where there are multiple tiers of local authorities, like Warwickshire.
Letter from Jim McMahon OBE. Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution
The letter to all two-tier councils and neighbouring unitary authorities, dated 16 December 2024 sets out clear process and milestones.
Local Government Association (LGA) Devolution Hub
Visit the LGA Devolution Hub to find further information and resources. This includes a list of regularly updated FAQs.
Timeline
This is an outline of the timeline provided by the Government in the White Paper. It includes proposed and confirmed dates. Actions are relevant to Warwickshire County Council as a two-tier council.
| Status | Date | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
Confirmed |
5 February 2025 |
|
|
Confirmed |
21 March 2025 |
Submit interim Local Government Reorganisation proposal |
|
Confirmed |
1 May 2025 |
Warwickshire County Council Elections |
|
Confirmed |
28 November 2025 |
Submit full Local Government Reorganisation proposal |
|
Proposed |
April/May 2027 |
Elections (Shadow authorities) |
|
Proposed |
April 2028 |
Vesting day for new unitary councils |
Key updates
Warwickshire County Council resolution
Following an extra-ordinary meeting of County Council on 18 February 2025. County Councillors unanimously agreed the following resolution:
The Labour Government, through the Devolution White Paper has directed all two-tier Local Authority areas shall become Unitary Councils by 2028. Consultation will be undertaken by the Secretary of State through their department.
It is crucial that future unitary Government is not remote from local communities and engagement with them is embedded within future structures.
The county of Warwickshire has a strong heritage and identity which should be preserved and strengthened for future generations.
The Council therefore:
- Will develop a proposal to Government for unitary local government for Warwickshire which meets the guidance, criteria and timeframes set out by Government.
- Seeks to quickly establish clarity from Government regarding the model to be progressed to enable the best use of time and resource.
- Commits to engage with District, Borough, Town and Parish Councils and communities in developing proposals, both existing and future arrangements.
- Recognises the importance of the boundary and the identity of the County of Warwickshire in any proposals and will work with regional partners.
- Will strive for economic prosperity of the area even against adverse national headwinds.
- Agrees to establish a cross-party working group to support this work.
Formal invite received to submit initial Local Government Reorganisation proposal
On Wednesday 5 February Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire’s district and borough councils received a formal invitation from Government to work together to develop a proposal for local government reorganisation. The letter, sent from Jim McMahon OBE, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, sets out the criteria against which proposals will be assessed and further guidance on what information the proposals should include.
It also confirms that interim proposals have to be submitted back to Government by 21 March 2025 and full proposals by 28 November 2025. These are stated in the timeline above.
What is the Council doing now?
The County Council is working with local partners to respond to the Government invitation received on 5 February 2025.
During the process our focus remains on delivering essential services across the whole of Warwickshire.