Local elections to go ahead after devolution rejection from Government

Local elections in Warwickshire and Worcestershire won't be delayed this year, as the Government have rejected their proposals to become unitary councils.

Both local authorities applied to be in the first wave of merges.

In total eighteen councils had applied to be selected by the Government.

It meant that two-tier councils would be dis-banded and services would come under one council across the county.

If approved, it would've meant that elections would have been delayed in both areas, but that won't be the case now.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has still repeated calls that the Government is aiming for unitary councils to be in operation in every county by the end of Parliament.

We've contacted both Warwickshire County Council and Worcestershire County Council for statements.

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