Government must pay for the cost of its Local Government Reorganisation pause
Rugby Liberal Democrat statement
Government must pay for the cost of its Local Government Reorganisation pause
Rugby Liberal Democrats are deeply concerned by the Government’s decision to pause local government reorganisation in Warwickshire.
Although we work in coalition with Labour to provide stable and responsible leadership at Rugby Borough Council, we remain an independent political group. When the Government gets something wrong, we will say so clearly.
Rugby Borough Council and other councils across Warwickshire were instructed to prepare for major structural change. Council officers, councillors and partner organisations have spent many months working on proposals, consultations, governance arrangements and preparations for shadow elections.
Thousands of pounds of public money have already been spent, alongside a substantial amount of staff time. That money belongs to Rugby’s residents and could have supported local services and community priorities.
The Government must now answer three urgent questions:
- How long will this pause last?
- How much public money has been spent across Warwickshire because of this process?
- Will the Government fully reimburse councils for costs incurred while following its instructions?
Rugby Liberal Democrats did not ask for Rugby Borough Council to be abolished. However, once the Government decided to proceed, we acted responsibly to protect Rugby’s identity, services, assets and democratic voice.
Our position remains clear: Rugby must not be left in limbo or made to pay for uncertainty created in Whitehall.
We will ask Rugby Borough Council to publish a transparent account of the money and staff resources committed so far. We will also press the Government to reimburse every reasonable cost and quickly explain what happens next.
Whether reorganisation eventually proceeds or is abandoned, Rugby needs strong local representation and decisions taken as close as possible to the people affected by them.
Rugby residents should not carry the financial cost of the Government changing course.
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse
Leader, Rugby Liberal Democrat Group