One or Two

The issue of Local Government Reform matters to me hence this statement, which is from County Cllrs Jerry Roodhouse & Stephen Pimm from Rugby.

The matter of LGR in Warwickshire has been around for years and from what can be seen the Government is not relaxing yet in its commitment to reform local government.

Each of us comes at this from different perspectives and different geography living in Atherstone is different to living in Shipston or even Rugby. We collectively represent our residents and each of us also seek the best for our communities.

We fully understand the north south discussion and get the reasons as to why that is a proposal on the table.

But we come from the East sat between the two we look at it through a different lens Rugby is not North it is not South. We are our own community and place. Cllr Jerry Roodhouse said “I came to a decision over this issue some 20 years ago my view as others in the chamber will know it has not changed over that time I have supported a new single unitary Council a new Council for all residents and Stephen has joined me in that view.”

But there is always a but, there has to be real devolution a real giving up of resources to town and parish councils. Rugby does not have a Town Council but will need one if this is to work, whatever option is taken forward devolving powers and resources closer to the community has to be right thing to do and strategic matters need to be dealt with at a higher level.

Whatever decision the Council comes to I am sure in Whitehall there is already a folder marked up ready and waiting.

At the end of the day, we have a duty to make this work for our residents and our communities regardless of the politics. 

Link to WCC report