Decision Details

In respect of the Government’s invitation to submit final proposals in respect of Local Government Reorganisation, that Cabinet: 

1. Noted the views of Council at its meeting on 24 September 2025; 

2. Noted and approved the content of the draft Case for Change attached at Appendix A to this report; 

3. Noted and approved the content of the draft Unmodified Submission to the Secretary of State attached at Appendix B to this report; 

4. Authorised the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to finalise and submit the Case for Change and Unmodified Submission to Government by its deadline of 26 September 2025; and 

5. Agreed this decision by Cabinet is urgent in view of the Government’s 26 September 2025 deadline and that therefore the decision should not be subject to call in by Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

As outlined in the draft Case for Change, the Government has made clear its expectation of councils in all two-tier Devolution Priority Programme areas, to submit a Case for Change by 26 September 2025. 

The draft Case for Change proposes a lead option of a three unitary model by analysing it against alternative models.